Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: (a) collecting a stool sample with the analyte and transferring a defined amount of stool sample into a prepared vessel having a sieve filter and a predetermined amount of extraction solution; (b) suspending and extracting the stool sample in the extraction solution so that the analyte goes into solution; (c) filtering the extraction solution through the sieve filter and transferring a defined amount of extraction solution to a cellulosic fibrous web having predetermined absorbency; (d) rapid drying of the extraction solution on the cellulose fibrous web at ambient temperature by the capillary action of the fibrous web, wherein the fibrous web with the sample extraction solution represents a storage and transport form stable over days and weeks, on which analyte and digestive enzymes are physically separated from each other; (e) collecting and extracting the analyte from the fibrous web in a predetermined amount of assay buffer; (f) separating the fibrous web from the assay b

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: (a) collecting a stool sample with the analyte and transferring a defined amount of stool sample into a prepared vessel having a sieve filter and a predetermined amount of extraction solution; (b) suspending and extracting the stool sample in the extraction solution so that the analyte goes into solution; (c) filtering the extraction solution through the sieve filter and transferring a defined amount of extraction solution to a cellulosic fibrous web having predetermined absorbency; (d) rapid drying of the extraction solution on the cellulose fibrous web at ambient temperature by the capillary action of the fibrous web, wherein the fibrous web with the sample extraction solution represents a storage and transport form stable over days and weeks, on which analyte and digestive enzymes are physically separated from each other; (e) collecting and extracting the analyte from the fibrous web in a predetermined amount of assay buffer; (f) separating the fibrous web from the assay b

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining an antibody or antibody fragment to a conformational epitope specific for misfolded inactive human parathyroid hormone and fragments thereof. The method includes the steps of a) immunizing an animal with an immunogen which comprises oxidized parathyroid hormone or an oxidized fragment of parathyroid hormone, or both; and b) recovering an antibody, antibody fragments, or single chain antibody. The complementary determining region of the recovered antibody, antibody fragment or single chain antibody is capable of specifically recognizing a conformational epitope (antigenic determinant) which is present on oxidized parathyroid hormone and fragments thereof only but not regular bioactive human parathyroid hormone.

Abstract: Method for obtaining an antibody or antibody fragment to a conformational epitope specific for oxidized, inactive human parathyroid hormone and fragments thereof; a method for removal of oxidized, inactive human parathyroid hormone from a sample of body fluid; methods of determining the concentration of active parathyroid hormone in a sample, and an in vitro method of diagnosis of renal failure or secondary hyperthyroidism in patients on dialysis.