Abstract: An integrated device that detects and stores, in digital form, the muscle movements that occur when an operator traces a defined figure or pattern with a pointing device, such as a laser beam. The movement data is stored and analyzed for monitoring and diagnosing a neuromuscular condition or neuromuscular variations. Movement disorders can be determined and progression and change analyzed over time using the stored data.

Abstract: An integrated device that detects and stores, in digital form, the muscle movements that occur when an operator traces a defined figure or pattern with a pointing device, such as a laser beam. The movement data is stored and analyzed for monitoring and diagnosing a neuromuscular condition or neuromuscular variations. Movement disorders can be determined and progression and change analyzed over time using the stored data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing biological cell samples for intracellular analysis. The invention is based upon the recognition that many of the steps of the conventional methods for such sample preparation can be eliminated, leading to a process that readily lends itself to automation and the advantages associated therewith. The method of the invention comprises the steps of (a) cell-fixation, (b) permeabilization and (c) staining (or labeling) of intracellular molecules of interest by probes that are readily detectable by flow cytometric techniques, all without any intervening cell-washing (and re-suspension) steps. Rather, the single cell-washing step is effected after these three steps have been carried out. Preferably, the washing step is carried out by passing the fixed, permeabilized and stained cell sample through a semi-permeable membrane that serves to filter out (by transmission) interferants to waste while retaining the cells of interest.

Abstract: A multifunctional reagent for erythrocytes containing an amount sufficient to produce the lysis of erythrocytes or the sphering of erythrocytes in such a way that they can be detected by a cytometer or an automatic counting device, of a carbamate or of an agent inducing the formation by the erythrocytes, from carbonate and from a nitrogenated heterocycle or ammonium ions, of a carbamate combined with the absorption of CO2 by the erythrocytes, process for lysing or sphering erythrocytes and preparation process for leucocytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to quantitative stabilized cell reference control products, their methods of manufacture, and their methods of use. Receptors, antigens, and ligands associated with stabilized cells may be quantitated by the methods of the present invention. Those quantitated stabilized cells may then be used to determine the receptor, antigen, and/or ligand density of unknown samples.

Abstract: Methods are provided for monitoring treatment of a subject using heparin therapy or a ligand, such as an CD20 or CD52 antibody, that binds to a cellular marker and to which the subject may develop masking reactions or auto-antibodies that inhibit evaluation of treatment. The methods involve adding to a single container a sample containing cells that express the cellular target with (i) a soluble ligand that binds the cellular target, (ii) a soluble ligand that binds the soluble analyte or a competing soluble analyte; and (iii) a capture medium that binds directly to the soluble analyte, indirectly to the soluble analyte, or to the soluble ligand that binds to the soluble analyte. Complexes formed in the container by interaction of these components are substantially simultaneously analyzed and quantitated without physically separating the complexes. Kits for performing the assays are also provided.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing differential staining of RNA, DNA and granules in a sample comprising cells contains a first fluorescent dye that can bind specific binding sites and non-specific binding sites in the sample. This first dye emits fluorescence at a first wavelength. The composition contains at least an additional component, which is a second non-intercalating dye in the composition that competes with said first dye for binding to the nonspecific binding sites, or a permeabilizing agent to enhance permabilization of the dyes into the cells, or both. The molar ratio of the second dye and the first dye is at least about 20:1.

Abstract: A stabilization reagent composition, particularly desirable for stabilizing blood samples containing platelets, contains reactants that generate multiple species of formaldehyde-ammonium complexes; at least one inhibitor of phosphatase enzymatic activity; and at least one inhibitor of protease enzymatic activity. Blood samples and other tissues are stabilized by this composition. Such stabilized samples are produced by methods for stabilizing the tissue by contacting the sample with the composition.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a biological sample containing at least one cell type bearing at least one cellular target and at least one soluble analyte, involves adding to a single container the sample with (i) at least one soluble ligand that binds the cellular target, (ii) either at least one soluble ligand that binds the soluble analyte or at least one competing soluble analyte; and (iii) a solid phase capture medium that binds directly to the soluble analyte, indirectly to the soluble analyte, or to the soluble ligand that binds to the soluble analyte. Various complexes involving the capture medium and soluble analyte, the capture medium and the soluble ligand, and/or the cellular target and a soluble ligand are simultaneously analyzed without physically separating the complexes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing biological cell samples for intracellular analysis. The invention is based upon the recognition that many of the steps of the conventional methods for such sample preparation can be eliminated, leading to a process that readily lends itself to automation and the advantages associated therewith. The method of the invention comprises the steps of (a) cell-fixation, (b) permeabilization and (c) staining (or labeling) of intracellular molecules of interest by probes that are readily detectable by flow cytometric techniques, all without any intervening cell-washing (and re-suspension) steps. Rather, the single cell-washing step is effected after these three steps have been carried out. Preferably, the washing step is carried out by passing the fixed, permeabilized and stained cell sample through a semi-permeable membrane that serves to filter out (by transmission) interferants to waste while retaining the cells of interest.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing differential staining of RNA, DNA and granules in a sample comprising cells contains a first fluorescent dye that can bind specific binding sites and non-specific binding sites in the sample. This first dye emits fluorescence at a first wavelength. The composition contains at least an additional component, which is a second non-intercalating dye in the composition that competes with said first dye for binding to the nonspecific binding sites, or a permeabilizing agent to enhance permabilization of the dyes into the cells, or both. The molar ratio of the second dye and the first dye is at least about 20:1.

Abstract: A stabilization reagent composition, particularly desirable for stabilizing blood samples containing platelets, comprises reactants that generate multiple species of formaldehyde-ammonium complexes; at least one inhibitor of phosphatase enzymatic activity; and at least one inhibitor of protease enzymatic activity. Blood samples and other tissues are stabilized by this composition. Such stabilized samples are produced by methods for stabilizing the tissue by contacting the sample with the composition. Methods for assessing the efficacy of such stabilizing reagents are also included in this invention.

Abstract: A stable protein-coated nickel particle useful in biological assays contains a nickel particle having removed from the surface thereof nickel oxide; a linker attached to said nickel particle, the linker having a free amino group; and a protein attached to said linker by covalently bonding to the free amino group. Methods of producing and using these oxide-free nickel-protein conjugates are disclosed.

Abstract: A stable colloidal particle comprises a colloidal-sized core substrate having amine-reactive functional groups thereon with an aminodextran coating over its peripheral surface and a layer of colloidal-sized metallic solid overlaying the aminodextran coating. A linker comprising aminotrithiolate attached to the metallic solid has a free amino group to which a protein is attached by covalent bonding to the free amino group. Such novel particles are useful in flow cytometry, particularly useful in the simultaneous analyses of subpopulations of leukocytes. Methods of preparation of such particles, as well as methods of use are provided. These conjugates enable the simultaneous analyses of at least two different mutually exclusive subsets of white blood cells, based on the binding affinity of the conjugated protein.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation of preserved, non-infectious control cells. The control cells are prepared by modification, activation or otherwise changing selected normal leukocyte cells, tissue culture cells or zenogenic transplants in immunosuppressed animals to have characteristics of abnormal cells or by the addition of cells from an established cell line, which has been similarly modified or activated, to a normal leukocyte population. The preferred method of preserving the control cells is by lyophilization using an isotonic 10% trehalose solution.

Abstract: Preparation of non-infectious control cells from normal, non-infectious, non-disease altered blood by depletion or augmentation of one or more cell types found in normal blood to reflect a specific disease state. The control cells so produced are preserved and thereafter reconstituted for use in immunological assays.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of novel aminodextran compounds containing about 5-20% by weight amine groups to bind a plurality of monoclonal antibodies. The resulting antibody-aminodextran compounds may be used to induce the activation and proliferation of selected mammalian cells. Specific examples are given using an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody conjugated two aminodextrans containing about 5% and 16%, respectively, by weight amine groups as an agent for inducing the activation and proliferation of T cells.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation of preserved, non-infectious control cells. The control cells are prepared by modification, activation or otherwise changing selected normal leukocyte cells, tissue culture cells or zenogenic transplants in immunosuppressed animals to have characteristics of abnormal cells or by the addition of cells from an established cell line, which have been similarly modified or activated, to a normal leukocyte population. The preferred method of preserving the control cells is by lyophilization using an isotonic 10% trehalose solution.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of novel aminodextran compounds containing about 5-20% by weight amine groups to bind a plurality of monoclonal antibodies. The resulting antibody-aminodextran compounds may be used to induce the activation and proliferation of selected mammalian cells. Specific examples are given using an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody conjugated two aminodextrans containing about 5% and 16%, respectively, by weight amine groups as an agent for inducing the activation and proliferation of T cells.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation of preserved, non-infectious control cells. The control cells are prepared by modification, activation or otherwise changing selected normal leukocyte cells, tissue culture cells or zenogenic transplants in immunosuppressed animals to have characteristics of abnormal cells or by the addition of cells from an established cell line, which has been similarly modified or activated, to a normal leukocyte population. The preferred method of preserving the control cells is by lyophilization using an isotonic 10% trehalose solution.