Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an immunoassay capable of the rapid detection of a variety of test substances that may be present in a test sample. One feature of the invention is that extraction or isolation of the test substance occurs simultaneously with the formation of the primary antigen-test substance complex. The primary antigen-test substance complex is then captured in a solid phase format having a plurality of interstitial spaces which facilitate rapid and efficient detection. The immunoassay of the present invention works over a wide range of environmental conditions and is simple enough to be used in the absence of laboratory facilities.

Abstract: A composition comprising non-covalent carrier-hapten bioconjugates having the formula: HM-CM wherein HM is a hapten molecule whose molecular weight is generally, but not always, less than 1000 Daltons and is capable of performing specific functions; CM is a carrier molecule, whose molecular weight is generally, but not always, more than 1000 Daltons and is capable of transporting the hapten to a specific site; and the dashed line is a non-covalent bond between the carrier molecule and the hapten molecule. Preferably, the bioconjugates are formed from fluorescent dye haptens such as cyanine, indocyanine, squaraine, porphyrrins, Rose Bengal, and methylene blue dye and carrier molecules such as methylated serum albumin, polyarginine, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid, cyclodextrin, and inulin. The bioconjugates are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures because they are stable in vitro before being used and stable in vivo during and after use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting and quantitating soluble nuclear matrix proteins in body fluids and extracellular media. The method is useful for monitoring the viability of cells and tissue, for evaluating the progress of a disease or its treatment, and for evaluating the cytotoxicity of unknown compounds. Also disclosed are methods for inducing the release of nuclear matrix proteins in soluble form from cells.

Abstract: Antibodies capable of detecting a beer spoilage lactic acid bacterium. Lactic acid bacteria possessing beer spoilage ability are grown in beer, a mammal is immunized to produce antibodies for the detection of beer spoilage lactic acid bacteria, and the beer spoilage lactic acid bacteria are detected using the antibodies. Further, by employing the antibodies, there are provided a method and a kit for detecting a beer spoilage lactic acid bacterium specifically, rapidly, conveniently, and reproducibly, which bacterium contaminates the process of beer production, grows in the produced beer, and lowers the quality of the beer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for binding antibody or antigen molecules to solid phase. The reactive compound comprising an antibody or antigen molecule and a solide phase are formed by coupling a specific antibody or antigen molecule to a solid phase using a two-step reaction. The coupling is covalent, between the active groups of the solid phase and the antibody, a fragment thereof or the antigen molecule, in the presence of an anionic surfactant, after adding an alkaline/solution to raise the pH to the basic region.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a micro-carrier, which includes patterning pluralities of bar code on a mask; exposing the bar code to a substrate coated with photoresist; etching and removing residual photoresist and electroforming to a nickel plate; placing a bead coated with biotin or poly-L-lysine between two-nickel plates, and compressing the bar code on the surface of the bead to form a microcake-like particle with bar code; and combining the particle with the corresponding bio-molecule thereof to produce a micro-carrier with a label. The invention also provides a test method for identifying a bio-molecule, which includes mixing several micro-carriers with the labeled unknown bio-molecules; and identifying the bar code on the micro-carrier via image recognition system, wherein the numbers and types of the known micro-carrier can be flexibly adjusted.

Abstract: A method for the direct analysis of the presence of an analyte which becomes embedded in keratinized structures, e.g., hair, fingernails and toenails, from the bloodstream of a subject which comprises preparing a mixture containing dithiothreitol or dithioerythritol (“DTT”), an enzyme suitable for the digestion of the keratin structure and a sample of the keratin structure; permitting the enzyme to digest the sample of keratin structure to form a digest solution, followed by the addition of a salt of a metal of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, lead, cadmium, mercury, silver and cobalt to deactivate the DTT; and finally subjecting the digest solution to analysis to determine the presence of the analyte in the keratin structure sample. The protease enzymes papain, chymopapain, and proteinase K are preferred for use in the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a conjugate vaccine includes mixing a uronium salt reagent with a first moiety (e.g., a polysaccharide). According to the invention, the uronium salt reagent has a chemical structure corresponding to formula I: wherein R1 is defined as wherein R6 represents the carbon, hydrogen, and optionally one or more heteroatoms which, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, constitute a 5 to 10 membered heterocyclic ring, which may be substituted or unsubstituted. R2, R3, R4, and R5, each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkynyl having 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Alternatively, R2 and R3, when taken together, can represent the carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms necessary to complete a 5 to 7 membered heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the direct detection of biochemically functional retroviruses in biological samples. The processes of the invention are characterized by the structure-specific extraction of retrovirus particles and a subsequent analysis and detection of retrovirus-specific enzymatic reactions. The processes of the invention have broad application in the diagnosis of retroviral infection and virological research.

Abstract: The use of calcium salts, magnesium salts or combination thereof in immunochemical methods for the determination of an analyte in a sample. These salts increase the specificity of such determinations, in particular, the background signal being reduced by addition of these salts in solid phase immunochemical methods.

Abstract: A separation method, a method for detection, a sensor, and a test-kit find application in immunological detection. The separation method provides for separation of a primary species which separation method is suitable for use in an immunoassay method for the detection of an analyte species and includes the use of a first auxiliary species capable of being formed into a second auxiliary species which second auxiliary species is capable of interacting with a third species to facilitate separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to epitopes of the protein which are specifically occurring in a phosphorylated state in tau protein from Alzheimer paired helical filaments, to protein kinases which are responsible for the phosphorylation of the amino acids of the tau protein giving rise to said epitopes, and to antibodies specific for said epitopes. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease, to diagnostic compositions and methods for the detection of Alzheimer's disease and to the use of said epitopes for the generation of antibodies specifically detecting Alzheimer tau protein. Additionally, the invention relates to methods for testing drugs effective in dissolving Alzheimer paired helical filaments or preventing the formation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method for the quantitative determination of human acute phase serum amyloid A protein (A-SAA) comprising contacting a sample of a biological fluid with antibody specific for A-SAA, the sample being reacted with an organic solvent prior to or simultaneous with antibody contact. The organic solvent is suitably a C1 or C4 alcohol and the antibody can be used on the solid phase and as a component of the detection system of an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. The method provides a sensitive and reliable measure of A-SAA and inflammatory status which can be used for the diagnosis and clinical management of both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting specific target-cells in a simple and time saving way, using paramagnetic particles, antibodies recognizing the Fc portions of target-cell associating antibodies and target-cell associating antibodies directed to specific antigen determinants in the target-cell membranes. Incubation of the cell suspension with a mild detergent and/or second set of antibodies or antibody fragments, prelabeled or not with fluorescent agents, metallocolloids, radioisotopes, biotincomplexes or certain enzymes allowing visualization, with dramatically increase the specificity of the method. The method can further be used for isolation of the target-cells by magnetic field application and kit for performing the method according to the invention is described.

Abstract: A method of releasing particulates from a solid matrix is provided. The method is effected adding to the solid matrix a degrading enzyme capable of degrading the solid matrix, to thereby release the particulates from the solid matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid test medium by use of an immunochromatographic test strip through which the test fluid can flow by capillarity. The test strip has at least two capture bands and optionally one or more collection bands which capture labeled anti-analyte antibody to provide a detectable signal. The signals from the label is quantitatively detected in each of the bands to provide a pattern of signals which is unique to the concentration of analyte in the test fluid. The pattern of signals are mathematically combined to create a monotonous dose-response curve to thereby factor out the high analyte hook effect which can be present in this type of assay.

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of a sample antigen in the presence of an interferant by (1) running two immunoassays on the sample: one assay where the interferant influences the binding of both the sample antigen and a labeled antigen and a second assay where the interferant influences the binding of the sample antigen but not the labeled antigen; (2) obtaining a plot of the possible sample antigen concentrations versus the possible interferant concentrations corresponding to the readout for the sample for each of the two immunoassays; and (3) determining the sample antigen concentration and the interferant concentration which correspond to the point that appears on both of the immunoassay plots.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for releasing a ligand from a complex thereof. The method comprises contacting a medium suspected of containing such complex with an effective amount of a compound effective in releasing the ligand. Another aspect of the present invention is an improvement in a method for the determination of an analyte that is a member of a specific binding pair in a sample suspected of containing such analyte. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing in an assay medium the sample and a binding partner for the analyte and (b) detecting the binding of the binding partner to the analyte. The improvement comprises including in the assay medium a compound of the invention in an amount sufficient to enhance the accuracy of the determination. The invention has particular application to a method for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated and pure Toxoplasma gondii antigenic fragments, recombinant polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding them, primers and probes derived from the same, as well as the use of these polypeptides, nucleic acids, primers and probes in methods and kits for the diagnosis and prevention of T. gondii infection in mammals (humans and animals).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting and quantitating soluble nuclear matrix proteins in body fluids and extracellular media. The method is useful for monitoring the viability of cells and tissue, for evaluating the progress of a disease or its treatment, and for evaluating the cytotoxicity of unknown compounds. Also disclosed are methods for inducing the release of nuclear matrix proteins in soluble form from cells.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to assays for the detection of mycophenolic acid. The method comprises including in an assay medium suspected of containing mycophenolic acid a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. Another aspect of the present invention is an improvement in a method for the determination of mycophenolic acid in a sample suspected of containing such analyte. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing in combination in an assay medium the sample and a binding partner for the analyte and (b) detecting the binding of the binding partner to the analyte. The improvement comprises including in the assay medium a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. The present invention also provides assay reagents as well as packaged kits useful for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method for the detection or quantitation of a water-borne parasite, such as Cryptosporidia. The detection or quantitation is accomplished by an electrochemiluminescence assay comprising the steps of filtering water to obtain a sludge thought to contain the parasite or a fragment thereof; extracting a sample of said sludge in a extraction medium to form antigenic derivatives of said parasite; forming an assay mixture comprising a sample of said extracted sludge and an antibody specific to said antigenic derivative; incubating said assay mixture to permit binding of said antibody and said antigenic derivative; and conducting an electrochemiluminescence assay for the bound complex of antibody and antigenic derivative, thereby detecting or quantitating the Cryptosporidia in said water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting the presence of a compound of interest (such as an enzyme), or the spatial distribution within a sample of a compound of interest. The method comprises the step of impregnating or coating a suitable base material with a marker substance capable of reacting or interacting with the compound of interest, the marker substance being labeled in a detectable manner (for example fluorescently, radioactively or being colored) and having a substantially different affinity for the base material than the product of the reaction or interaction thereof with the compound of interest.

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of a sample antigen in the presence of an interferant by(1) running two immunoassays on the sample: one assay where the interferant influences the binding of both the sample antigen and a labeled antigen and a second assay where the interferant influences the binding of the sample antigen but not the labeled antigen;(2) obtaining a plot of the possible sample antigen concentrations versus the possible interferant concentrations corresponding to the readout for the sample for each of the two immunoassays; and(3) determining the sample antigen concentration and the interferant concentration which correspond to the point that appears in both the immunoassays plots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bacterial respiratory poultry disease and the identification of the causative agent. A vaccine derived from this agent was effective in preventing the disease in chickens challenged with the virulent field strains.

Abstract: Methods using in vitro processes are disclosed for inducing or enhancing expression of enteric bacterial antigens or virulence factors. The methods, therefore, produce antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria. Also methods for using the antigenically enhanced bacteria are also disclosed, as well as vaccines containing the enteric bacteria. Specifically a whole enteric bacterium or components thereof are provided by Helicobacter species. Also there are other enteric bacteria which are useful for the disclosed invention; such as Campylobacter jejuni.

Abstract: A new method for the preparation of a whole cell bacterial vaccine for improved protection against bacterial pathogens, particularly against those pathogens which have multiple antigenic serotypes is described. The method particularly involves disruption of the whole cells using a French press of the whole cells of virulent strains of the bacteria. The preferred vaccine prevented infection of swine with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), which causes porcine contagious pleuropneumonia. The vaccine has good safety and few side effects even at a higher dose than commonly used for bacterins and improved protection against the homologous serotype of the pathogen; and improved cross-protection against heterologous serotypes. The whole cell vaccine, is most useful for veterinary (lower mammal) vaccines.

Abstract: A method for the direct analysis of the presence of an analyte which becomes embedded in keratinized structures, e.g., hair, fingernails and toenails, from the bloodstream of a subject which comprises preparing a mixture containing dithiothreitol or dithioerythritol ("DTT"), an enzyme suitable for the digestion of the keratin structure and a sample of the keratin structure; permitting the enzyme to digest the sample of keratin structure to form a digest solution, followed by the addition of a salt of a metal of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, lead, cadmium, mercury, silver and cobalt to deactivate the DTT; and finally subjecting the digest solution to analysis to determine the presence of the analyte in the keratin structure sample. The protease enzymes papain, chymopapain, and proteinase K are preferred for use in the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the degree of cell death in a tissue by detecting and quantitating soluble interior nuclear matrix proteins and protein fragments in body fluids and extracellular media. The methods are is useful for monitoring the viability of cells and tissue, for evaluating the progress of a disease or its treatment, and for evaluating the cytotoxicity of unknown compounds. Also disclosed are methods for inducing the release of interior nuclear matrix proteins and protein fragments in soluble form from cells.

Abstract: An antibody specific for a target analyte is purified by affinity chromatography on a substrate bearing a low-affinity analogue of the target analyte. The antibody is displaced from the substrate by contact with a second analogue of intermediate affinity, which remains complexed with the antibody. This complex can be used in a conventional assay for the target analyte, which displaces the intermediate-affinity analogue. The complexed antibody is rendered more storage-stable because the second analogue protects the antibody binding reagion.

Abstract: A method of detecting heparin-induced antibodies to complete a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HITP) is disclosed. This method comprises the first step of attaching a glycosaminoglycan to a solid support, wherein the glycosaminoglycan is attached to the solid support only at the reducing end of the molecule (unidirectionally). Platelet factor 4 is then bound to the glycosaminoglycan forming a complex having an epitope recognizable by antibodies generated in an HITP immune response. Human blood plasma or serum from a patient suspected of having HITP is exposed to the complex and the complex is analyzed to determine if HITP-related antibodies are present. A device and kit used in performing the diagnostic assay are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the degree of cell death in a tissue by detecting and quantitating soluble interior nuclear matrix proteins and protein fragments in body fluids and extracellular media. The methods are useful for monitoring the viability of cells and tissue, for evaluating the progress of a disease or its treatment, and for evaluating the cytotoxicity of unknown compounds. Also disclosed are methods for inducing the release of interior nuclear matrix proteins and protein fragment in soluble form from cells.

Abstract: A method of performing immunoassay to detect the level of target proteins common to various malignancies including metallopanstimulin or metallopanstimulin-like materials as well as complement components, in a biologic sample is provided wherein the protein molecules in the patient sample compete with radiolabeled peptide for sites on the Anti-peptide-specific antibody. The amount of radioactivity measured is inversely proportional to the concentration of protein molecules present in the patient sample, which is determined from a standard curve. Another method includes determining the presence of a protein elevated in the serum of patients with neoplasms by the detection of the interference of binding or precipitation of a first antibody by a second antibody by the target protein.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a novel protease capable of cleaving .beta.-amyloid precursor protein (APP) on the amino-terminal side of the .beta.-amyloid peptide therein are provided. The protease is designated .beta.-secretase. Reaction systems comprising .beta.-secretase may be used in screening assays to monitor .beta.-secretase modulated cleavage of APP and to identify .beta.-secretase inhibitors, wherein the .beta.-secretase is in the presence of a suitable polypeptide substrate and cleavage of the substrate determined in the presence and absence of the test substance. Antibodies are raised against peptides of .beta.-secretase. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods comprise compounds identified by screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method of detecting a chemical released by perspiration, typically through sweat and broadcasting the detection to a receiver. The chemical may be a drug of abuse. The device which is attached to the skin of a subject contains labeled antibodies or label containing microspheres attached to antibodies. The labeled antibodies are bound to solid phase drug via antigen-antibody interaction. These labeled antibodies are displaced from the solid phase support to which they are bound by free drug molecules in the perspiration. These labeled antibodies then migrate through a spacer layer and are trapped by a layer containing a suitable selective binding material. The label is illuminated or excited by a light source and detected by a photodetector. The signal can be recorded, or transmitted to a remote radio monitor.

Abstract: An assay method is disclosed which makes it possible to determine the presence of a diseased related conformation of a protein (e.g., PrP.sup.Sc) in a sample. A sample is divided into two portions and the first portion is cross-linked to a first solid support and then contacted with a labelled antibody which binds to a non-disease form of the protein with a higher degree of affinity (e.g, 4 to 30 fold higher) than to the disease form of the protein. The second portion is treated in a manner which causes any disease form of the protein to change conformation to a form with a higher binding affinity for the labelled antibody. The treated second portion is then bound to a second solid support and contacted with labelled antibody. The level of labelled antibody binding to a protein in the first and second portions is determined and the amounts measured in each are compared.

Abstract: An immunoassay plate for an immune complex transfer immunoassay, comprising a well type solid phase and a dip stick type solid phase which can be inserted into said well type solid phase, wherein the dip stick type solid phase is coated with either substance (A) or (B) to be mentioned below and the well type solid phase is coated with the other, remaining substance, and these solid phases are used as the two solid phases to be used for an immune complex transfer immunoassay:(A): a substance having a reactive group which specifically binds to a functional group previously introduced onto a substance, which specifically forms an immune complex with a test substance(B): a substance having a reactive group capable of specifically binding to the test substance in the immune complex, a substance which specifically forms an immune complex with the test substance, or a functional group conjugated in advance with said substance, provided that the moiety which binds to the reactive group of (A) does not bind to the rea

Abstract: There is provided a method for determination of direct bilirubin which comprises the steps of contacting a bilirubin oxidase with a sample suspected of containing bilirubin; and, measuring direct bilirubin in the sample by optical changes of the sample, characterized in that bilirubin oxidase is allowed to act in the presence of a indirect bilirubin reaction inhibitor selected from a thiocyanate ion, a hydrazide, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and a potassium ion of 100 mM to 800 mM. By completely avoiding interference of indirect bilirubin, direct bilirubin is selectively and precisely determined using a reagent kit in the form of solution. The method and reagent of the invention are safe and free of environmental pollution due to unnecessary waste liquid treatment.

Abstract: An oligopeptide having an amino acid sequenceGlu Pro Gly Asn Ser Glu Ile Leu Pro Thr Leu Lysand variants thereof; immunogenic conjugates obtained therefrom; antibodies produced by means of said conjugates and which specifically recognize human plasma glutathione peroxidase (pl.GPx); methods for assaying human plasma glutathione peroxidase (pl.GPx); and assaying kits. The invention is useful in the medical diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of pathologic conditions induced by a variation in pl.GPx, for example, hepatic tumors, acute rejection of renal or hepatic graft, renal insufficiency and selenium deficiency.

Abstract: A device for assaying haptens includes a solid support linked through a nucleic acid fragment to a reagent that can compete with the hapten for binding to antibodies that bind to the hapten. A process for assaying a hapten uses this device.

Abstract: A conjugate of at least two binding sites that bind specifically to the analyte-specific binding region of the receptor that is used for detection in a test, wherein the binding sites are linked by at least one soluble carrier substance and the conjugate is a product of a synthetic or recombinant production, dissolved in an aqueous solution in an exactly known amount is particularly suitable as a stable calibrator in a test for the detection of an analyte.

Abstract: This invention is related to a process for the enhanced immobilization of a ligand to solid supports to be used for a biochemical detection method. The enhanced immobilization of the ligand was obtained by coating the surface of the solid support with the adhesive polyphenolic protein isolated from mussels. The bound ligand is reacted with a solution containing an antiligand whereby the antiligand becomes bound to the immobilized ligand. After removing the excess or unbound antiligand, the antiligand bound to the immobilized ligand is detected by using an enzyme-linked immunoassay.

Abstract: The invention relates to the measurement of total leukocyte antigens, or fragments thereof, and the use of such measurements to enumerate cells, especially in whole blood. The term "total" leukocyte antigen used herein refers to the total amount of a leukocyte antigen in a sample, including that present in membrane and intracellular compartments and extracellular soluble compartments. Measurements of a total leukocyte antigen can be used to type cells, detect or diagnose disease or to monitor disease therapy. In a further embodiment, the invention relates to the measurement of both the amount of total leukocyte antigen and the amount of the soluble form of the leukocyte antigen and a comparison of the measured levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for the detection of creatinine in biological fluids using lateral flow methodologies. The invention is particularly useful in providing one step creatinine assays for correcting urinary steroid hormone assays.

Abstract: A method for preparing phycobiliprotein/amine-reactive dye conjugates is disclosed in which the conjugates so prepared overcome the energy transfer/fluorescent quenching dilemma encountered in the use of prior art conjugates. A phycobiliprotein, for example, phycoerythrin or allophycocyanin, is conjugated with an amine-reactive dye, for example, Texas Red or carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester, in the presence of a selective salt which causes a hydrophobic intramolecular rearrangement of the phycobiliprotein thereby exposing more hydrophobic sites for binding to the amine-reactive dye. The conjugates prepared according to the invention are useful in multiple color fluorescence assays without requiring the use of multiple exciting sources.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence of Chlamydia antigen in patient's samples comprises a flow matrix including a labelling zone and a capture zone. Labelling complex comprising antibodies specific for an epitope on the lipopolysaccharide antigen of Chlamydia is present within the labelling zone. Immobilized antibody specific for the same or another epitope of the lipopolysaccharide antigen of Chlamydia is located in the capture zone. The sample containing the Chlamydia antigen will flow first through the labelling zone, where it complexes with the labelling complex, and then to the capture zone, where it is captured by the immobilized antibody. Chlamydia antigen may be extracted from a patient sample, such as a endocervical swab, by first extracting the antigen in a strong base followed by neutralization with a zwitterionic detergent and a blocking protein present in a zwitterionic buffer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and kits for detecting and measuring the presence or absence of perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody of ulcerative colitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis. The methods and kits of the present invention provide safe and reliable means for diagnosing ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The antigens reactive with perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody of ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis are also provided.

Abstract: A device for combined bioaffinity assay and electrophoretic separation is provided, which comprises a capillary system having two stages, a first stage in which bioaffinity interactions of analyte molecules and molecular recognition elements are performed, and a second stage, in which electrophoretic separation of the analyte molecules and subsequent detection of the separated species is accomplished. Within the first capillary stage the molecular recognition elements are attached and immobilized to the inside capillary wall, for example, by adsorption or by covalent binding to the capillary material. The method for combined bioaffinity assay and electrophoretic separation comprises flowing an analyte through a capillary system having two stages. In a first capillary stage the analyte molecules are captured by respective molecular recognition elements present in that stage.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an analytical device for the simultaneous detection of at least two organisms selected from the group consisting of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and Mycoplasma (M) from a single specimen.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are provided for a novel immunodiagnostic test for the presence of P. aeruginosa in a biological sample. Monoclonal antibodies are employed which bind to an outer membrane protein antigen, which may be exposed by a solubilizing reagent. The antibody binds substantially all strains of P. aeruginosa. No cross-reactivity with other species of Pseudomonas or with other clinically significant gram-negative or gram-positive species is observed. Conjugating the monoclonal antibody of the invention with a fluorescent label provides for a rapid and sensitive direct immunofluorescent test for P. aeruginosa.