Abstract: An immunoassay reagent is provided which comprises an analyte binding agent in a diluent, and a glycosaminoglycan in an amount sufficient to reduce non-specific binding in an assay of a sample for the analyte. Provided is such an immunoassay reagent in which the analyte is troponin I, the analyte binding agent is a biotinylated anti-troponin I antibody, and the glycosaminoglycan is chondroitin sulfate. A sample composition is also provided which comprises a sample to be assayed for the presence of an analyte, an analyte binding agent, and a glycosaminoglycan other than heparin. Further provided is a method of detecting an analyte in a sample, in which non-specific binding is reduced in the method using a glycosaminoglycan.

Abstract: An immunoassay reagent is provided which comprises an analyte binding agent in a diluent, and a glycosaminoglycan in an amount sufficient to reduce non-specific binding in an assay of a sample for the analyte. Provided is such an immunoassay reagent in which the analyte is troponin I, the analyte binding agent is a biotinylated anti-troponin I antibody, and the glycosaminoglycan is chondroitin sulfate. A sample composition is also provided which comprises a sample to be assayed for the presence of an analyte, an analyte binding agent, and a glycosaminoglycan other than heparin. Further provided is a method of detecting an analyte in a sample, in which non-specific binding is reduced in the method using a glycosaminoglycan.

Abstract: An aqueous wash solution is useful for the detection of herpes simplex virus in a biological specimen. This solution has a pH of from about 9 to about 11.5, and consists essentially of an alcoholamine or a salt thereof and a nonionic surfactant. The solution is used to was uncomplexed materials from a complex of herpes simplex antigen and antibodies thereto. The wash solution can be supplied as part of a diagnostic test kit.

Abstract: An extraction composition is useful for lysing chlamydial, gonococcal or herpes organisms and extracting detectable antigen from the organisms. In particular, this composition has a high pH (at least about 8) and comprises an alcoholamine which is effective in extracting antigen. It is particularly useful for extracting either or both of the lipopolysaccharide and major outer membrane protein chlamydial antigens.

Abstract: An aqueous wash solution is useful for the detection of herpes simplex virus in a biological specimen. This solution has a pH of from about 9 to about 11.5, and consists essentially of an alcoholamine or a salt thereof and a nonionic surfactant. The solution is used to wash uncomplexed materials from a complex of herpes simplex antigen and antibodies thereto. The wash solution can be supplied as part of a diagnostic test kit.

Abstract: An extraction composition has been found useful for extracting antigen from herpes simplex virus. This composition has a pH of from about 8.5 to about 12, and comprises an alcoholamine or salt thereof, a nonionic surfactant comprised of a condensation product of an alkylphenol and ethylene oxide, cholic acid or a salt or derivative thereof and an anionic surfactant. Extraction of antigen is accomplished by contacting the extraction composition with a specimen suspected of containing herpes organisms under suitable conditions. Extracted antigen can be determined by forming an immunological complex with antibodies thereto and by detecting that complex. The extraction composition can be supplied as part of a diagnostic test kit.

Abstract: A filter providing at least two different filtering pore sizes for coarse and fine filtering, and a kit containing such filter along with an immunoassay test device containing a membrane. The membrane is used to separate bound immunoassay labels from free labels. The coarse and fine filtering are provided preferably by two different, serially arranged filters, the filter with the fine pore size being selected with a pore size similar to that of the membrane of the assay device.

Abstract: A method for the determination of cells in a sample is disclosed. The sample is typically urine and the method is useful in removing interfering reductants from the sample. The method comprises the steps of:(1) separating the cells from the sample,(2) washing the separated cells with:(a) an iron(III) chelate solution and(b) a non-ionic surfactant solution and(3) contacting the washed cells with a redox reagent so as to produce a detectable change due to the presence of the cells.

Abstract: Fluorimetric analysis of bilirubin contained in an aqueous liquid is carried out by the method comprising:(a) contacting together the aqueous liquid and an interactive, polymeric mordant composition for bilirubin to mordant bilirubin;(b) thereafter, or during step (a), subjecting the mordanted bilirubin to activating radiation effective to excite the mordanted bilirubin and produce detectable fluorescence; and(c) detecting this fluorescence to obtain a determination relating to the presence and/or concentration of bilirubin in the test sample.