Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved methods of processing, measuring, and detecting levels of ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) in blood samples taken from a human subject at time points within about 8 hours (or about 8 hours or less) after obtaining the sample from the subject. UCH-L1 is an early biomarker for traumatic brain injury (TBI), and there is a need for improved methods for assessing UCH-L1 in blood can aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of a human subject who has sustained or may have sustained a head injury.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved methods of processing, measuring, and detecting levels of ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) in blood samples taken from a human subject at time points within about 8 hours (or about 8 hours or less) after obtaining the sample from the subject. UCH-L1 is an early biomarker for traumatic brain injury (TBI), and there is a need for improved methods for assessing UCH-L1 in blood can aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of a human subject who has sustained or may have sustained a head injury.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved methods of processing, measuring, and detecting levels of ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) in blood samples taken from a human subject at time points within about 8 hours (or about 8 hours or less) after obtaining the sample from the subject. UCH-L1 is an early biomarker for traumatic brain injury (TBI), and there is a need for improved methods for assessing UCH-L1 in blood can aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of a human subject who has sustained or may have sustained a head injury.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for decreasing interferences and inaccuracies due to nonoptimal sample handling of blood samples in plasma or serum containing assay samples of specific binding assays by addition of a large polycation to the assay sample during the specific binding assay.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for decreasing interferences and inaccuracies due to nonoptimal sample handling of blood samples in plasma or serum containing assay samples of specific binding assays by addition of a large polycation to the assay sample during the specific binding assay.

Abstract: The invention is a rapid, continuous test for glycated hemoglobin using a non-equilibrium affinity binding method. Agarose beads derivatized with 3-aminophenylboronic acid specifically bind glycated hemoglobin. This solid phase is incorporated into a sample processor card, modified to mix and to separate the test solution from the solid phase prior to absorbance readings. Two absorbance readings are made on the test solution, one immediately after mixing the reagent/diluent with the specimen, and one after a significant amount of binding has occurred. A linear correlation between total glycated hemoglobin and hemoglobin A.sub.1c permits standardization and reporting of units equivalent to % hemoglobin A.sub.1c. Stable glycated hemoglobin solutions for use as standards in the assay, and a method for preparing the standards are also disclosed.

Abstract: Detection of lead present in a sample, comprising the steps of: (a) adding a lead recovery agent to an assay solution containing lead from the sample; (b) adding to the assay solution a disulfide enzyme which is inhibited in the presence of lead; and (c) correlating the activity of the disulfide enzyme to the amount of lead in the sample. The lead recovery agent enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of the assay such that the assay can be readily automated for detection of lead in whole blood using commercially available automation systems.

Abstract: The invention is a rapid, continuous test for glycated hemoglobin using a non-equilibrium affinity binding method. Agarose beads derivatized with 3-aminophenylboronic acid specifically bind glycated hemoglobin. This solid phase is incorporated into a sample processor card, modified to mix and to separate the test solution from the solid phase prior to absorbance readings. Two absorbance readings are made on the test solution, one immediately after mixing the reagent/diluent with the specimen, and one after a significant amount of binding has occurred. A linear correlation between total glycated hemoglobin and hemoglobin A.sub.1c permits standardization and reporting of units equivalent to % hemoglobin A.sub.1c. Stable glycated hemoglobin solutions for use as standards in the assay, and a method for preparing the standards are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and kit for simplifying and improving the sensitivity and accuracy of a lead assay for a sample solution suspected of containing lead determines the extent of a reaction between a substrate and a disulfide enzyme in the presence of an activating reagent which contains a water-soluble tertiary phosphine reagent so as to increase the activity of the disulfide enzyme for reaction with the substrate. For a colorimetric determination of the enzyme activity a chromophore is formed upon reaction with a selected component of the sample solution in the presence of a colorimetric enhancing reagent. The colorimetric enhancing reagent contains a metal ion such as cupric ion or ferric ion which is soluble in the sample solution. The extent of the chromophore formation is then photometrically determined.