Abstract: A method for the generation of Ca++ independent antibodies against blood coagulation factors is described wherein an antibody selection strategy based upon small peptides comprising target sequences for limited proteolysis is employed. These antibodies which distinguish between intact and cleaved species of haemostatic protein provide novel tools for the isolation of intact haemostatic proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the assay of antibodies to soluble antigens in an aqueous sample, in particular in body fluids, such as blood serum or blood plasma, by contacting said sample with an antigen in vitro, wherein antibodies, if present, are bound by said antigens. The invention furthermore relates to a kit for the assay and detection of antigen-specific antibodies.According to the invention an antigen is used that is modified with a recognizable group, and said modified antigen is soluble in the test sample.The interaction between antigen and antibody takes place in homogeneous solution.

Abstract: A container for liquids for use in medicine and surgery is made of flexible plastics material and a container volume is defined by heat seals at each end of the container. At one end of the container there are three ports one being a filling tube and the other two being outlet or additive ports which are sealed by frangible membranes. To allow for expansion of air in the volumes outside those membranes the outer end of each of those ports open into expansion chambers defined by further heat sealed seams of the sheet or tube material forming the container. A line of weakening enables these expansion chambers to be torn off immediately before the use of the appropriate port so as to gain access to the port but so as meanwhile to have preserved the sterility of the outer surface of the membrane.