Abstract: The present invention concerns a monoclonal antibody and corresponding hybridoma cells and antigens suitable for isolating fetal cells from maternal blood. The monoclonal antibody reacts with a surface antigen present on fetal red blood cells including their nucleated precursor cells, but not with surface antigens on adult erythroid cell.

Abstract: A method for assessing the presence of an acquired thrombophilia disorder in a patient exhibiting hypercoagulation is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for determining antioxidant activity of a test sample in intact cells. The method includes determining the antioxidant capacity of a test sample in intact red blood cells, wherein the test sample is added to intact red blood cells and oxidative damage is measured by alteration of fluorescence intensity of an oxidation-sensitive fluorescent indicator dye.

Abstract: A blood crossmatching apparatus, kit and methods for testing the compatibility of mammals for blood transfusion. Particulate layers in the apparatus allow nonagglutinated red blood cells to permeate through, while agglutinated red blood cells cannot. The apparatus also has a density solution. The density solution separates white blood cells from red blood cells in the whole blood when centrifuged, without lysing the red blood cells. Thus, the apparatus can be used to test whole blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for the enumeration of in vivo gene mutation. The method utilizes differential staining of GPI-anchor deficient erythrocyte populations to distinguish between wild-type and pig-a gene mutants. Quantitative analyses can be conducted on erythrocytes and/or reticulocytes, and is based upon fluorescent emission and light scatter following exposure to an excitatory light source. Counting of mutant erythrocytes or reticulcoytes relative to the number of total erythrocytes or reticulocytes can be used to assess the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous chemical agent, the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous physical agent, the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify endogenously-induced DNA damage, and the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify exogenously-induced DNA damage. Kits for practicing the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assessing whether or not erythrocytes are suitable for transfusion into a recipient comprising (i) assaying a sample of erythrocytes for free choline, and (ii) comparing the level of free choline in the sample with the level of free choline deemed suitable for transfusion therapies; and a kit for use in such a method comprising at least one reagent for assaying the sample, instructions for conducting the assaying of the sample, and guidelines for assessing the suitability of the erythrocytes for transfusion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lateral flow immuno-assay system capable of rapidly, cost effectively, and quantitatively detecting and assessing the level of HIT antibodies in body fluids of a patient. Also taught are methods for employing the system to assist in diagnosis of HIT, and for screening or detecting a changing titer of HIT antibodies in the body fluids of a patient to determine susceptibility toward HIT.

Abstract: A method for performing a target analyte assay of a thin film anticoagulated blood sample, wherein the target analyte is the presence or absence of specific phagocytosis and/or binding of particles coated with a particular antigen or antigens by white blood cells present in the anticoagulated blood sample, wherein the particles are coated with the particular antigen or antigens, which antigens are similar or identical to antigens expressed by a defined pathogenic infectious agent of interest.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for preparation of a biological sample for measurement of protein epitopes that allows for the preservation of intracellular protein epitopes and detection of signal transduction pathways based on the ability to capture transient activation states of the epitopes. The method provided by the invention allows for the rapid fixation of biological samples containing red blood cells, to ensure that epitopes of signal transduction molecules and other intracellular protein epitopes are preserved in the active state. The method of the invention further allows for lysis of red blood cells, thereby making it a useful method for cytometric analysis of biological samples, including, for example, whole blood, bone marrow aspirates, peritoneal fluids, and other red blood cell containing samples. The invention also provides a method to recover or “unmask” epitopes on intracellular antigens that have been made inaccessible by the cross linking fixative necessary to fix the sample.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for detecting a false result in an assay for determining a concentration of an analyte in a whole blood sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises determining by means of the assay a concentration of the analyte utilizing a hemolyzed portion of the blood sample to obtain concentration value 1 and determining by means of the assay a concentration of the analyte utilizing a non-hemolyzed portion of the blood sample and multiplying the concentration times a hematocrit factor to obtain concentration value 2. A ratio of concentration value 1 divided by concentration value 2 is determined and is compared to a predetermined ratio of known reliability. If the ratio is less than the predetermined ratio, a false result is indicated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated canine animal plasma, a method for isolating canine animal plasma, plasma obtained form an immunised or hyperimmunised canine animal and treating a canine animal with the isolated canine animal plasma. The method includes the step of selecting a canine animal having a blood group compatible with a recipient canine animal having an unmatched blood group, namely, selecting a canine animal for a blood group that does not cause plasma transfusion reaction and/or haemolysis. In one form, the method includes the step of immunising or hyperimmunising a canine animal plasma donor with one or more antigens of a canine animal pathogen. The pathogen is preferably a bacteria or virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and reagents for diagnosing and assessing the prognosis of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: An apparatus for classifying a liquid patient sample includes at least one sample container having a quantity of a sample that is aggressively acted upon so as to create a flow field. A measurement mechanism includes at least one low angle light emitter aligned with a measurement window of the at leas tone sample container and a detector oppositely disposed relative to the measurement window. Measurement of the scattered light detects particle characteristics of a moving flow field from the sample to determine, for example, the amount of agglutination of the sample so as to perform blood typing or other classifications without spatial separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying and/or enriching fetal cells from maternal blood, using as fetal cell markers the antibodies that the mother produces against paternally inherited fetal antigens. The fetal cell-maternal antibody complexes are identified and isolated using labelled agents that bind to the maternal antibodies. The present invention also provides fetal cells, isolated by use of said maternal antibodies, as a source of fetal DNA for prenatal genetic diagnosis of the fetus.

Abstract: Methods for reducing time to result in blood bank diagnostic testing with an agitation device and a low ionic strength solution are disclosed. Specifically provided are methods for reducing incubation time for antigen-antibody reactions in an immunohematologic assay by subjecting the assay reactants to incubation with agitation and optionally additionally a low ionic strength diluent.

Abstract: A disposable blood test device comprises a substrate configured for carrying a chemical reagent and circuitry formed on the substrate. The circuitry comprises a sensor portion associated with the chemical reagent to enable measurement of at least one of a presence and a concentration of a blood analyte, and an information storage portion configured to store information indicative of a property of the chemical reagent.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a biological particle in a sample medium include generating an Electrophoretic Quasi-elastic Light Scattering (EQELS) spectrum for the biological particle in the sample medium. The EQELS spectrum is compared to a reference database comprising a plurality of spectra, and each of the plurality of spectra correspond to an EQELS spectrum for one of a plurality of known biological particles. The biological particle in the sample medium is identified from the comparison.

Abstract: Methods for reducing time to result in blood bank diagnostic testing with an agitation device and a low ionic strength solution are disclosed. Specifically provided are methods for reducing incubation time for antigen-antibody reactions in an immunohematologic assay by subjecting the assay reactants to incubation with agitation and optionally additionally a low ionic strength diluent.

Abstract: Methods for identifying cancer patients eligible to receive endothelin receptor antagonist therapy and for monitoring patient response to endothelin receptor antagonist therapy comprise assessment of the expression levels of at least one of PAI-1, uPA, TGFbeta2, IL-6, IL-8 and OPG in a patient tissue sample. The methods of the invention allow more effective identification of patients to receive endothelin receptor antagonist therapy and of determination of patient response to the therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies, said antigenic molecules carried by the erythrocytes consisting of antigenic molecules carried not only by the erythrocytes, but also by at least one other cell population, other than the blood group antigen molecules, said method comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes or erythrocyte membrane fragment.

Abstract: A device for the determination and/or the detection of erythrocyte blood groups from a whole blood sample, and a process that implements this device, as well as a kit for the determination and the detection of blood groups are disclosed.

Abstract: A cell isolating device and method is provided to concentrate or isolate cells with specific characteristics from a mixture of different cell types. One embodiment may comprise two subtypes of antibodies that are directly conjugated to biotin (Abb) and conjugated to a fluorescent molecule (Abf). The conjugated antibodies (Abb+Abf) bind to the target cells in a mixed cell suspension. The cell suspension is then passed over an immobilized avidin or streptavidin substrate on a glass microscope slide. The biotinylated target cells adhere to the avidin/streptavidin substrate, while the unbound cells are washed off and collected in a wicking member. Captured cells on the avidin/streptavidin substrate may then be visualized directly using a fluorescent microscope or detected and enumerated via an on-board fluorescent detection device.

Abstract: This application relates to agents capable of specifically recognizing GPIb?, a key receptor required for platelet adhesion and aggregation. More specifically, this application relates to monoclonal antibodies and derivatives thereof capable of specifically recognizing both the murine and the human GPIb?. These monoclonal antibodies and derivatives are particularly useful in the treatment or prevention of thrombosis as well as research tools.

Abstract: Low molecular weight (LMW) peptides have been discovered that are indicative of colorectal cancer. Evaluating patient samples for the presence of such LMW peptides is an effective means of detecting colorectal cancer and monitoring the progression of the disease. The LMW peptides are particularly useful in detecting colorectal cancer during its early stages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining one or more cellularly bound analytes in a liquid sample, said method being carried out using a device comprising: at least one feeding zone (5) for applying the liquid sample; a porous membrane (2) that is suitable for letting cellular components penetrate therethrough and includes at least one indicator zone on the membrane, said indicator zone being able to interact with the cellularly bound analyte and containing at least one binding element against the cellularly bound analyte; and at least one absorption area (3) on the membrane, which absorbs the liquid after the liquid has passed the indicator zones. The at least one indicator zone lies between the feeding zone (5) and the absorption area (3).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: The invention includes Rh(D) binding proteins, including antibodies, and DNA encoding such proteins. Methods of generating such proteins and DNAs are also included.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to assays that may be used to measure B cell reactivity to allo or donor antigens in patients, gauge the efficacy of desensitization treatment of these individuals, predict antibody mediated rejection, and monitor patients post transplant for antibody mediated rejection.

Abstract: Fetal blood multi-lineage progenitor cells that are capable of a wide spectrum of transdifferentiation are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides means and method for detecting an activation epitope on FcyRII (CD32) on Fc? (CD32) expressing cells. The presence of epitope on Fc?RII (CD32) correlates with priming of the cell containing Fc?RII (CD32) expressing said epitope. The invention further provides binding molecules specific for said activation epitope on Fc?RII (CD32), and uses thereof in the detection of activated cells. Further uses are the treatment of individuals suffering from inflammation or at risk of suffering thereof. Also provided, among others, are uses for detecting and/or following an inflammation in an individual.

Abstract: Modified red blood cells are described. In an embodiment, the modified red blood cell includes a target-binding agent. Targeted delivery of imaging agents, drugs, and peptide and protein pharmaceuticals using modified red blood cells are described. Processes for preparing the modified red blood cells, pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions containing the same and methods of diagnosis and treatment involving the modified red blood cells are described.

Abstract: A reference control for cell by cell analysis on flow cytometric analyzers contains cellular analogs made of permeated blood cells containing therein aggregated intracellular proteins and preserved antigenic sites thereof, having cellular membrane permeable to antibodies and a suspension medium. The reference control is frozen after being prepared and thawed prior to use. The cellular analogs further contain a fluorescence marker therein. Further disclosed are a method of making the reference control and a method using the reference control, as an internal or stand-alone control, for measurements of cellular hemoglobin and cellular hemoglobin variant of a blood sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel non-invasive prenatal diagnostic method implemented with a sample of maternal blood. Said method enables prenatal diagnosis on isolated non-apoptotic epithelial foetal cells of maternal blood after they have been enriched by filtration, morphologically or immunologically and genetically analysed. Said method is advantageous in that it is perfectly harmless for the mother and the foetus and provides a highly sensitive and specific diagnosis. It enables early detection of a genetic or chromosomal abnormality of the foetus, of a genetic or infectious (viral, bacterial or parasitic) pathology of the foetus, of accurate genotype, and in particular of the genetic sex of the foetus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reagent and a process for the identification and counting of biological cells in a sample. This reagent comprises a cell lysing agent selected from at least one detergent in a concentration capable of specifically lysing a given type of cells in the sample, and a stain capable of marking the intracellular nucleic acids of the remaining unlysed cells. Application in particular for the identification and counting of cells using an automated analysis system based on flow cytometry.

Abstract: The invention concerns an internal standard used to quantitative analysis of the risk of humoral (i.e. vascular) transplant rejection. The internal standard consists of a stable composition of the C4d complement bound to a carrier consisting of erythrocytes or microparticles. The invention also concerns a method for analyzing in vitro the risk of humoral organ transplant rejection, which consists in determining the amount of component of C4d component fixed on the erythrocytes contained in a blood sample from a patient.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: Fetal blood multi-lineage progenitor cells that are capable of a wide spectrum of transdifferentiation are described.

Abstract: Analyzers and methods of analysis are described for performing blood cell counting and immunoassay on a whole blood specimen in one measurement section. An assay sample is prepared by blending carrier particles sensitized with an antibody or an antigen against a substance to be immunoassayed and a fluorescent dye for staining blood cells with the whole blood specimen. Optical information is detected from a particle in the assay sample, and the blood cells are differentiated and counted based on the detected optical information. A rate of agglutination of the carrier particles is obtained based on the detected optical information, thereby enabling detection of the substance to be immunoassayed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting antibody in a sample, where the antibody targets an antigen expressed by red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts. Rather than detecting the binding events between a particular antigen antibody pair (as in traditional agglutination based assays) the methods herein allow for multiplexed detection of clinically important allo-immune antibodies to blood group antigens. Specifically the method involves generating fluorescently encoded red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts with known antigen presentation and using them to detect the presence of antibody in serum/plasma with a fluorescent sandwich type immunoassay. The assay results can be read using flow cytometric or fluorescent microscope based imaging techniques.

Abstract: The present inventors discovered that knockout mice whose S1-5 gene function is lost develop age-related diseases or symptoms. Histological analysis in such knockout mice revealed that bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and bone strength were decreased, and the number of osteoclasts in bone tissues was increased. Analysis of osteoclast-forming ability using bone marrow cells derived from the knockout mice revealed that osteoclast-forming ability is enhanced and osteoclasts are larger in the knockout mice than in wildtype mice. When purified S1-5 protein was added to this in vitro system, osteoclast-forming ability was inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antibodies and methods for using recombinant antigen-binding regions and antibodies and functional fragments containing such antigen-binding regions that are specific for CD38, which plays an integral role in various disorders or conditions. These methods take advantage of newly discovered antibodies and surprising properties of such antibodies, such as the ability to bind CD38 of minipig origin and the ability to induce, by cross-linking, specific killing of cells that express CD38. These antibodies as well as the novel methods for using those antibodies can be used to treat, for example, hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for treating and preventing angiogenic disorders and endothelial cells disorders using HspA12B antagonist and HspA12B agonist compounds, respectively.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for analyzing the interaction between small molecules and cells without using density gradient and antibody but using a column packed with identical resin particles. The interactions between cell surface and resin particles resulting in the different retention time of cells treating by different small molecules in the column contributed to examining whether the small molecule could interact with cell or not. This invention can also apply small molecule screening, drug screening through examining the retention time by using the column.

Abstract: There are provided a soluble CD14 antigen which is a novel in vivo protein useful as a marker for diagnosing sepsis and has the following characteristic features 1) to 3): 1) a molecular weight of 13±2 kDa when measured by SDS-PAGE under non-reducing conditions; 2) an amino acid sequence in which the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 is present on its N terminal; and 3) ability to specifically bind to an antibody prepared by using a peptide comprising 16 amino acid residues described in SEQ ID NO:2 for the antigen; and a recombinant soluble CD14 fragment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid molecules encoding a Rhesus D antigen contributing to the weak D phenotype which are characterized by one or a combination of missense mutations or by a gene conversion involving exons 6 to 9 of the RHD and RHCE genes. The present invention further relates to vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, to hosts transformed with said vectors, to proteins encoded by said nucleic acid molecules and to methods of producing such polypeptides. The fact that missense mutations and the conversion referred to above can be directly correlated to the weak D phenotype has a significant impact on the routine testing of blood samples. For example, oligonucleotides and antibodies can now be designed that generally allow the detection of weak D phenotypes in a sample. Such oligonucleotides, antibodies as well as a variety of diagnostic methods all fall within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting very small quantities of particles. The inventive method is based on a detection of antigen-antibody reaction products and provides a very high detection sensitivity all the way to the femtomolar or attomolar range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay, suitable for neonatal screening of hemoglobinopathies by quantitatively determining the presence of at least one pair of hemoglobin (Hb) variants, determining the ratio between the signals obtained from each variant; and, based on that ratio, determining whether the tested subject is afflicted or not.

Abstract: The invention is a method for analyzing immature reticulocytes for the presence of micronuclei. The method includes reticulocyte enrichment, fluorescent labeling, micronuclei staining, and analysis using single-laser flow cytometry. The invention also includes kits containing reagents to use in the method.

Abstract: Rare cells are separated from a sample fluid by a positive selection or negative selection antibody by centrifuging in a tube containing a harvesting float. The harvesting float has an axial passage and a density to settle in the sample fluid and expand the layer of the target component. The positive selection antibody is preferably coupled to a particulate carrier, such as a microbead, to attach to the target component. The negative selection antibody forms a complex or conjugate with a contaminating component. In the positive separation, the particulate carrier is recovered in the axial passage of the float.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the in vitro potency of antibodies, in particular anti-Rhesus D positive antibodies. Such antibodies may e.g. be used in the prophylaxis of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and prevention of sensitization to the Rhesus D antigen after mistransfusions of RhD(+) blood to RhD(?) individuals. The invention also provides a method for monitoring the release of label from a RhD(+) red blood cell, a method for determining the ability of an antibody to induce the release of label from a RhD(+) red blood cell, and a method for determining whether a manufactured anti-RhD antibody fulfils a predefined release criterion. The invention further provides a kit for measuring the potency of an antibody.