Abstract: The invention provides derivatives of efavirenz and methods of making derivatives of efavirenz. The derivatives include immunogenic compounds for producing antibodies to efavirenz and labeled efavirenz tracers. These compounds are useful in immunoassay methods for determining efavirenz.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: A sampling member defines a passageway including an inlet opening for reception of a bodily fluid therein, and a wicking member having a first portion coupled with the sampling member adjacent to the inlet opening. The wicking member further includes a second portion displaced from the first portion for initially contacting the bodily fluid. In use the sampling member is placed adjacent to an incision site with the second portion of the wicking member positioned to have the bodily fluid first contact the wicking member and thereby draw the fluid from the incision site to the inlet opening. In related embodiments there is provided a sampling system and method which further includes a lancing device to create the incision and optionally expression members to urge the bodily fluid from the incision, preferably in an integrated unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The invention concerns a test element analytical system for the analytical examination of a sample, especially a body fluid, comprising at least one test element with one or more measuring zones and contact areas located on the test element, in particular electrodes or conductor paths, the sample to be examined being brought into the measuring zone to carry out an analysis in order to determine a characteristic measured quantity for the analysis, and an evaluation instrument with a test element holder for positioning the test element in a measuring position and a measuring device for measuring the characteristic change, the test element holder containing contact elements with contact areas which enable an electrical contact between the contact areas of the test element and the contact areas of the test element holder, characterized in that one of these contact areas is provided with an electrically conductive hard material surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel chemiluminescent compounds, to a method for synthesizing these compounds, to derivatives and conjugates comprising these compounds, to the use of these compounds or conjugates thereof in chemiluminescence based assays, especially in immunoassays.

Abstract: Colloidal metal particles having a coating comprising non cross-linked, SH-activated dextran or aminodextran. Biomolecules may be linked directly or indirectly to the particles, which are useful as detection reagents in immunological assays.

Abstract: A micro fluidic device comprises a laminate structure, comprising a plurality of individual layers. At least one layer comprises a micro fluidic channel structure and at least on one side of said layer a further layer is arranged comprising a three-dimensional (3D) micro structure such that the 3D micro structure is influencing a flow characteristic of a fluid within the micro fluidic channel structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a test element for carrying out an immunological sandwich test for determining an analyte from a liquid sample containing a reagent zone or conjugate zone which contains a conjugate of an analyte binding partner and a label which can be detected directly or indirectly by visual, optical or electrochemical means (e.g., an enzyme, fluorescent or direct label, etc.) wherein the conjugate can be dissolved by the liquid sample, a detection zone which contains a permanently immobilized (i.e., which cannot be detached by the liquid sample) binding partner for the analyte or for complexes containing the analyte; and a control zone which contains a permanently immobilized binding partner for the conjugate of analyte binding partner and label characterized in that the control zone additionally contains one or more permanently immobilized binding partner(s) for the analyte or for complexes containing the analyte.

Abstract: Analytes in a liquid sample are determined by methods utilizing sample volumes of less than about 1.5 ?l and test times within ten seconds. The methods are preferably performed using small test strips including a sample receiving chamber filled with the sample by capillary action.

Abstract: Described are micro-arrays of electrodes disposed proximal to a flexible substrate, electronic components and sensors comprising such arrays, and methods of use for such arrays.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A reagent kit adapted for being used in an automatic analytical apparatus. The reagent kit comprises at least a first reagent container and a second reagent container which have the same height, a kit cover for covering and for holding the upper parts of said at least two reagent containers together, a first tray for holding the bottom part of the first reagent container, and a second tray for holding the bottom part of the second reagent container. Reagent containers are so configured and dimensioned that when they are assembled together they fill the entire space comprised between kit cover and the trays with exception of a tubular volume which allows air circulation through said reagent kit. The sum of the height of the side walls of the kit cover and the height of the side walls of the trays is smaller than the height of the reagent containers.

Abstract: An integrated lancing test strip includes a pair of blade members that each have a lancing tip that are configured to lance skin. A pair of spacer members connect the blade members together such that the blade members define an internal capillary. A test strip is positioned along the internal capillary, and the test strip is configured to test analyte levels in the bodily fluid. During use, the lancing tips form one or more incisions in the skin. The fluid from the incisions is drawn via capillary action through the internal capillary and onto the test strip.

Abstract: Lancet system for pain-reduced blood withdrawal comprising an impulse generator which exerts an impulse on a body part in a sequence which is synchronized with the movement of a lancet. Method for the pain-reduced blood withdrawal in which an impulse is exerted on an adjacent body part in a sequence which is synchronized with the generation of an opening in the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning and expression of foreign protein or polypeptides in bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. In particular, this invention relates to expression tools comprising a FKBP-type peptidyl prolyl isomerase selected from the group consisting of FkpA, SlyD, and trigger factor; methods of recombinant protein expression, the recombinant polypeptides thus obtained, as well as to the use of such polypeptides.

Abstract: A device providing an arrangement for the separation of a sample mixture for analytical reasons based on multidimensional gel electrophoresis and method thereof are disclosed. The separation involves a first separation in a first dimension of the device on the basis of isoelectric points and a second separation in a second dimension of the device on the basis of molecular size. At least two gel strips for the first dimension separation step and a corresponding gel for the second dimension separation step are provided. The two gel strips are arranged on a single carrier either on the same side or on opposite sides. By having at least two gel strips arranged in such a manner at least two analytical processes can be executed in parallel on the single carrier without the use of valves.

Abstract: A blood withdrawal system for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes including a lancing device having a housing with an opening and a support surface, and a lancet holder movably mounted in the opening including a lancet and a bearing member that rests on the support surface. The device further includes a trigger unit which, when moved linearly, causes a rotational movement to initiate a lancing process.

Abstract: Analogs of 6-monoacetyl morphine (6-MAM) are described. These include analogs derivatized at either the C-3 position, the C-6 position, or the nor position of the molecule. These analogs allow for elaboration with linkers terminated by a functional group such as an activated ester, the functional groups being useful for attaching the molecule to other entities such as proteins, polysaccharides, and reporter groups.