Abstract: The present invention relates to new color compositions which are especially suitable to be used in oxygen indicators. The compositions comprise iron(II), an agent containing pyrogallol entities and an organic acid.

Abstract: The present invention involves an improvement to an assay for the activity of a metal chelate, such as copper II/creatinine, which activity is related to the concentration of the analyte in a fluid test sample. In carrying out the assay, there is combined the fluid test sample, the metal chelate or precursors thereof, a hydroperoxide, an oxidizable indicator and a pyrazole derivative which inhibits the ability of hemoglobin to oxidize the oxidizable dye.

Abstract: The invention describes novel methods for calibrating or standardizing flow cytometry instruments using synthetic polymer particles or beads having physical properties which provide advantages for their use in such instruments. The polymer particles or beads employed in the calibration methods are spherical, have an average particle diameter of from about 1 to about 8 microns, a relatively narrow particle distribution, and a low refractive index, i.e., from about 1.35 to about 1.45. The particles are safe, stable for long time periods and are particularly suitable for employment as hematology analyzer calibration substances. The invention provides an advantageous improvement over the types of standards currently used to calibrate a variety of instruments that rely on light scatter combined with other parameters to identify and measure biological particles or cells, as well as nonbiological particles.

Abstract: Sensors (20, 50, 70) for use in detecting the presence of sugars and other analytes (target molecules). The sensor is composed of a metal complex that binds to the target molecule and releases a proton or includes an exchangable ligand which is exchanged for the target molecule during the binding interaction between the metal complex and the target molecule. The result of the binding interaction is the release of a proton, hydroxide ion or ligand species generated during the ligand exchange. Measurement of the release of proton, hydroxide ion or other ligand species from the sensor (20, 50, 70) provides an indirect indication of target molecule concentration. The metal complexes may be attached to support structures (10, 12) to provide both anchoring and positioning of the metal ions to increase selectivity of sugar/metal complex interactions. Detection systems in which pH is used as an indication of proton or hydroxide release are disclosed, as are detection systems in which Cl.sup.- release is used.

Abstract: A disposable ultraviolet dosimeter for rapid visual estimation of cumulative exposure to UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Abstract: A reagent composition and method is provided for identification of reticulated cells from other cell types in a blood cell sample by using optical measurement. More particularly, the reagent composition contains a nucleic acid dye and sphering agent. More particularly, the method enables the identification of reticulated platelets and reticulated erythrocytes. In addition, the method provides for a concurrent determination of cell by cell hemoglobin of the reticulated erythrocytes and mature erythrocytes in the blood cell sample.

Abstract: A sensing composition for polycarboxylic acids which operates in competitive solvents. The composition includes a receptor and an indicator, both of which are mixed in a solvent. Addition of a polycarboxylic acid to the composition causes a change in the physical properties of the composition. Measurement of the amount of change in solution allows the concentration of polycarboxylic acid to be determined. The sensor is preferably selective for polycarboxylic acids, is sensitive, and may be used to analyze solutions of polycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A DMS detecting agent with a permanganate deposited on a support, characterized in that the support is quartz sand, and that the DMS detecting agent is obtained by adding an aqueous solution of silica sol or alumina sol and a permanganate to said quartz sand support for mixing and then drying the mixture, and a DMS detecting agent tube and a DMS detector tube using the same.

Abstract: The method consists in the use of one compound of formula: X--NH--R in which X represents one 5-bromoindole-3-yle group and R represents the acyl radical of one amino acid selected between leucine and alanine, as tracer for demonstrating, by the formation of a colored product, a peptidase activity in a culture of micro-organisms.

Abstract: A sensitive and convenient unitized method, reagent composition and test device is presented for the determination of free halogens in aqueous test fluid samples. The reagent composition basically consists of an azine type indicator material and an effective amount of a benzidine type catalytic material, the combination of two materials preferably being impregnated into a matrix material for ease of handling and use.

Abstract: An inventive method and reagent for the colorimetric determination of nickel and cobalt is provided. The method and reagent uses dithiothreitol and a phosphate buffer to quantitatively detect nickel and cobalt at 465 nm and 485 nm, respectively. The method and reagent are accurate over a nickel concentration range of 1.76 to 35.2 ppm, and over a cobalt concentration range of 0.587 to 17.6 ppm. The invention is valid in protein solutions, requires no extractions and uses stable reagents. Common metals found in biological system do not interfere with the method.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for precisely measuring the concentration of a nonionic surfactant in an aqueous alkaline solution. The process comprises extracting the surfactant into an organic solvent, separating the solvent and forming a colored complex that can be quantitatively measured to give the actual concentration of the surfactant.

Abstract: A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen reactions, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific micro-locations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific micro-locations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a sensitive single-layer system for optically detecting a concentration of an analyte, such as, for example, oxygen, the analyte being capable of investigation in liquid or gaseous aggregate condition or in a dissolved condition, by adsorption, luminescence or luminescence quenching of an indicator sensitive to the analyte, which is preferably permanently immobilized in the optical beam path. The sensitive single-layer system achieves a reproducible and extremely short response behavior. Indicators are adsorbed on a filler material and thereafter a mixture is produced with a matrix material permeable to the analyte to be detected. Then, under the action of pressure, the mixture is extruded onto a substrate, the layer thickness being formed in dependence on the applied pressure used. The applied sensitive layer is polymerized, polycondensed or hardened and the layer is also homogenized by swelling in a fluorescence indicator solution.

Abstract: An assay device for testing for the presence of an analyte in a sample liquid supported on a test surface, the device comprising a test stick having a handle portion to be held by a person performing the test and a mixing portion to contact the sample liquid, the mixing portion bearing a dried, pre-dosed reagent for the test, the dried reagent being reconstituted by contact of the mixing portion of the test stick with the sample liquid, and wherein the mixing portion is configured to provide a mixing surface to mix the reconstituted reagent with the sample liquid on the test surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reagent for biomaterials assay of (fluorescent dye).sub.n --avidin--a compound having a plurality of reactive groups--a biomaterial, or a reagent in which avidin is bound to a compound having a plurality of reactive groups through biotin in the above, a method for preparing it, a plastic fiber optics necessary for utilizing this, an assaying device having a sensing portion utilizing this fiber optics and an assaying method of biomaterials by use of this reagent and device. The assay method can be used for immunoassay of biomaterials such as antigens, enzymes contained in extremely minute amounts in blood or body fluid in medical diagnosis, and improves detectable sensitivity to a great extent.

Abstract: A invention relates to a method for the investigation of house dust with respect to a potential for inducing an allergic reaction, by mixing the house dust with a protein detector for the determination in order of size of protein-containing constituents contained in the house dust; additionally, the invention also relates a detecting agent for the estimation of a potential of house dust for inducing allergic reactions using a detection constituent for characterizing a protein component.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for determining the concentration of a surfactant in a transparent hydrocarbon by performing the steps of adding a solid to the hydrocarbon; adding a second masking reagent to the hydrocarbon; mixing to form a dispersion; separating the dispersion from the mixture; and measuring the optical absorption of the dispersion.

Abstract: A novel electrochemiluminescent (ECL) reaction between diaminoaromatic ligands and soluble metal ions, specifically reactions between aminoaromatic ligands, such as 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4,DAT), 3,4-diaminotoluene (3,4,DAT) and 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (2,3-DAN) and metal ions such as Au(I), Cu(II), Cr(VI), Fe(III), Ru)III), Se(IV) and V(V). Such reactions form the basis for ECL assays in detection of various substances, such as the reactants. The ECL interaction between these substances can also form the basis for binding methods in the detection of other substances, such as nucleic acids and antibodies wherein the metal ion ligand ECL complex may be used as a label. The ECL assays are considered useful for carrying out field and laboratory analyses for the detection of TNT breakdown products and toxic metals in wastewater streams, soil, and ground water supplies.

Abstract: An improved method of detecting latent bloodstains using a thickened solution of fluorescin which is applied to a surface, activated by application of hydrogen peroxide and visualized as fluorescein under ultraviolet (UV) light is disclosed.

Abstract: A dry test piece for measuring a magnesium concentration in a biological fluid, which comprises the following reagent components (i) to (iii): (i) o-cresolphthalein complexon; (ii) O,O'-bis(2-aminophenyl)ethylene glycol-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid; and (iii) a pH buffer agent of pH 8.5 to 11.0.

Abstract: An electrolytic solution for Karl Fischer coulometric titration is disclosed which consists mainly of an amine, sulfur dioxide, iodide ions, and a solvent which is a mixed solvent comprising (a) propylene carbonate and (b) a dialkylene glycol monoalkyl ether (wherein the alkylene groups and the alkyl group each have from 1 to 4 carbon atoms). The electrolytic solution, which is based on a less toxic solvent, has fewer side reactions with ketones and is useful in accurately determining the water content of ketones.

Abstract: A fluorescent ionophoric compound is disclosed that includes a complexing moiety, such as a cryptand or crown-ether portion, and a fluorescing moiety such as a coumarin portion. The coumarin portion may be substituted at the 3-position with an electron withdrawing or polarizable group such as a substituted aromatic group or a substituted heterocyclic group having a heteroatom in at least one of its alpha positions. The compound, which exhibits good photostability, can be incorporated into cation-sensing composite structures by means of convenient points of covalent attachment.

Abstract: A hematological sample is treated with a hemolytic agent that maintains immature leukocytes in a viable state and damages other leukocytes. The damaged leukocytes are stained with a fluorochrome which can stain damaged cells. At least one kind of scattered light and at least one kind of fluorescence of the treated and stained blood cells are measured to classify and count leukocytes based on the intensities of the scattered light and the fluorescence. Highly precise measurement of immature leukocytes and simultaneous classification and counting of normal leukocytes are achieved.

Abstract: Cyanide-free reagents for the determination of hemoglobin and leukocytes present in a blood sample contain an aqueous solution of at least one quaternary ammonium salt, preferably selected from the group of alkyltrimethylammonium salts, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts or alkylpyridium salts consisting of tetradecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB), dodecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide and benzalkonium chlorides, and hydroxylamine salts, especially hydrochloride, sulfate and phosphates and other acid salts. The method involves mixing the reagent with a diluent- diluted blood sample, presenting it to an absorbance spectrophotometer and measuring the resulting optical density as an indicator of hemoglobin concentration. This cyanide-free reagent could be used solely for hemoglobin determinations, or , it can also be used in leukocyte counting and sizing using hematology instrumentation.

Abstract: A polymer tagged with luminol is provided which enables the fluorescent or chemiluminescent detection of the tagged polymer at low concentrations. The chromophore may be covalently bonded to the polymer backbone without sacrificing the chromophore's fluorescent or chemiluminescent properties. The present invention has been found useful in the treatment and monitoring of industrial waters.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a blood component, e.g., fibrin monomer, from blood or plasma ?comprises! includes a container ?(110)! with a reaction chamber for receiving the plasma, where ?said! the reaction chamber is defined by an outer wall and ?comprises! includes means for supplying ?said! the reaction chamber with an agent for converting the fibrinogen content of the plasma into a non-cross-linked fibrin polymer. The apparatus ?comprises furthermore! also includes a device for centrifuging the reaction chamber with the plasma and ?said! the agent to a degree sufficient for separating the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer from the plasma, for depositing ?said! the polymer on the outer wall of the reaction chamber, and for expelling the remaining plasma from the reaction chamber. The container ?(110) comprises! includes means for supplying the reaction chamber with a solvent for dissolving ?said! the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting exposure to an oxidation-type sterilant using a chemical indicator comprising bleachable dye is disclosed. Using the method and apparatus disclosed, a bleachable azo dye is incorporated with an anodized aluminum or chromate conversion coated surface and exposed to an oxidation-type sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, and inspected upon completion of the sterilization process for color change. If exposed to sterilant for an appropriate amount of time the bleachable dye changes color thereby indicating adequate sterilization. The surface incorporating bleachable dye may be made to change color after a predetermined number of exposures to a oxidation-type sterilant.

Abstract: A method for the determination of iodide in aqueous solutions, preferably in urine. The process is characterized in that the sample solution is admixed with a chromogen and a peracid solution and the color reaction is evaluated visually or photometrically. In the determination of iodide in urine, the sample is pretreated by means of a purified activated carbon.

Abstract: Diazonium ions which are useful as reagents for the assay of bilirubin content in a sample, such as a body fluid sample, are provided. In one preferred embodiment, 2-methyl-3-nitroaniline diazonium ion is provided, having the structure: ##STR1## Also provided are reagent compositions including the diazonium ions. The reagent compositions may be in liquid or solid form, and further may include other components, such as buffers, carriers, and solubilizers. Salts including the diazonium ion and a counteranion also are provided. Also provided are methods of using the diazonium ions in assays to detect or quantitate bilirubin present in a sample such as a body fluid sample. Using the assays, the amount of direct, indirect, and total bilirubin in a sample may be accurately and reproducibly detected, and optionally correlated with the presence or absence of any of a variety of diseases or disorders of organs such as the liver, gall bladder or intestines.

Abstract: A method for the rapid estimation of hyperplastic and hypertrophic changes in animal airways is an assay which specifically measures acidic and neutral mucoproteins in a linear fashion from 0.5 to at least 10 .mu.g. The assay comprises exposure of a test animal to a suspected metaplastic inducer, removal of the lungs, homogenization in an appropriately buffered solution containing reducing agents and protease inhibitors; removal of particulate matter; and size-fractionation of the SDS treated soluble extract. The high molecular weight material is immobilized and stained for either acidic or neutral mucosubstances and the specific staining is quantitated. The changes observed are consistent with those seen in histological sections of the exposed tissues.

Abstract: A method of assessing glycated blood protein in a sample which comprises separating glycated and non-glycated protein using a liquid phase precipitation reagent, contacting the sample with a signal forming agent capable of binding preferentially to the glycated protein, and assessing the signal forming agents.

Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator composition comprising a bismuth compound, a sulfur source, and a compound capable of generating alkaline conditions when exposed to steam; wherein when exposed to steam the composition noticeably changes color and when exposed to dry heat either does not change color or changes color to one that is markedly different from the color formed when the same composition is exposed to steam.

Abstract: The fertile period in a female can be detected by monitoring the calcium and magnesium concentrations in unstimulated saliva. In the three to five day period immediately prior to ovulation, the calcium and magnesium concentrations of saliva drop. This concentration monitoring can be done by any conventional means for quantitatively assaying calcium or magnesium, such as by flow through tests, test strips, cards, charts, probes, meters, and the like.

Abstract: A method for testing and determining the alloy class of an aluminum alloy may be simply and easily carried out, for unequivocally determining the correct alloy class among the aluminum alloy classes 2XXX, 5XXX or 6XXX, and 7XXX, of the test sample. According to the method, the material sample is dissolved in hydrochloric acid (HCL) to prepare a first solution, then nitric acid (HNO.sub.3) is added drop-wise to the first solution in order to cause oxidation of any insoluble copper (Cu) therein and form a second solution, then a potassiumhexacyanoferrate (II) solution (K.sub.4 ?Fe(CN).sub.6 !) is added to the second solution to bring about a discoloration and precipitation reaction and form a final resulting solution. Finally, the applicable alloy class of the tested material sample is determined by visually categorizing the color and precipitation state of the resulting solution.

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 of a protein assay wherein a protein solution is treated with an acidic component followed by the addition of a precipitate-forming component, which results in precipitation of protein. The protein precipitate is collected and treated with one or more reagents of a protein assay to produce a characteristic protein color reaction. The concentration of protein is determined by measuring the optical density of protein color reaction and comparing the color reaction with a known standard.

Abstract: Tests for elevated pH and volatile amines in aqueous fluids are disclosed, including tests useful in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and in other biological conditions. By using formulated indicators and indicators held in matrices that are permeable to gas but not to liquid, the tests provide clear and sharp transitions detectable by visual or machine-readable means rather than by subjective judgments such as small gradations in color or olfactory determinations. The tests lend themselves readily to iconic readouts of the test indications and to the inclusion of positive and negative controls.

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: Cholesterol in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or very low-density lipoprotein (VLVL) in a sample is determined in the presence of a sugar compound and/or a protein-solubilizing agent.

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 and analyzer for monitoring the progress of a chemical process in which a fixed volume sample of the reactive mixture of the chemical process is periodically gathered and injected into a fluid stream of a liquid carrier. The sample in the liquid carrier is passed through an infrared detector which detects the amount present in the sample of a species of the reaction mixture which is indicative of the progress of the chemical process.

Abstract: A deepithelialized skin cell diffusion system which can be used to select topical gel and cream formulations containing human other wound healing promoters such as plasma fibronectin. The formulations provide slow release and increased contact time of fibronectin or other wound healing promoters to the wound site leading to its effective absorption.

Abstract: A cyanide-free method and reagent for determining the concentration of total hemoglobin in a whole blood sample accurately in less than 10 seconds including a ligand selected from the group consisting of imidiazole, imidazole derivatives, N-hydroxyacetamide, N-hydroxyl amine, pyridine, oxazole, thiazole, pyrazole, pyrimidine, purine, quinoline, and isoquinoline, and a surfactant with strong erythrolytic capability selected from the group consisting of lauryl dimethylamine oxide and octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol. The reagent pH is adjusted to about 11 to about 14. Rapid mixing of the reagent with a blood sample leads to the formation of a stable chromogen whose absorbance can be measured between 540 and 550 nm. The cyanide-free reagent is ideal for use on an automated high through-put clinical hematology analyzer.

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: Reagent and method are offered for the screening of the functional condition of the body by the person's saliva. Reagent presents itself as an H2O solution, containing ions of Fe3+, chloride ions and multi-atom alcohol .n the concentrations 0.05-3.0M; 0.05-4.0M, and 0.1-5.0M accordingly. Screening is conducted by means of mixing of the persons saliva with the reagent in the following comparison of colour mix with control; during this an orange colour is correlated with the norm; yellow-diabetes SD-1, functional disorders of pancreas; bright-pink and red initial stages of hypertonic disease, diabetes SD-2, pathological influence of smoking; dark-red, developed forms of hypertension, diabetes SD-2, pathogenic-influence of smoking or other toxic substances, leading to the emphasized energetic disorder.

Abstract: A unitized, one step test reagent composition, device and method is presented for the determination of phosphorus in various test sample fluids such as soil extracts. The invention is a modification of the Murphy and Riley methodology which utilizes a molybdate salt and a reducing agent to generate "molybdenum blue" in the presence of phosphate. In addition to the molybdate salt, the test reagent composition includes a chromogenic reducing agent which contributes to the color development and a solid buffer. The composition is preferably incorporated into a matrix such as paper for ease of handling.

Abstract: Reagent for determining the ionic strength and/or the specific weight of aqueous liquids and a reagent for this purpose, the composition of the reagent being such that the color change indicating the ionic strength is essentially directly dependent on the specific weight of the liquid to be determined and not on a pH shift.

Abstract: For the purpose of reversible optical indication of the pH of a sample, a hydrophilic accommodating layer is disposed on a hydrophobic mechanically stable support element, which layer contains the indicator dye proper in an immobilized form. This provides a sensor membrane which can be fabricated in a simple manner and is cost-effective, which has a rapid response time and can also be fabricated as a mass product to be used only once.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a laminated substrate for use in an immunodiagnostic device and a machine or apparatus for marking the substrate with reagent. The method of forming the laminated substrate creates a rollable chromatographic medium. The chromatographic medium can be biphasic or multiphasic. The biphasic chromatographic medium comprises a capture medium precast onto a plastic backing and a release medium. The release and capture media are bonded to a liner material such as a plastic film. The multiphasic chromatographic medium comprises a capture medium precast onto a plastic backing, a release medium, and a sample absorbent medium. The capture medium, the release medium and the sample absorbent medium are disposed on a liner material such as a plastic film. The biphasic and multiphasic laminates are prepared for use as immunoassays by a specially adapted machine or apparatus.