Abstract: A multi-cell rotor for an automatic analyzer for examining biological fluids includes measurement cells of different configurations and also chambers of different geometries, in identical or different configurations, which receive different volumes of fluid, arranged on the rotor and used for preparing for measurements. The chambers can fluidly communicate with one another.

Abstract: The accuracy of a diagnostic test for determining the coagulability of blood is improved by reducing the interference by heparin. At least one metal salt, preferably a copper or zinc salt, is added to the diagnostic test to avoid or considerably reduce the undesirable influence of heparin on the test.

Abstract: Peptide amides of the formula I (SEQ ID NOS: 3-21)GPRP--X--NR.sub.1 --R.sub.2 Iwhere G is the amino acid glycine, P is the amino acid L-proline, R is the amino acid L-arginine, X is a proteinogenous amino acid apart from proline or a dipeptide from these amino acids including proline, N is nitrogen and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and are hydrogen or a lower alkyl chain having up to 4 carbon atoms; processes for the preparation thereof and the use thereof as medicament or for diagnostic purposes are described.

Abstract: Processes for reactivating membrane proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agent for the preservation, storage and suspension of cells, especially erythrocytes, which contains a chelating agent for multiply charged metal ions, in addition to other substances known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, electrolytes and sugars.

Abstract: Peptide amides of the formula I (SEQ ID NOS: 3-21)GPRP--X--NR.sub.1 --R.sub.2 Iwhere G is the amino acid glycine, P is the amino acid L-proline, R is the amino acid L-arginine, X is a proteinogenous amino acid apart from proline or a dipeptide from these amino acids including proline, N is nitrogen and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and are hydrogen or a lower alkyl chain having up to 4 carbon atoms; processes for the preparation thereof and the use thereof as medicament or for diagnostic purposes are described.

Abstract: A method and reagent for determining fibrinogen from undiluted plasma samples. The use of undiluted plasma as sample is made possible by the use of a specific peptide inhibitor of fibrin aggregation in a concentration which permits aggregation of fibrin but with reduced speed, so that coagulation time can be measured easily. The range of fibrinogen concentrations which can be measured is increased as compared to that of known methods, and the measurement can be fully automated without prediluting the sample. A biological fluid, e.g., undiluted plasma, is incubated with a reagent containing at least one inhibitor of fibrin aggregation in an amount effective to increase coagulation time to allow measurement of the fibrin concentration, e.g., a coagulation time of about 50 to 150 seconds at a fibrin concentration of 1 gram/liter, and thrombin, or a protease of analogous activity in an amount, which immediately converts all the fibrinogen into soluble fibrin, e.g., in an excess of at least 20 U per ml of plasma.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the functional determination of von Willebrand factor by determination of the sedimentation rate of platelets in the presence of ristocetin during centrifugation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cuvette rotor having at least one radially extending cuvette with a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber, the first chamber being located at a central location on the rotor, the third chamber being located at a peripheral location on the rotor, and the second chamber being located between the first and third chambers. The cuvette is defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls. A first barrier defines a boundary between the first and second chambers, and a second barrier defines a boundary between the second and third chambers. First, second and third ports are disposed in the top wall of the cuvette above the first, second and third chambers, respectively, and a first deflector is disposed between the first and second ports and connected to the top wall of the cuvette. Similarly, a second deflector is disposed between the second and third ports and is connected to the top wall of the cuvette.