Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating aggregation patterns includes detection of an image of the aggregation pattern and dividing the image into a plurality of image line data using a photoelectric element. The image line data defines an image waveform and includes a maximum image value. High and low image levels are defined based on the maximum image value. These high and low image levels are used to determine first and second areas of the aggregation pattern image, which first and second areas respectively include image values at least as large as the high and low image levels. An area difference between the first and second areas and a level difference between the high and low image levels are then calculated, along with a ratio of the area difference to the level difference. The calculated area difference and ratio are then compared with a predetermined reference value to discriminate whether or not the aggregation pattern is positive.

Abstract: The aggregation pattern of particles is determined by obtaining luminous intensity curves representative of the particle aggregation pattern, obtaining a first threshold face by cutting the curves with a plane positioned at a first given height, obtaining a second threshold face by cutting the curves with a plane positioned at a second given height and determining the particle aggregation pattern by calculating the ratio of the area of the first threshold face to the area of the second threshold face.

Abstract: A process for the detection of cancer comprises an immunological assay of a glycolipid present in blood, thoracic cavity fluid, abdominal dropsy or urine wherein the glycolipid can be any one selected from the group consisting of:(1) asialo GM.sub.1 : galactosyl-N-acetylgalactosaminyl-galactosyl-glucosyl-ceramide;(2) asialo GM.sub.2 : N-acetylgalactosaminyl-galactosyl-glucosyl-ceramide;(3) fuco GA.sub.1 : fucosyl-galactosyl-N-acetylgalactosaminyl-galactosyl-glucosyl-ceramide; and(4) paragloboside: galactosyl-N-acetylglucosaminyl-galactosyl-glucosyl-ceramide.These glycolipids have been found to increase in body fluids with a proliferation of cancer cells.