Abstract: A method and apparatus that serve as a control and calibrator for assays performed on cells and tissues mounted on a microscope slide is described. The apparatus comprises a quality control moiety, such as a peptide epitope, linked to a particulate object such as a clear spherical bead. The bead is preferably approximately the size of a cell. The assay result is usually observed and measured by microscopy. The quality control moiety is designed to behave in a similar manner in the assay as an analyte, yielding a positive assay reaction. The bead is retained on a microscope slide during the steps of staining by a novel liquid matrix, which solidifies upon drying and causes adherence of the beads to the microscope slide. The solidified matrix is porous, allowing diffusion of reactants. It is also impervious to boiling and organic solvents, which are commonly used in histopathology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that serve as a control and calibrator for assays performed on cells and tissues mounted on a microscope slide is described. The apparatus comprises a quality control moiety, such as a peptide epitope, linked to a particulate object, such as a clear spherical bead and the bead is preferably approximately the size of a cell. The quality control moiety is designed to behave in a similar manner in the assay as an analyte, yielding a positive assay reaction an the bead is retained on a microscope slide during the steps of staining by a novel liquid matrix, which solidifies upon drying and causes adherence of the beads to the microscope slide.

Abstract: An antigen-dependent negative selection blood cell separation method is described. Rare circulating epithelial cells can be separated from blood by depleting erythrocytes from a blood sample. Erythrocytes are depleted by agglutination. The new method comprises the use of an agglutinating agent, such as an anti-glycophorin A or glycophorin B antibody, as glycophorin A or B are present on erythrocytes and not on the desired epithelial cells. With regular mixing, desired rare circulating epithelial cells do not become entrapped in the red cell agglutinate.

Abstract: There are many clinical instances in which, during the course of a disease, a patient may produce an antibody directed to unknown protein target(s). The targeted antigen(s) may be autoantigens (e.g., autoimmune diseases), microbial antigens (e.g., infectious diseases), allergens or, as in the case of B lymphoproliferative disorders and monoclonal gammopathies, antigens of unknown identity. When the antigen source is known or suspected, it may be feasible to construct a cDNA expression library and identify it. However, with no clues as to the antigen's origin, expression screening is impossible. We describe a new search strategy to overcome this limitation. We term the approach Epitope-Mediated Antigen Prediction (E-MAP). The technology enables one to link antibodies of unknown specificity to their cognate/target antigens in the protein database without requiring prior knowledge of their cellular source. We also describe a clinical application of the E-MAP technology to the study of multiple myeloma.

Abstract: An antigen-dependent negative selection blood cell separation method is described. Rare circulating epithelial cells can be separated from blood by depleting erythrocytes from a blood sample. Erythrocytes are depleted by agglutination. The new method comprises the use of an agglutinating agent, such as an anti-glycophorin A or glycophorin B antibody, as glycophorin A or B are present on erythrocytes and not on the desired epithelial cells. With regular mixing, desired rare circulating epithelial cells do not become entrapped in the red cell agglutinate.

Abstract: The invention describes quality control devices for assays that measure analytes in cells and tissue samples, and methods of use thereof. In particular, the quality control device comprises a matrix affixed with synthetic controls in different concentrations, or different synthetic controls. The quality control device can be adhered to a microscope slide via an adhesive or chemically attached to a microscope slide and processed simultaneously with a tissue sample.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for attaching biological molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates to a glass surface. In particular, a covalent attachment method is described wherein a glass surface is first activated with a water-stable form of an isocyanate, termed a protected isocyanate. The protecting group of the isocyanate moiety is displaced by amines, hydroxyl, or carboxyl groups of biological molecules, leading to covalent attachment to the glass surface.

Abstract: The invention describes quality control devices for assays that measure analytes in cells and tissue samples, and methods of use thereof. In particular, the quality control device comprises a matrix affixed with synthetic controls in different concentrations, or different synthetic controls. The quality control device can be adhered to a microscope slide via an adhesive or chemically attached to a microscope slide and processed simultaneously with a tissue sample.