Abstract: A process is described for producing surrogate antibody molecules that mimic the structure, stability, and binding characteristics of a natural antibody. Surrogate antibody structure, composition of surrogate antibody libraries, methods of surrogate antibody preparation, and surrogate antibody applications are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of surrogate antibody structural stabilization and resistance to nucleases. The surrogate antibodies comprise a specificity strand and a stabilization strand. The specificity strand comprises a nucleic acid sequence having a specificity region flanked by a first constant region and a second constant region. The stabilization strand comprises a first stabilization region that interacts with the first constant region and a second stabilization region that interacts with the second constant region. In further embodiments, the stabilization strand and the specificity strand comprise distinct molecules.

Abstract: An immunoassay method that integrates a sample processing component that enables the testing of a variety of environmental matrixes and the components for performing the method, wherein the immunoassay utilizes a monoclonal anti-PCB antibody to detect the presence or absence of PCB based contamination in a sample when tested in a field or laboratory location.

Abstract: An immunoassay method that integrates a sample processing component that enables the testing of a variety of environmental matrixes and the components for performing the method, wherein the immunoassay utilizes a monoclonal anti-PCB antibody to detect the presence or absence of PCB based contamination in a sample when tested in a field or laboratory location.

Abstract: An immunoassay method that integrates a sample processing component that enables the testing of a variety of environmental matrixes and the components for performing the method, wherein the immunoassay utilizes a monoclonal anti-petroleum antibody to detect the presence or absence of petroleum based contamination in a sample when tested in a field or laboratory location.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of oil in a soil matrix is provided, in which the method involves: extracting a soil sample with a solvent in the presence of a drying agent to provide an extract containing oil, if present in the soil sample, wherein the solvent is capable of complete solvation of oil and is completely miscible with water; filtering the extract; combining the filtered extract with water in the presence of an emulsifier to form an assay sample; and determining the amount of oil in the soil sample by measuring the turbidity of the assay sample to provide a turbidimetric response for the assay sample which correlates to concentration of oil present in the assay sample and comparing the turbidimetric response to a standard curve prepared from performing the methods on soil samples of known oil content. A kit for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An immunoassay method that integrates a sample processing component that enables the testing of a variety of environmental matrixes and the components for performing the method, wherein the immunoassay utilizes a monoclonal anti-PAH antibody to detect the presence or absence of PAH contamination in a sample when tested in a field or laboratory location.

Abstract: Methods for the detection, identification and/or quantitation of halogenated hydrocarbons in aqueous samples and kits for performing the methods are provided which provide high sensitivity and can provide high selectively for individual halogenated hydrocarbons such as TCE or THMs. An additional method is provided for the sensitive determination of TTHM in an aqueous sample. These methods use a general two step procedure of (1) extracting and concentrating the halogenated hydrocarbons from the aqueous sample and (2) subjecting the concentrated halogenated hydrocarbons to a modified Fujiwara reaction to provide chromophoric products which can be analyzed by absorption spectra of the resulting mixtures.

Abstract: An immunoassay method that integrates a sample processing component that enables the testing of samples for the presence of an immunologically non-remarkable compound, such as benzene, by the use of a monoclonal antibody having specific reactivity for an immunologically remarkable compound, such as nitrobenzene, which has been prepared by reacting the immunologically non-remarkable compound with derivatizing agent, and the components for performing the method, wherein one example of the immunoassay utilizes a monoclonal anti-nitrobenzene antibody to detect the presence or absence of benzene contamination in an aqueous sample when tested in a field or laboratory location.

Abstract: An immunoassay method that integrates a sample processing component that enables the testing of a variety of environmental matrixes and the components for performing the method, wherein the immunoassay utilizes a monoclonal anti-PAH antibody to detect the presence or absence of PAH contamination in a sample when tested in a field or laboratory location.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved assay for measuring thyroxine uptake by thyroxine binding globulin in which thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) activity is measured directly. The method comprises combining a sample in an aqueous solution with an enzyme donor (ED) conjugated to an analogue of polyiodothyronine that competes with thyroxine for thyroxine binding globulin binding sites. An enzyme acceptor (EA) characterized by providing a modulated enzyme activity in relation to the amount of TBG activity is combined with an enzyme donor and sample in an aqueous solution. The amount of enzyme activity in comparison to a control solution having a known amount of available TBG binding sites is determined.

Abstract: An immunoassay for detecting total aldicarb in an aqueous sample suspected of containing the same is disclosed. In the inventive method, an oxidant is added to the aqueous sample, with the oxidant provided in an amount sufficient to oxidize all aldicarb contained in the solution to aldicarb sulfone. Next, the aqueous sample is combined with a thioether solution capable of neutralizing excess oxidant in the aqueous sample to thereby provide a neutralized test solution. The neutralized test solution is then contacted to an antibody capable of binding aldicarb sulfone, and the aldicarb sulfone bound to the antibody detected.

Abstract: A method is provided for combining normally interacting reagents in a liquid single reagent and preventing complex formation using a surfactant and then reversing the inhibition by adding a cyclodextrin. The method finds particular use in diagnostic immunoassays. Reagents facilitating the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A test card adapted for the performance of an immunochemical diagnostic or serological test thereon comprises a test surface member and a covering member foldable thereon, the covering member being provided with circular convex windows which when folded over are in registry with circular test areas on the test surface member, permitting visual observation of test results, the inner surface of the covering member having adhered thereto a continuous sheet of an absorbent material which becomes transparent upon contact with a liquid, said sheet extending across the windows and permitting viewing of the test results when the test card is closed. Fixed to both surfaces of the absorbent material is a film of double sided adhesive. This adhesive covers the entire absorbent sheet on both sides except for cut-out areas in registry with the transparent window and reaction area. The adhesive on one side bonds the absorbent material to the cover element.

Abstract: A novel test card adapted for the performance of an immunochemical, diagnostic or serological test upon its surface, and which is provided with an end flap which may be folded over to enclose and preserve the test results. The flap portion is provided with circular openings which when folded over, are in registry with circular test areas on the surface of the card, permitting visual observation of the test results. The card may be used, for example, for blood group typing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stable preparation of human erythrocytes for use in reverse blood typing comprising erythrocytes hemolyzed by gradual hypotonic hemolysis using a sequence of aqueous hypotonic buffers to form stroma wherein the stroma cells are in the form of discoid bodies having the reticular membrane of the cell substantially intact. The stroma reagent has been found to be highly stable and antigenic in the sense that it contains blood group antigens (carried on the stroma cells), and can be admixed with human blood serum or plasma to determine the presence of hemologous blood group antibodies.