Abstract: An analytical test device is described for the immunochromatographic determination of the presence of one or more analytes in fluid samples. The device is configured such that the sample is allowed to enter the detection zone simultaneously from many different directions, eliminating stagnation of the flow of the sample. By selection of the porous substrate, the device also allows for the separation of red blood cells from plasma, providing a rapid test for one or more analytes in a sample of whole blood. The device of the present invention may measure more than one analyte simultaneously from a single sample, either by having multiple immunochromatographic pathways fed by a single sample, or multiple analytes detected in the same pathway by way of multiple capture antibodies.

Abstract: A reagent and kit are disclosed for determining if a patient is hypercoagulable, hypocoagulable or normal. The test involves providing a test sample from the patient and initiating coagulation in the sample in the presence of an activator, which is added to the sample in an amount which will result in intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin. Then the formation of the intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin polymerization is monitored over time so as to derive a time-dependent profile, with the results of the fibrin polymerization monitoring determining whether the patient is hypercoagulable, normal or hypocoagulable. The coagulation activator is added in an amount that triggers a thrombin explosion that is dependent on the propagation phase and amplification pathways. In this way, a single assay can assess the hemostatic potential of a sample.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an immunoassay, and a kit for said assay, in which at least one monoclonal antibody or polyclonal antibody specifically binds to an epitope corresponding to amino acids 145 to 234 of human chromogranin A.

Abstract: A method for the direct analysis of analyte in keratinized structures, e.g., hair, fingernails and toenails, which comprises preparing a mixture containing a low redox potential compound such as dithiothreitol or dithioerythritol, an enzyme suitable for the degradation of the keratin structure and a sample of the keratin structure; permitting the enzyme to at least substantially degrade the sample of keratin structure, filtering the digest solution to remove substances which may interfere with ligand based analytical methods and subjecting the filtered digest solution to analysis to determine the identity and amount of analyte in the keratin substance sample. To accelerate the method, cupric sulfate may be added to the mixture after degradation of the keratin sample. The enzyme may be a peptidase, endopeptidase or proteinase, with papain, chymopapain, and proteinase K being preferred for use in the invention.