Abstract: A method for effecting a rapid, comprehensive release of cellular contents, including nucleotides and associated molecules of interest from living cells, using a novel family of quaternary ammonium compounds. Modification of the alkyl chain length of these compounds can enable selective release from different classes of living cells, allowing them to be rapidly distinguished from each other.

Abstract: A method for photometrically measuring a reaction process at a darkened measuring station which contains a sample having an unknown quantity of a substance which acts as a reaction partner with a reagent. The sample is provided with a first reagent which acts as a reaction partner with a reaction partner present in the sample. A first photometric measurement of the sample is taken at the darkened measuring station to measure the reaction process between the first reagent and the reaction partner in the sample, and this first measurement is used for computation. At least one additional reagent which differs from the first reagent and which constitutes a further reaction partner is added to the sample at the darkened measuring station after the first photometric measurement. A photometric measurement of the sample is conducted after the addition of each additional reagent and during the course of a reaction between reaction partners then present.

Abstract: The invention relates to automatic transportation, processing and measurement of chemiluminescence and bioluminescence in discrete samples contained in depressions on a light-reflecting tape. The tape may have either one row of sample wells for measurement of luminescence with a single light detector, or consecutive rows of 2-10 samples or more for simultaneous measurement of luminescence with a multi-detector array having an equal number of individual detectors as there are samples in one row. Processing and measurement of up to 500 samples per hour with a single detector and up to several thousands of samples per hour with the multi-detector system is possible.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring the concentration of nucleotides and the number of viable cells in a biological sample containing somatic and/or microbial cells by treatment of a sample of cells with surface active agents to selectively release the nucleotides without rupture of the cell membrane or walls, and measuring by means of a bioluminescent assay technique the concentration of nucleotides selectively released and thereby determining the number of viable cells in the sample.

Abstract: A liquid scintillation counting composition of the type comprising ar aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, an ethoxylated alkyl phenol surfactant, and a scintillation solute, contains a small amount of a substituted ethoxylated carboxylate acid and/or a tertiary amine salt or a quaternary ammonium salt of such acid. The free acid reduces chemiluminescence upon the addition of an alkaline sample to the composition, while the tertiary amine or quaternary ammonium salt enhances the water miscibility of the composition.

Abstract: A liquid scintillation counting composition of the type comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, an ethoxylated alkyl phenol surfactant, and a scintillation solute, contains a small amount of a substituted ethoxylated carboxylate acid and/or a tertiary amine salt or a quaternary ammonium salt of such acid. The free acid reduces chemiluminescence upon the addition of an alkaline sample to the composition, while the tertiary amine or quaternary ammonium salt enhances the water miscibility of the composition.