Abstract: The invention relates to liposome compositions comprising liposomes in an aqueous buffer at a pH of 6.5-8.5 and including a polyol in an amount of from 0.6 to 1.5 g per 100 ml of buffer. Also, the invention further relates to liposome compositions comprising a liposome including a detectable marker wherein said liposome may be derivatized with a ligand and the use thereof in an assay for analyte of interest.

Abstract: A method for assay of an analyte and assay device therefor. The assay device includes an assay component affixed to a permeable membrane. The membrane preferably rests on a permeable membrane support and covers an opening through a receptacle for holding a liquid. The support is adjacent the open upper end of a double ended needle, the lower end of which is adapted to puncture a plug inserted in an open end of a preevacuated container. Puncturing of the plug establishes fluid communication between the prevacuated interior of the container and the opening in the receptacle whereby liquid in the receptacle is passed through the membrane. The membrane has a bubble point sufficient to prevent passage of air through the membrane after all of the liquid has been pulled through as long as the membrane remains wet so that vacuum in the tube is not lost. The device may be part of an assay workstation which comprises a canister and various utensils useful in performing the assay.

Abstract: A liquid recovery device includes a receptacle, a swab for transferring a sample to a liquid in the receptacle, and a wringing unit to remove the liquid from the swab after the sample is transferred. The wringing unit has a sleeve with a closure in one end. A shaft of the swab extends through a passageway in the closure. When the swab in the receptacle is raised by upward movement of the shaft, an absorbent pad on the lower end of the shaft enters the passageway and is compressed. The compression of the pad wrings liquid therefrom which drips back into the receptacle. The device may be used in a method to prepare solutions of the sample in a minimum amount of liquid.