Abstract: Peptides which present an epitope substantially similar to the activation site region epitope of apolipoprotein(a) are provided. Antibodies raised against such peptides bind to apolipoprotein(a). Such antibodies and peptides, as well as peptide constructs for immunization are provided. Also provided are monoclonal antibodies and hybridomas, polyclonal serum, assays, diagnostic systems in kit form, chromatographic methods and materials, and synthetic secondary standards. Therapeutic compositions and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A bead holder comprising a disc-like member having a central opening and having on its top surface a plurality of wells each adapted to receive a spherical bead is disclosed. The wells are defined by an outer peripheral wall, an inner wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls. Each outer peripheral wall is provided with an aperture therethrough which communicates with an upper part of the well whereby liquid is maintainable in the wells and removable from the wells by centrifugal force. The bead holder is preferably sized to be releasably mounted on the rotor of a centrifugal analyzer or on a centrifugal bead washer which also forms a part of the present invention.

Abstract: A centrifugal analyzer and method for performing chemical reaction measurements. A cuvette ring (60) is positioned on a rotor (36) encircling a shaft (40). A carrier member (62) defining a central aperture (92) is positioned within the central opening of the cuvette ring (60). The carrier member (62) defines a plurality of slots (100), each of which receives a disposable container-like insert (130). The inserts (130) may carry a precoating of an agent for use in an in vitro diagnostic test. Each insert has a slot (136) for enabling centrifugal transfer of the liquid in the insert through the slot, through the aperture (122) defined by the peripheral wall of the carrier member (62), and into a respective cuvette cell.