Abstract: Described is a method for discriminating complex biological samples using an array of discrete biological sensing elements immobilized onto a solid support in which constituents bound to the sensor array is directly determined by measuring the mass increase on the surface; data analysis of said method is performed using neutral network or statical based pattern recognition techniques. In a preferred embodiment the liquid sample is tested for the presence of soluble constituent(s) by contacting said sample with said sensor array under specific conditions, removing unbound sample constituent(s), determining the mass increase on the surface and comparising said mass increase data with a reference standard using pattern recognition software.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively measuring the amount of an analyte of interest in a fluid sample, and kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods comprise sandwich assays, and utilize an internal calibration reaction that closely mimics the reaction of test particles by the use of a two-step reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cardiac hormones, particularly natriuretic peptides, for diagnosing the risk of suffering from a cardiovascular complication, particularly heart disease or acute coronary syndrome, as a consequence of cardiotoxic medication, in particular chemotherapeutics, including anthracyclines. In particular, the invention relates to a method for diagnosing the risk of a patient who is going to receive cardiotoxic medication of suffering from a cardiovascular complication as a consequence of the cardiotoxic medication, comprising the steps of (a) taking a body fluid or tissue sample, and (b) measuring, preferably in vitro, the level of a cardiac hormone. Preferred cardiac hormones in the context of the present invention are ANP, NT-proANP, BNP, and NT-proBNP.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include structures, methods of forming the structures, and methods of using the structures. One exemplary structure, among others, includes a nanospecies and a porous material. The nanospecies has a first characteristic and a second detectable characteristic. In addition, a second detectable energy is produced corresponding to the second detectable characteristic upon exposure to a first energy. The porous material has the first characteristic and a plurality of pores. The first characteristic causes the nanospecies to interact with the porous material and become disposed in the pores of the porous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of analyzing the specific interaction between a molecule to be analyzed and a molecule that specifically interacts with the former molecule on a solid phase using a molecule-immobilized solid phase support mixture prepared by binding the subject molecule to the solid phase support without specifying the binding position on the molecule side, particularly a method wherein the immobilization is conducted via a spacer introduced to the molecule without specifying the binding position on the molecule side, which method makes it possible to identify and select only a molecule that exhibits a specific interaction with a molecule to be analyzed, without an investigation of structure-activity correlation, which has conventionally been essential, and hence enables an analysis of the interaction between these molecules.

Abstract: Removal of abundant proteins from a sample enhances detection and resolution of less abundant proteins in the sample such as in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The removal is accomplished by immunosubtraction of several high abundance, interfering or contaminating proteins simultaneously.

Abstract: An chromatography kit is described, a representative one of which includes: an examination container one end of which has an inlet for receiving a sample, and an chromatography examination strip used by inserting from the inlet into the examination container wherein the examination container comprises a prevention part for preventing from the adherence of the examination strip on the inner wall of the examination container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry reagent assay device having at least one test zone and at least one reference zone, which provides an internal mechanism for assuring correct and reliable assay procedures and reagent qualities. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an assay device having at least one test zone for detecting at least one analyte in a sample by reacting the sample with a labeled indicator reagent, and a reference zone for receiving unreacted labeled indicator reagent.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes time-resolved fluorescence to detect the signals generated by excited fluorescent labels. Because the labels can have relatively long emission lifetime, short-lived background interference can be practically eliminated through delayed fluorescence detection. In addition, the resulting fluorescent reader can have a simple and inexpensive design. For instance, in one embodiment, the reader can utilize a silicon photodiode and a pulsed light-emitting diode (LED) to accurately excite labels and detect fluorescence on a membrane-based assay device without requiring the use of expensive components, such as monochromators or narrow emission band width optical filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for performing single step assays for the determination of the presence or absence of an analyte in a liquid sample, and methods of determining the presence or absence of such analytes using such devices. Devices disclosed comprise a labeled analyte-binding reagent reversibly-immobilized on a non-porous solid material, which solid material is in physical contact with a dry porous carrier bearing an immobilized analyte-binding reagent. Also provided are quantitative assay devices.

Abstract: An optical reader system and method are described herein that can detect a lateral and/or angular misalignment of one or more biosensors so that the biosensors can be properly re-located after being removed from and then reinserted into the optical reader system. In one embodiment, the biosensors are incorporated within the wells of a microplate.

Abstract: An analytical test device incorporating a dry porous carrier to which a liquid sample, eg. urine, suspected of containing an analyte such as HCG or LH can be applied indirectly, the device also incorporating a labelled specific binding reagent which is freely mobile in the porous carrier when in the moist state, and an unlabelled specific binding reagent which is permanently immobilized in a detection zone on the carrier material, the labelled and unlabelled specific binding reagents being capable of participating in either a sandwich reaction or a competition reacts on in the presence of the analyte, in which prior to the application to the device of a liquid sample suspected of containing the analyte, the labelled specific binding reagent is retained in the dry state in a macroporous body, eg.

Abstract: A diagnostic and testing apparatus and related methods for the use of the same are disclosed which derive and use antibodies to equine albumin and equine hemoglobin in testing apparatus, kits, and methods for detecting and localizing gastric and colonic ulcers or bleeding in horses. Fecal droppings from a horse to be tested are placed in a container together with a buffered liquid solution and mixed thoroughly, following which several drops of liquid from the container are placed into a test kit. Visual markers in the test kits signify the detection of the indicators equine hemoglobin and equine albumin, which are respectively indicative of the presence of gastric and/or colonic ulcers or bleeding.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches a method and composition for detecting the presence of class specific antibodies reactive with analytes such as bacteria, allergens, autoimmune antigens, viral proteins, haptens, and carbohydrates by lateral flow techniques. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a test sample is added to the test strip, which then migrates to the site of the immobilized allergens, thereby forming a first antibody IgE-allergen complex. A chase release buffer is added upstream to or from the site of the labeled anti-IgE antibodies, which is itself upstream from the sample site. The anti-IgE antibodies migrate downstream to the site of immobilized first complex, thereby forming a second complex indicating the presence of class specific IgE antibodies in the test specimen. In another embodiment of the disclosure, a liquid form of the labeled anti-IgE antibodies can be added to the test strip after the first complex has been formed.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and associated test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The kit includes a housing, and a membrane disposed within the housing having a detection region and a collection region. A blood sample meter is provided having a first end for absorption of a blood sample, a filtering section adjacent to the first end that filters red blood cell components from the blood sample, and a storage section adjacent to the filtering section that receives plasma or serum from the filtering section. An opening in the housing is sized for insertion of the sample meter into the housing such that the storage section of the sample meter is disposed in fluid communication with the collection region of the membrane. The plasma or serum is transferred from the storage section of the sample meter to the collection region of the membrane for subsequent migration to the detection region.

Abstract: The invention concerns a micro-muscle designed to be immersed in a biological liquid, comprising a deformable chamber whereof one portion at least consists of a semipermeable membrane, said chamber containing a solution capable of osmotic activity. The solution is preferably activated by a product to be injected into the biological liquid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing reagent carriers having a binding capability that are suitable for determining analytes in liquids, wherein the process comprises at least one step of treating a respective reagent carrier body in particular by transferring material between a treatment device and the reagent carrier body in a preparation device and wherein this treatment step takes place on the moving reagent carrier body during its transport in the preparation device or during a movement of the treatment device relative to the reagent carrier body in the preparation device.

Abstract: An optical reader system is described herein that uses a scanned optical beam to interrogate a biosensor to determine if a biomolecular binding event occurred on a surface of the biosensor. In one embodiment, the optical reader system includes a light source, a detector and a processor (e.g., computer, DSP). The light source outputs an optical beam which is scanned across a moving biosensor and while this is happening the detector collects the optical beam which is reflected from the biosensor. The computer processes the collected optical beam and records the resulting raw spectral or angle data which is a function of a position (and possibly time) on the biosensor. The processor can then analyze the raw data to create a spatial map of resonant wavelength (peak position) or resonant angle which indicates whether or not a biomolecular binding event occurred on the biosensor. Several other uses of the raw data are also described herein.

Abstract: A test strip for conducting a lateral flow assay for detection of an analyte in a sample that contains cells and fluid is provided, as well as methods for making and using the test strip. This test strip is commercially usable, for example, in a diagnostic device at a point of care for detection of analytes in whole blood.

Abstract: A method for food sensitivity panel testing (for sensitivities other than gluten sensitivity) by detecting IgA antibodies in serum is disclosed. A method for testing stool samples for the presence of particular antibodies, which is more sensitive and less invasive than prior art testing methods, is also disclosed for diagnosing immunologic food sensitivities. These methods of diagnosis may be used alone or in combination to further enhance the accuracy of diagnosis.