Abstract: A device and method for removing closures from laboratory sample containers is the subject of the present invention. The device consists of a tubular member which is large enough to contain a laboratory sample container or vial. Integral with one end of the tubular member is a housing member which is large enough to contain the stopper or closure for the laboratory vial and is thus of a diameter larger than the tubular member. The end of the housing opposite the tubular member is closable with an irreversibly locking cap. A vial with a stopper to be removed is placed into the cap end of the housing member and is received by the tubular member unitl the stopper rests on the bottom surface of the housing member. The cap on the housing member is closed and a force is exerted on the vial to dislodge the stopper from it. The vial is pulled through the tubular member, leaving the stopper in the housing member.

Abstract: A method and composition for use in preparing red blood cells for use as indicator cells to detect the presence of antigens and antibodies in biological fluids is the subject of the present invention. Freshly collected human or animal erythrocytes are washed six times with isotonic saline, and suspended to a hematocrit of four percent (volume/volume) with isotonic saline. An incomplete antibody, specific for the antigen or antibody to be detected, in a quantity less than that which would cause irreversible agglutination, is added to the erythrocyte solution. The mixture is incubated, washed, and suspended to a hematocrit of 3-5 (v/v) with isotonic saline. A second antibody, immuno specific for the first antibody and in an amount sufficiently great to immunologically bind substantially all of the antibody carrying red blood cells but not so great as to cause irreversible agglutination, is attached to the erythrocytes. This mixture is incubated, washed, and suspended to a hematocrit of 0.

Abstract: A method of forward blood grouping is presented wherein known antibodies are attached to a solid surface and the red blood cells presented for immunological reaction are activated with a proteolytic enzyme. A reverse blood grouping procedure utilizes synthetic or purified antigens which are attached directly to a solid surface. The surface is then contacted with an unknown blood component to permit antibodies to undergo immunological reaction with the previously attached antigens. A solution of red blood cells is used as the indicator. A method of performing a major crossmatch utilizes anti-human immunoglobulin that is attached to a solid surface which is then contacted by the two blood components to permit an antigen-antibody interaction of red blood cells and antibodies. The antibody sensitized cells will immunologically adhere to the solid phase.