Abstract: An analyte control solution system tests a plurality of identical test strips, with each test strip having a plurality of different reactive chemicals attached on pads. The analyte control solution system has a first mixture of a first plurality of different analytes, with each of the first plurality of different analytes not reacting with one another, but reacting with a different one of the dipstick pads to generate a visual indicator. The first plurality of different analytes do not react with all of the pads attached to each test strip. Another control solution has a second mixture, physically different from the first mixture, of a second plurality of different analytes. Each of the second plurality of different analytes does not react with one another, but reacts with a different one of the plurality of different reactive chemicals on the test strip to generate a visual indicator.

Abstract: A composition and method for separating red blood cells from whole blood comprising a rouleaux-forming aggregator and an enhancer for enhancing the settling rate. The enhancer is a material which alters directly or indirectly the properties of the red blood cell and may alter the structure and/or reactivity of the aggregator, without adversely affecting the morphology and function of white blood cells. In most instances, the red blood cell enhancers of the invention are osmotic agents. Such agents create a hypertonic solution while not entering the cells themselves. Preferably the enhancer is a salt of oxalic acid, a salt of malonic acid, mannitol or sucrose. Potassium oxalate is most preferred. High molecular weight substances which are large enough to form molecular bridges between red blood cells form the aggregators used in the invention.

Abstract: A composition and method for separating red blood cells from whole blood including a rouleaux-forming aggregator and an enhancer for enhancing the settling rate. The enhancer is a material which alters directly or indirectly the properties of the red blood cell and may alter the structure and/or reactivity of the aggregator, without adversely affecting the morphology and function of white blood cells. In most instances, the red blood cell enhancers of the invention are osmotic agents. Such agents create a hypertonic solution while not entering the cells themselves. Preferably the enhancer is a salt of oxalic acid, a salt of malonic acid, mannitol or sucrose. Potassium oxalate is most preferred. High molecular weight substances which are large enough to form molecular bridges between red blood cells form the aggregators used in the invention.