Abstract: The invention provides a fragment of C1q which is characterized in that a plurality of such fragments selectively binds immune complexes or aggregated immunoglobulins in the presence of monomeric immunoglobulin. The invention also provides a synthetic peptide comprising the sequence: ##STR1## or variants thereof capable of binding immunoglobulin. Like the C1q fragment, a plurality of the peptides can selectively bind immune complexes or aggregated immunoglobulins in the presence of monomeric immunoglobulin. As a result of this property, the fragments and peptides are well-adapted for removing immune complexes and aggregated immunoglobulins from fluids containing monomeric immunoglobulin, and for detecting or quantitating immune complexes in such fluids. The invention also provides a binding material for removing immune complexes or aggregated immunoglobulins from a fluid.

Abstract: A method of determining the prognosis of a solid tumor is provided, in which a sample from a patient bearing a tumor is assayed for the presence of a protein which is immunologically cross-reactive with the hr gene product, but not with haptoglobin 1 or haptoglobin 2. Also provided is a method for preparing antibodies specific for this diagnostic marker which correlates with early relapse and metastasis of breast and other cancers. The marker can be detected using immunological methods employing antibodies specific for Hpr protein and not cross-reactive with haptoglobins 1 or 2.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of detecting, in a sample obtained from an individual, anti-heparin antibodies which inhibit the formation of the heparin accelerated antithrombin III-thrombin complex. In the present method, the presence of such anti-heparin antibodies are detected directly (by detecting the presence of anti-heparin antibodies themselves) or indirectly (by detecting the presence or formation of the heparin accelerated antithrombin III-thrombin complex). In one embodiment of the present method, antibodies which react with or interfere with the heparin pentasaccharide which binds antithrombin III in such a manner that binding to antithrombin III is inhibited are detected. In a specific embodiment of the present method, the anti-heparin antibody detected is one which reacts with or interferes with the disaccharide UA-2S/GlcNs-6 present in residues IV and V of the heparin pentasaccharide that binds antithrombin III.

Abstract: A total reflection cell has a total reflection prism on at least one surface thereof. A mixed solution containing a gold colloid labelled antibody which is adsorbed on a gold colloid is stored in the total reflection cell, and a sample solution containing an antigen causing antigen-antibody reaction with the antibody is added thereto for forming a gold colloid labelled immune complex. A measuring beam is introduced into the total reflection prism from an incident optical system at an angle .theta. of incidence causing total reflection and an outgoing beam from the total reflection prism is received by a measuring optical system, thereby measuring absorption by the gold colloid labelled immune complex and carrying out qualification and determination of the antigen.

Abstract: The invention is an improved single-step test device for detecting the presence of a pre-selected analyte in a urine stream. The device has a hollow outer casing and an assay material disposed within the casing. The outer casing defines: a urine inlet port; a viewing window; and at least one drainage vent spaced about the urine inlet port. The assay material is a sorptive material defining: a urine sample application region adjacent to, and in fluid communication with the urine inlet port; a capture region adjacent to the viewing window; and a fluid flow path for transporting liquid sample between the urine sample application region and the analyte capture region. The drainage vent is located to permit excess urine entering the casing from the urine stream to exit the casing thereby to minimize hydraulic pressure induced flooding of the assay material disposed within the casing and to reduce the frequency of false test results.

Abstract: An assay for the identification of neutralizing botulinum antibodies in sera is provided which includes the steps of separating non-sodium dodecyl sulfate, non-trypsinized complex botulinum toxin in an arylamide gel by electrophoresis, the separation occurring on a basis of botulinum toxin protein size and charge. Thereafter, the separated protein is electrophoretically transferred onto a solid support, the transferred separated protein being bound to the solid support at spaced apart sites. Remaining sites on the solid support not occupied by bound protein are blocked and the solid support and bound protein are contacted with a sera sample containing an antibody directed against botulinum toxin. The contacted solid support is then exposed to a second antibody capable of reacting to produce an insoluble colored substrate of intensity relative to a quantity of antibodies present. Finally, the second antibody is reacted to produce the insoluble colored substrate which is visually identified.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an analytical device for the simultaneous detection of at least two organisms selected from the group consisting of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and Mycoplasma (M) from a single specimen.

Abstract: A method of assay for a ligand in a sample is described in which calibration occurs within the assay. This is achieved utilizing a measurement region and one ore more calibration regions. In at least one of the calibration regions a non-zero signal results, either because of the presence of a calibration reagent or as a result of a binding reaction analogous to that which takes place in the measurement region.

Abstract: Seed lysine is detected by an immunoassay in which anti-EF antibody binds seed protein. Seed EF concentration is highly correlated with seed lysine content.

Abstract: A method of detecting chlamydia in a extracellular sample is provided which comprises contacting the sample with an idiotypic antibody to GLXA to form an immunocomplex and detecting the immunocomplex.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test cell and a method for detection of a preselected ligand in a liquid sample such as a body fluid. The test cell includes an elongate outer casing which houses an interior permeable material capable of transporting an aqueous solution and defining a sample inlet, a test volume, and a reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is disposed in a section of the test cell spaced apart from the inlet and is filled with sorbent material. The reservoir acts to receive liquid transported along a flow path defined by the permeable material and extending from the inlet and through the test volume. In the test volume is a test site which includes a first protein having a binding site specific to a first epitope of the ligand immobilized in fluid communication with the flow path. The test site can be observed through a window of the casing.

Abstract: The invention provides an antibody which reacts selectively with a transferrin homolog found in alcoholics but not in non-alcoholics. The invention also provides methods of making the antibody and hybridomas producing the antibody. Finally, the invention provides an immunoassay which utilizes the antibody to detect or quantitate the alcoholic transferrin homolog and a kit for an immunoassay which comprises a container of the antibody.

Abstract: The invention provides a fragment of C1q which is characterized in that a plurality of such fragments selectively binds immune complexes or aggregated immunoglobulins in the presence of monomeric immunoglobulin. The invention also provides a synthetic peptide comprising the sequence: ##STR1## or variants thereof capable of binding immunoglobulin. Like the C1q fragment, a plurality of the peptides can selectively bind immune complexes or aggregated immunoglobulins in the presence of monomeric immunoglobulin. As a result of this property, the fragments and peptides are well-adapted for removing immune complexes and aggregated immunoglobulins from fluids containing monomeric immunoglobulin, and for detecting or quantitating immune complexes in such fluids. The invention also provides a binding material for removing immune complexes or aggregated immunoglobulins from a fluid.

Abstract: The immunogenicity of avidin, a therapeutic agent moiety of a conjugate, or a targeting composition is reduced by coupling the immunogenic agent with a carbohydrate polymer or polyol groups, such as polysaccharides (e.g. dextran), polyethylene glycol and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an immunoassay capable of the rapid detection of a variety of test substances that may be present in a test sample. One feature of the invention is that extraction or isolation of the test substance occurs simultaneously with the formation of the primary antigen-test substance complex. The primary antigen-test substance complex is then captured in a solid phase format having a plurality of interstitial spaces which facilitate rapid and efficient detection. The immunoassay of the present invention works over a wide range of environmental conditions and is simple enough to be used in the absence of laboratory facilities.

Abstract: A "one step" device for the detection of analytein clinical assays is disclosed. A visible label comprising a visible moiety and a ligand that binds to or competes with analyte is contained in a fluid conducting membrane or prefilter; and the analyte and associated ligand are conducted by the flow of sample into a detection zone. The detection zone contains a capture reagent that binds to label or to analyte bound to label.

Abstract: A dry immunoassay analytical element for assaying a ligand, comprising a support bearing:1. an enzyme labeled ligand or an enzyme labeled receptor zone;2. a spreading zone; and3. a receptor zone containing a fixed concentration of an immobilized receptor for the ligand and the labeled ligand when present and the receptor is covalently bonded to polymeric beads having a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 5 .mu.m; characterized in that the element contains a diaryl telluride (DAT) compound and the zones can be in the same or separate layers.

Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are delivered through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodolgies.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which is capable of specifically binding with human pulmonary surfactant apoprotein D has been successfully obtained. Using the monoclonal antibody, human pulmonary surfactant apoprotein D can be specifically detected and assayed, whereby diagnosis of respiratory diseases is enabled.

Abstract: This invention presents novel assay devices employing capture reagents, involving a specific binding member attached to a charged substance, and porous material containing a capture or reaction zone that is oppositely charged with respect to the charged substance included in the capture reagent. In one embodiment, a test sample suspected of containing the analyte of interest is contacted with the capture reagent to form a charged capture reagent/analyte complex. The complex is then contacted to the oppositely charged capture or reaction zone to attract, attach, and immobilize the capture reagent/analyte complex. With an appropriate indicator reagent, both sandwich and competitive assays can be performed.