Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for use in the rapid and simultaneous screening of one or more samples for one or more polymorphisms in the TIGR gene. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be used to rapidly determine if polymorphisms in a gene encoding the TIGR protein are present in the genome of a subject. Identifying which polymorphisms are present in an individual can permit the diagnosis or prediction of the risk of glaucoma in the subject.

Abstract: A novel chemiluminescent compound is provided. In one embodiment, the novel compound is employed in an assay to detect analytes. The assay to detect analytes includes the steps of binding the novel compound to the analyte and detecting the novel compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting and analyzing clonal T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement using temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE), which employs a gradual and uniform increase in the temperature of a constant denaturing gel to resolve different DNA molecules based on base pair composition. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for providing appropriate DNA migration markers for TTGE analysis.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that introduction of hydrophilic sulfoalkyl substituents and/or hydrophilic linkers derived from homocysteic acid, cysteic acid, glycine peptides, tetraethylene oxide, and the like, offset the hydrophobicity of the acridinium ring system to produce a more soluble label which can be attached to an antibody at higher loading before precipitation and aggregation problems are encountered. Additional compounds described herein contain linkers derived from short peptides and tetraethylene oxide which increase aqueous solubility due to hydrogen bonding with water molecules. The present invention also embraces reagents for multiple acridinium labeling for signal amplification composed of a peptide bearing several acridinium esters with sulfonate groups at regularly spaced intervals for increased solubility. The invention also embraces assays employing the above-described compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for determining the presence and/or amount of Borrelia burgdorferi nucleic acids in a test sample related to Lyme disease. In particular, substantially purified oligonucleotide primers and probes are described that can be used for qualitatively and quantitatively detecting Borrelia burgdorferi nucleic acid in a test sample by amplification methods. The present invention also provides primers and probes for generating and detecting control nucleic acid sequences that provide a convenient method for assessing internal quality control of the Borrelia burgdorferi assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for determining the presence and/or amount of HBV nucleic acids in a test sample. In particular, substantially purified oligonucleotide primers and probes are described that can be used for qualitatively and quantitatively detecting HBV nucleic acid in a test sample by amplification methods. The present invention also provides primers and probes for generating and detecting control nucleic acid sequences that provide a convenient method for assessing internal quality control of the HBV assay.

Abstract: Methods for detecting pregnancy in a woman comprise screening a biological sample of the woman for pregnancy markers. The methods of the invention include chemiluminescent assays for the pregnancy markers. The methods of the invention also comprise utilizing at least two capture antibodies that specifically bind different epitopes of the pregnancy marker in one assay. The methods of the invention permit detection of pregnancy within about 7 days after ovulation or implantation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated device for loading a centrifuge where tubes are presented to the centrifuge via an automated routing system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated device for loading a centrifuge where tubes are presented to the centrifuge via an automated routing system.

Abstract: A novel chemiluminescent compound is provided. In one embodiment, the novel compound is employed in an assay to detect analytes. The assay to detect analytes includes the steps of binding the novel compound to the analyte and detecting the novel compound.

Abstract: There are provided methods for assaying biological specimens for one or more of leptin, prorenin or renin in order to provide predictive information about the likelihood of a woman carrying a Downs Syndrome affected fetus.

Abstract: This invention relates to preservative solutions for peptides, for example, parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the peptides preserved by the solutions are non-reconstituted. In one embodiment, the preservative solutions comprise a polyvinyl alcohol, EDTA component and molybdic component.

Abstract: It is discovered that a composition comprising at least one amine and at least one stabilizer may be useful in detecting the presence of an adulterant in a urine sample. Such adulterant includes an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: An improved dialysis cell and method for using the same to achieve shorter dialysis times wherein the two dialysis solutions used in the dialysis are brought into greater mutual contact with a semipermeable membrane, requiring the use of a smaller volume of dialysis. Because the dialysis cell is substantially rigid and in the shape of a test tube it can be used with an automated pipettor.

Abstract: A solution of a non-reconstituted hormone and a preservative having a useful shelf life of at least six months, and, in some circumstances, at least a year. A series of solution of varying levels of the non-reconstituted hormone may be in a test kit and used in a process to determine the level of the hormone in a patient sample. In an aspect of the invention, the hormone is parathyroid hormone. The preservatives may be polyvinyl alcohol, a dissolved EDTA salt, or dissolved sodium molybdate. The hormone may be in an aqueous or a buffered matrix containing very little protein and substantial amounts of TX100 to reduce non-specific binding. The solution is incubated with a solid phase coated with an anti-hormone antibody and a labeled hormone antibody. The solid phase is read using a suitable device for measuring the labeled hormone antibody. An example of a labeled hormone antibody is an acridinium labeled hormone antibody that is read using a light reading device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reagent and use of that reagent for detecting adulterants in aqueous samples, particularly in biological specimens such as urine samples using a diazo dye precursor such as N,N diethyl-1,4-phenylene diamine and a reagent such as creatinine to stabilize a colored intermediate formed by the reaction of the diamine with nitrite ions for a period sufficient to allow that color to be recorded and compared with a separate peak formed by a halogen-based oxidizing agent which may be present in solution.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for releasably locking together a first apparatus and a second apparatus is provided and having a first docking device on the first apparatus to which a second docking device on the second apparatus mates when the apparatuses are brought together, the first docking device having one or more engagement projections extending therefrom, the second docking device having a number of receiving cavities corresponding to the number of engagement projections into which the engagement projections are received when the first and second docking positions are brought together.