Abstract: A swab device, method, and kit for collecting and analyzing a sample for an analyte (antigens or antibodies) on the swab. The device includes a narrow rod or stick-like support in combination with an assay medium which is positioned adjacent to the support. The assay medium is extended longitudinally down the support a length sufficient to permit an immunoassay to be carried out within it. The assay medium and the support may include a capillary medium. A collection medium may also be attached to the capillary medium to enhance sample collection. The method includes collecting a sample suspected of containing the analyte in a sample collection area at the end of the swab. A liquid containing a labelled component is applied to the swab and allowed to immunochemically react with the sample. If the analyte is present, an immunocomplex is formed and retained on the swab. A wash solution is subsequently applied to the swab to effect the separation of the immunocomplex from excess free label.

Abstract: A method for conducting a ligand assay in an inert porous medium wherein a binding material is immunologically immobilized within the medium, which includes the steps of immunologically immobilizing a binding material within a finite zone of the medium, applying an analyte to the zone containing the immobilized binding material, applying a labeled indicator to the zone which becomes immobilized within the zone in an amount which can be correlated to the amount of analyte in the zone, applying a solvent to substantially the center of the zone to chromatographically separate the unbound labeled indicator from the zone, and measuring the amount of labeled indicator remaining in the zone.

Abstract: A method for conducting a ligand assay in an inert porous medium wherein a binding material is immunologically immobilized within the medium, which includes the steps of immunologically immobilizing a binding material within a finite zone of the medium, applying an analyte to the zone containing the immobilized binding material, applying a labeled indicator to the zone which becomes immobilized within the zone in an amount which can be correlated to the amount of analyte in the zone, applying a solvent to substantially the center of the zone to chromatographically separate the unbound labeled indicator from the zone, and measuring the amount of labeled indicator remaining in the zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detection for serum antibody and/or microbial surface antigen by radial partition immunoassay. The method of this invention is applicable to (a) the evaluation of a clinical specimen for identification of a microorganism; (b) antimicrobial sensitivity assays for determination of an efficacious antibiotic for use against a specific microorganism; (c) a semi-quantitative determination of viral surface antigen; and, (d) a quantitative method for the determination of the presence of serum antibodies to microbial antigens. In each of the foregoing applications, the analyte of interest can be immobilized within a porous matrix (solid phase) by simple pipetting of the sample onto the prepared matrix. Appropriate reagents are subsequently applied to the matrix to effect immunochemical interaction of a labeled binding material to the surface antigen (or antibody) of the analyte of interest. The portion of the matrix within which such interaction takes place is termed the "reaction zone".

Abstract: A method for conducting a ligand assay in an inert porous medium wherein a binding material is immunologically immobilized within the medium, which includes the steps of immunologically immobilizing a binding material within a finite zone of the medium, applying an analyte to the zone containing the immobilized binding material, applying a labeled indicator to the zone which becomes immobilized within the zone in an amount which can be correlated to the amount of analyte in the zone, applying a solvent to substantially the center of the zone to chromatographically separate the unbound labeled indicator from the zone, and measuring the amount of labeled indicator remaining in the zone.

Abstract: A method for the determination of amylase, based on the cleavage of colorimetric, ultraviolet absorbing or fluorometric substances, commonly referred to as chromogenic substances as p-nitrophenol derivatives of oligosaccharides of chain length 4-10 glucose units. Oligosaccharides of this chain length are resistant to cleavage by .alpha. and/or .beta.-glucosidase and contain endo-.alpha.-1,4 linkages which are required for amylase activity. Cleavage of the .alpha.-1,4 bonds by amylase produces smaller fragments which are acted upon by .alpha.-glucosidase and/or .beta.-glucosidase to liberate a chromophore. The rate of appearance of the chromophore is proportional to amylase activity and lends itself to either rate or endpoint determinations. The qualitative or quantitative measurement of amylase concentrations in a sample is useful in medical diagnosis.