Abstract: Methods are provided for the detection of proximal convoluted tubule causing diseases or kidney harmful drug monitoring by detecting the presence of shed normal proximal tubule associated antigens in a body fluid such as urine. The preferred embodiment employs an ELISA sandwich format wherein one monoclonal antibody specific for a first epitopic site on said antigen is immobilized on a solid phase and a second antibody, specific for a second epitopic site on said antigen is directly or indirectly labeled.

Abstract: Improved methods for the determination of clotting times of fibrinogen. APTT and PT are provided. Surprising and unexpected accuracy is obtained by combining a backward-looking approach to determine a desired range of values over times T1 and T2, selected in accordance with predetermined percentages of the observed Vmax, thereby avoiding early false positives due to noise and other inhomogeneities from reagent sample mixing. Thereafter, a regression analysis is performed over the time period T1 and T2 and from the derived function, the coagulation time is determined by calculating the time associated with the predetermined percentage of Vmax.

Abstract: A device is described for preparing a standardized concentration of washed particles suspended in a fluid. The preferred method is directed to the preparation from whole blood specimens of a standardized concentration of washed red cells in isotonic solution using a device comprising a test tube formed at the bottom end with a nipple-like receptacle having a predetermined volumetric capacity. Whole blood is mixed with isotonic solution in the device which is then centrifuged causing the red cells to be first washed and then packed into the receptacle. The liquid contents of the device are then decanted without disturbing the packed red cells. Thereafter, the red cells are reconstituted to the desired concentration by adding isotonic solution to a predetermined level in the tube and mixing the cells into the isotonic solution.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides simulating hydrophilic envelope regions and antibodies specific therefor useful for the detection of Human T-cell Leukemia virus or naturally occurring immunoglobulin against HTLV.

Abstract: Methods for attaching one component of a ligand-anti-ligand pair onto a solid phase surface. The component may be attached to a photoactivatable cross-linker capable of coupling the component to a colloidal medium coating the surface or alternatively, the component may be coupled to a bead and held in place against the surface by an overlay of the colloidal media having voids and spaces smaller than the diameter of the particle but large enough to permit diffusion of the other of the ligand-anti-ligand pair to be detected.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence of large molecular weight aqueous ligands. The sample ligands are made to compete with user supplied fluorescently labeled peptides for binding sites on a ligand binding partner. Presence of aqueous ligand and binding of ligand binding partner thereto leaves the fluorescently labeled peptides free to exhibit fluorescence depolorization effects.

Abstract: Dyes are provided comprising phycobiliproteins having covalently coupled thereto a plurality of small molecular weight organic dyes under conditions permitting energy transfer mechanisms to operate therebetween. The resultant label may then be used in virtually any immunoassay format.

Abstract: Samples are prepared and applied to a cuvette, and the cuvette is translated in a given direction. Laser light is coupled to the sample through a Bragg cell, which causes the beam to scan the sample transversely to the given direction. Select optical parameters are monitored, and when they occur, the scan is stopped or slowed for a more complete analysis of the illuminated cell.

Abstract: Apparatus for immobilizing biological cells based on the dielectric properties of biological cells. An inhomogeneous electric field emanating from a grid point location or other contact area is created and attracts the biological cell into contact therewith. Appropriate controls over a series of grid points permits controlled inter-grid point movement of cells thereby permitting sequential testing or sorting processes to be carried out.

Abstract: Homogeneous immunoassays employing double ligand binding conjugates comprising an anti-idiotype binding partner. The anti-idiotype binding partner competes with ligand for an insolubilized ligand specific binding partner. Inhibition of binding of the conjugate to the insolubilized binding partner due to ligand binding permits the second binding partner in the conjugate to bind with insolubilized label means. Thus, detection of label is inversely related to the presence of ligand in the sample.

Abstract: A generalized cytometry instrument for measuring the kinetic properties of live cells. Cells are immobilized on a surface and their positions determined and stored in memory by a central control computer. The cells are subsequently illuminated and an optical interaction detected. By taking many measurements of many cells, each of whose position and respective data is stored permitting subsequent reexamination and determination of activity as a function of time, respectively; the kinetic properties of large populations of cells may be studied in the presence of a variety of stimulating environments. Such stimulations may arise from contact with various reagents, including antigens, mitogens and peptides as well as electrical and mechanical perturbations.

Abstract: Lysing reagents for use in flow cytometry instruments. Lysing reagents suitable for lysing red blood cells are provided thereby permitting 3-part differential counting of white blood cells. The reagents comprise a leukoprotective agent for preserving the lymphocyte cellular integrity during analysis, and buffers adjusted to provide the correct pH environment for optimal lysis and activity. Preferred embodiments will additionally incorporate non-ionic preservatives in very low concentrations.

Abstract: Histidine-stabilized immunoglobulin preparations and a method for their manufacture are disclosed. The present invention is particularly well suited for stabilization of human gamma globulin (IgG) preparations having a relatively low protein content. Preferred stabilized human gamma globulin preparations comprise about 5 wt-% or less gamma globulin, histidine at a concentration of about 0.025M to about 0.2M, and optionally glycine at a concentration of about 0.05M to about 0.5M. The pH value of the preparations is at least 6.0 but not more than 7.0. A pH value of about 6.4 is most preferred. Conductivity of the preparations is about 2 to about 4 millisiemens at 5.degree. C., preferably about 2.5 to about 3.5 millisiemens at 5.degree. C., and most preferably about 2.7 millisiemens at 5.degree. C.

Abstract: Red cell samples are passed through a zone of focused illumination, and a scatter vs. time pulse is obtained for each. Each pulse is analyzed for pulse width, pulse area, and pulse shape. These parameters are respectively collected, and three coefficients of variation are obtained for each such collection. In addition to these three abnormality factors, the mean of the pulse shape collection constitutes a fourth. The four are respectively subject to statistical criteria, and are combined in predetermined fashion for a single red cell morphology index.

Abstract: Methods useful for differentiating and enumerating subpopulations of particles in a sample and more particularly relates to the enumeration of leukocyte subclasses. Enumeration is accomplished by utilizing two light scatter parameters and converting these parameters to a single parameter by employing a mathematical, nonlinear transformation.

Abstract: Methods for producing from human plasma or serum, human gamma globulin free of hepatitis-B-virus infectivity and products resulting therefrom. Specifically provided are ion exchange resin/buffer systems capable of effectively removing the virus.

Abstract: Methods for the determination of phagocytic and killing ability of selected leukocyte subclasses based upon the use of three part differentials obtained by light scatter characteristics and gated fluorescence. Particles having multiple fluorescent labels associated therewith, one of which is sensitive to reactive oxygen, incubated with the leukocytes. Detection of the fluorescent labels permits identification of cells having phagocytic ability, as determined by presence of the non-sensitive label, and also the identification of those with killing ability as determined by the decrease in fluorescence from the sensitive label.

Abstract: Methods and reagent kits for the detection of intracellular antigens such as TdT and antinuclear antibodies. The methods involve swelling the cells with a hypotonic solution for increasing the localization of large molecular weight substances such as antibodies at intracellular antigenic sites, fixing the cells and reacting them with antibodies specific for the intracellular antigen to be detected. The cells are then further reacted with labeled antibody specific for the first antibody, washed to remove unreacted antibodies and the presence of label detected whereby the presence or absence of the intracellular antigen may be determined.