Abstract: Detecting white blood cells in an aliquot of urine by placing the aliquot of urine in an automated analyzer sampling cup, transferring the urine to a cuvette and injecting at least one reagent composition. The reagent composition contains a buffer, an activator such as benzalkonium chloride, an indicator and at least one substance to remove substances in the urine that cause interference with colorimetric photometry. The aliquot of urine is read in accordance with a preprogrammed code at a monochromatically specified wavelength to compare absorbance of the patient's urine with a known standard containing a known concentration of white blood cells.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ion chromatography including passage of sample through a chromatographic separation column, through a suppressor column containing a resin with exchangeable ions, and then through a detector. The suppressor column is equipped with an electrical potential supplying device to electrolyze water and regenerate the suppressor column.

Abstract: In order to determine iron in serum by releasing the bound iron through addition of a protein denaturing agent, reduction of the released iron to Fe.sup.2+, addition of a color reagent solution and photometric measurement of the color complex that forms, a mixture of a denaturing agent containing urea or a urea derivative and a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether are added to the sample solution.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of determining the antagonist and agonist activity of a compound for steroid hormone receptors. The present invention also provides a method of determining antagonist activity of a compound for a hormone receptor by inducing the conformational change in the receptor. In addition, the present invention provides a novel method of determining the level of agonist activity of a compound for steroid hormone receptors.

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

Abstract: A method of separating fluid into two or more separable fractions. One container section (2) and the adjacent portion of the other container section are made of solid material, and the two container sections are screwed together. The container sections (1 and 2) have their respective chambers (29 and 30) for receiving their respective fluid ingredients, and these chambers are interconnected through a connecting channel (31) through the abutting portions, at which the container sections (1 and 2) are screwed together. A valve seat (21, 27) is shaped at each end of the connecting channel (31) for each valve member (22, 16) for a sealing closing of the chambers (29, 30) in the separated state of the container sections (1, 2).

Abstract: A process for the elimination of labile glycohaemoglobin from a sample comprises adding to the sample a reagent comprising a temperature dependent buffer having a pH/temperature coefficient of -0.011 or less, and a method for measuring the concentration of stable glycohaemoglobin in sample containing stable and labile glycohaemoglobin fractions.

Abstract: Method of detecting urobilinogen in urine using a chemical detection means with an indicator that will produce a detectable quantitative response in the presence of, or lack of urobilinogen in urine on an automated analyzer.

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

Abstract: This invention provides a process for checking the removal rate of pyrogenic substances, in particular viruses, from organic material. The material to be purified is passed through an ultrafilter or an ultrafiltration unit whose virus-removal rate has already been determined by passing viruses of the Leviviridae family or other comparable small bacteriophages through the filter or filtration unit, the virus titer is determined before and after the filtration operation and the virus removal rate thus calculated. Before or after determining the virus-removal rate, a given pressure is applied to the filter or filtration unit in a gas pressure-hold test, and the decrease in the pressure over a given period is measured. After filtration of the biological material, the rate of virus removal by the filter is checked by repeating the pressure-hold test.

Abstract: A method of analyzing for As(III) as AsO.sub.2.sup.-1 ion in an Au(I) containing electroplating solution. The concentration of As(III) in the electroplating solution is maintained high enough to avoid formation of "burnt Au" oxides but low enough to avoid bond failures. A sample of the electroplating solution is withdrawn and added to a buffered solution, for example an acetate-ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) buffered solution. A complexing agent for Au(I) ion is added to the buffered solution. This can be an alkali metal cyanide. Next ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate is added as a complexing agent for the AsO.sub.2.sup.-1 ion. The ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate--AsO.sub.2.sup.-1 ion is extracted, for example with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). The extract is analyzed for As(III) by atomic absorption, as electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

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

Abstract: A sensitive assay method has been discovered that reduces the amount of non-specific binding present in an assay, the method comprising detecting an analyte present in a sample through a specific binding reaction in which either an analogue of the analyte or a specific binding partner of the analyte is immobilized on a solid-phase and said specific binding reaction produces a detectable product immobilized on said solid-phase that may be correlated to the amount of analyte present in the sample wherein said assay employs an effective amount of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene-alkylether, a polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane block copolymer, a polyalkylene oxide-modified polymethylsiloxane block copolymer, and mixtures thereof to reduce non-specific binding.

Abstract: The accuracy of a diagnostic test for determining the coagulability of blood is improved by reducing the interference by heparin. At least one metal salt, preferably a copper or zinc salt, is added to the diagnostic test to avoid or considerably reduce the undesirable influence of heparin on the test.

Abstract: The invention provides novel labelled boronic acid conjugates of formula ##STR1## (wherein V is a reporter moiety; W.sup.2 is a bond or an organic linker moiety;W.sup.1 is a *SO.sub.2 NR.sup.2, *CONR.sup.2 or *CH.sub.2 N.sup..sym. R.sup.2.sub.2 group bound at the *-marked atom to the phenyl ring;R.sup.1 is hydrogen or an electron withdrawing substituent group; andeach R.sup.2 independently is hydrogen or an optionally hydroxylated and optionally C.sub.1-6 -alkoxylated C.sub.1-6 -alkyl group) and salts thereof, e.g. for use in assays for cis-diols such as glycated blood proteins, having enhanced water-solubility and storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the detection of hydrogen peroxide in biological fluids or an aqueous solution which involves contacting the solution with an oxidation-reduction indicator and a transition metal complex. The transition metal complex is either a creatinine coordinated with iron or a guanidine coordinated with iron.

Abstract: A surface processing method effected before the total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis is effected is disclosed. The surface processing is to modify all of the contaminants attached at least to the measurement surface of the wafer into particle-shaped residues. For this purpose, the measurement surface of the wafer is first dissolved by hydrofluoric acid to form a large number of droplets on the measurement surface. Next, the thus formed droplets are dried with the position thereof kept unchanged. After the drying, contaminants attached to the measurement surface of the wafer are left as particle-shaped residues. After this, the measurement surface of the wafer is analyzed by the total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analyzing method.

Abstract: A method of pretreating aqueous chemical oxygen demand (COD) samples to remove the risk of potential chloride ion interference. The method comprises acidifying an aqueous COD test sample, and thereafter passing the acidified sample through a source of pentavalent bismuth (Bi.sup.5+) such as sodium bismuthate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a C1-esterase inhibitor concentrate, of human plasma origin, comprising 2 separations by chromatography on ion exchanger gels of tentacular type.

Abstract: A method for enriching rare cell populations from a whole blood sample by separating rare cell fractions from whole according to the relative charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix. The enrichment method may be operated stand alone, or as a pre or post-processing step in conjunction with a charge-flow separation method.

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

Abstract: An analyzer for chemically analyzing biological samples delivers required reagents in a plurality of reagent bottles to reaction containers corresponding to analysis items. A reagent which becomes deteriorated by carbonic acid gas is registered in advance, and it is judged by a control device whether such a reagent bottle is loaded in the reagent containing chamber or not. If such a reagent bottle is loaded in the reagent containing chamber, a purge gas for sweeping-out air containing carbonic acid gas is supplied to the reagent containing chamber. The flow rate of the purge gas is controlled so as to be large during an initial period of analysis preparation stage and is then decreased.

Abstract: A method of pretreating aqueous chemical oxygen demand (COD) samples to remove the risk of potential chloride ion interference. The method comprises acidifying an aqueous COD test sample, and thereafter passing the acidified sample through a source of pentavalent bismuth (Bi.sup.5+) such as sodium bismuthate.

Abstract: In a method for the determination of the fat content of samples, preferably organic samples, fat portions are dissolved out of the sample by means of extraction. A high boiling point solvent is used for extraction. Through the use of a high boiling point solvent, all possible fat portions will be dissolved out and the extraction time will be significantly reduced. Concurrent with extraction, the extracted fat portions are saponified through the addition of a base, as a result of which salts of the fatty acids contained in the sample will be formed. In further procedural steps, these salts of the fatty acids are subjected to further treatment, separated from one another and analysed. The method enables the exact determination of the fat content of organic samples on the basis of the fatty acids contained within the sample.

Abstract: A charge-flow separation apparatus (CFS) and method for enriching rare cell populations, particularly fetal cells, from a whole blood sample by separating the rare cell fractions from whole according to the relative charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix. The enrichment method may be operated stand alone, or as a pre- or post-processing step in conjunction with a charge-flow separation method.

Abstract: The binding sites of binding proteins and their binding partners are characterized, at the individual amino acid level, by a combination of tritium exchange labeling and sequential degradation and analysis of tritiated fragments under slowed exchange conditions.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. The device comprises a conventionl hematology analyzer integrated with a fluorescence cyometry analyzer. A controller is provided for controlling the analyzers, obtaining and utilizing data from both and reporting a quantitative result. Methods are also provided for analyzing a whole blood sample. One such method comprises the steps of performing on a single instrument an analysis of impedance associated with the blood sample, an analysis of light scatter associated with the blood sample, and an analysis of fluorescence associated with the blood sample. Data is collected and utilized. A result is reported.

Abstract: A sensitive assay method has been discovered that reduces the amount of non-specific binding present in an assay, the method comprising detecting an analyte present in a sample through a specific binding reaction in which either an analogue of the analyte or a specific binding partner of the analyte is immobilized on a solid-phase and said specific binding reaction produces a detectable product immobilized on said solid-phase that may be correlated to the amount of analyte present in the sample wherein said assay employs an effective amount of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene-alkylether, a polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane block copolymer, a polyalkylene oxide-modified polymethylsiloxane block copolymer, and mixtures thereof to reduce non-specific binding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ion analysis by ion chromatography uses periodic electrolytic regeneration of a packed bed suppressor. First and second sets of columns, suppressors and detectors connected in series are linked by appropriate valving so that the effluent from the second suppressor can be passed to the first suppressor to be used in the electrolytic regeneration of the first suppressor after detection of analyte in the second detector.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. The device comprises a conventional hematology analyzer integrated with a fluorescence cytometry analyzer. A controller is provided for controlling the analyzers, obtaining and utilizing data from both and reporting a quantitative result. Methods are also provided for analyzing a whole blood sample. One such method comprises the steps of performing on a single instrument an analysis of impedance associated with the blood sample, an analysis of light scatter associated with the blood sample, and an analysis of fluorescence associated with the blood sample. Data is collected and utilized. A result is reported.

Abstract: A chloride analyzer includes an inlet valve and filters for process water to be analyzed, as well as a pH electrode to verify the pH value of the incoming liquid before further treatment. A stripper bubbles stripping air through the process water to remove hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide therefrom, and the discharge line from said stripper feeds a reaction vessel to which also reagent from a supply vessel is passed. After a suitable reaction time, optionally followed by a further air stripping operation through air supply line, the reaction products are fed via line to an ionometry measuring cell where chloride analysis is carried out using a specific ion selective electrode.

Abstract: A novel approach to study changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during apoptosis, and thereby identify cells committed to apoptosis is presented, methods used to study apoptosis and tyrosine phosphorylation at the single cell level are combined to study directly whether apoptosis in hematopoietic cells is associated with changes in cellular phosphotyrosine levels. The changes in cellular phosphotyrosine content strongly correlated with the appearance of features of cell death such as cell shrinkage, DNA fragmentation and loss of membrane integrity.

Abstract: A continuous flow analyzing method and an apparatus for carrying out the analyzing method wherein a sample is injected in a continuously flowing carrier and the sample is introduced into a detector by the carrier to thereby perform a quantitative analysis contained in the sample. In the method the sample to be analyzed is filled into a sample introduction switchover valve (SISV); a portion of the sample from the SISV is injected into the carrier and an analysis of this sample is conducted to obtain a detection peak for the analyzed sample. These steps are repeated and the sample is continuously analyzed by, in the case where a detection peak obtained in the detector is under an optimum analysis range, increasing an injection amount of the sample, and in the case where the detection peak obtained in the detector is over the optimum range, decreasing the injection amount of the sample. Adjustment of the detection peak is repeated until the detection peak reaches the optimum analysis range.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a variety of merocyanine dyes and substituted merocyanine dyes for detecting and quantifying poly(amino acids), including peptides, polypeptides and proteins. The labeled proteins or peptides are highly colored, but are also detected by their strong fluorescence enhancement. Poly(amino acids) are detected in solution, in electrophoretic gels, and on solid supports, including blots and dipsticks. The present method of staining is highly sensitive, extremely facile, and relatively non-selective.

Abstract: A reticulocyte analyzing method and apparatus in which a biological sample stream of ghosted red cells is passed into and through a point focused beam of light, such as laser light. A light detector structure is positioned with respect to the axis of the light beam to provide a light output pulse indicative of the passage of each cell. Electrically conductive contacts within the fluid stream can provide additional electrical pulse outputs of each cell. A staining reagent can be utilized with a ghosting reagent to further differentiate the reticulocytes. The light and the light and electronic produced output pulses or signals can be combined to define and quantify reticulocytes as distinct from other known cell types.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to the method for the detection of creatinine in which creatinine, in aqueous solution, is contacted with a dry reagent system of an indicator for creatinine. The assay is carried out at a pH above about 11.5 which is maintained by an alkaline material. The improvement involves packaging the reagent system with a material capable of absorbing CO.sub.2 and at least some ambient water vapor. This inhibits the formation of carbonic acid thereby reducing the neutralization of the alkaline reagent system during storage to increase the shelf life and decrease the variability of the system.

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 hybridization, antibody/antigen reaction, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micromachining 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 microlocations. 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 and apparatus for transportation and processing of multiple protocol assays within an automated immunoassay analyzer instrument. The apparatus includes a cuvette ring movably coupled to a magnet ring. In one embodiment, the magnet ring and cuvette ring are provided having circular shapes. A temperature controlled housing is disposed about the cuvette and magnet rings to provide a rotary incubation and particle separation chamber. The cuvette ring holds a plurality of cuvettes each of which may have a different assay disposed therein. The cuvette ring advances the cuvettes around the circumference of the incubation chamber. A plurality of discrete processing centers for aspiration and dispensing fluid samples, reagents and wash fluids are disposed at predetermined positions about the incubation chamber.

Abstract: A method for protecting leukocytes in a blood sample, comprising contacting the blood sample with a preparation comprising an aliphatic aldehyde, a salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, and optionally an agent to adjust isotonicity and hypotonically lysing erythrocytes in the blood sample.

Abstract: Method for accurately measuring thymopoietin (TP) in human serum or plasma by dissociating TP from protein complexes, releasing bound TP in a unbound form, extracting TP, preparing it for assay, and measuring TP levels in a suitable assay.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for amplifying a preselected polynucleotide in a sample by conducting a polynucleotide amplification reaction. The devices are provided with a substrate microfabricated to include a polynucleotide amplification reaction chamber, having at least one cross-sectional dimension of about 0.1 to 1000 .mu.m. The device also includes at least one port in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, for introducing a sample to the chamber, for venting the chamber when necessary, and, optionally, for removing products or waste material from the device. The reaction chamber may be provided with reagents required for amplification of a preselected polynucleotide. The device also may include means for thermally regulating the contents of the reaction chamber, to amplify a preselected polynucleotide. Preferably, the reaction chamber is fabricated with a high surface to volume ratio, to facilitate thermal regulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method useful in separating non-high density lipoproteins, referred to as "non-HDLs", from biological fluids containing them. A porous carrier is provided which contains a non-HDL precipitating agent. One need only contact the sample of interest to the carrier for one minute or less, after which the precipitated non-HDLs are no longer present in the sample being tested. The applications of the method include the ability to determine high density lipoproteins in the sample without interference from non-HDLs.

Abstract: A method for restoring immunoreactivity of a tissue, particularly decalcified tissue, fixed width an aldehyde fixative agent and embedded in an embedding medium, usually comprising celloidin, the method comprising the steps of contacting the tissue with an aldehyde releasing reagent solution comprising a solvent and an aldehyde releasing reagent and removing aldehyde released by the aldehyde releasing reagent from contact with the tissue by reacting the aldehyde in a substantially irreversible manner to form a non-aldehyde derivative, and removing excess base from the tissue. A preferred solution for celloidin-embedded decalcified tissue comprises methanolic sodium hydroxide at about one-third saturation.

Abstract: A method for reducing or eliminating tyramine interference from amphetamine and methamphetamine immunoassays, comprising treating the sample with aqueous tyramine oxidase for a time and at a temperature and pH sufficient to deaminate any tyramine present in the sample, is provided.

Abstract: An improved method of testing individuals for diabetes, even if they have levels of interfering substances (e.g., uric acid, bilirubin, and glutathione) that would otherwise interfere with such testing, is disclosed. The individual's protein-bound glucose level and glucose level are compared to the analogous values for a reference population to enable the risk of that individual's having diabetes to be assessed. The substances that would otherwise tend to interfere with the assay for protein-bound glucose are removed before the assay, desirably by precipitating the protein-bound glucose using uranyl acetate, which desirably leaves substantially all of the interfering substances in the supernatant, then separating the precipitate from the supernatant, redissolving the precipitate, and conducting the colorimetric assay on the resulting solution. An improved colorimetric test for protein-bound glucose using viologens as the colorimetric electron acceptors is also disclosed.

Abstract: Images comprised of silver such as X-rays and electrophoresis gel bands, wherein the size and darkness of the image provides useful information, are quantitated utilizing a spectrophotometer to quantify the silver which comprises the image. An image is isolated from X-ray film or an electrophoresis gel followed by removal therefrom of any silver which is present. The removed silver is complexed to cause an optical change. A spectrophotomer is then used to measure the absorbance and the absorbance measurement is compared with a calibrated reference standard.

Abstract: Selected polyvalent anions or cations are removed from a liquid sample stream as a pretreatment for the analysis of the liquid sample stream. A stream containing anions of interest, precipitable anions (e.g. sulfate ions) to be removed and an added displacing salt flow through a first cation exchange resin bed having precipitable exchangeable polyvalent ions (e.g. barium ions). Displacing polyvalent cation (e.g. calcium) displaces the exchangeable polyvalent ion from the cation exchange resin into the liquid sample at sufficient concentration to cause the precipitable anion and exchangeable cation to form a precipitate which remains in the resin bed and is thus is removed from the sample stream. Then the anions of interest in the soluble portion of the liquid sample stream are separated and detected. The invention is also applicable to the removal of precipitable cations (e.g. barium ions) by reversing the roles of the anions and cations.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid sample involves precipitating a substance from the liquid sample and filtering it from the liquid sample. The precipitate is then tested for the substance of interest by contacting the precipitate with a dye that forms a visible reaction when exposed to the substance. A releasing agent may be used after filtering the precipitate and prior to testing the precipitate with a dye.

Abstract: Provided is a method for testing earth samples for contamination by organic contaminants, and particularly for aromatic compounds such as those found in diesel fuel and other heavy fuel oils, kerosene, creosote, coal oil, tars and asphalts. A drying step is provided in which a drying agent is contacted with either the earth sample or a liquid extract phase to reduce to possibility of false indications of contamination that could occur when humic material is present in the earth sample. This is particularly a problem when using relatively safe, non-toxic and inexpensive polar solvents such as isopropyl alcohol since the humic material tends to be very soluble in those solvents when water is present. Also provided is an ultraviolet spectroscopic measuring technique for obtaining an indication as to whether a liquid extract phase contains aromatic organic contaminants.