Abstract: The invention relates to the field of drug detection and describes antibody-based components methods and kits for the detection and quantification of alkaloids of the plant kratom. The invention is underpinned by novel antibodies which specifically bind to mitragynine alkaloids found in the kratom plant and their metabolites.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and their requisite components for the detection and determination of phenethylamines of the 2C and DO sub-families are described.

Abstract: The invention provides novel haptens and immunogens for the preparation of novel monoclonal antibodies, which detect the synthetic opioid meperidine and its active metabolite normeperidine. These antibodies enable methods and kits, which are useful in an immunoassay for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and in extending the window of detection for cases of abuse and drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cap for a biochip storage well. The cap comprises a resilient sealant layer capable, under the application of pressure, of forming a vapour-proof seal with a line contact interface formation extending around the perimeter of a biochip storage well. An assay assembly comprising the cap of the invention and a biochip storage is disclosed. Methods of sealing a biochip storage well using a cap of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Components for enabling immunodection of MT-45 are described including immunogens, antibodies derived from the immunogens, immunoassay methods, detecting agents and kits.

Abstract: The invention describes antibodies that bind venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine. The antibodies are derived from novel haptens and immunogens and are used in methods and kits to detect and quantify venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine. The invention also describes novel detecting agents which can be used in the methods and kits of the invention.

Abstract: An immunoassay method is described which detects O-desmethyltramadol only. This enables an assay of high sensitivity and specificity avoiding false positive results. The unique antibodies incorporated in the immunoassay method can be combined with antibodies which detect mitragynine to provide an assay which increases the possibility of detecting the commonly found drug combination of O-desmethyltramadol and mitragynine.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved immunoassay for the detection and determination of pyrrolidinophenone based designer drugs in hair and biological fluids (urine, blood, and oral fluid). The generic immunoassay is underpinned by novel, sub-family-specific antibodies, which display surprising sensitivity. The invention further describes substrates comprising an antibody that is specific to compounds of the pyrrolidinophenone family. Also described are the novel immunogens from which the antibodies are derived and kits incorporating the antibodies of the current invention.

Abstract: A liquid sample collection device is provided. The liquid sample collection device comprises a housing including a liquid collection chamber, and a liquid supply conduit extending from an inlet port and in use generally downwardly to the collection chamber, wherein the collection chamber includes an air vent port located such that in use liquid supplied to the collection chamber through the liquid supply conduit displaces air through the air vent port, and wherein the liquid supply conduit follows a meandering path including at least one air trap section defined at the junction between portions of the conduit extending with upward and downward components respectively, whereby in use once the air vent port is closed, air is displaced along the liquid supply conduit until it is trapped by the air trap section thereby preventing further liquid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A biochip well is disclosed, including a vessel containing a well therewithin, the vessel forming at least base and side walls of the well and defining at least one aperture giving access to the well, and further including retaining means for holding a biochip at a predetermined position within the well, the well including a laterally offset region into which the biochip does not protrude when held at the predetermined position by the retaining means. Also disclosed are sealed well assemblies and apparatus and methods for opening sealed wells.

Abstract: The invention provides novel antibodies which specifically bind to the methylphenidate metabolite, ritalinic acid, enabling an immunoassay that can detect methylphenidate in biological samples for an extended period following its ingestion. The invention also describes novel conjugates and kits incorporating the antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantification of 1-benzylpiperazine and its metabolites. The invention is underpinned by novel polyclonal antibodies with unique binding properties which enable immunoassay methods and kits for various applications.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for screening for cancer in a subject, by measuring the level of dimeric IL-18 in a sample obtained from the subject, and comparing that level with the level in a normal control sample. The present invention also describes an assay for screening for cancer in a subject, by measuring the level of dimeric IL-18 in a sample obtained from the subject, whereby an elevated level of dimeric IL-18 is indicative of cancer.

Abstract: A biochip well is disclosed, including a vessel containing a well therewithin, the vessel forming at least base and side walls of the well and defining at least one aperture giving access to the well, and further including retaining means for holding a biochip at a predetermined position within the well, the well including a laterally offset region into which the biochip does not protrude when held at the predetermined position by the retaining means. Also disclosed are sealed well assemblies and apparatus and methods for opening sealed wells.

Abstract: Components for enabling immunodetection of methoxetamine are described including immunogens, haptens, antibodies and kits.

Abstract: Antibodies, immunoassay methods and kits thereof are described for the detection and determination of 3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid. The novel immunogens from which said antibodies are generated are also described.

Abstract: Antibodies, immunoassay methods and kits for the detection and determination of 3,4,-dichloro-N-[(1-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl)methyl]benzamide and 3,4,-dichloro-N-[(1-(methylamino)cyclohexyl)methyl]benzamide, as well as the precursory immunogens, are described.

Abstract: The current invention describes novel immunogens which are used in the production of novel antibodies with unique binding properties in that they cross-react with a variety of phenylpiperazine derivatives. These antibodies enable methods and kits to detect and/or determine phenylpiperazine derivatives (for example mCPP, TFMPP and MeOPP) in an in vitro sample which are advantageous over currently available analytical methods in terms of cost, ease of use, speed and sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and solid state devices for detecting and staging chronic kidney disease in a patient, where the levels of biomarkers in a sample obtained from a patient are elevated or reduced compared to the levels in a sample obtained from healthy subject. The invention also relates to the use of methods and solid state devices for measurement of specific biological markers for determining the efficacy of a treatment for chronic kidney disease and for determining a drug treatment protocol for a subject suffering from chronic kidney disease.