Abstract: A method of diagnosis of chronic stress in a patient, comprising: (a) determining the level of each of one or more analytes in the patient, wherein the one or more analytes are selected from VEGF, IL-8, MCP1, EGF and TSH; and (b) establishing the significance of the or each level.

Abstract: A diagnostic method is disclosed which can be used to predict the risk of cancer in particular breast cancer. The method comprises: (i) isolating a biological sample from a patient; and (ii) detecting the presence or expression of the gene comprised within the sequence identified herein as SEQ ID No. (1), wherein the presence or expression of the gene indicates the presence of or the risk of cancer.

Abstract: An assay device processing instrument comprises a plurality of processing modules. A transport system transports an assay device to each processing module, the transport system being adapted to transfer the assay device from the transport system to the module to enable the transport system to transport another assay device while the first is processed by the processing module. A control system controls operation of the transport system such that each assay device is transferred between the modules in a predetermined sequence, and such that a number of assay devices can be processed in different modules simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of determining the number of magnetic particles within a sample using a tuned circuit having a capacitor and a coil. The method comprises: a. determining the difference in the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit when the sample is exposed to a magnetic field generated by the coil and when the sample is not exposed to the magnetic field generated by the coil; and b. using the difference in the resonant frequency to determine the number of magnetic particles within the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogen comprising a hapten coupled to an antigenicity-conferring carrier material, a conjugate comprising the aforementioned hapten coupled to a labelling agent, as well as, antibodies raised against the aforementioned immunogen and capable of binding with at least one structural epitope of metabolites of fentanyl and of metabolites of fentanyl analogs.

Abstract: Novel haptens, which can be conjugated to form immunogens, are of formula I, II or III wherein R is a divalent alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and X is a functional group.

Abstract: A biochip deposition system and method. The system comprises a deposit mechanism for depositing organic material in spots on a substrate; and a viewing system for detecting the spots on the substrate during a deposit operation and before the spots have dried, for determining if the spots have been correctly deposited, and if not, for generating a suitable output signal. The viewing system includes an illumination device for illuminating deposited spots at a relatively low angle relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for imaging molecules contained in an array of discrete reaction sites on the surface of a solid support comprises: (i) imaging the array and detecting a first molecule located on the solid support at a known position with respect to the array; (ii) by reference to the first molecule, aligning inspection windows in registration with the discrete reaction sites; and (iii) determining the amount of detectable signal in each window. The method is used to locate the reaction sites accurately on the array, and to correct for any misalignments.

Abstract: An assay device processing instrument comprises a plurality of processing modules. A transport system transports an assay device to each processing module, the transport system being adapted to transfer the assay device from the transport system to the module to enable the transport system to transport another assay device while the first is processed by the processing module. A control system controls operation of the transport system such that each assay device is transferred between the modules in a predetermined sequence, and such that a number of assay devices can be processed in different modules simultaneously.

Abstract: A compound of the formula wherein X is Cl or CH3, or a salt thereof, is useful as a spin trap in various assays.

Abstract: An assay device processing instrument comprises a plurality of processing modules. A transport system transports an assay device to each processing module, the transport system being adapted to transfer the assay device from the transport system to the module to enable the transport system to transport another assay device while the first is processed by the processing module. A control system controls operation of the transport system such that each assay device is transferred between the modules in a predetermined sequence, and such that a number of assay devices can be processed in different modules simultaneously.

Abstract: Novel haptens, which can be conjugated to form immunogens, are of formula I, II or III 1

Abstract: A method for stabilizing an enzyme during freezing, wherein the enzyme is in a zwitterionic buffer solution. The zwitterionic buffer is able to maintain the activity of the enzyme during freezing and thawing.

Abstract: A spin-trapping assay for nitric oxide, in a biological system such as whole blood, uses as the spin trap a lipid-soluble nitrobenzene compound such as 2,6-dimethylnitrosobenzene.

Abstract: Multi-analyte microarrays are produced by first attaching to the surface of a solid support, a silane with an electrophilic terminal group, contacting the terminal group with a polyamine, and activating the polyamine with an electrophilic, bifunctional linker.

Abstract: A biochip deposition system and method. The system comprises a deposit mechanism for depositing organic material in spots on a substrate; and a viewing system for detecting the spots on the substrate during a deposit operation and before the spots have dried, for determining if the spots have been correctly deposited, and if not, for generating a suitable output signal. The viewing system includes an illumination device for illuminating deposited spots at a relatively low angle relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A solid state device for performing multi-analyte assays, comprises a substrate and a multiplicity of discrete reaction sites each bearing a ligand covalently bonded to the substrate, wherein the surface of the substrate between the reaction sites is inert with respect to analyte. Such a device may be obtained by a process of activating the surface of the substrate, and applying an array of ligands on to discrete areas on the surface.

Abstract: A method for imaging molecules contained in an array of discrete reaction sites on the surface of a solid support comprises:

Abstract: A compound of the formula 1

Abstract: An assay for an analyte in a sample, wherein the sample is contacted with an array of ligands including a ligand specific for the analyte, additionally comprises including a scavenger material that binds the analyte and thereby reduces its available concentration.