Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making an assay device for conducting an assay to detect a concentration of an analyte in a sample fluid. The assay devices would typically have a substantially planar surface having a series of site specific immobilized calibration spot arrays containing pre-determined quantities of the analyte printed thereon. In addition, a series of site specific immobilized test spot arrays, including capture antibody for binding the analyte protein is printed on the assay device. The method involves first modifying the planar surface to provide hydrophobic binding sites, hydrophilic linking and covalent bonding sites. Then the method requires printing the series of site specific immobilized test spot arrays and the series of site specific immobilized calibration spot arrays on the substantially planar surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multiplex microarrays and methods for the quantification of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to improved methods which standardize a target analyte concentration in a test sample against a reference standardization curve derived from validated, approved and recognized reference standards for the target analyte of known concentrations. The present invention also relates to methods and checks for simultaneous measurement of confidence confirming normalization standards and controls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fluorescence intensity equalization. The method involves providing an assay device having at least one immobilized array of molecular probes that bind to an analyte bound to a fluorescent marker; providing drying apparatus comprising an aspiration tube having open first and second ends, the second end of the aspiration tube being connected a vacuum source for applying a vacuum through said tube; placing the first end of the aspiration tube in proximity of said at least one immobilized array of molecular probes; and applying a vacuum through said aspiration tube for removing vapor from said at least one immobilized array of molecular probes. The application of the present invention provides for more reliable fluorescent signal intensity readings due to a reduction in signal quenching factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the removal of fluids and vapors in containment, from adjacent surfaces including supporting flat surfaces and substrates, such as protein spots printed in arrays and micro-array formats. This method and device removes fluids and vapors under controlled and repeatable conditions, enabling uniform phases for degree of drying incurred by objects, specimen and structures, including tissues, adsorbed particles and biological substrates, while reducing and preventing impact of meniscus phase surface tension forces.

Abstract: Described are methods for simultaneous detection and quantifying multiple target analytes, including immunoglobulin isotypes and sub-classes, single and multiple protein antibodies within a test sample contained in a single reaction vessel. Such methods use reaction wells as on a multi-well plate, each single well comprising microarrays of calibration spots, each having a predetermined quantity of a target analyte; and capture spots, each having multiple agent antibodies, including isotypes and subclasses that specifically bind the target analytes. The captured analytes and the calibration spots are detected with fluorescently labeled antibodies specific for each different target analyte. Calibration spots generate calibration curves for quantitative determinations of different target analytes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a three dimensional matrix of selected, synthetic peptide mimic sequences that are preferentially recognized by auto-antibodies, specifically by autoimmune antibodies, to be detected in patients afflicted with rheumatic arthritis, enabling enhanced sensitivity and specificity in detection of these antibodies in pre-symptomatic patients, in patients showing symptoms as well as patients confirmed positive for rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multiplex microarrays and methods for the quantification of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to improved methods which standardize a target analyte concentration in a test sample against a reference standardization curve derived from validated, approved and recognized reference standards for the target analyte of known concentrations. The present invention also relates to methods and checks for simultaneous measurement of confidence confirming normalization standards and controls.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a substrate coated support for use in micro-array devices. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of applying a first coat of substrate to a support, making the substrate coating ramp by subjecting the coated support to centripetal forces, adding a second coat of substrate to the resulting support having a ramping planar coat and subjecting the coated support to centripetal forces for a second time to produce a substrate coated membrane in which the thickness of the substrate layer is uniform across the entire coated surface.

Abstract: The application refers to a method for detecting and quantifying multiple target analytes in a test sample using a single reaction vessel. The method uses a reaction vessel (a multi-well plate), which comprises a microarray of: (a) calibration spots, each having a predetermined quantity of the target analyte; and (b) capture spots, each having an agent (antibody) that selectively binds the target analyte. The captured analytes and the calibration spots are detected with fluorescently labelled antibodies specific for each different target analyte. The calibration spots are used to generate calibration curves that allow the measurement of the concentration of the different target analytes. The application also refers to a method for detecting and quantifying biomarkers that are useful for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. More specifically, the application discloses the use of rheumatoid factor (RF) and cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), as capture spots.

Abstract: Described is a method for preparing a substrate-coated support for use in micro-array devices. The method comprises the steps of applying a first coat of substrate to a support, making the substrate coating ramp by subjecting the coated support to centripetal forces, adding a second coat of substrate to the resulting support having a ramping planar coat, and subjecting the coated support to centripetal forces for a second time to produce a substrate-coated membrane in which the thickness of the substrate layer is uniform across the entire coated surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring and/or testing a geometric design parameter, particularly waviness, of a planar textile (10), comprising the steps: disposing the planar textile (10) in an intermediate space (26) between a support (20) and a flexible film (22), applying a differential pressure (?p) between the intermediate space (26) and the environment, so that the film (22) adapts to the planar textile (10), and capturing a surface profile (32) of the film (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the removal of fluids and vapors in containment, from adjacent surfaces including supporting flat surfaces and substrates, such as protein spots printed in arrays and micro-array formats. This method and device removes fluids and vapors under controlled and repeatable conditions, enabling uniform phases for degree of drying incurred by objects, specimen and structures, including tissues, adsorbed particles and biological substrates, while reducing and preventing impact of meniscus phase surface tension forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fluorescence intensity equalization. The method involves providing an assay device having at least one immobilized array of molecular probes that bind to an analyte bound to a fluorescent marker; providing drying apparatus comprising an aspiration tube having open first and second ends, the second end of the aspiration tube being connected a vacuum source for applying a vacuum through said tube; placing the first end of the aspiration tube in proximity of said at least one immobilized array of molecular probes; and applying a vacuum through said aspiration tube for removing vapor from said at least one immobilized array of molecular probes. The application of the present invention provides for more reliable fluorescent signal intensity readings due to a reduction in signal quenching factors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a substrate coated support for use in micro-array devices. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of applying a first coat of substrate to a support, making the substrate coating ramp by subjecting the coated support to centripetal forces, adding a second coat of substrate to the resulting support having a ramping planar coat and subjecting the coated support to centripetal forces for a second time to produce a substrate coated membrane in which the thickness of the substrate layer is uniform across the entire coated surface.