Abstract: Integrated sampler apparatus and method are provided and include a sample liquid container support component which is operable to support both closed and open sample liquid containers thereon on a random basis. Sample liquids from the open sample liquid containers are presented directly to a sample liquid analysis system probe for access thereby; while sample liquids from the closed sample liquid containers, which take the form of sample liquid containers closed by sample needle-pierced stoppers, are transferred by virtue of a sampling needle assembly and connected sample liquid transfer conduits and transfer valve, to a sample liquid dispensing well for access by the same sample liquid analysis system probe.

Abstract: Substantially spherical polymer particles containing a colloidally, stably and uniformly dispersed magnetically responsive substance of about 5 nm to about 500 nm in diameter provide a superparamagnetic reagent carrier. Preferably, the polymer particles have a hydrated diameter of about 0.5 to 100 um, the polymer is a non-ionic cross-linked polyacrylamide gel and the magnetically responsive substance is iron oxide granules. The magnetically responsive substance may be present in an amount so that the polymer particles have a specific gravity of between 1.2 and 2.7. The reagent carrier is prepared by swelling polymer particles in a solution of iron salt so that substantially all of the iron salt solution is taken upon by the polymer particles and then converting the iron salt in situ to insoluble colloidally dispersed iron oxide granules.

Abstract: Phospholipid conjugate compounds derived from cardiac glycosides and sters useful in liposome immunoassays are disclosed as well as their method of preparation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a specific binding assay composition and method for determining a ligand in a sample. The composition comprises (a) a binding partner for the ligand; (b) a detection system which has at least two components; (c) a selectively accessible vesicle having a surface-incorporated ligand or ligand analog and a first component of the detection system therein; (d) a substance which modifies vesicle accessibility in response to binding of surface-incorporated ligand or ligand analog and the binding partner; (e) at least one additional component of the detection system which is reactive with the first component to produce a detectable response; and (f) at least one surfactant which does not modify vesicle accessibility. The composition and method are suitable for use with automated, including continuous flow-type, analyzers.

Abstract: A method for forming vesicles is described, wherein a lipid coating is formed onto a deformable surface. During hydration, the lipid coating is fragmented by deformation of the surface. The resulting fragments of the lipid coating are dispersed in the hydrating medium, so as to be subjected to multidirectional hydration, whereby formation of vesicles is accelerated. In the preferred embodiment, such surface is defined by a plurality of water-swellable particles formed of a polymeric material.

Abstract: Compositions for pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) activated transaminase determinations are provided, in which interference due to PLP is avoided. Amino-functionalized polymers bind PLP which is not associated with the apotransaminase in the sample to be tested, thereby avoiding signal interference, e.g. background absorbance, due to PLP.

Abstract: The reaction cuvette adapted to receive a liquid dispensing probe and having at least one surface of hydrophilic material which is treated or formed to have inwardly extending projections against which the liquid is dispensed.

Abstract: Method is provided for the operation of substantially constant flow rate sample analysis apparatus in such manner that the adverse effects upon sample analysis accuracy of periodic variations in analysis apparatus flow rate and/or sample-analysis reagent proportioning are negated to insure the sample-to-sample consistency and accuracy of the sample analysis results.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanently and protectively mounting "wet" thin sections of biological specimens on microscope slides, wherein each specimen is initially bathed in a low-volatile solvent containing a low concentration of first polymerizable material. Such solvent is allowed to evaporate, whereby the liquid polymerizable material permeates and protects the specimen. Following solvent evaporation, a second polymerizable material is layered over the specimen. Preferably, the first and second polymerizable materials comprise a mixture of low-volatility, low-viscosity, liquid acrylic reactomers and a U.V. light-sensitive catalyst system. A conventional cover slip or other planar transparent member can be positioned over the polymerizable materials, and the same are polymerized by exposure to U.V. radiation. The first and second now-polymerized materials encapsulate the specimen on the microscope slide, become integral and completely hardened and are fully devoid of any solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for purifying a carbohydrate containing enzyme which is a desired enzyme preferred to be separated from a mixture. The method comprises the steps of mixing a solution containing the carbohydrate containing enzyme with a carbohydrate modifying reagent. The carbohydrate modifying reagent reacts with the carbohydrate attached to the enzyme, thereby modifying its chemical structure. The modified enzyme is then separated from the other undesirable enzymes or proteins in the mixture by a suitable chemical separation method, for example, gel filtration chromatography. The method was used in the separation of glucose oxidase from catalase, a separation which by previous methods was very inefficient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for rapid quantitative determination of .alpha.-amylase in aqueous samples such as blood serum, etc. The method comprises a flow-through of the sample through various immobilized reagents contained in sequential stages. A scavenger stage initially removes glucose originally present in the sample and comprises immobilized glucose oxidase and catalase. The glucose-free sample flows through an immobilized starch stage substrate preferably containing a high percentage of amylose to quantitatively react with the .alpha.-amylase in the sample and produce oligosaccharides. The sample with the oligosaccharides flows through a glucose-generating stage containing immobilized glucoamylase which converts the oligosaccharides to glucose. The glucose-containing sample enters a detection stage wherein the glucose is converted to H.sub.2 O.sub.2 by flowing through immobilized glucose oxidase, and the H.sub.2 O.sub.