Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for examining the content of a volume of biological sample containing particles to determine the diagnostic significance of that volume of biological sample. A number of aliquots of the sample are distributed and are examined under low power field magnification. The total number of aliquots examined under low power field magnification if a first fraction of the volume of biological sample. The percentage of particles detected in the first fraction is counted. The percentage of particles detected is compared to a first known percentage. In the event the comparison yields the result that the sample contains diagnostically insignificant number of particles, than the method is terminated. Otherwise the method is continued. A second fraction of volume of the biological sample, comprising a plurality of aliquots, is examined under high power field magnification. The percentage of particles detected under high power magnification is totalled.

Abstract: A method for analyzing particles and particularly sediments of urine is accomplished by distributing the sample over an extended area. A plurality of optical still images is taken of the sample, with each image representing a different portion of the area. Each optical image is converted into an electronic image, with the images of the particles in the electronic images. The images of the particles are extracted from the electronic images. The images of the particles are displayed in an ordered array by classes of visually discernible characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for examining the content of a volume of biological sample containing particles to determine the diagnostic significance of that volume of biological sample. A number of aliquots of the sample are distributed and are examined under low power field magnification. The total number of aliquots examined under low power field magnification is a first fraction of the volume of biological sample. The number of particles detected in the first fraction is counted. The number of particles detected is compared to a first known total. In the event the comparison yields the result that the sample contains diagnostically insignificant number of particles, then the method is terminated. Otherwise the method is continued. A second fraction of volume of the biological sample, comprising a plurality of aliquots, is examined under high power field magnification. The number of particles detected under high power magnification is totalled. This is then compared to a second known total.

Abstract: In an immunoassay procedure, an analyte in a solution is reacted with a reagent with a label. The reagent is segregated into solid phase (particles) and liquid phase (liquid) with the unreacted reagent ion one phase and the reacted reagent in another phase. An image of the suspension is then taken. The image is converted into electrical signal representation and is stored in digital form. The image is processed by locating and quantifying the labels. The distribution of the labels is representative of the distribution of the reagent between the particles and the liquid.

Abstract: A method for analyzing particles and particularly sediments of urine is accomplished by distributing the sample over an extended area. A plurality of optical still images is taken of the sample, with each image representing a different portion of the area. Each optical image is converted into an electronic image. The plurality of electronic images are composited to form one resultant electronic image.

Abstract: A reagent holder for fluoro immunoassays with two examination surfaces on opposite sides and a resiliently deformable detent operable to retain the reagent holder in an examination location regardless of which side is being examined.

Abstract: A combined test for quantitating immunoglobulin and identifying the presence of abnormal homogeneous immunoglobulin usually of myeloma origin. In a direct test, a first fraction of serum sample is adsorbed to a solid surface and the adsorbed immunoglobulin is reacted with labeled antibody and the quantity of labeled antibody on the surface is measured. A second fraction of the serum sample is subjected to a competitive test in which normal immunoglobulin is adsorbed onto a second solid surface. Then, specific labeled antibody is competitively immunologically reacted with the immunoglobulin adsorbed on the surface and sample immunoglobulin. After washing, the labeled antibody on the second surface is measured to provide a quantitative measurement of sample immunoglobulin. Abnormal immunoglobulin is indicated if the ratio of immunoglobulin content of the sample as found by the competitive test to the quantity found by the direct test is 2:1 or greater.

Abstract: An improved method for the fluorometric measurement of a fluorescent label on a solid support surface in which the surface is read while coated with a continuous aqueous layer. For reading in a horizontal position, the surface is coated by immersion into a contained aqueous solution, and removed and read prior to evaporation to discontinuity. For reading in a vertical position, a layer of humectant is deposited on the surface to retain the water content.

Abstract: A method for quantitation of antigens or antibodies from a liquid sample on a solid surface. The sample is first sorbed directly to a nonimmunological surface. Then the surface is exposed to antibody or antigen labelled preferably with a fluorogen, to cause an immunological reaction to occur. After removal of unreacted reagent from the surface, the quantity of reacted labelled reagent is determined, as for example, fluorogen by a fluorometer. When the sample includes significant quantities of protein other than the antigen or antibody to be quantitated, buffer protein unreactive with the labelled antigen or antibody is added in concentrations sufficient to minimize the dependence of sorbed antigen or antibody upon variations in the concentration of such other protein.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent holder specifically adapted for the detection of an unknown quantity of a biologically derived sample suitably by radioimmunoassay, fluorometric detection or by spectrophotometry. The holder comprises an elongate shaft with a support surface adjacent one end of the shaft. Diagnostic reagent is covalently attached to a self-supporting film such as a disc and firmly secured to the support. The diagnostic reagent, e.g., antibody, is stirred during incubation in contact with the sample to be detected, e.g., antigen, in solution. In a "sandwich" technique labelled substance (e.g., fluorochrome-labelled antibody) is reacted with the sample on the film followed by thorough washing. Then, the holder is slid into a novel viewing housing which precisely positions the film at a window for viewing as with a fluorometer.

Abstract: Amino acid formulations for administration to human patients with liver disease comprise mixtures of essential amino acids combined in novel relative proportions, and preferably also include non-essential amino acids. In particular, the combined molar proportions of isoleucine, leucine, and valine are from 40 to 300 times the molar proportion of tryptophan and from 15 to 135 times the molar proportion of phenylalanine, or phenylalanine and tyrosine. The formulations may be adapted for either intravenous or oral administration, but the preferred method of administration is by hyperalimentation infusion. The formulations and method can be utilized to provide nutritional support for liver diseased patients while reducing the incidence and severity of hepatic encephalopathy, and/or as primary therapy for treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.