Abstract: A method and apparatus to estimate the concentration of a target substance (e.g. Cholesterol or CRP) in the plasma component of awhole blood sample without the need to separate the red blood cells from the plasma prior to testing, thereby simplfying the design and construction of the test device. The invention achieves this by measuring the analyte under investigation in a time dependent (bio-/immuno-) chemical reaction and measuring separately, a marker substance (e.g haemoglobin) for the estimation of red blood cell volume, using a non-time-dependent alteration in physical property of the reaction mixture (in this instance, transmission) attributed to inherent filter effects on sample addition. These non-time-dependent changes are not part of the reaction chemistry, and are resolved from the time dependent alteration in physical property caused by the assay chemistry by continuous measurement and mathematical modelling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to estimate the concentration of a target substance (e.g. Cholesterol or CRP) in the plasma component of awhole blood sample without the need to separate the red blood cells from the plasma prior to testing, thereby simplfying the design and construction of the test device. The invention achieves this by measuring the analyte under investigation in a time dependent (bio-/immuno-) chemical reaction and measuring separately, a marker substance (e.g haemoglobin) for the estimation of red blood cell volume, using a non-time-dependent alteration in physical property of the reaction mixture (in this instance, transmission) attributed to inherent filter effects on sample addition. These non-time- dependent changes are not part of the reaction chemistry, and are resolved from the time dependent alteration in physical property caused by the assay chemistry by continuous measurement and mathematical modelling.

Abstract: A reagent useful in immunoassays, comprising a direct particulate level co-sensitised with a specific binding agent having specificity for an analyte or analyte analogue and with a non-specific protein which can participate in a control reaction with another specific binding agent which does not bind to the first specific binding agent nor participate in the formation of a complex by means of which detection of the analyte or analyte analogue is accomplished. Preferably the first specific binding agent is an antibody raised in a first species and the non-specific protein is an immunoglobulin from another species. Optionally, the reagent additionally comprises a second population of the direct particulate label sensitised solely with the non-specific protein.

Abstract: A spray nozzle (300) which employs a locking and an alignment feature (330) to facilitate the replacement of internal nozzle components. The spray nozzle includes a nozzle body (310), a swirl element (314) and an orifice disc (312). The nozzle body defines a central bore which extends between a fluid receiving section and a fluid discharge section and delineates a central axis and delimits an interior locating surface for swirl element and the orifice disc. The orifice disc includes a protuberance (374) associated with the downstream surface thereof which protrudes into the spray opening of the nozzle body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibitors of COX-2, compositions which contain such compounds and methods of use. The compounds are represented by formula I: ##STR1## and include pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.