Abstract: A paint or coating composition and method for detecting vapor or liquid reactants, such as ammonia. The composition is composed of ethyl cellulose as a binder, a filler, such as amorphous silica, and a dye, such as bromophenol blue. The composition serves as a passive detector for vapor or liquid reactants when applied to selected surfaces as a paint. The composition is capable of detecting extremely low concentrations of vapor. Further, the composition is capable of regenerating to its original color, thereby providing repeated detection capability.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a biological fluid or the like for a constituent of interest comprises structure defining a sample inlet port, structure defining an analysis region, a measuring system connected in sensing relation to the analysis region, and structure defining a reaction chamber that has an immobilized enzyme capable of modifying the constituent of interest. Control means operates liquid flow means in a unidirectional sample flow mode to initially flow a sample of material to be analyzed from the sample inlet port to the reaction chamber and to the analysis region for a measurement of unmodified sample material, and then operates the liquid flow means in a bidirectional sample flow mode to oscillate the sample material in the reaction chamber and facilitate modification by the immobilized enzyme of the constituent of material in the sample.

Abstract: Process for the specific determination of the serum fructosamine content in blood or in samples obtained from blood by reaction with an appropriate color reagent and measurement of the color change thereby brought about, in which before the color reaction sample components with a non-specific reducing action and/or causing turbidity are removed and subsequently the color reagent is added at a pH value of from 10 to 12. The sample components are removed by treatment at approximately neutral pH value with a reagent composition comprising at least one enzymatic oxidation agent, optionally together with peroxidase and/or catalase and/or lipase, as well as with at least one SH group-blocking substance. A kit for the specific determination of the serum fructosamine content in blood or samples obtained from blood, comprises said reagent composition, a rebuffering reagent with a buffer which has an alkaline pH value and a color reagent for the detection of fructosamine.

Abstract: Method for the continuous determination of dimethylformamide and dimethylamine in aqueous solutions, especially in effluents. A method for the continuous determination of the amount of dimethylformamide in a solution containing dimethylformamide, the amount of dimethylamine in a solution containing dimethylamine, and the combined amount of dimethylformamide and dimethylamine in a solution contained in aqueous solutions, especially in plant effluents, is described, which comprises continuously taking a constant part stream from the effluent stream, hydrolyzing the part stream under alkaline conditions with an alkali solution added at a constant rate under constant conditions, subjecting it to partial vaporization conditions, condensing the resulting vapor stream by cooling, determining the electrical conductivity in the condensate continuously in a flow cell and converting the measured values obtained into the desired concentration values by reference to a calibration curve or known equations.

Abstract: A novel 1.alpha. (or 24R), 25-dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.3 amino acid derivative of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is OH or --O--CO--A--NH.sub.2, and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, OH and --O--CO--A--NH.sub.2 ; wherein one of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is OH, and one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is --O--CO--A--NH.sub.2 ; and wherein A is C.sub.1-10 alkylene, is produced by removing a protective group for the amino group, e.g. 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl, in the presence of a base in an inert solvent. A radioisotope iodine-labeled residue is then attached to the amino group to produce a derivative useful in the assay of 1.alpha. (or 24R), 25-dihydroxy vitamin D.sub.3 in a specimen.

Abstract: A method and associated materials including test kits for detecting and measuring the presence and amount of aminoguanidine and its analogs in biological samples is disclosed. Biological samples may include plasma, urine or tissue, and the present method may be used to determine the activity and effect of aminoguanidine and its analogs, particularly to the extent that such materials are useful as agents to prevent advanced glycosylation of proteins. The present invention extends to a new drug assay, suitable test kits, and to the assessment of kidney function and the potential to aid in the diagnosis of underlying pathologies where kidney dysfunction is a symptom.

Abstract: Catecholamines can be detected with high sensitivity in a shortened time period, by introducing a sample containing catecholamines into an adsorption column packed with an adsorbent to adsorb catecholamines to the column, then introducing a reagent for derivatization to effect pre-column labeling and then analyzing the pre-column labeled catecholamines by means of high performance liquid chromatography. Connection of the adsorption column and a separation column of high performance liquid chromatography via a fluid path changeover valve enables to automated analysis of catecholamines.

Abstract: Polypeptides are sequenced from the carboxyl terminus by treating the peptide with an iodoxybenzene, followed by removal of the excess reagent and reaction with 2-aminothiophenol at an elevated temperature. The resulting benzthiazolidine is then analyzed to determine the C-terminal amino acid which has been cleaved. A kit which contains the iodoxybenzene and 2-aminothiophenol reagents is separate containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for assaying compounds belonging to the group biogenic amines and including catecholamines, indoleamines, their metabolites and derivatives, and other small molecular weight compounds using a boric acid extraction method followed by high pressure liquid chromatographic separation in conjunction with electrochemical detection. The method utilizes high purity chemical and liquid components, a microparticulate-silica bonded phenyl stationary phase in the chromatography column and special cleaning and maintenance measures for the various components of the assaying apparatus which result in reduced baseline noise and allow the electrochemical cell to be operated at a sensitivity of one nanoamp or less full scale deflection on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A method of making drug abuse test papers wherein bibulous paper carriers are impregnated with specific test chemicals, (bismuth subnitrate, potassium iodide, acetic acid, and platinum salt), in two coatings and dried after each coating under specific temperature conditions. The test chemicals are provided for the detection of the drug abuse compounds of amphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and narcotics contained in low concentrations in animal or human urine. Additionally described is a means of preserving urine samples using esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid.

Abstract: A solid support chemistry system which, with a dinitrofluorobenzene based assay, can be used to define titers of ligands and chemistry distal to the support. Cleavable diamine cystamines or 1,6-diamino-3,4-dihydroxyhexane are bonded to the solid support.

Abstract: The present invention relates, a compound for use with selective detectors of the semiconductor resistance type which detect for nitrogenous reducing gases in the atmosphere, especially ammonia and gases containing NH and/or NH.sub.2 groups, said compound comprising the gallium nitride and, oxynitrides of tetrahedral structure according to the general formula: ##EQU1## in which: .quadrature. represents a hole, and 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.3.

Abstract: An automated method for measuring the non-porous surface area of carbon black is disclosed. The method comprises passing a small sample of a CTAB-carbon black dispersion through a disposable filter to separate the carbon black with adsorbed CTAB from the filtrate containing unadsorbed CTAB. The filtrate next passes through a measuring loop and a high pressure liquid chromatography column to separate the CTAB from the other filtrate components. The CTAB is next sensed by a detector and an integrator calculates the amount of CTAB adsorbed by the carbon black and the non-porous surface area of the carbon black. The integrated apparatus for carrying out this method is also described. Once the carbon black and the CTAB are mixed, there is no further handling of the sample. The system is entirely automated and takes only a few minutes for the CTAB area determination. Measuring temperatures can also be fixed. This results in much more reproducible CTAB numbers for a particular carbon black.

Abstract: Fluorescent lanthanide chelates are formed by reacting a .beta.-diketone, an aldehyde, and an amine to produce a dihydropyridine condensation product which is then chelated with a lanthanide metal ion. These fluorescent chelates are made into wavelength-shifting devices by physically supporting the chelates on a polymer. Such wavelength-shifting devices can be optically coupled to a photoelectric cell to increase the portion of the solar spectrum available to the cell for conversion into electricity. Furthermore, the reaction producing the fluorescent lanthanide chelates is used to detect amines or aldehydes in a sample.

Abstract: A new and improved test device and method of determining the presence and concentration of fructosamines in a test sample. The test device includes a test pad comprising a carrier matrix incorporating an indicator reagent composition capable of interacting with fructosamines to produce a detectable or measurable response. The carrier matrix of the device includes a bibulous matrix, such as filter paper, or a nonbibulous matrix, such as a polymeric film. In addition, a new and improved indicator reagent composition comprising a dye, such as tetrazolium violet; a suitable buffer; and an accelerator compound is incorporated into the carrier matrix to provide a test pad demonstrating sufficient color resolution and having sufficient sensitivity to fructosamines in a test sample. Therefore, a fast, more accurate and trustworthy fructosamine assay of a liquid test sample, such as whole blood or serum, is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a general assay methodology suitable for the detection of organic analytes which are neither aldehydes nor ketones and for inorganic substances. The methodology utilizes prepared sensitized films of derivatizing agents and specific developer solutions for the selective and controlled formation of light scattering crystals whose presence serves as a qualitative and/or quantitative measure of the individual analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: A method of predetermining the exact weight ratio of the reactants to produce a product and maintain the weight ratio of the reactants to obtain a maximum yield of the product. The method combines weight ratio measurement with infrared absorbance measurements to determine the maximum yield of an alkenyl succinimide product.

Abstract: Primary and secondary amines in biological fluids are selectively derivitized by reaction with esters of N-hydroxysuccinimide or N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide to form an N-acylated derivative. Those N-acylated derivatives may then be extracted into a polar organic phase and extracted. Non-electroactive amines may be made suitable for coulometric analysis by selecting the ester used so as to attach an electroactive group to the amine. For example, histamine may be reacted with the Bolton-Hunter reagent to form a suitable derivative in high yield.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a sample for selected molecules which consists of reacting the molecule with a reagent that produces a charged derivative which can be desorbed and analyzed using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).

Abstract: Primary amines, secondary amines and peptides are fluorometrically assayed using a fluorogenic derivatization reagent of the formula: ##STR1## where Z is an electron withdrawing group or a fused benzene ring, Y and Y', which are identical or different, are nitrogen or carbon and X is a halogen or other leaving group. The above fluorogenic reagent reacts with the primary amine, secondary amine or peptide to form a cyclic fluorescent adduct.

Abstract: A colored compound containing a cationic group and a cellulose reactive group, especially a compound of the formula:A--Y--B IY'--B IIwhereinA is the cationic group;Y is a chromophore;Y' is a cationic chromophoreandB is the reactive group, which is suitable for the preparation of a protein adsorbent or precipitant for use in the separation of mixtures of proteins.

Abstract: A gas dosimeter utilizing a colorimetric reagent for the selective determination of total amines in solution or in air is described. The reagent comprises 1,2 napthoquinone-4-sulfonic acid or a derivative thereof. Upon addition of amines, a color is formed which is quantitatively related to the number of amine molecules reacted. The reagent can be utilized to detect aromatic amines apart from primary amines by the addition of a buffering agent to maintain the pH less than 4.5.

Abstract: A method of assaying primary amines or cyanide is disclosed. The process is carried out by reacting a substituted or unsubstituted naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde or o-phthalaldehyde, reactive with primary amines and cyanide, with cyanide ions and at least one primary amine to form an adduct amenable to fluorometric or electrochemical assaying techniques. The adduct is then fluorometrically or electrochemically assayed.Also disclosed are 1-cyano-benz[f]isoindole adducts.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the use of aniline derivatives of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl or aryl radical, R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl radical which can be substituted by hydroxyl, amino, carboxyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, lower alkanoylamido, aryl lower alkyl or aryl or by a group of the structure: ##STR2## in which R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 have the meanings given hereinafter, R.sub.3 is a hydrogen or halogen atom or a carboxyl group, R.sub.4 and R'.sub.4, which can be the same or different, are hydrogen or halogen atoms, carboxyl groups or lower alkoxy radicals or lower alkyl radicals which are preferably in the m-position and R.sub.1 and R.sub.4 or R.sub.2 and R.sub.4 or R.sub.4 and R'.sub.4, when the two substituents are ortho to one another, can together form a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms which can be substituted by hydroxyl or oxo groups, R.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new chiral reagent of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is halogen, an azide group or a succinimidyl group and wherein R is an alkyl group or a trifluormethyl group. The invention further relates to a method for the derivatization, determination and preparation resolution of primary and secondary amino-containing compounds. The method comprises the steps of derivatizing the amino function by the reagent to form diastereomeric carbamates, which are determined by e.g. fluorimetry or absorptiometry after separation by liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A solid phase oxime compound having the general formula: ##STR1## where X is particulate silica gel or controlled pore glass; n is 3 or 4, n' is 1-6; R' is an electron withdrawing group; and Y and Y' are selected from OH, OCOR", OSO.sub.2 R" and OCO.sub.2 R", where R" is a chromophore, fluorophore or electrophore, is disclosed. Also disclosed is the method for making compounds of this type and the method for using these compounds to detect and quantify analytes having primary or secondary amines or thiol functionalities.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the detection of hydrazine and hydrazine derivatives. For the detection of hydrazine and volatile hydrazine derivatives in air, preferred is a detector tube having iodate or periodate ion in a reactor zone and an iodine sensitive colorimetric indicator in a separate indicator zone. The colorimetric indicator may be an addition-complex type indicator, a redox sensitive dye precursor or an iodination type dye precursor. The hydrazine or hydrazine derivative contacts the iodate or periodate ion in the reactor zone to form iodine which diffuses or is drawn into the indicator zone where it contacts the indicator which then undergoes a color change. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the detector tube, an oxidizing metal ion is present in the reactor zone and, when a redox sensitive indicator is employed, in the indicator zone.

Abstract: A mixture of fluorescently-excitable amino acid derivatives suitable for use in quantitative amino acid analysis is provided in which primary amino acids are present as derivatives of a first reagent and secondary amino acids are present as derivatives of a second different reagent. The process for preparing the mixture comprises the steps of derivatization of the primary amino acids of an amino acid sample with ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and of derivatization of the secondary amino acids of the sample with fluorenylmethylchloroformate (FMOC) in the presence of acetonitrile. The mixture can be obtained automatically and is highly suitable for fast analysis by reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine (MMH), and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) in a gaseous sample. The hydrazine compound detector includes a sample converter wherein vapors of an aldehyde such as acetaldehyde or a ketone such as acetone are mixed with a sample in gaseous form, and the mixture is allowed to react to form azine and hydrazone derivatives of the aldehyde or ketone. The derivatives may be transported long distances and then analyzed, as by heating in the presence of an oxidant in a pyrolyzer containing a nickel surface to produce nitric oxide (NO), followed by measurement of the NO in a NO detector such as a chemiluminescent analyzer.

Abstract: A novel method of detecting and diagnosing lung cancers by monitoring and analyzing expired lung air for the presence of selected aromatic amines, particularly aniline and ortho-toluidine, is provided.

Abstract: Tagging compounds (which function as both dyes and markers) having the following structures: ##STR1## wherein x is an integer between 0 and 3 inclusive, y is an integer between 1 and 3 inclusive, z is 0 or 1, and R is a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms are disclosed. These compounds can be dissolved in a diluent at a concentration of from about 10 percent to about 30 percent, forming a concentrate which can be further dispersed in an organic liquid to form a final concentration of from about 1 ppm to about 15 ppm of said tagging compound in said liquid. Methods for detecting the presence of a tagged compound in an organic liquid are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemiluminescence method for assaying compounds containing primary amino groups using 1-cyano-2-substituted benz(f)- or naphth(f)-isoindole fluorescers is disclosed. The 1-cyano-2-substituted benz(f)- or naphth(f)-isoindole (CBI or CNI) is formed by reacting a compound containing a primary amino group with naphthalene-2-3-dicarboxaldehyde or anthracene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde in the presence of cyanide ion. The reaction product of hydrogen peroxide with an oxalate ester is then combined with the CBI or CNI to form an analyte which exhibits chemiluminescence. A detector is used to measure the chemiluminescence emission from the chemiluminescence derivatized analytes. Compounds containing primary amino groups which may be assayed according to the present invention include primary amines, amino acids, peptides and catecholamines. The method can also be adapted to the analysis of trace amounts of cyanide ion and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A diagnostic test paper detects abuse-type drugs in a test specimen of a biological fluid. A particular method of making the diagnostic test paper includes impregnating a bibulous carrier material with the dry residue of a reagent reactive to abuse-type drugs. A particular method is used for screening a biological fluid to determine the presence of abuse-type drugs therein. A test specimen applying area is located on the bibulous carrier material adjacent one side of a concentrated reagent zone having a first color. A particular method of application and a specific syringe device is used to apply a test specimen that has been prepared under very precise conditions. The test specimen moves from the particular applying area into the concentrated reagent zone to produce the specific results of detecting the presence of abuse-type drugs therein. A novel solvent composition is used to prepare the test specimen applied to the bibulous carrier material of the invention.

Abstract: A method of forming analyzable adducts in a mixture of compounds by contacting the mixture with a boron reagent having the formula of either ##STR1## where each X and Y is, independently, an alkyl group of 12 or fewer carbons or an aryl group of 6-20 carbons; or BZ.sub.3, where each Z is, independently, an alkyl group of 12 or fewer carbons, or an aryl group of 6-20 carbons.

Abstract: A method for fluorometric analysis of catecholamines characterized in that, after the addition of a catecholamine into a solution of 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine containing an oxidizing reagent at a pH of 4 to 10, the mixture is allowed to stand for more than 1 minute at a temperature of higher than 15.degree. C. to make cateocholamine fluorescent, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method, and air sampler concentrator, for sampling and detecting trace quantities of amine vapors in ambient atmospheres, are described. Atmospheres containing vapors of amines, particularly aralkyl amines such as amphetamines, are sampled and vapors collected in a concentrator having two adsorber components, one a polymeric adsorbent for amines and the other a selected alkaline adsorbent. Collected vapors are thermally desorbed in stages and the amine vapors analyzed by gas chromatography. The concentrator and method are very suitable for detecting trace amount of amine drugs and alkyl or arylalkyl amine vapors found in some industrial work environments.

Abstract: Nitrides and oxynitrides which can be used as selective detectors of reducing gases in the atmosphere, and a detection device containing them. Selective detectors of nitrogen-containing reducing gases in the atmosphere, in particular ammonia and gases containing NH and/or NH.sub.2 groups, of the semiconductor resistance type, the nitrides and oxynitrides according to the invention are of tetrahedral structure and contain:a metal chosen from the group comprising Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn and Mn;a second element chosen from the group comprising Si, Ge, P, Al and Ga;nitrogen and, if appropriate,oxygen.

Abstract: A stain for detecting molecules having amine or thiol groups, comprising halogenated maleimides and derivatives thereof, such as halogenated maleicdiamides. Upon binding to nitrogen- or sulfur-containing molecules, such as proteins, the halogenated stains undergo a chemical transformation which causes them to fluoresce. By applying the stain to a substrate suspected of containing amine or thiol groups and applying an ultraviolet light source thereto, any fluorescence, indicative of the presence of amines or thiols, can be readily detected.

Abstract: A process for detecting the presence of trace amounts of non-fluorescent soluble compounds each having at least one labile hydrogen atom in a carrier solution by adding a non-fluorescent quinone which is reducible to a fluorescent hydroquinone, and irradiating the resulting solution in the absence of oxygen with light of sufficient energy to cause the quinone to be reduced to a hydroquinone. The invention further provides a novel photochemical reactor--recording fluorometer combination and carrier liquid--quinone solution for performing the analysis.

Abstract: A simple, sensitive and specific spot test for 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, TATB, is described. Upon the application of the composition of matter of the present invention to samples containing in excess of 0.1 mg of this explosive, a bright orange color results. Interfering species such as TNT and Tetryl can be removed by first treating the sample with a solvent which does not dissolve much of the TATB, but readily dissolves these explosives.

Abstract: A method of analyzing molecular layers of amino-functional group coupling agents on inorganic substrates is disclosed. A saturated solution of 1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-5-sulfonyl chloride is added to a sample to be tested, and sufficient time is allowed, with or without heating, for the reaction of the 1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-5-sulfonyl chloride with any amino functional group coupling agent which might be present. The color intensity of the reaction product is compared under ultraviolet light in an otherwise substantially dark room with the color intensity of standards representative of known thicknesses of coupling agent to determine the existence and thickness of the coupling agent on the particles being analyzed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method for separating and measuring the amount of polar compounds, such as pyridostigmine, acetylcholine, neostigmine, and edrophonium, and their metabolites in aqueous solutions. The method is used to determine the urinary excretion and plasma levels of polar compounds administered to animals.

Abstract: A process is provided for the analysis of additives in polyolefins involving dissolving the polyolefin in decalin and subsequently precipitating the polymer, isolating a portion of the extract and measuring the additives therein. Apparatus for use in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the determination of 5-aminosalicylic acid, which comprises measuring the color developed in an alkaline medium by an oxidative condensation product formed by the condensation of an o-alkylphenol represented by the general formula ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.1 represents an ethyl, isopropyl or sec-butyl group) with 5-aminosalicylic acid of the formula ##STR2## in the presence of a peroxide.

Abstract: A device for detecting small amounts of a chemical such as ammonia, and other ammonia-like molecules such as hydrazine or pyridine, in air and in other gases is disclosed. A capillary tube serves as a multiple total reflective medium for an optical beam from a light-emitting diode. The outer surface of the capillary tube is coated with a dye which, when exposed to the chemical, changes color so that the multiply reflected light is modified. The resultant change in the output light intensity from the capillary tube is photodetected and recorded to sense the presence of the chemical. When the chemical is removed, the dye returns to its original color so that the device can be reused.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for electrochemically analyzing a sample in solution is described. The apparatus comprises an electrochemical detector comprising a plurality of electrochemically isolated flow cells arranged in series so as to define at least one flow path. Each of the electrochemical flow cells in turn comprises at least one working electrode, at least one reference electrode, and at least one counter electrode. Electrical potentials are applied to the various working electrodes so that the sample solution is cyclically subjected to oxidation and reduction conditions whereby selected substances contained in the sample solution may be electrically screaned or modified prior to detection and measurement on a downstream sensing electrode.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of a chemical species capable of promoting the disproportionation of Hg.sub.2.sup.2+ to Hg.sup.2+ and Hg.degree. in solution which method comprises causing the species to react with a solution comprising Hg.sub.2.sup.2+ to thereby produce a measurable concentration of Hg.degree. in a gaseous phase above the solution, and determining the Hg.degree. present in the said gaseous phase.The method is particularly applicable to the determination of low concentrations (e.g. as low as 0.1 p.p.b.) of SO.sub.2 in gas mixtures, such as air.

Abstract: 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde can be used as a reagent for determination of hydrazine in an aqueous solution. The reagent is especially stable and useful when dissolved in an ethylene glycol monoalkyl ether.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for extracting amine compounds from air samples without loss due to formation of nitrosamine artifacts. The apparatus includes a cartridge having a separation zone between a first port and a second port. The separation zone contains an air pervious packing of a granular, solid phase amine complexing agent. The method includes a first step of driving an air sample through the separation zone of the cartridge from the first port to the second port, and a second step of driving an eluent through the separation zone from the second port to the first port, or backflushing the cartridge. To extract amine compounds, the eluent is a solvent for the amine complexing agent in the separation zone of the cartridge. The method may contain the further step of determining the amine compound concentration of at least a portion of the eluate which passes from the separation zone following the second step of the method.

Abstract: A method of determining affective illness (i.e. mood disorders) involves serological testing. The serotonin uptake of the patient's blood platelets is determined and compared with a standard blood platelet serotonin uptake characteristic of a particular type of affective illness to determine the patient's type of affective illness. A method of treating a patient having a particular affective illness is provided which includes treating the patient with an effective amount of at least one drug which is effective in treating persons having the same blood platelet serotonin uptake as the patient.