Abstract: The invention provides novel antibodies which specifically bind to the methylphenidate metabolite, ritalinic acid, enabling an immunoassay that can detect methylphenidate in biological samples for an extended period following its ingestion. The invention also describes novel conjugates and kits incorporating the antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantification of 1-benzylpiperazine and its metabolites. The invention is underpinned by novel polyclonal antibodies with unique binding properties which enable immunoassay methods and kits for various applications.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for screening for cancer in a subject, by measuring the level of dimeric IL-18 in a sample obtained from the subject, and comparing that level with the level in a normal control sample. The present invention also describes an assay for screening for cancer in a subject, by measuring the level of dimeric IL-18 in a sample obtained from the subject, whereby an elevated level of dimeric IL-18 is indicative of cancer.

Abstract: A biochip well is disclosed, including a vessel containing a well therewithin, the vessel forming at least base and side walls of the well and defining at least one aperture giving access to the well, and further including retaining means for holding a biochip at a predetermined position within the well, the well including a laterally offset region into which the biochip does not protrude when held at the predetermined position by the retaining means. Also disclosed are sealed well assemblies and apparatus and methods for opening sealed wells.

Abstract: Components for enabling immunodetection of methoxetamine are described including immunogens, haptens, antibodies and kits.

Abstract: Antibodies, immunoassay methods and kits thereof are described for the detection and determination of 3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid. The novel immunogens from which said antibodies are generated are also described.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and kits for detecting and determining current and future synthetic cannabinoids from the JWH and RCS families. Unique antibodies derived from novel immunogens enable said methods and kits.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and kits for detecting and determining current and future synthetic cannabinoids from the JWH and CP families. Unique antibodies derived from novel immunogens enable said methods and kits.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and kits for detecting and determining current and future synthetic cannabinoids from the CP family. Unique antibodies derived from novel immunogens enable said methods and kits.

Abstract: Antibodies, immunoassay methods and kits for the detection and determination of 3,4,-dichloro-N-[(1-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl)methyl]benzamide and 3,4,-dichloro-N-[(1-(methylamino)cyclohexyl)methyl]benzamide, as well as the precursory immunogens, are described.

Abstract: The current invention describes novel immunogens which are used in the production of novel antibodies with unique binding properties in that they cross-react with a variety of phenylpiperazine derivatives. These antibodies enable methods and kits to detect and/or determine phenylpiperazine derivatives (for example mCPP, TFMPP and MeOPP) in an in vitro sample which are advantageous over currently available analytical methods in terms of cost, ease of use, speed and sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and solid state devices for detecting and staging chronic kidney disease in a patient, where the levels of biomarkers in a sample obtained from a patient are elevated or reduced compared to the levels in a sample obtained from healthy subject. The invention also relates to the use of methods and solid state devices for measurement of specific biological markers for determining the efficacy of a treatment for chronic kidney disease and for determining a drug treatment protocol for a subject suffering from chronic kidney disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of aiding the differential diagnosis of haemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke and a transient ischemic attack in a patient who has suffered or is suffering a stroke. The method comprises: (i) determining the concentration of the biomarkers VCAM-1, GFAP and CRP in an ex vivo sample obtained from the patient; and (ii) establishing the statistical significance of the concentration of the biomarkers. Optionally, the method further comprises steps of (iii) determining the concentration of the biomarkers IL-6 and sTNFR1 in an ex vivo sample obtained from the patient; (iv) determining the gender of the patient; and (v) establishing the statistical significance of the concentration of the five biomarkers, in conjunction with the patient's gender. The present invention also provides substrates comprising probes for VCAM-1, GFAP and CRP for use in a method for aiding the differential diagnosis of stroke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies for use in detecting polymyxins and tracers; and to a single-capture immunodetection method and kits, each utilising the antibodies of the invention, and disclosed tracers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis of subjects that have or are at risk of having Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular the present invention identifies individuals who have or are at risk of having AD through measurement of the levels of Afamin in combination with at least one other biomarker such as Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, Alpha-2-macroglobulin, ApoB100, Complement C5, Serine threonine protein kinase TBK1 or Complement C3 in a fluid sample taken from a subject. Furthermore, genotype (Apolipoprotein E or glutathione S-transferase Omega) may also be taken into consideration and used within classification algorithms to determine the probability of a subject having or being at risk of having AD.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved immunoassay for the detection and determination of pyrrolidinophenone based designer drugs in hair and biological fluids (urine, blood, and oral fluid). The generic immunoassay is underpinned by novel, sub-family-specific antibodies, which display surprising sensitivity. The invention further describes substrates comprising an antibody that is specific to compounds of the pyrrolidinophenone family. Also described are the novel immunogens from which the antibodies are derived and kits incorporating the antibodies of the current invention.

Abstract: A valve for a reagent bottle is provided, the valve including a resilient membrane configured to extend across an opening in the reagent bottle, the resilient membrane having at least one slit extending therethrough. Also disclosed is a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a reagent from a reagent bottle, the dispensing apparatus comprising: a probe assembly having a probe adapted for insertion into the reagent bottle through the valve and an extraction mechanism for drawing reagent out of the reagent bottle through the probe. A valve opening assembly is provided, which is adapted to open the valve of the reagent bottle such that the probe can pass through the valve without contacting the valve.

Abstract: Components for enabling immunodection of indazole synthetic cannabinoids are described including immunogens, haptens, antibodies, methods and kits.

Abstract: An assembly for monitoring load on a drum during an operation in a well with a well access line deployed from the drum. The assembly may include multiple line detection mechanisms for acquiring real-time information relative to dynamic characteristics of the lone over the course of the operation. The assembly also includes a processor for computing the real-time information in light of pre-stored information relative to physical characteristics of the line and the drum. As a result, real-time monitoring of a load on the drum may be achieved. Thus, the operation may be adjusted in real-time as necessary to avoid over-loading of the drum. Additionally, a drum load history may be recorded so as to better account for the true condition of the drum following successive operations.

Abstract: An immunoassay method for detecting and determining ‘NBOMe’ family designer drugs is described. Also described are components for use in implementing the method, namely, antibodies, detection agents, solid state devices and kits as well as immunogens used to raise the antibodies.