Abstract: Methods for determining the presence or amount of a complex comprising a first and second molecular entity are provided, preferably an sFlt-1:PlGF complex. A determination of the presence or amount of the complex can be used in methods for predicting, detecting, monitoring a disease, or guiding therapy in respect to a disease such as vascular, vascular-related disease, cardiac, cardiac-related disease, cancer, cancer-related disease, preeclampsia, and preeclampsia-related disease. Determining sFlt-1:angiogenic factor complex is particularly useful for predicting and detecting preeclampsia in early stages of gestation and in stages of the disease where clinical evaluation may be uninformative.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an apparatus and method that enables a very accurate initial setup of the coating gap for slot die coater and subsequent control of the coating gap during coating operations such that web splices and web defects do not interrupt the coating process. An highly accurate initial set up is achieved via the use of a tapered or wedge-shaped adjustment member mounted perpendicular to the axis of travel of the coating head where the movement of this tapered or wedge-shaped adjustment member in a direction perpendicular to the axis of travel of the slot die housing adjusts the coating gap in increments on the order of ten microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula I, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are defined in the specification, useful for the synthesis of novel conjugates and immunogens derived from quetiapine. The invention also relates to conjugates of a quetiapine hapten and a protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula I, wherein L1, L2, and L3 are defined in the specification, useful for the synthesis of novel conjugates and immunogens derived from paliperidone. The invention also relates to conjugates of a paliperidone hapten and a protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula I, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are defined in the specification, useful for the synthesis of novel conjugates and immunogens derived from olanzipine. The invention also relates to conjugates of an olanzipine hapten and a protein.

Abstract: An assay device includes: a liquid sample zone; a reagent zone downstream and in fluid communication with the sample addition zone containing a reagent material; a detection zone in fluid communication with the reagent zone. The detection zone has a substrate and projections which extend substantially vertically from the substrate, wherein the projections have a height, cross-section and a distance between one another that defines a capillary space between the projections capable of generating capillary flow parallel to the substrate surface. The device is capable of creating a reagent plume in the detection zone that includes liquid sample and dissolved reagent, where the width of the reagent plume extends substantially across the width of the detection zone, The device further includes a wicking zone in fluid communication with the detection zone having a capacity to receive liquid sample flowing from the detection zone.

Abstract: A Treponema pallidum triplet antigen construct is disclosed which includes three Treponema pallidum antigens (TP15, TP17, and TP47), as well as a ten amino acid leader sequence (tag 261) and human copper zinc superoxide dismutase (hSOD). This construct is optimized for in vitro diagnosis of syphilis infection. Plasmids containing DNA encoding the triplet antigen, host cells, production methods, detection methods, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula I, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are defined in the specification, useful for the synthesis of novel conjugates and immunogens derived from aripiprazole. The invention also relates to conjugates of an aripiprazole hapten and a protein.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test method includes holding a selection of immunological test elements or consumables in one or more containers attached to or positioned in the analyzer and providing random access to any test element therein. The container can hold multiple types of test elements in compartments or slots. Through sensing of a test element position in its slot, the detection mechanism of the invention provides for random access to multiple types of test elements in any sleeve and within a single sleeve, and provides efficient inventory control. The method increases the number of test element types that may be loaded onto an analyzer and maintains fast determination of inventory.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test method includes holding a selection of immunological test elements or consumables in one or more containers attached to or positioned in the analyzer and providing random access to any test element therein. The container can hold multiple types of test elements in compartments or slots. Through sensing of a test element position in its slot, the detection mechanism of the invention provides for random access to multiple types of test elements in any sleeve and within a single sleeve, and provides efficient inventory control. The method increases the number of test element types that may be loaded onto an analyzer and maintains fast determination of inventory.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula I, wherein R1 and R2 are defined in the specification, useful for the synthesis of novel conjugates and immunogens derived from risperidone and paliperidone. The invention also relates to conjugates of a risperidone or paliperidone hapten and a protein.

Abstract: A method for providing quality control on a lateral flow assay device or for triggering a process-related step, the device including a substrate having at least one sample receiving area, at least one reagent zone downstream and in fluid communication with the at least one sample receiving area, at least one detection zone downstream and in fluid communication with the at least one reagent zone and at least one wicking zone downstream of the at least one detection zone, each fluidly interconnected therewith along at least one fluid flow path. The detection material provided in the at least one reagent zone produces a detectable signal that can be tracked and monitored prior to the completion of at least one test being performed on the lateral flow assay device.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to both a method and apparatus for the creation of full resolution color digital images of diagnostic cassettes or objects of interest using a gray-scale digital camera or sensor combined with time sequential illumination using additive primary colors followed by post exposure digital processing. Such procedures and equipment is of significant economic value when employed in situations such as diagnostic clinical analyzers where space is limited and image quality requirements are high.

Abstract: A method of preparing a glass bead mixture using inert nanoparticles to improve flow rates of the glass beads for purposes of manufacturing an immunodiagnostic test element, such as a column agglutination test cassette, and a test element made in accordance with the method.

Abstract: An extracorporeal therapeutic device automatically controls a rotation speed of a centrifuge for processing whole blood. Separation of whole blood components is achieved with minimal thermal contribution to blood temperature from the motor control mechanism that rotates the centrifuge and from aerodynamic drag on the rotating centrifuge.

Abstract: In the present invention, we described the use of anti-DNA antibody for the detection of prions and diagnosis of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) diseases in animals and humans.

Abstract: An immunoassay reagent is provided which comprises an analyte binding agent in a diluent, and a glycosaminoglycan in an amount sufficient to reduce non-specific binding in an assay of a sample for the analyte. Provided is such an immunoassay reagent in which the analyte is troponin I, the analyte binding agent is a biotinylated anti-troponin I antibody, and the glycosaminoglycan is chondroitin sulfate. A sample composition is also provided which comprises a sample to be assayed for the presence of an analyte, an analyte binding agent, and a glycosaminoglycan other than heparin. Further provided is a method of detecting an analyte in a sample, in which non-specific binding is reduced in the method using a glycosaminoglycan.

Abstract: A method for determining the remaining time a fluid in a container can be used. The method includes: determining the amount of fluid in the container; and determining the remaining time based on the amount of fluid in the container. Preferably, the step of determining the remaining time is calculated by using the determined amount of fluid and a predetermined first correlation of remaining time vs. amount of fluid in the container. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid is a reagent in a reagent pack used in a diagnostic analyzer. A method for measuring the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample on an automated diagnostic analyzer includes: providing a reagent storage container on the analyzer; providing a measurement station for taking a measurement of the sample; determining the amount of reagent remaining in a reagent storage container; calculating the remaining time of the reagent by using the determined amount of reagent and a predetermined first correlation of remaining time vs.

Abstract: An assay device includes: a detection zone which includes a first set of projections which are capable of generating capillary flow. A wicking zone (WZ) has a capacity to receive liquid sample flowing from the detection zone and includes a second set of projections which are capable of generating capillary flow. The WZ is rectangular in shape and the longer side of the rectangle extends in the direction of flow to thereby reduce the pressure gradient in the assay device which increases the total flow time of liquid sample compared to a WZ having equal length sides and same volume. At least a portion of the second set of projections have at least one dimension selected from a diameter, a center-to-center spacing, or a gap between projections that is different from the first set of projections, and is selected to increase the total flow time of the sample.

Abstract: A method of normalizing surface tension of a sample fluid on a clinical analyzer is disclosed. The method comprises aspirating a portion of a sample fluid into a metering tip, the metering tip having a lower end through which the sample fluid is aspirated and an upper end; sealing the lower end of the metering tip, forming a cuvette for the portion of the sample fluid; pre-treating a micro-tip with a surface tension-normalizing agent, and then dispensing the surface tension-normalizing agent into the sample fluid in the cuvette; mixing the surface tension-normalizing agent and the sample fluid in the cuvette using the micro-tip to create a mixture of the sample fluid and the surface tension-normalizing agent, the mixture having a normalized surface tension; and using the mixture for testing on the clinical analyzer.