Abstract: An endoscopic stain is provided that includes a carbon pigment and a suspending/viscosity-increasing agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle, wherein the carbon pigment has a total level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) of not greater than 0.5 ppm. Methods of staining an internal site utilizing the stain of the invention and kits that include the stain of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: An endoscopic stain is provided that includes a carbon pigment and a suspending/viscosity-increasing agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle, wherein the carbon pigment has a total level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) of not greater than 0.5 ppm. Methods of staining an internal site utilizing the stain of the invention and kits that include the stain of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue staining composition comprises carbon and suspending/viscosity-increasing agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. In an embodiment, the composition includes carbon black, activated carbon or unactivated carbon, suspending/viscosity-increasing agent, anti-foaming agent and surfactant. In a particular embodiment, the composition includes 0.01% to 1.0% carbon, 5.0% to 25% suspending/viscosity-increasing agent such as glycerol, 0.005% to 0.05% anti-foaming agent such as simethicone, 0.5% to 1.5% surfactant such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan esterified with fatty acid, and water. A method for staining of internal sites, particularly in the mucosal layers of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder or lungs, includes injecting the composition in staining amount in proximity to the internal site. A kit includes the composition packaged with a means for endoscopic injection, preferably a syringe and sclerotherapy needle.

Abstract: A molded pick for handling biopsy specimens which includes an elongated shaft having a tapered blunt short barb at one end and a forked device at the opposite end of the shaft, the forked device having a blunt spatula prong as one fork and a sharp tapered point as the other fork.

Abstract: A test kit for the rapid detection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsy tissue to diagnose gastric disease is described which includes a chemical test composition for the bacteria, a tray-like means including means to visibly display the test composition, means to handle a biopsy specimen and insert it in the test composition, and indicia to determine the results of the test.

Abstract: A combination plastic relatively rigid bite block and soft nasal cannula intended for one-time use for supplying oxygen to a patient's nostrils during an endoscopic procedure. The cannula is fixed into the bite block by an integral clip portion of the cannula extending downwardly from a manifold portion and adhered to the bite block. Flexible nasal prongs extend upwardly from the manifold into the patient's nostrils to supply supplementary gas separately from air breathed through the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An improved test composition for the diagnosis of gastric disease by detecting the presence of urease associated with H. pylori in a biopsy specimen is described in which the hydrolysis of urea by urease is detected by a combination of at least two dye indicators showing a color change and a positive result at an acid pH, in which the positive color is distinctive from the color of the biopsy specimen, and in which most positive results occur in 2-10 minutes and all occur in no more than 4 hours. Specific compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A bite block to protect against a patient's biting into an instrument inserted through the mouth in a medical procedure. As a patient bites on the block against a sloping channel, the block is more firmly seated in the mouth, and the tongue is more firmly held depressed.

Abstract: A container package for simultaneously staining a plurality of specimens arranged on the respective faces of a plurality of microscope slides comprises a slide holder for vertically supporting the slides at their upper ends in closely-spaced parallel relation and a generally rectangular body member having a generally rectangular upwardly-opening cavity for receiving the downwardly extending portions of the slides. The cavity has a height less than the length of the slides and the walls of the cavity conform closely to the perimeters of the slides. Guide walls are arranged in the corners of the cavity for maintaining a spaced relationship between the opposed end faces of the inserted slides and the cavity walls. A quantity of staining liquid partially fills the cavity, the depth of the liquid prior to insertion of the slides in the cavity being less than the distance between the specimens and the inserted ends of the respective slides.

Abstract: A disposable container package for staining a biological specimen affixed to the face of a microscopic slide comprises a body member having a generally rectangular upwardly-opening cavity for receiving a slide. The cavity has a height less than the length of the slide and a cross-sectional area less than or equal to twice the cross-sectional area of the slide and is of a size sufficient to receive only a single slide. Guide slots are arranged in the cavity for maintaining a spaced relationship between the opposed faces of the slide and the cavity walls. A quantity of staining liquid partially fills the cavity, the depth of which prior to the insertion of the slide in the cavity is less than the distance between the upper edge of the specimen and the inserted end of the slide, and the depth of which when the slide is fully inserted in the cavity is sufficient to cover the specimen with a thin film of staining liquid. A removable seal closes the cavity prior to use of the container.

Abstract: A patient medical information and education container which includes a strip of material divided into a plurality of panels hingedly connected one with another whereby the panels can be folded one upon another to form a container of relatively small dimensions, the strip including a pocket on one of the panels adapted to contain cards including, on one face, medicine nature and suggestions concerning recommended use thereof by a patient for optimal results, the opposite side preferably will include cautioning of use, such as alerting the patient regarding possible side effects, the various panels including indicia indicating material of significance in current or future treatment of a patient by the use of certain medicines and under certain conditions of treatment thereof.

Abstract: An overlay device for use with an electrocardiogram and the method of use thereof, for evaluating the normalcy of the S-T segment in an exercise test program.

Abstract: A self-contained cleaning device for endoscopic instruments of the type inserted into a human, or animal body through an orifice such as the rectum, wherein the cleaning device is used to quickly and efficiently clean and relatively sterilize the instrument.