Abstract: There is disclosed a slide test element and method of assay that allows for detection of analytes in biological liquids without the use of any detection reagents. The method uses NIR spectroscopy and a test element comprising a support, and a substantially constant light-path defining layer comprising a diffusely-reflecting material that is a) sufficiently porous in all directions as to allow a liquid to spread uniformly in all directions, and b) homogeneously reflects at least 95% of NIR radiation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a slide test element and method of assay that allows for detection of analytes in biological liquids without the use of any detection reagents. The method uses NIR spectroscopy and a test element comprising a support, and a substantially constant light-path defining layer comprising a diffusely-reflecting material that is a) sufficiently porous in all directions as to allow a liquid to spread uniformly in all directions, and b) homogeneously reflects at least 95% of NIR radiation.

Abstract: A buffered composition containing a nonionic or anionic surfactant, and a certain amount of a hydroxamic acid (or salt thereof) or an acyl hydrazine can be used as a wash composition in specific binding assays. Such assays include the use of a peroxidase labeled specific binding reactant to form a detectable peroxidase-labeled specific binding complex. The buffered composition and labeled reactant can be supplied in a diagnostic test kit. The hydroxamic acid or acyl hydrazine can be represented by the structure(I):R--CO--NH--R'wherein R is aryl or 6 to 10 carbon atoms in the aromatic nucleus, alkyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 to 10 carbon atoms in the ring, or heterocyclyl of 5 to 10 atoms in the ring, at least one of which is an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom, and R' is hydroxy or amino.

Abstract: The signal generated in a specific binding assay wherein a peroxidase label is used to detect the resulting specific binding complex on a microporous filtration membrane can be modulated by contacting the signal forming reagents with a buffered solution of a hydroxamic acid or acyl hydrazine having the structureR--CO--NH--R'or an equivalent salt thereof, wherein R is aryl of 6 to 10 carbon atoms in the aromatic nucleus, alkyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl of 5 to 10 carbon atoms in the ring, and R' is hydroxy or amino. This solution can be provided in a diagnostic test kit for use in various methods to detect a specific binding ligand. The result is improved signal stability and lowered background after the use of a high pH wash solution in the assay.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions, test kits, test devices and methods can be used to detect hydrogen peroxide or peroxidase by generating a colorimetric or chemiluminescent signal in the presence of the analyte. Signal generation is enhanced by the presence of certain substituted 4-hydroxy- or 4-alkoxy-substituted phenyl or naphthyl electron transfer agents.

Abstract: A dry analytical element can be used to sensitively and rapidly detect a wide variety of specific binding ligands in either a competitive binding or sandwich assay format. The assays are carried out using a peroxidase-labeled immunoreactant. The peroxidase label is stabilized with a 4-hydroxy or 4-alkoxyarylacetamide which is located in one or more zones of the element. Not only is the label stabilized with the stabilizer, but the assay is more sensitive.

Abstract: There are disclosed an ISE slide element and potentiometric measurement of assaying, using a slide element that is positionally insensitive about an axis of symmetry. This is achieved by accessing one of the electrodes in the center of the slide element, and the other in an annular groove centered on the element center, both for liquid contact and electrometer contact. Preferably, electrometer contact occurs at a side of the electrode opposite to the side contacted with liquid.

Abstract: An aqueous composition useful for providing a chemiluminescent signal in analytical methods is stabilized by the presence of specific amounts of either a low molecular weight cationic surfactant or a cationic polymer. The composition also includes a 2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione derivative, such as luminol, and 4'-hydroxyacetanilide. A chemluminescent signal is generated using the composition in the presence of peroxidase or a peroxidase-labeled specific binding species (such as an antibody or oligonucleotide).

Abstract: A buffered composition containing a nonionic or anionic surfactant, and a certain amount of a hydroxamic acid (or salt thereof) or an acyl hydrazine can be used as a wash composition in specific binding assays. Such assays include the use of a peroxidase labeled specific binding reactant to form a detectable peroxidase-labeled specific binding complex. The buffered composition and labeled reactant can be supplied in a diagnostic test kit. The hydroxamic acid or acyl hydrazine can be represented by the structure(I):R--CO--NH--R'wherein R is aryl or 6 to 10 carbon atoms in the aromatic nucleus, alkyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 to 10 carbon atoms in the ring, or heterocyclyl of 5 to 10 atoms in the ring, at least one of which is an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom, and R' is hydroxy or amino.

Abstract: A dressing device and method are described, for use with a needle that is injected into the skin. The dressing device comprises a cover sheet and a gel medium attached to the cover sheet, the gel medium being transparent and effective to reseal after being punctured by the needle. Most importantly, the gel medium includes a sterilizing agent.Injection of the needle into the skin occurs only after the needle penetrates the gel medium, so that the needle is disinfected or sterilized.

Abstract: A dressing device and method are described, for use with a needle that is injected into the skin. The dressing device comprises a cover sheet and a gel medium attached to the cover sheet, the gel medium being transparent and effective to reseal after being punctured by the needle. Most importantly, the gel medium includes a sterilizing agent.Injection of the needle into the skin occurs only after the needle penetrates the gel medium, so that the needle is disinfected or sterilized.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reference liquid for use with (a) a sample liquid to determine ionic activity of analytes, using differential analysis, and (b) two substantially identical dry-operative, ion-selective electrodes, the reference liquid comprising a solution mixture of (1) CsCl, and (2) an anion suitable for poising one of the electrodes for the analysis of the activity of CO.sub.2. A method of use is also described.

Abstract: There are disclosed a process and the product produced by the process, of making an ion selective electrode for chloride. The process features, after forming a metal chloride layer, the step of washing the electrode in an organic acid, inorganic acid, or a solution of a salt of the acids having certain specified properties.

Abstract: Potassium ion-selective compositions which comprise valinomycin and a particular carrier solvent capable of solvating valinomycin are disclosed. The carrier solvent is a dicarboxylic acid diester having at least 25 carbon atoms, a viscosity of less than about 120 centipoise at 20.degree. C. and a boiling point greater than about 170.degree. C. at 5 mm pressure. A preferred carrier solvent is diisodecyl phthalate. Membranes prepared from these compositions preferably have a glass transition temperature greater than about -50.degree. C. These membranes are particularly useful in dry-operative potassium ion-selective electrodes which are capable of selectively determining potassium ions in preference to other ions.

Abstract: An overcoat composition for use in ion-selective electrodes comprises: (a) a discontinuous liquid phase comprising an oleophilic solvent dispersed within a continuous phase comprising a hydrophilic binder; (b) a complexing agent useful for extracting oleophilic anions; (c) a buffer which provides a pH in the range of from about 7.5 to about 9.5 under conditions of use; and (d) a nucleating agent. This overcoat composition is particularly useful in ion-selective electrodes for determination of CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A diluent and a method of assaying are described, by which the ionic strength range of the liquid that is to be assayed potentiometrically, is compressed. The diluent comprises a predetermined concentration of (a) a protonated water-soluble organic amine having (i) a pKa greater than or equal to 9.3, and (ii) a hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, bonded to the nitrogen of the amine, wherein the oxygen-to-carbon bond of the hydroxy is no more than two bonds removed from the nitrogen, and (b) an acid anion.