Abstract: The dyes of the present invention are useful for many purposes that include markers or tags for detecting the presence of a molecule or compound to which they are bound. The dyes may be either red-excitable or blue-excitable. The dyes of the invention are particularly well suited for staining of nucleic acids. For example, these dyes are particularly suitable for staining of RNA in reticulocytes. In another exemplary application, these dyes are suitable for staining DNA in nucleated red blood cells. Typically, when used in staining of nucleic acids, the dyes are formulated into reagent solutions. In addition, the invention provides compositions and methods for facilitating rapid transport of dye molecules through a cell membrane. Such rapid staining requires that a sample be contacted with a dye composition of the invention in the presence of at least one surfactant and optionally, a sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A dye compound having the formula I: wherein, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3; R1 is H, alkyl, or an alkoxy group; R2 is CH2(CH2)mOH, wherein m is 0, 1, 2, or 3; X is O, S, or C(CH3)2; R is CH3, CH(CH3)2, CH2CH2OH, alkyl, alkylsulfonate, or hydroxyalkyl and B− is a counteranion. Red- and blue-excitable dyes based on the above chemical structure are described, and reagents containing them are described for use in staining nucleic acid, more particularly for staining reticulocytes. Also described are methods for detecting reticulocytes using such compositions.

Abstract: The dyes of the present invention are useful for many purposes that include markers or tags for detecting the presence of a molecule or compound to which they are bound. The dyes may be either red-excitable or blue-excitable. The dyes of the invention are particularly well suited for staining of nucleic acids. For example, these dyes are particularly suitable for staining of RNA in reticulocytes. In another exemplary application, these dyes are suitable for staining DNA in nucleated red blood cells. Typically, when used in staining of nucleic acids, the dyes are formulated into reagent solutions. In addition, the invention provides compositions and methods for facilitating rapid transport of dye molecules through a cell membrane. Such rapid staining requires that a sample be contacted with a dye composition of the invention in the presence of at least one surfactant and optionally, a sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A solid-phase immunoassay is provided for determination of HIV antigens in human physiological fluid. The immunoassay is characterized by the coating of a solid substrate with a unique monoclonal antibody which recognizes a common antigenic determinant of a group of HIV core antigens and no HIV envelope antigens of HIV. The test sample preferably also is subjected to a lysing reagent prior to the incubation for uniformly dispersing antigens which may be present in the test sample.

Abstract: A solid-phase immunoassay is provided for determination of members of an immunological pair such as antigen and/or antibody of a single binding pair in human physiological fluid, wherein a single immunoassay enables simultaneous detection of antigen and/or antibody of a single binding pair in a test sample which may have circulating antigen and/or antibody. The immunoassay is characterized by the addition of an amount of antigen or "spike" of the binding pair to the test sample prior to incubation of the test sample in the presence of a solid-phase absorbed antibody of the binding pair. The test sample preferably also is subjected to a lysing reagent prior to the incubation for uniformly dispensing antigens which may be present in the test sample.