Abstract: A fixative-stain system, which gives superior preservation of nuclear detail, is free from toxic mercury compounds, and which is simple and easy to use, includes a zinc salt and a cobalt salt, in combination, as a fixative, and at least one of Chlorazol Black E, Fast Green FCF and May-Grunwald stains, and preferably the three in admixture, as a staining composition. The fixative may also be used alone. The present fixative-stain system is suitable for fixing and staining all types of parasites such as enteric and other parasites which infect animals and humans.

Abstract: A method for the rapid identification and differentiation of HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 with fluorescein-conjugated Helix pomatia lectin. Clinical specimens are processed, with centrifugation, in pre-prepared shell vials of cell culture, with subsequent supplementation and 20 hour incubation (approximately) at 37.degree. C. Coverslips of the shell vials are then fixed, air dried, overlaid with fluorescein-conjugated Helix pomatia lectin, washed, dried, mounted and examined under a microscope equipped with an ultraviolet light source. The identification of fluorescence confirms herpes virus infection. Granular fluorescent patterns confirm presence of HSV-2 serotype and diffuse fluorescent patterns confirm presence of HSV-1 serotype.

Abstract: A means for identifying C. jejuni, from stool specimens, by the extraction and agglutination of its soluble antigen(s). More specifically, bacteria are concentrated from fresh (unpreserved) stool specimens, soluble antigen is released--preferably either by a specified heating protocol or by the action of a particular enzyme--and the antigen is detected by agglutination upon exposure to monoclonal, polyclonal or other corresponding antibodies. The method of the invention not only fosters efficiency in the laboratory but also provides rapid diagnosis of the presence of C. jejuni, so that appropriate patient treatment may begin at the earliest opportunity.

Abstract: Method for crystallization of a water and honey mixture by means of lyophilizing apparatus, having a honey-water mixture container, including the steps of preparing the mixture of honey and water; placing the mixture in the container; vibrating it in the container until the mixture is homogeneous; lyophilizing the homogeneous mixture of honey and water and finally removing the freeze-dried honey from the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a ready-to-use microtube and method for the simple and accurate identification of beta-hemolytic streptococci from inoculated swabs. Non-volatile reagents are selected and affixed to two separate loci within the microtube by means of a stable, water-soluble or -dispersible binder. At the time of patient examination, the patient site (pharynx, etc.) is swabbed and the swab is placed, tip down, in the prepared microtube. Four to six drops of distilled water are added, the swab is rotated and, after a brief incubation period, an agglutination agent is used to verify the presence or absence of a specific streptococcus group antigen by the presence or absence of a visible agglutination. The test is suitable for use in identifying any streptococcus group which bears antigens susceptible to extraction by nitrous acid, including in particular the clinically significant group A, B, C, F, and G beta-hemolytic streptococci.

Abstract: A stain-fixative composition, for use in the microscopic identification of enteric protozoa and other parasites in fecal specimens, contains Ponceau S Stain, Chlorazol Fast Pink BK Stain, Trypan Blue Stain, dimethyl sulfoxide and a fixative component. The fixative component may be either a polyvinyl alcohol fixative or may be a mixture of isopropanol, acetic acid, liquified phenol, distilled water and optional glutaraldehyde. The stain-fixative composition is simple to prepare, has a long shelf life at ambient conditions, is easy to use and is suitable for preparing formalin or tap water concentrates, wet mount slides, or permanent smears prepared with gelatin-glycerol or resinous mounting media. In addition, the stain-fixative composition is free from the toxic mercury compounds often found in prior art staining reagents. The stain-fixative composition gives superior fixation and resolution, yet its use requires a minimum of time and attention in the laboratory.

Abstract: A diagnostic cell test and kit for detecting human chorionic gonadotropin as evidence of cancer. The subject's cells undergoing examination are contacted with antiserum specific to the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, the antiserum having been raised in a host animal. The treated cells are divided into two portions. The portions are treated with antiserum to the gamma globulin of the host animal. The antiserum to the gamma globulin used in treating the first portion is conjugated to fluorescin, and the antiserum used in contacting the second portion is conjugated to peroxidase. A positive test for cancer is concluded only when both tests on the two portions of the cells are positive.

Abstract: A diagnostic cell test and kit for detecting human chorionic gonadotropin as evidence of cancer. The subject's cells undergoing examination are contacted with artiserum specific to the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, the antiserum having been raised in a host animal. The treated cells are divided into two portions. The portions are treated with antiserum to the gamma globulin of the host animal. The antiserum to the gamma globulin used in treating the first portion is conjugated to fluorescein and the antiserum used in contacting the second portion is conjugated to peroxidase. A positive test for cancer is concluded only when both tests on the two portions of the cells are positive.

Abstract: Malignant neoplastic cells synthesize and secrete human chorionic gonadotropin into the circulatory system, where the glycoprotein hormone is collected or adsorbed by the host's lymphocytes. This application discloses a clinical diagnostic test and kit for determining the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin in blood. Where the test is positive in a man or a non-pregnant woman cancer is present in the host.