Abstract: A method and device for rapid diagnosis of dental caries are provided in which a very small amount of saliva to be tested is impregnated into a test piece containing a dry reagent. The test piece is supported on a coating film, whereby the test piece can be maintained with the air intercepted to prevent evaporation of saliva for about 15-30 minutes at a temperature around 20.degree.-37.degree. C., and a color change of the reagent due to the enzymatic reaction of the dental caries-causing microorganism is examined.

Abstract: A cuvette for the determination of a chemical component of a fluid by photo evaluation has two planar-shaped parts parallel to one another at least one of which is transparent in the spectral range used for the evaluation. A planar distance piece of a filamentary reticulation for receiving the fluid therein spaces the planar-shaped parts apart to set the length of the light path through the cuvette for the photo evaluation.

Abstract: A silver staining method comprising the steps of (1) pretreating a carrier bearing thereon a substance to be detected with an alcoholic solution containing polyethylene glycol or polyoxyethylene alkylphenol, and (2) treating the pretreated carrier with a solution comprising silver nitrate, a compound of R--NH.sub.2, and a caustic alkali in ratios by molecular weight of 1:4.5-9.5:1.0-26.0.The method according to the invention involves advantages of high sensitivity and good reproducibility of detection, simple operation, safe handling etc.

Abstract: A test kit for preparing a chemical test pad used in testing for the presence of occult blood in a specimen. The test kit is a foil package enclosing an absorbant pad bearing a peroxygen agent and a solution of guaiac in alcohol in a separate packet or compartment from the absorbant pad. The separate packet or compartment being rupturable by applying hand pressure to the outside of the foil package to mix the peroxygen agent powder on the test pad and the guaiac solution prior to removing the absorbant pad from the foil package. The method relates to performing a medical test by activating a test pad bearing one reagent by applying another reagent thereto while remaining wholly within a protective foil package. According to the method a test pad containing the peroxygen agent is wetted with a solution of guaiac in alcohol prior to removal from the protective foil package and exposure to a specimen of fecal material and water in a test for occult blood.

Abstract: A thin film gas sensor for the detection and measurement of gaseous hydrocarbon contaminants having double and triple bonds in air by means of semiconductive tungsten oxide. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a thin film gas sensor. The substrate for the tungsten oxide thin film consists of a lithium niobate monocrystal preferably oriented in the (001) direction. The gas sensor responds very sensitively to acetylene, responds less sensitively to hydrocarbons having double bonds, and exhibits practically no response to saturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: To sample liquid phase components of a biological fluid which has been subjected to centrifugation to separate its liquid and semisolid phase components and define a liquid-semisolid interface therebetween, a probe carrying a sensor at its end is extended into and through the liquid phase components until the sensor detects the interface, whereupon further extension of the probe into the fluid is halted. A sample of liquid phase components is then withdrawn through openings in the probe spaced from the interface, so that only liquid components are sampled. It is contemplated that a stopper close a vessel containing the biological fluid, and that the probe be extended through and movable within a needle which first pierces the stopper, so that the probe may be moved through the needle and into the vessel. It is also contemplated that the withdrawn liquid phase components be aseptically transferred to a receiving vessel, and that the probe be cleansed with a flushing solution between sampling operations.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples is disclosed, such sampling apparatus being particularly useful in connection with dissolution testing of various products. The apparatus includes a plurality of sampling containers each having a chamber therein for receipt of a fluid, and a drive device for simultaneously moving the plurality of sample containers to a sampling station. First fluid conduits are provided for each of the sampling containers for conducting a fluid into each of the sampling containers when the sampling containers are positioned at the sampling station, and second fluid conduits are provided for each of the sampling containers for withdrawing a sample fluid from each of the sampling containers when the sampling containers are positioned at the sampling station.

Abstract: A fixative composition for histological, cytological, immunological and proteinaceous preparations comprising a mixture of pyrrolid-2-one, a polyol, a urea and a zinc salt of a non-oxidizing organic or inorganic acid. Also disclosed are devices utilizing such compositions.

Abstract: Tissue samples are prepared for embedding and then embedded within wells of an intermittently rotatable rotor. After each successive liquid is supplied to the sample wells, the rotor is spun in order to slough off liquid from the samples. The sloughed liquid is collected by an outer shroud. The shroud is preferably made fluid tight so that the interior region of the shroud can be communicated to vacuum to force embedding material into the interstices of the tissue samples.

Abstract: A process is provided for the analysis of additives in polyolefins involving dissolving the polyolefin in decalin and subsequently precipitating the polymer, isolating a portion of the extract and measuring the additives therein. Apparatus for use in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Iodine-containing germicidal preparations are provided with assured control of the content of equilibrium iodine in aqueous solution to be between 1 and 20 ppm, preferably 2-15 ppm so as to provide predetermined germicidal activity. The invention further comprises the determination of the content of equilibrium iodine in an aqueous iodophor solution by subjecting such solution to several extractions with different amounts of a water immiscible solvent for iodine, determining the concentrations of the equilibrium iodine in each of the amounts of the water immiscible solvent and extrapolating the concentrations to a theoretical zero value which is a measure of the equilibrium iodine in the aqueous iodophor solution. The invention further comprises improved germicidal iodophor compositions comprising an iodophor, citric acid and iodate.

Abstract: A rapid one step, one reagent method is disclosed for the isovolumetric sphering and fixing of whole blood erythrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and device for the detection and quantification of agglutinates, in recipients of which at least the bottom are transparent. According to the invention, it is decided that there is agglutination when, at the same time, the calculated mean value of the bottom of the reaction studied is higher than that of a reference sample and when there exist points of measurement whose transmission is less than said threshold, and, on the other hand, that there is no agglutination when, at the same time, this calculated mean value is not greater than that of said reference sample and when there exist no points of measurement whose transmission is less than said threshold. The invention is more particularly applicable to immunohaematology.

Abstract: Method of direct determination of beta-lipoproteins in a blood sample containing pre-beta-lipoprotein, (VLDL) alpha-lipoprotein (HDL), and beta-lipoprotein (LDL), comprising mixing the blood plasma or serum of the blood sample with a solid, water-insoluble anion exchanger operable to retain the pre-beta-lipoprotein (VLDL) and the alpha-lipoprotein (HDL) to remove them from solution, separating the blood plasma or serum from the anion exchanger and thereafter determining the amount of beta-lipoprotein (LDL) remaining in solution.

Abstract: A sulfur dioxide-containing analysis stream, such as formed by the oxidative pyrolysis of a sulfur-containing liquid, is passed through a trapping medium comprising metal or metal oxide, preferably nickel oxide, wherein the sulfur dioxide is retained while the remainder of the gas flows through. Thereafter, the flow of analysis gas is discontinued and the trap zone is heated to release the sulfur dioxide, which is passed in an inert carrier gas stream through a sulfur dioxide detector such as a conductivity cell. Halides in the analysis stream are removed prior to trapping by being dissolved in an aqueous liquid in a scrubbing chamber. Such chamber is regenerated by vaporizing the halide-containing aqueous solution and venting it. Also, a system of the foregoing type including two traps and a single detector whereby two samples are alternately analyzed and trapped to reduce the overall analysis time.

Abstract: A gas detecting element comprises a substrate, a gas sensitive body provided on the substrate, a pair of electrodes connected to the gas sensitive body and a catalyst layer provided on the surface of the gas sensitive body. The catalyst layer including a carrier material and a catalyst material of copper and tungsten. The gas detecting element in accordance with the present invention has equal sensitivity to a number of different gases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assay for determination of albumin in a liquid sample. This assay involves the use of a dye of the structure: ##STR1## wherein n is zero or a positive integer up to 3; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aroxy, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, amino or a nonaromatic heterocyclic group; and Z and Z.sub.1 independently represent the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms needed to complete a substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 7-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring. This dye has a high affinity for albumin over a wide pH range. When the dye is bound to albumin, a shift in the dye spectral absorption occurs. Analytical elements containing this dye and an assay method are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Fluorescence-optical indicator material is chemically bonded in a network structure permeating a carrier membrane of the sensor element. As this network structure is independent of the membrane and not chemically bonded thereto, the properties of the membrane and the indicator are not affected by the immobilization.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for processing a generally planar analysis slide in which a shuttle is adapted to remove a slide from a distributor, deposit the slide in a preconditioner and simultaneously move a slide from the preconditioner into an incubator. A picker is adapted to remove processed slides from the incubator.In order to ensure a constant temperature within the incubator and an effective transfer of slides into and out of the incubator within a relatively short time, the shuttle and picker are located at the same station and are operable independently of each other over a common path.

Abstract: An analytical element comprising a light-transmissive and liquid-impervious support having thereon, in order from the support side, at least one reagent layer containing at least one kind of reagent reactive with a component in a fluid sample, a shielding layer and at least one porous spreading layer, said shielding layer comprising at least a white pigment and a substantially water-dispersible reactive polymer which comprises a copolymer having (i) monomeric units which have a reactive group and (ii) at least one kind of other hydrophobic monomer.