Abstract: A method for testing for the presence of sol-gel on an aluminum test specimen includes: preparing an ammonium molybdate solution; preparing a hydrochloric acid solution; and mixing the solutions in 2:1 ratio in each of a number of receptacles. A test specimen of unknown coating, a first control specimen, and a second control specimen are placed in the mixed solution in three receptacles. The first control specimen has a sol-gel coating over an alodine coating; and the second control specimen has an alodine only coating. By timing events such as a change in color of the test and control specimens or the solution becoming opaque, the method determines that the test specimen of unknown coating has a like coating to that of a particular one of the control specimens if the timing of the event of the test specimen and the timing of the event of the particular control specimen are comparable.

Abstract: Photochromic materials, such as spiropyran dyes, are disclosed that can be used for high-density optical storage and molecular switches. According to the disclosure these compounds can be used as transducers in optical sensors. When the spiropyran dye absorbs UV light it switches to the merocyanine form, and this structure has an active binding site for cations. When cations bind to the site, the resulting colored complex has a new absorption band in the visible spectrum. By shining white or green light on the colored complex, the dye is reverted to the closed spiropyran form, and the cation is released. The disclosure optimizes the immobilization of the spiropyran dye onto a polymer substrate via long chain alkyl groups. These long chain alkyl linkers enable the dye to reversibly form the preferred merocyanine (2):(1) cation sandwich complex.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte within a test sample is provided. The device utilizes multiple zones, one of which serves as an indicator of whether or not the analyte in the test sample is within the “hook effect” region. Based on this indication, a technique may be selected for correlating a measured signal intensity to an analyte concentration or range of concentrations. For example, when it is determined that the test sample falls outside the “hook effect” region, the analyte concentration may be determined using one portion of a dose response curve. On the other hand, when it is determined that the test sample falls within the “hook effect” concentration, the analyte concentration may be determined using another portion of the dose response curve. Alternatively, the sample may simply be diluted for re-performing the assay.

Abstract: A plurality of vessel holder means 14 are mounted around a revolving body 12 at an equal circumferential spacing. Each vessel holder means 14 includes two holders 26, 26 for carrying two vessels 4, 4 in vertical alignment. A path along which the revolving body 12 revolves contains an inversion interval C-D and an upright transfer interval D-B and A-C. Inversion means 16 which inverts the vessel holder means 14 about a tangential axis O1 is located within the inversion interval C-D while an electron beam irradiator 24 is located within the upright transfer interval A-C. Vessels which are fed at a vessel feed position A and carried by the holders 26 are subject to the irradiation of the electron beam at an electron beam irradiation position E, then inverted, and when it reaches the electron beam irradiation position E again, the opposite surface is subject to the irradiation of the electron beam. Vessels 4 are inverted again and then discharged at a vessel discharge position B.

Abstract: A self-calibrated, magnetic binding assay (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.) for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The magnetic binding assay includes detection probes capable of generating a detection signal (e.g., fluorescent non-magnetic particles) and calibration probes capable of generating calibration signal (e.g., fluorescent magnetic particles). The amount of the analyte within the test sample is proportional to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal.

Abstract: A method for analyzing formation fluid in earth formation surrounding a borehole includes storing analytical reagent in a reagent container in a fluids analyzer in a formation tester and moving the formation tester, including the reagent, downhole. Reagent from the reagent container is injected into formation fluid in the flow-line to make a mixture of formation fluid and reagent. The mixture is moved through a spectral analyzer cell in the fluids analyzer to produce a time-series of optical density measurements at a plurality of wavelengths. A characteristic of formation fluid is determined by spectral analysis of the time-series of optical density measurements.

Abstract: A reagent for classifying leucocytes, including: a) at least one of surfactant selected from a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and the combination thereof; b) an organic compound having phenyl or heterocyclic group, wherein when the surfactant is a cationic surfactant, the organic compound is an organic compound having an anionic group; when the surfactant is an amphoteric surfactant or a combination of amphotheric and cationic surfactant, the organic compound is an organic compound having an anionic or cationic group; c) a buffer for adjusting pH.

Abstract: A device for measuring and detecting the organophosphonis compounds, such as a pesticides or a nerve agents is provided. The devices function by selectively binding an organophosphorous compound to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthamide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been templated for the chemical functionality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reagent for classifying leukocytes including (a) at least one surfactant capable of lysing erythrocytes and partly damaging the cell membrane of leukocytes, (b) at least one organic compound bearing an anionic group capable of binding to the cationic component present in the leukocytes to provide morphological differences between the leukocytes, and (c) a buffer for adjusting pH to 2˜8. Also disclosed is a method for classifying leukocytes into four groups.

Abstract: A medical test kit includes a glucose testing composition, a protein testing composition, a bilirubin testing composition, a bilinogen testing composition, an amylase testing composition, a blood testing composition, a calcium testing composition, a nitrite testing composition, a ketone testing composition and a pH testing composition. The medical test kit also includes a plurality of corresponding indicative spectra to each of its units such that a health condition of a user can easily be interpreted. Furthermore, an interactive reference chart is provided for guiding a user for the use of the kit. The kit is suitable for use for the public and is capable of encouraging self health care of society.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to sensors for detecting metal ions, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The amount of platelet surface proteins in a sample may be measured by collecting a sample containing platelets into a collection tube containing a platelet stabilizing composition, labeling the platelet surface protein and detecting by cytometry.

Abstract: A method of calibrating the zero point of an apparatus which is used to determine the quantity of silica contained in a silica solution sample to be analysed, using a colorometric method. The colorometric method used by the apparatus consists of successively introducing the following components into the sample: a molybdate solution, a developer and a reagent. In order to determine the zero point, the developer is first introduced into the sample of silica solution to be analyzed, a first measurement is taken, followed by addition of the molybdate solution and the reducing agent to the sample, where a second measurement is take and the zero point is calculated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and analysing samples. The invention can be used in relation to any sample analysis where processing of the sample with one or more reagents is required. The invention has particular relevance for the DNA analysis of biological materials.

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of metal ions in a sample comprising the steps of: providing a sample comprising a nonpolar, liquid hydrocarbon, suspected of containing a metal ion; adding a dye such as a spirobenzopyran dye or bathocuproine and a reducing agent to the sample; wherein the dye forms a complex with the metal ion; wherein the complex has a spectral shift in light absorbance relative to the dye; observing the spectral shift; and calculating the concentration of the metal ion in the sample.

Abstract: Methods for amplifying the Raman signal of primary SERS nanoparticles are provided. One method generally includes binding secondary SERS particles to the primary SERS nanoparticles after binding of the primary SERS nanoparticles. In another method, secondary SERS nanoparticles are brought in close proximity to the primary SERS nanoparticles, wherein the secondary nanoparticles are free of a reporter molecule or have a reporter molecule different from that of the primary SERS nanoparticles.

Abstract: Devices and methods for identification, authentication, and quantification of one or more covert markers in a material are disclosed. A device includes a microfluidic cell, a liquid transfer system, and a detector system and is an integrated unit providing an automated, in-line process for identifying one or more materials containing at least one latent marker that may transform into an active form. The microfluidic cell is for receiving a material containing a latent marker and has at least one inlet for receiving one or more liquids and one or more outlets through which liquids exit. The liquid transfer system is operably connected to the microfluidic cell and delivers liquids to the microfluidic cell. The detector system is proximate to the outlets for detecting the active form of the marker. With the device, a number of independent processing and analytic steps are combined onto a single, portable unit.

Abstract: Process and a test kit for the detection of drugs of methylenedioxy amphetamine family and derivatives, are disclosed. The process comprises (a) sampling sufficient amount of a material, suspected to be examined comprise of said methylenedioxyphenyl group; (b) admixing said sample with a sufficient amount of a strong acid reagent; and (c) detecting color gradual appearance and determining accordingly the presence of said methylenedioxy amphetamine drugs in predetermined interval of time. The test kit comprises a strong acid reagent; a color vs time chart comprising means for the detection of a specific drug by means of color and time of appearance, a reaction chamber wherein suspected material and said strong acid reagent are admixed and color is indicated; a sampler having means to collect sufficient amount of suspected material to be tested and to insert it to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the presence or amount of newly synthesized antibody in a sample in response to an immunogen by detecting the released antibodies or parts thereof in a sample containing lymphocytes which have been disrupted whereby to release the synthesized antibodies or parts thereof associated with said lymphocytes whereby to determine the presence or amount of newly synthesized antibody in said sample, methods of diagnosis using said method and kits for performing the method. The method may also be modified to allow detection of non-specific infection indicators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluid reaction carrier intended for the purely fluid or light-controlled synthesis or analysis of oligomers or polymers. The reaction carrier comprises a structure of flow channels for the fluids, while supply channels and discharge channels parallel to the latter form an angle relative to the plane of the structure of the flow channels (reaction areas).

Abstract: A reference control composition containing a nucleated red blood cell component and the method of making are disclosed. The reference control composition includes a nucleated red blood cell component made of fixed non-nucleated blood cells and a suspension medium. The non-nucleated blood cell has a natural cell size substantially similar to a size of nucleus of said nucleated red blood cell of said blood sample. The nucleated red blood cell component can be made of equine, ovine, bovine, feline, canine, or porcine red blood cells; and it is substantially free of nucleic acid. The reference control composition can further include a white blood cell component, a red blood cell component, a platelet component, a reticulocyte component, or combinations thereof. Further disclosed are the methods of using the reference control composition for measurement of nucleated red blood cells on a blood analyzer.

Abstract: The invention involves using a simple colorimetric method for a quantitative test to measure white blood cells in milk samples. The invention includes a new reagent system, a new analysis method, and a new apparatus which permits in-line colorimetric analysis.

Abstract: In a method for measuring an analyte, which comprises a reaction step of forming a reaction system including a sample containing whole blood, a first substance carried by a solid carrier and specifically binding to an analyte contained in the sample and a second substance specifically binding to the analyte and allowing the analyte to react with the first and second substances and a measurement step of measuring the formed reaction product, (1) the reaction step is performed in a state that blood cells are not disrupted, and (2) at least the reaction step is performed in the presence of a sufficient amount of a detergent that does not cause hemolysis, does not inhibit reactions of the analyte with the first and second substances specifically binding to the analyte and can prevent influence on the reaction system of a component existing in the reaction system.

Abstract: A new method of cell fixation using a mild denaturing heat and the fixative PERMIFLOW™ or similar fixative that preserves cell morphology, light scatter profiles, nucleic acid content, cell surface epitopes and unmasks internal epitopes previously not available. The method can be combined with analysis of each of these parameters by flow cytometry and thus has application in drug screening and patient or tumor monitoring protocols.

Abstract: A fluidics-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a self-calibrated magnetic binding assay format (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.) that includes detection probes capable of generating a detection signal (e.g., fluorescent non-magnetic particles) and calibration probes capable of generating a calibration signal (e.g., fluorescent magnetic particles). The amount of the analyte within the test sample is proportional (e.g., directly or inversely) to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal. It has been discovered that the fluidics-based device of the present invention provides an accurate, inexpensive, and readily controllable method of determining the presence of an analyte in a test sample.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in effecting surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy comprises first and second containment means, the first containment means containing a known quantity of a reference chemical having an effective surface-enhanced Raman factor, and the second containment means containing a surface-enhanced Raman-active medium and being sufficiently transparent, at least at one optical access location, to permit both the excitation irradiation of, and also the collection of surface-enhanced Raman scattered radiation from, a common field of view of the surface-enhanced Raman-active medium. The apparatus is constructed for carrying out the method of the invention; i.e., for effecting intimate mixing, substantially prior to introduction to the surface-enhanced Raman-active medium contained in the second containment means, of the reference chemical with an analyte chemical-containing solution introduced through an entrance into the first containment means.

Abstract: A system employing an integrated analyte test strip including a biosensor and lancet is disclosed. The integration of lancet and the sensor elements eliminates the need to align the sensor to the biologic fluid sample after a lancet and lancing device are used in combination to pierce the skin. The system preferably includes a device comprising two body portions that slide relative to each other to both cock and fire a test strip at a target site. Meter reading and test strip disposal may be accomplished by removing the device from the target site. The device preferably employs a magazine loaded with test strips, with one strip being taken from the magazine each time the device is actuated. It preferably also includes a magazine in a cap to store spent test strips for disposal. The device may be turned on an off simply by removal and return of the cap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described by which means molecules in suspension may be characterized in terms of the size and mass distributions present. As a sample solution is separated by centrifugal means, it is illuminated at a particular radial distance from the axis of rotation by a fine, preferably monochromatic, light beam. Despite the high resolution of such devices, a key problem associated with most separators based upon use of centrifugal forces is the difficulty in deriving the absolute size and/or molar mass of the separating molecules. By integrating means to detect light scattered, over a range of scattering angles, from samples undergoing centrifugal separation, molecular sizes in the sub-micrometer range may be derived, even in the presence of diffusion. Adding a second light beam at a displaced rotational angle, preferably of an ultraviolet wavelength, that intersects the sample at the same radial region as the first beam permits determination of the molecular concentration at that region.

Abstract: The present invention provides DNA encoding a TADG-15 protein as well as a TADG-15 protein. Also provided is a vector capable of expressing the DNA of the present invention adapted for expression in a recombinant cell and regulatory elements necessary for expression of the DNA in the cell. The present invention further provides for methods of inhibiting TADG-15 expression and/or protease activity, methods of detecting TADG-15 mRNA and/or protein and methods of screening for TADG-15 inhibitors. Additionally, the present invention provides for cell-specific targeting via TADG-15 and methods of vaccinating an individual against TADG-15. The methods described are useful in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer, particularly breast and ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Novel reagent formulations and methods are described for the use of phosphonazo III to measure calcium, magnesium and sodium in biological fluids.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for assaying for troponin I in a sample such as serum, the method comprising a determination of the troponin I concentration in a sample using a standard preparation that comprises a complete native troponin complex. One exemplary assay for troponin I concentration according to the invention is an immunoassay. Further contemplated in the method is a step comprising contacting the sample with a Ca2+-binding agent. Another aspect of the invention is the standard preparation comprising a complete native troponin complex. Yet another aspect of the invention is a kit for use in the assay method comprising the standard preparation, a detectable label, and a troponin I binding partner, such as an anti-troponin I antibody. All aspects of the invention are usefully practiced using human materials, such as a human troponin complex, and/or human sources for samples.

Abstract: A hand-held device detects the presence of a preselected substance in the breath. A deformable housing forms a test chamber for interacting an indicator reagent with the breath. An ampoule positioned inside the housing is ruptured by manual pressure through the walls of the housing. The contents of the ruptured ampoule are exposed to the breath introduced into the chamber. The presence of a substance in the breath causes the indicator reagent to undergo a visually ascertainable change. The ampoule is secured within the housing by a pair of filter plugs having inboard concavities to receive the rounded ends of the ampoule to center it within the housing, and plural detents prevent slippage of the filters. Additional embodiments lower the user's risk of being cut by glass shards, prevent reagent inhalation, enhance the visual aspects of the device, and physically indicate the presence of breath flowing through the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and composition for detecting exposure of the contents of a container to one or more gases using a gas sensitive package sensor. The gas sensitive package sensor includes a ruthenium-based luminescence indicator composition having a ruthenium-based luminescence compound having one or more optical properties dispersed within a gas permeable polymer matrix. Exposure to one or more gases modifies the one or more optical properties of the ruthenium-based luminescence compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for measuring residual chlorine concentration in the sample water, which is an aqueous solution comprising a specific benzidine compound, e.g., N,N?-bis(2-sulfoethyl)-3,3?-dimethylbenzidine disodium salt, and a surfactant, wherein the content of the surfactant is set to be 0.5% by weight or more and to be 0.5 weight-fold or more of the content of the benzidine compound, and the pH is adjusted to be in the acidic region. This composition can prevent the benzidine compound from crystallizing in the aqueous solution under the low temperature condition such as in winter season or the like.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing a polymer at a location of a substrate are provided. In the subject methods, a fluid droplet containing a first monomer labeled with a first detectable label is deposited from a fluid deposition device onto a location of a substrate surface having a second monomer labeled with a second detectable label. The first and second detectable labels are then detected to determine any misalignment between the fluid deposition device and the location of the substrate surface during deposition. Also provided are algorithms that perform the subject methods, as well as fluid deposition devices that include the subject algorithms. The subject invention also includes arrays produced according to the subject methods and kits that include the subject arrays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for monitoring the environment within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a body defining a channel for accommodating flow of fluid therethrough. A monitor structure is disposed in the channel of the body in the flow of fluid. The monitor structure changes color and/or dimension in response to various parameters of the fluid having predetermined values.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for observing a chemical substance. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a vessel having a base portion and an at least partially transparent wall portion depending from and extending away from the base portion. The base portion and the wall portion define an interface region at an interface between the base portion and the wall portion. The vessel can further include a background material fixedly attached to the base portion and/or the interface region, with the background material having a surface visible through the wall portion from a region exterior to the vessel. The background material can be attached to an inner surface or an outer surface of the vessel, or the background material can be integrated with a medium that forms the base portion and the wall portion of the vessel. The background material can have a single color, such as white or black, or the background material can have a plurality of hues to make the contents of the vessel more clearly visible.

Abstract: Sensor constructs for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample comprise a molecular scaffold, a pair of labels which interact via Förster resonance energy transfer, and at least one molecular recognition domain. When the analyte is bound by the molecular recognition domain, the Förster resonance energy interaction between the pair of labels is disrupted, resulting in a changed optical signal.

Abstract: A method of protein precipitation, concentration and removal of non-protein agents from the protein solution wherein the protein solution is treated with a protein-precipitation agent containing an acidic agent, a salt and a precipitate forming agent. After precipitation, the protein precipitate is washed with a water miscible organic solvent agent to remove non-protein agents present in the protein precipitate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantitatively determining a reducing substance, which comprises reacting a reducing substance in a test specimen with iron (III) ions, reacting iron (II) ions formed by reduction of the iron (III) ions or residual iron (III) ions with a metal indicator which is capable of reacting specifically with the iron (II) ions or the residual iron (III) ions to undergo color development, and carrying out quantitative determination by measuring the degree of color development, wherein a chelating agent which is specific to copper ions is added to the test specimen before the reaction of the reducing substance with the iron (III) ions; and a reagent used for it.

Abstract: A specimen cup (100) has slide-in cassette (102) hermetically sealed in a chamber (104), with a outer partition being transparent. The cassette comprised chemical test strips (106) used to provide testing of drugs of abuse or other chemical or biological substances. The cassette is designed to draw urine up from the front bottom of the cup, thereby reduces the amount of urine required to perform the test. Further the cassette is designed to form isolated test channels through the use of strategically placed vertical and horizontal bars which are hermetically sealed. The cup further comprises a spill prevention flap or float (108) and an optionally enlarged sample collection portion (110) for its operation. The windows of the test cassette are covered with transparent fluid-resistant plate to prevent urine from accidentally spill onto the strips.

Abstract: A method of detecting soluble lithium in a liquid biological sample comprising combining: (a) an amount of the biological sample; (b) 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octobromo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulphonatophenyl) porphyrin; (c) alkali; (d) detergent; (e) chelating agent; and (f) optionally a suitable solvent; to produce a test sample; detecting absorbance change of the test sample relative to a lithium deficient standard sample at a wavelength of between about 475 nm and about 485 nm, between about 515 nm and about 525 nm or simultaneously between about 475 nm and about 485 nm and between about 515 nm and about 525 nm, wherein absorbance change indicates presence of soluble lithium in the biological sample. Also disclosed is a method of quantitatively measuring soluble lithium ions in a biological sample and a reagent for use in such methods.

Abstract: Personal illicit drug detecting apparatus is disclosed which includes a substance chemically reactive to a suspected drug. The substance is provided in the form of a layer positioned on at least one finger of a user. The substance can be blended into finger nail polish and positioned on at least one nail by painting or positioned anywhere on a finger in the form of a decal. To test a suspected beverage the user inconspicuously moistens the substance on the finger or finger nail with liquid from a beverage and observes any change (e.g. color, image, etc.) of the layer on the finger nail or finger nail, wherein the change indicates the presence of the suspected drug in the beverage.

Abstract: A cyanide-free lytic reagent composition and method of use for measuring the total hemoglobin concentration and white blood cells in a blood sample are disclosed. The lytic reagent composition includes a quaternary ammonium surfactant to lyse red blood cells and release hemoglobin and a ligand to form a stable chromogen with the hemoglobin. The lytic reagent composition has a pH in a range of 3 to 10. The lytic reagent composition can also include a second quaternary ammonium surfactant. The ligand can be malic acid, malonic acid, ethylene diamine, N,N-diethylethylene diamine, N,N?-diethylethylene diamine, diethylene triamine, tetraethylene pentamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, 1,3-pentanediamine, 2-methylpentamethylenediamine, 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, 4-aminoacetophenone, bis-hexamethylenetriamine, pyridazine, or 3,6-dihyroxypyridazine.

Abstract: A compound linked to a solid support (R) through a divalent linker moiety (X) and which is represented by the following formula: is disclosed. In particular, the 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is directly linked to the support under mild conditions (i.e., in aqueous or organic solvents at neutral pH and at room temperature). The polymer bound 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid can be used for the derivatization of amines as well as for single step amino group modification of proteins, peptides, and amines via acylation or sulfonylation reactions. A flow through device and method for the single step amino group modifications of proteins, peptides, and amines is disclosed. Also disclosed is a flow through device for the detection of amines in a sample. Additionally, a device and method for the detection of amines in a sample using 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device is used to detect the presence of amines in a spoiled meat product.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a sample with excellent sensitivity using a redox reaction is provided. In this method, a reducing substance or an oxidizing substance derived from the analyte is measured in the presence of a tetrazolium compound and sodium azide using the redox reaction, and an amount of the analyte is determined from the amount of the reducing substance or oxidizing substance thus measured. The tetrazolium compound and the sodium azide are present at a ratio in a range from 20:3 to 20:12. Preferably, a solution containing the tetrazolium compound and the sodium azide is aged and then added to the sample.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for quantifying and/or identifying a nitroderivative compound, or a residue thereof, and are applicable for assessing in vivo nitrative stress and for aiding in diagnosis of mammalian pathologies such as asthma, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, inflammation, ischemia, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. A preferred method comprises a) providing a sample containing the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, in the form of a diazo compound or residue thereof; b) azo-coupling the diazo compound, or residue thereof, to a target compound capable of producing a signal, to yield an azo-coupled compound; c) isolating the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, or the azo-coupled compound; d) quantitating and/or detecting the signal, to yield a quantitation and/or detection result; and e) determining from the quantitation and/or detection result the identity and/or concentration of the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device and method for the detection of lithium ions in a biological fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a novel compound and a optical sensor which incorporates said compound for the detection of lithium ions. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of detecting lithium ions which comprises placing the novel optical sensor into communication with a biological fluid. Once the novel compound of the present invention encounters a lithium ion(s), a fluorescence is generated, the intensity of which is measured and allows for the determination of lithium ion concentration. The present invention provides a medical professional with the ability to selectively determine lithium ion concentration in a biological fluid thereby facilitating the treatment of various diseases, such as manic-depressive illness.

Abstract: A plasticizer-free ion detective sensor for detecting a target ion in a sample is provided. The sensor comprises a copolymer of methacrylate monomers with pendant alkyl groups of different length, and an ionophore for detecting the target ion. The copolymer matrix of the present invention may be in a form of membrane or particles. The sensors of the present invention may be Carrier-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes or particle-based optodes. The ionophore may be a target ionophore selective for a target ion H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, or Mg2+. The ion detective sensor of the present invention may further include an ion exchanger such as halogenated carboranes. Also provided is an ion detective sensor comprising halogenated carboranes as ion exchangers. Particularly, trimethylammonium-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 undecabromocarborane (TMAUBC) is used as ion exchangers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an analytical method and analytical reagent solutions for determining the concentration of electrolyte components, such as copper, acid and chloride constituents in an acid or basic metal plating bath using a chemical analyzer. Common methods for measuring the concentration of copper general require two reagent solutions/two steps. This invention provides a novel analytical reagent solution that simplifies the chelating, buffering, and cleaning functions of separate regent solutions required for measuring electrolyte concentration. This has the benefits of reducing chemical inventory and associated dispensing equipment, and thus reducing chemical consumption.