Abstract: The use of a unique styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and an improved more highly diluted suspension for preparing standard turbidity test equipment calibration samples of very low turbidity levels for use in the measurement of turbidity in water.

Abstract: A method for preparing a coagulation control sample which is stable in the absence of buffer and which has a clotting time within the range of normal human clotting times for reproducibly monitoring coagulation capability in a human patient comprising (a) collecting blood from a mammalian animal, (b) removing red blood cells from the blood to produce mammalian plasma, and (c) adding to the plasma an amount of at least one non-primate mammalian plasma that has been adsorbed with a coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X adsorbent prior to addition of the plasma to the mammalian plasma.

Abstract: A three-phase suspension suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) an aggregating agent such as a high molecular weight polymer or combination of high molecular weight polymers, and (3) chemically fixed mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens. Chemical fixing of the red blood cells provides the ESR control with the capability of providing useful results in the presence of citrate and/or saline.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid, ultra sensitive and automatic counting of flourescent biological cells such as microorganisms, carried by a solid support such as a filter.

Abstract: A reagent for measuring reticulocytes which has at least one dye which specifically stains reticulocytes and at least one dye which specifically stains leukocytes.

Abstract: A reagent for analyzing solid components in urine comprising: (i) a buffer agent for maintaining pH at 5.0 to 9.0, (ii) an osmotic pressure compensating agent for maintaining osmotic pressure at 100 mOsm/kg to 600 mOsm/kg, (iii) a first dye which is a condensed benzene derivative, (iv) a second fluorescent dye capable of staining a damaged cell, and (v) a chelating agent.

Abstract: A three-phase suspension suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) a high molecular weight polymer, and (3) mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens.

Abstract: A standard fluid for a flow cytometer which shows, after staining, almost the same fluorescence intensity and scattered light intensity as those of the cells to be assayed.

Abstract: A method is provided for differentiating leukocyte subpopulations, immunophenotyping of lymphocytes and counting white blood cells. The method preserves leukocyte morphology and surface markers without using fixatives. In addition, the method finds utility in determination of hemoglobin concentration without using cyanide. The stable hemoglobin chromogen formed is measured at approximately 540 nm.

Abstract: A cyanide-free lytic reagent composition and method for measuring the total hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample, for counting the number of leukocytes and for deferential counting of leukocyte subpopulations are described. The cyanide-free lytic reagent composition cotains a quaternary ammonium salt or a pyridinium salt to lyse erythrocytes and release hemoglobin, and an organic ligand including triazole and its derivatives, tetrazole and its derivatives, alkaline metal salts of oxonic acid, melamine, aniline-2-sulfonic acid, quinaldic acid, 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole, triazine and its derivatives, urazole, DL-pipecolinic acid, isonicotinamide, anthranilonitrile, 6-aza-2-thiothymine, 3-(2-thienyl)acrylic acid, benzoic acid and alkali metal and ammonium salts of benzoic acid, and pyrazine and its derivatives to form a stable chromogen with hemoglobin, and a salt to adjust conductivity of the reagent for impedance measurement.

Abstract: A method is provided for differentiation of reticulocytes. In addition, the method provides for a concurrent differentiation of leukocyte subpopulations in a blood cell sample by suitable electronic and optical measurements. The method includes exposing a blood cell sample to a reagent system to lyse mature red blood cells and subsequently analyzing reticulocytes in a flow cell by optical analysis. A concurrent differentiation of reticulocytes and leukocytes can be performed using electronic and optical analysis. The electronic and optical analysis includes light scatter and impedance measurements. This method does not require the use of nuclear stain for differentiation of reticulocytes.

Abstract: A method is provided for differentiation of nucleated red blood cells. In addition, the method provides for a concurrent differentiation of leukocytes in a blood cell sample by suitable electronic and optical measurements. The method includes exposing a blood cell sample to a reagent system to lyse mature red blood cells and subsequently analyzing nucleated red blood cells in a flow cell by optical analysis. A concurrent differentiation of nucleated blood cells and leukocytes can be performed using electronic and optical analysis. The electronic and optical analysis includes light scatter and impedance measurements. This method eliminates the use of nuclear stain for identification of nucleated red blood cells. The method of the present invention, for the first time, reports differentiation and enumeration of nucleated red blood cells without using fluorescence.

Abstract: A three-phase solution suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) a high molecular weight polymer, and (3) mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation of preserved, non-infectious control cells. The control cells are prepared by modification, activation or otherwise changing selected normal leukocyte cells, tissue culture cells or zenogenic transplants in immunosuppressed animals to have characteristics of abnormal cells or by the addition of cells from an established cell line, which has been similarly modified or activated, to a normal leukocyte population. The preferred method of preserving the control cells is by lyophilization using an isotonic 10% trehalose solution.

Abstract: Hematology reference control cells and method of manufacture. The invention relates to the methods of preparing stable white blood cell ("WBC") and nucleated red blood cell ("NRBC") fractions and the hematology control reagents containing such stablized cells for primary use on a multi-angle light scatter based hematology instrument.

Abstract: A stabilized cell suspension is prepared by treating the cell suspension with a solution of a heavy metal compound, which has been aged at pH 6.5-7.5 prior to use to allow a precipitate to form, removing the precipitate from the heavy metal solution, mixing the aged heavy metal solution with the cell suspension to form a first mixture, and mixing the first mixture with a paraformaldehyde solution to form a stabilized cell suspension which is still capable of lysis.

Abstract: A pre-determined concentration of stabilized, maturation-arrested porcine reticulocytes in a red blood cell base, useful as a reticulocyte control composition. The composition can be provided in the form of a concentrated reticulocyte composition, to be diluted to a desired final reticulocyte concentration at the time of use. The composition can also be provided in the form of a diluted, ready-to-use control composition. Also included is a method of preparing such a composition, the method involving sequential steps of forming and sedimenting Rouleaux bodies.

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition is provided which selectively stromatolyses red blood cells in a blood sample. In addition, a lytic reagent system is provided which enable the differentiation of at least two subpopulations of leukocytes. A method for using the lytic reagent system is also provided. Still further, the lytic reagent system find use in the determination of the hemoglobin in the blood. The lytic reagent system utilizes an ethoxylated long chain compound based lysis reagent with an acid and a solubilizer, and a hypertonic, alkaline, stabilizing reagent. The system and analysis method maintains the cellular morphology of the leukocytes and can be used to analyze normal and abnormal blood samples, fresh and aged blood, human and non-human animal blood samples, as well as other fluid samples such as bone marrow.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a flow cytometer or fluorescence microscope and for quantitating binding proteins, such as antibodies. Populations of microbeads are provided which are in equilibrium with a saturating amount of fluorescently-labeled protein. The microbeads may have an incorporated fluorescent dye which has a strong signal in a selected channel of a flow cytometer, but no signal in other channels.

Abstract: A reagent composition which does not contain cyanide ions and a method for measuring hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample. In addition, the reagent composition can be used to measure hemoglobin concentration and differentiate at least two subpopulations of leukocytes from the same reaction product of the reagent composition and a blood sample. The reagent composition comprises at least one lysing agent selected from the group consisting of a quaternary ammonium salt, a pyridinium salt, and combinations thereof, in an amount effective to adequately lyse the erythrocytes and elute the hemoglobin, an antioxidant in an amount effective to convert the released hemoglobin into to a hemochromogen. The pH can be adjusting with a pH agent to provide a pH ranging from 5 to 11.5.

Abstract: The invention describes improved methods and reagent compositions employed therein to determine the existence of blood disorders such as hemolytic anemias in a blood sample obtained from an individual. The methods are preferably carried out on an automated flow cytometer and encompass determining if the individual's red blood cells have undergone a loss of membrane surface area by providing measurements of the surface area and the sphericity of the red blood cells in a whole blood sample as a function of osmolality. The method and reagent compositions used therein provide for the first time accurate measurements of the surface areas of both the mature red blood cell and the reticulocyte populations in a whole blood sample. The method and reagents of the invention promise to shed new insights into reticulocyte membrane remodeling in various red cell disorders.

Abstract: A method for differentiating and isolating sub-populations of leucocytes in a blood sample involved treating the sample with polyoxyethylene 9-lauryl ether. This method is suitable for isolating basophil granulocytes when it is conducted in an acid medium.

Abstract: A compound represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxy groups; R.sub.4 is hydrogen atom, an acyl group or a lower alkyl group; R.sub.5 is hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted lower alkyl group; Z is sulfur atom, oxygen atom or carbon atom substituted with a lower alkyl group; n is 1 or 2; and X.sup.- is an anion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lytic reagent and a method of using the lytic reagent for automatically determining leukocyte subpopulations in blood. More specifically, the new lytic reagent lyses red blood cells and affects the eosinophils which enables the differentiation of at least one subpopulation of leukocytes. The lytic reagent is an acidic, hypertonic aqueous solution containing alkali metal salt of alkyl sulfite, an eosinolytic agent, a nonionic surfactant and a physiological salt. When used in combination with a second lytic reagent system, one is able to obtain at least a five part differential of leukocytes using DC and RF measurements.

Abstract: A method of staining cellular material where a sample containing the cellular material is stained with a stain solution containing a cyanine dye excitable by infrared rays to contrast its nuclear material from its cytoplasmic material.

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition is provided which selectively stromatolyses red blood cells in a blood sample. In addition, a lytic reagent system is provided which enables the differentiation of at least three subpopulations of leukocytes. A method for using the lytic reagent system is also provided. Still further, the lytic reagent system finds use in the determination of the hemoglobin in the blood. The lytic reagent system utilizes an alkyl sulfate, polyoxyethylene based surfactant and acid with a hypertonic, alkaline, stabilizing reagent. The system and analysis method maintains the cellular morphology of the leukocytes and can be used to analyze normal and abnormal blood samples, fresh and aged blood, human and non-human animal blood samples.

Abstract: A method for identifying a peptide useful for inhibiting platelet aggregation activity without substantially prolonging bleeding time comprising determining the IC.sub.50 value of the peptide in both a heparin assay and a citrate assay and then comparing the value of the IC.sub.50 from each assay.

Abstract: A method and reagent for the simultaneous or independent enumeration of reticulocytes in a whole blood sample, without the need to separately incubate the sample and reagent. The reagent contains a reticulocyte staining amount of an unsymmetrical cyanine dye, from about 40 mM to about 60 mM of a buffer selected from the group consisting of imidazole, Tris and Bis-Tris and a dye stabilizing amount of a non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of N, N-bis?3-D-Glucon-amidopropyl! cholamide and a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer. The reagent has a pH from about 6.8 to about 7.2 and an osmolarity adjusted to about 280 to about 310 mosm/l with a mono-, or di-, valent alkali salt selected from the group consisting of NaCl, KCl, LiCl, CaCl.sub.2, MgCl.sub.2 and ZnCl.sub.2. The method utilizes the reagent in a no incubation process that also allows for the simultaneous determination of CBC as well as reticulocyte counts and maturity indices.

Abstract: A device and method for the detection of small particles in a fluid. The device is a collapsible sample container having a opening which is covered, at least in part, by a porous membrane having a plurality (e.g., 100) of pores therein having a pore diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the particles to be detected (e.g., 01. to 100 microns). A means for collapsing the container to extrude the liquid sample through the membrane pores is provided along with a means for detecting pressure during the extrusion. The size and number of particles in the liquid is calculated by relating the extrusion pressure required to a pre-calibrated standard. When a constant pressure is applied the rate at which fluid is extruded decreases as the pores of the membrane become clogged with particles.

Abstract: A cyanide-free lytic reagent composition and method for measuring the total hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample, for counting the number of leukocytes and for deferential counting of three leukocyte subpopulations including lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes are described. The cyanide-free lytic reagent composition includes a hemolytic surfactant chosen from quaternary ammonium salts, pyridinium salts, organic phosphate esters, and alkyl sulfonates to lyse erythrocytes and release hemoglobin, and an organic ligand chosen from triazole and its derivatives, tetrazole and its derivatives, alkaline metal salts of oxonic acid, melamine, aniline-2-sulfonic acid, quinaldic acid, 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole, triazine and its derivatives, urazole, DL-pipecolinic acid. isonicotinamide, anthranilonitrile, 6-aza-2-thiothymine, adenine, 3-(2-thienyl)acrylic acid, benzoic acid and alkali metal and ammonium salts of benzoic acid, and pyrazine and its derivatives to form a stable chromogen with hemoglobin.

Abstract: A leukocyte classification reagent comprising at least one surface active agent selected from the group consisting of anionic active agents and amphoteric active agents lyses erythrocytes within a short period of time when added to a blood sample but does not cause damage on leukocytes for a certain period of time keeping their original state or close to the original state so that leukocytes can be classified directly into four groups, namely lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil and eosinophil, by measuring forward scattering and side-way scattering by a flow cytometer after lysis of erythrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for rapid measurement of a fluid bulk analyte, requiring only microscale volumes. Several fluid bulk analytes can be measured simultaneously and, for biological samples, the cell content can also be measured simultaneously. The invention comprises reporter beads for chemical analysis of fluid bulk properties such as pH, oxygen saturation and ion content. Each reporter bead comprises a substrate bead having a plurality of at least one type of fluorescent reporter molecules immobilized thereon. The fluorescent properties of the reporter bead are sensitive to a corresponding analyte. Reporter beads are added to a fluid sample and the analyte concentration is determined by measuring fluorescence of individual beads, for example in a flow cytometer. Alternatively, reporter molecules which change absorbance as a function of analyte concentration can be employed.

Abstract: A pre-determined concentration of stabilized, maturation-arrested porcine reticulocytes in a red blood cell base, useful as a reticulocyte control composition. The composition can be provided in the form of a concentrated reticulocyte composition, to be diluted to a desired final reticulocyte concentration at the time of use. The composition can also be provided in the form of a diluted, ready-to-use control composition. Also included is a method of preparing such a composition, the method involving sequential steps of forming and sedimenting Rouleaux bodies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in vitro aqueous composition comprising a drug, preferably tacrolimus or rapamycin, having enhanced stability. The invention utilizes a binding protein, preferably FKBP, to stabilize the drug in an aqueous matrix.

Abstract: Whole blood is mixed with a reticulocyte reagent system that has a reticulocyte staining reagent and a diluent reagent, used in combination. This mixture is incubated at room temperature for between about 15 minutes to about 4 hours. The incubated mixture is then analyzed and the light scattering properties of the cells are detected, collected, differentiated and quantitized. Data gathering includes, at least, 10 and 90 degree light scatter detection.

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition and a kit of a lytic reagent system are disclosed for the rapid isolation, identification and/or analysis of at least five subpopulations of leukocytes from a whole blood sample. The composition and system have application to any environment in which the study and/or analysis of the leukocyte fraction of whole blood requires their isolation in their native or near native state. The lytic reagent composition of this invention comprises saponin and a carboxylic acid of the formula RCOOH wherein R is H or a C.sub.1-3 aliphatic hydrocarbon radial optionally substituted by one or more carbonyl and/or hydroxy groups. The kit of a lytic reagent system comprises the lytic reagent composition and a quench reagent.

Abstract: Reference controls comprised of aldehyde-fixed white blood cells stabilized red blood cells and simulated blood platelets exhibiting a white blood cell histogram profile that is substantially that of whole blood are obtained by the addition of a lipoprotein to the control and an antioxidant to inhibit lysis of stabilized red blood cells by the lipoprotein.

Abstract: Sample fluids including biological particles are mixed with a stain solution, and stained biological particles are fed into a flow through cell. Still frame images of the particles flowing through the flow-through cell are photographed by a television camera, and are processed for particle classification. Prior to such processing of biological particle images, a calibration coefficient is calculated using reference particles. The reference particles may include polystyrene resin which contains functional radicals such as sulfonic radicals, and are stained by mixing the suspended fluid containing these reference particles with the stain solution. The calibration coefficient is calculated according to the information on the stain in the still frame images, and is used to calibrate biological particle data.

Abstract: A coagulation control sample material for reproducibly monitoring coagulation control capability in a human patient wherein the coagulation control sample material has a predetermined clotting time within the range of from normal to abnormal human clotting times, the control comprising mammalian blood coagulation factors and an amount of at least one non-primate mammalian coagulation factor wherein when the coagulation control sample material has an abnormal human clotting time, the coagulation control comprises an amount of at least one non-primate plasma which has been treated with an adsorbent that adsorbs factors II, VII, IX and X and wherein the coagulation control is stable in the absence of buffer.

Abstract: A method and reagent for the simultaneous or independent enumeration of reticulocytes in a whole blood sample, without the need to separately incubate the sample and reagent. The reagent contains a reticulocyte staining amount of an unsymmetrical cyanine dye, from about 40 mM to about 60 mM of a buffer selected from the group consisting of imidazole, Tris and Bis-Tris and a dye stabilizing amount of a non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of N, N-bis?3-D-Glucon-amidopropyl! cholamide and a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer. The reagent has a pH from about 6.8 to about 7.2 and an osmolarity adjusted to about 280 to about 310 mOsm/l with a mono-, or di-, valent alkali salt selected from the group consisting of NaCl, KCl, LiCl, CaCl.sub.2, MgCl.sub.2 and ZnCl.sub.2. The method utilizes the reagent in a no incubation process that also allows for the simultaneous determination of CBC as well as reticulocyte counts and maturity indices.

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition is provided which selectively stromatolyses red blood cells in a blood sample. In addition, a lytic reagent system is provided which enable the differentiation of at least two subpopulations of leukocytes. A method for using the lytic reagent system is also provided. Still further, the lytic reagent system find use in the determination of the hemoglobin in the blood. The lytic reagent system utilizes an ethoxylated long chain compound based lysis reagent with an acid and a hypertonic, alkaline, stabilizing reagent. The system and analysis method maintains the cellular morphology of the leukocytes and can be used to analyze normal and abnormal blood samples, fresh and aged blood, human and non-human animal blood samples, as well as other fluid samples such as bone marrow.

Abstract: A method for classifying and counting leukocytes which includes the steps of (i) adding a first reagent used for classifying leukocytes into four groups which contains, (a) at least one ionic surfactant in a sufficient amount to lyse erythrocytes and to damage a part of cell membrane of leukocytes, (b) at least one organic compound having an anionic group in a sufficient amount to bond with a cationic component present in leukocytes to give morphological differences between leukocytes, (c) a nonionic surfactant, and (d) a buffer for adjusting pH, to a part of a blood sample to determine information on the cell size and morphological features in order to classify leukocytes into four groups consisting of three groups corresponding to lymphocytes, mononuclear cells and eosinophils and one group corresponding to neutrophils and basophils; (ii) adding a second reagent used for measuring basophils to another part of the blood sample to determine information on at least the cell size in order to classify basophils,

Abstract: Reference controls comprised of aldehyde-fixed white blood cells stabilized red blood cells and simulated blood platelets exhibiting a white blood cell histogram profile that is substantially that of whole blood are obtained by the addition of a lipoprotein to the control and an antioxidant to inhibit lysis of stabilized red blood cells by the lipoprotein.

Abstract: Reference controls comprised of aldehyde-fixed white blood cells stabilized red blood cells and simulated blood platelets exhibiting a white blood cell histogram profile that is substantially that of whole blood are obtained by the addition of a lipoprotein to the control and an antioxidant to inhibit lysis of stabilized red blood cells by the lipoprotein.

Abstract: Process for rapid, ultrasensitive and automatic counting of fluorescent biological cells such as microorganims, carried by a solid support such as a filter.The process includes: scanning a solid support on which a specimen potentially containing microorganisms has been deposited, with an incident beam from a laser, forming a laser spot on the solid support, the laser spot being substantially greater than the microorganisms to be detected, the laser spot size being between 4 and 14 .mu.m and simultaneously: detecting the resultant fluorescent light at least at one wavelength; establishing a set of correlated-features by a line-to-line correlation of individual features; comparing said correlated-features on each pair of adjacent lines in time synchrony, at least at two different wavelengths .lambda..sub.1 and .lambda..sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing freeze-dried blood cells, stem cells and platelets comprising the steps of: pre-treating a liquid selected from the group consisting of blood including blood cells, bone marrow fluid (hemopoietic stem cells), and platelets in blood plasma, with a solution containing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of saccharide, biopolymer, acid and acid salt; conducting granulation of the aforementioned pre-treated liquid into a granules of a predetermined size; performing rapid cooling of the granules; and drying the resultant frozen material by sublimation of the water content contained therein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing lyophilized and frozen cells as cytometry standards.

Abstract: A process for determining the reticulocyte population in blood samples, which process includes the use of coriphosphine O to stain reticulocytes and which process is particularly suitable for detection by flow cytometry techniques.

Abstract: A method is provided for the preparation of semisolid particles or cells that have been chemically derivatized resulting in hydrazide functionalities covalently incorporated onto cell surface membrane molecules of the semisolid particles or cells, as well as a method for determining the levels of hydrazide groups on the particles or cells. The method involves the preparation and analysis of red blood cells chemically derivatized in such a manner that hydrazide functionalities have been covalently incorporated onto the cell membrane molecules, the preparation of hydrazine derivatized cells and the use thereof of the novel cells in agglutination reactions to promote the attachment of antigens and antibodies to the hydrazine derivatized cells without loss of antibody activity or the blocking of the etitope of interest.

Abstract: This invention comprises a one step method for the detection and enumeration of absolute counts of one or more cell populations in a blood sample. The method employs a reagent comprising a mixture of one or more cell markers, a fluorescent microparticle and a fixative. The reagent may be combined with unlysed whole blood and analyzed by means of flow cytometry.