Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the quick and direct on-site detection of drugs and drug substitutes which are in solid form. According to the invention, the drugs or drugs substitutes are transferred to a decomposition vessel or reaction vessel without being pretreated, especially without being reduced in size. Afterwards, they are mixed with a solvent or a solvent mixture containing at least one organic solvent. In addition, the suspension and/or solvent containing the drugs or drugs substitutes is/are directly subjected to a known drug test method, especially using drug test strips. The invention also provides a solvent or solvent mixture and a decomposition solution therefor, and a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Methods for assay of both total bilirubin and direct bilirubin in a sample. The inventive methods enable the amounts of total and direct (conjugated) bilirubin to be colorimetrically measured in about 5 minutes, and do not require the precipitation and removal of potentially interfering substances such as proteins prior to analysis. Novel stable reagents that solubilize the bilirubin and interfering substances are also provided. A novel total bilirubin reagent causes the oxidation of the total bilirubin in the sample, and the formation of a light-absorbing bilirubin chromophore detectable in the near-infrared region of the spectrum. A novel direct bilirubin reagent causes the oxidation of the direct bilirubin in the sample, and the formation of a light-absorbing bilirubin chromophore detectable in the near-infrared region of the spectrum, whereas the chromophore formed by the unconjugated bilirubin is substantially colorless.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and processes for the measurement of hydrogen in aqueous solution at concentrations as low as about 0.1 nM. The present invention is capable of accurately and reproducibly measuring the concentration of dissolved hydrogen in an aqueous solution that also contains other dissolved gases, such as oxygen, carbon monoxide and sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide. In a presently preferred embodiment of a hydrogen analyzer 38 of the present invention, water containing dissolved hydrogen is equilibrated with a carrier gas by means of gas flow through a mass transfer device 10.

Abstract: A capillary hematocrit separation structure is included within a housing having a fluid inlet port, a reaction region, and a capillary pathway connecting the inlet port and the reaction region. The capillary pathway is dimensioned so that the driving force for the movement of liquid through the capillary pathway arises from capillary pressure. A plurality of obstructions are fixed in the capillary pathway, each obstruction having a concave portion facing toward the vented reaction region on the down stream side of the obstructions as viewed with reference to a liquid flowing from the inlet port to the reaction region. The capillary pathway in a hematocrit separation structure for a single drop sample size includes about 105 obstructions, each obstruction including a concave portion having a volume of between about 10−4 to 10−5 &mgr;l for selectively receiving hematocrit.

Abstract: The invention relates to the staining of poly(amino acids), including peptides, polypeptides and proteins in gels and on solid supports, using neutral or anionic complexes of transition metals.

Abstract: A sample presentation device, with a surface-bound complex including at least one molecule which chemically modifies a biomolecule, is prepared and exposed to a biomolecule. The molecular weights of the chemically modified biomolecule is then determined by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods whereby the positions of peptide amide groups that are labeled with a heavy hydrogen in a polypeptide or protein can be localized at high resolution. The methods are useful for determining which peptide amide groups in a polypeptide or protein are accessible to solvent, mapping the binding site and/or binding surface of a binding protein, and/or studying allosteric or other conformational changes in a polypeptide or protein which alter the rates at which certain peptide amide hydrogens exchange with solvent.

Abstract: Sensitive methods for identifying compounds having biological activity comprising combining living cells with two fluorescent membrane permeable ionic dyes having the same charge sign, the first of which has an emission spectrum which overlaps the excitation spectrum of the second fluorescent membrane penetrative dye. The fluorescence is then induced by illuminating the dyes at a wavelength corresponding to the excitation spectrum of the first fluorescent dye and emission is then registered at a wavelength corresponding to the emission spectrum of the second fluorescent dye (FRET). The change in the FRET is indicative of a modulation of cell membrane potential by the biologically active compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing the cleanness of the inner surface of a high-pressure fuel injection pipe in which the cleanness of the inner surface of a high-pressure fuel injection pipe can be accurately measured with less variation and high reproducibility. In testing the cleanness of the inner surface of a high-pressure fuel injection pipe based on foreign particles collected by a filter for filtering a measuring liquid obtained by washing the inner circumferential surface of the high-pressure fuel injection pipe, at least the part of a group of measuring apparatuses used for testing the cleanness of the inner surface of the high-pressure fuel injection pipe that is in contact with the measuring liquid is washed using a washing solution comprising a solvent for dissolving foreign particles prior to the testing of cleanness.

Abstract: Disclosed are a closed heat-decomposing appliance comprising a heating section with one side closed and other side having common ground portion, screw portion or O-ring-mounted portion and a closed introducing section that allows to connect to this heating section and common ground portion, screw portion or O-ring via O-ring-mounted portion and has cock or valve as a mechanism for closing and introducing the absorbing liquid to absorb the testing components from outside after heat-decomposition, or has packing or septum to introduce the absorbing liquid with needle pipe as well, and a pretreatment method of sample using this appliance.

Abstract: In order to analyze a medical sample while avoiding error contributions due to hemolysis, prior to the main reaction for a component present in the sample, a pre-reaction is produced and measured by which the degree of hemolysis in the sample is determined and the result of the sample to be determined that is subsequently obtained is corrected by this error contribution using the relationship (correlation) that has been found between the degree of hemolysis and the error contribution.

Abstract: Serial and parallel dispensing tools that can deliver defined and controlled volumes of fluid to generate multi-element arrays of sample material on a substrate surface are provided. The substrates surfaces can be flat or geometrically altered to include wells of receiving material. Also provided are tools that allow the parallel development of a sample array. To this end, the tool can be understood as an assembly of vesicle elements, or pins, where each of the pins can include a narrow interior chamber suitable for holding nanoliter volumes of fluid. Each of the pins can fit inside a housing that forms an interior chamber. The interior chamber can be connected to a pressure source that will control the pressure within the interior chamber to regulate the flow of fluid within the interior chamber of the pins. The prepared sample arrays can then be passed to a plate assembly that disposes the sample arrays for analysis by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The use of calcium salts, magnesium salts or combination thereof in immunochemical methods for the determination of an analyte in a sample. These salts increase the specificity of such determinations, in particular, the background signal being reduced by addition of these salts in solid phase immunochemical methods.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for synthesizing various compounds on solid support. According to one exemplary method, a synthesizer is provided having at least one reaction vessel block with a plurality of reaction vessels therein. At least one solid support is introduced into a least some of the reaction vessels, and a reagent is introduced into the reaction vessels having the solid supports. The reaction vessel block is then vibrated while heat is supplied to the reaction vessel block to heat the reaction vessels. Optionally, the synthesized compounds may be cleaved from the solid supports following synthesis while they remain within the reaction vessels.

Abstract: A method of increasing the sensitivity and efficiency of MALDI-MS analysis of an oligosaccharide which comprises derivatization, prior to analysis by MALDI-MS, of said oligosaccharide by efficient ligation to a basic aminooxyacetylpeptide by oxime formation reaction to result in the formation of a glycoconjugate.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of an anionically charged polymer in an aqueous solution is described and claimed. The method requires a reagent solution that is also described and claimed. The reagent solution comprises water, Nile Blue Dye and chelant, with the chelant being selected from the group consisting of the alkali metal or ammonium salts of phosphonobutane tricarboxylic acid. The method involves using absorbance measurements to determine the amount of anionically charged polymer present in an aqueous sample. The method is very rapid and thus is very useful under field conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to lytic reagents and methods of using the lytic reagents for automatically determining leukocyte subpopulations in blood. More specifically, the new lytic reagents selectively lyse red blood cells and certain leukocyte subpopulations, which enables the differentiation of at least one subpopulation of leukocytes. The lytic reagents contain an ethoxylated long chain amine, a quaternary ammonium salt and an acid. When used in combination with a second lytic reagent system, one is able to obtain at least a five part differential of leukocytes by impedance and light scatter measurements, by impedance and radio frequency measurements, or by radio frequency and light scatter measurements.

Abstract: This invention relates to lytic reagents and methods of using the lytic reagents for automatically determining leukocyte subpopulations in blood. More specifically, the new lytic reagents selectively lyse red blood cells and certain leukocyte subpopulations, which enables the differentiation of at least one subpopulation of leukocytes. The lytic reagents contain a polyoxyethylene based surfactant, a quatemary ammonium salt and an acid. When used in combination with a second lytic reagent system, one is able to obtain at least a five part differential of leukocytes by impedance and light scatter measurements, by impedance and radio frequency measurements, or by radio frequency and light scatter measurements.

Abstract: Control materials containing specified concentrations of the osteoporosis markers deoxypyridinoline, pyridinoline, C-telopeptide and N-telopeptide in a matrix that is substantially the same as that of human urine are prepared by selecting amounts of human urine that contain sufficient quantities of the markers to achieve the target levels upon concentration, lyophilizing the selected urine, optionally after clarification by filtering, freezing and thawing, and pH adjustments, then reconstituting the lyophilized material, and combining and/or diluting the lyophilized material, either before or after reconstitution, to adjust the marker contents to the target levels. Surprisingly, the markers survive this process sufficiently intact to serve as reliable control materials of known composition and concentration.

Abstract: A diagnostic test strip for determining the presence of a specified analyte in a fluid sample is described. The test strip has a test membrane sandwiched between two layers of a plastic sheath. The upper layer of the sheath has a sample well into which a liquid sample is placed. The test membrane has a sample receiving zone typically containing a buffer and a fatty acid sarcosinate. Adjacent to the sample receiving zone is a reagent zone containing reagent chemicals including gold colloid particles coated with antibodies to the specified analyte. In fluid connection with the reagent zone is a test zone containing immobilized molecules of the specified analyte. Preferably, in fluid connection with the test zone is a control zone containing an indicator that changes color when wetted by the sample and a liquid sink zone to absorb excess liquid in the sample.

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: For blood or other physiological fluid sample collection kits that use filter paper to collect the sample, the performance of the kit and associated analytical method can be improved by using a material having properties which are superior to those of standard filter paper or modified filter paper routinely used in standard biological assays. Certain materials currently available for uses other than blood collection, storage, or transport have properties that are advantageous as employed in assays of biological fluids, including the use of specific cellulose blotting materials for collecting blood samples for hemoglobin or hemoglobin A1c monitoring.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for oxidizing phosphonate in an aqueous solution, for determining the concentration of phosphonate present in an aqueous solution, and for controlling the concentration of phosphonate present in an aqueous solution. Optionally, one or more computers are used to automate the methods.

Abstract: A process for extracting inorganic ionic contaminants from a front surface of a silicon wafer for chemical analysis. The wafer is placed in a container upon a support which holds the wafer in a generally level orientation and isolates the wafer to inhibit air circulation over the front surface. Air circulation can introduce contaminants to the extraction fluid, causing a false measurement of contaminants on the wafer. A layer of extraction fluid is deposited upon only the front surface of the wafer and held for a period of time so that contaminants on the front surface are extracted into the layer of fluid. A portion of the layer of fluid is collected by a sampling device for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Protein-containing solutions requiring desalting and concentration are desalted and concentrated in a one step procedure. Ion exchange and ion retardation resins are used for desalting. A standard ultrafiltration device is modified to contain a mixed bed ion exchange resin and an ion retardation resin. The sample is introduced to the modified ultrafiltration unit and subjected to centrifugation. The centrifugal force drives low molecular weight constituents through the ultrafiltration membrane and draws liquid containing ion exchange products away from contact with the combined resins thereby driving the reaction to achieve a more complete desalting and concentration of the proteins in the sample solution. The proteins in the sample are thus concentrated and desalted simultaneously.

Abstract: The presence of endotoxin in the outer membrane of cell wall of a Gram-negative bacteria is used to determine bacterial contamination in a biological product. The amount of endotoxin present in a biological product is accurately measured without influence of a limulus reaction-activating substance which causes a false-positive reaction, by a method including the steps of: inactivating the limulus reaction-activating substance, if any, in the biological product, by exposing the biological product to a surfactant at a temperature ranging from the surfactant's freezing point to 50° C.; and measuring the amount of endotoxin present in the biological product, using a limulus reagent.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the amount of an analyte in a membrane, by applying to the membrane a clearing agent, are disclosed. The clearing agent can be an agent that has approximately the same refractive index as the membrane; alternatively, the clearing agent can be a dissolving agent, that dissolves the membrane. The analyte can be labelled to facilitate detection. Representative labels include fluorescent labels and detectable particles.

Abstract: A sample is prepared from blood in a manner which makes it possible to further analyze proteins in the sample, e.g. to detect prions in the sample. Blood is extracted, allowed to clot and subjected to separation processing (e.g. centrifugation) to obtain serum. The serum is treated with a complexing agent which agent binds prions in the sample forming an agent/protein complex which makes it possible to concentrate the complex. Concentration of the complex results in a sample which can be successfully analyzed, e.g. assayed using a range of different types of assay methodologies for detecting prions.

Abstract: Urine samples are made free of potentially interfering substances, such as alkaloids or pharmaceuticals, by contacting the urine sample with an amount of a chemical oxidizing agent, while retaining the physical indicia characteristic of urine to allow the sample to be further tested.

Abstract: Undesirable metal cation contaminants, including cadmium, can be removed from a solution containing Indium-111, on a bed of an anion exchange resin. The thus purified solution can be stored and transported in a polypropylene vial, to prevent the possibility of cadmium entering the solution from a glassware wall and of Indium from being lost from the solution by chemically reacting with a glassware wall. The vial can be sealed with a rubber stopper which has a polytetrafluroethylene coating facing the solution to prevent the possibility of contaminants which could interfere with later uses of the Indium-111 from leaching into the solution from the rubber stopper. Recipients of the Indium-111-containing vial can be provided with a prepackaged column of the anion exchange resin to enable such recipients to remove the cadmium which accumulated in the solution as a product of radioactive decay during shipment.

Abstract: Enhanced extraction and assay of solubilized lipopolysaccharide antigens from bacteria such as Chlamydia by the use of a buffer containing an anionic polysaccharide, especially heparin, and surface active agent, especially CHAPS or CHAPSO.

Abstract: A closed positive pressure evaporation system for evaporating samples in preparation for analysis comprising a plurality of sample vials where each sample vial has associated therewith an inlet and an outlet. An chamber is provided having a heat source and a holder for positioning and holding the sample vials with reference to the heat source. A distribution manifold is connected via tubing to the inlet of each sample vial for distributing purified inert gas, such as Nitrogen, to each sample vial held by the holder in the chamber. A collection manifold is connected via tubing to the outlet means of each sample vial for collecting purified inert gas, such as Nitrogen, and gases from each sample vial connected to the distribution manifold. The chamber, distribution manifold and collection manifold coacting to expose a sample in each sample vial to only purified inert gas, such as Nitrogen, during the evaporation of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line decomposition of a hydrogen peroxide solution, for use in fabricating a semiconductor device, includes a membrane tube having a porous plug inserted in each end, with the porous plugs defining a space where a platinum catalyst is disposed. A first coupling tube is inserted into one end of the membrane tube to supply a hydrogen peroxide sample to the membrane tube. The hydrogen peroxide contained in hydrogen peroxide sample is decomposed into water and oxygen gas according to an action of the platinum catalyst. A second coupling tube is inserted into a second end of the membrane tube to discharge a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to an analytical instrument, where the decomposed hydrogen peroxide solution is analyzed on-line.

Abstract: A method for determining constituents in water, in particular the content of organic carbon and/or nitrogen, in which an aqueous sample is evaporated and combusted in at least one heating vessel (154a) provided with a heater (154), and the combustion product is delivered in a transporting gas stream to a detector (142) for determining the concentration of a gaseous compound of the constituent, wherein the heating vessel, or a first heating vessel, at the instant of delivery of the aqueous sample has a temperature below or at most within the range of the boiling temperature of the sample, and after delivery of the sample the temperature is increased, wherein the sample is heated by one and the same heater in a first step from an outset temperature below the boiling temperature to an evaporation temperature, and in a second step to a substantially higher temperature, and the combustion product is kept in closed circulation during the analysis.

Abstract: A simple, efficient apparatus and method for separation of solid and liquid phases useful in methods of high-throughput combinatorial organic synthesis of large libraries or megaarrays of organic compounds is disclosed. The apparatus and method are useful, whether as part of an automated, robotic or manual system for combinatorial organic synthesis. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method of removal of liquid phase from solid phase compatible with microtiter plate type array(s) of reaction vessels is disclosed.

Abstract: A compact combination blood cell count and immunoassay apparatus for measuring drawn whole blood specimen includes a load station for receiving the whole blood specimen and a nozzle member that can selectively withdraw whole blood from the blood specimen. A blood cell count section and an immunoassay section are mounted along a unitary path of movement of the nozzle member so that a single nozzle member may be used for transporting the whole blood to the respective blood cell count section and immunoassay section. A controller can automatically direct a transport mechanism to use only the whole blood and to perform various steps of adding dilution liquid and reagents, along with appropriate washing of the nozzle and sample cells to insure an automatic operation. A hematozorit value can be determined from the blood cell count signal and used to correct the immunoassay signal when whole blood is used.

Abstract: A detector for detecting and measuring nitric oxide. Gas-permeable capillary membrane fibers transport a reagent solution through a plenum containing gases to be measured. Nitric oxide molecules penetrate the walls of the fibers and undergo a chemiluminescent reaction within. The fibers and the plenum are translucent, allowing photons emitted by the chemiluminescent reaction to escape and be detected by a photodetector. The reagent is buffered at an alkaline pH and mixed with the enzyme carbonic anhydrase to minimize the measurement errors caused by the presence of carbon dioxide in the gas to be measured.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for measuring non-contractile oxidative metabolism in smooth muscle cells comprising providing a medium suitable for the support of oxidative metabolism, incubating a cell or tissue sample with a specimen from a patient, measuring a marker of oxidative metabolism in the incubate, and detecting an increase in oxidative metabolism which is not attributable to a contractile demand for ATP. Such an increase in oxidative metabolism will be indicative of the existence of an agent or combination of agents able to cause an increase in oxidative metabolism in smooth muscle cells, and thus provides means for diagnosing and monitoring various pathologies associated therewith.

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 present invention concerns a diagnostic test carrier for the determination of an analyte from whole blood with the aid of a reagent system contained in the carrier which includes a colour forming reagent with a test field which has a sample application side onto which the blood sample is applied and a detection side on which an optically detectable change takes place as a result of the reaction of analyte with the reagent system and which is constructed in such a way that erythrocytes present in the sample do not reach the detection side, which is characterized in that the test field comprises a transparent foil onto which a first and a second film layer are applied on top of one another and wherein the first layer located on the transparent foil scatters light considerably less in a wet state than the overlying second layer and wherein the side of the foil on which the first layer is applied which is opposite to the foil side is the detection side and the side of the second layer which is opposite to the

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: A method for correlating a peptide fragment mass spectrum with amino acid sequences derived from a database is provided. A peptide is analyzed by a tandem mass spectrometer to yield a peptide fragment mass spectrum. A protein sequence database or a nucleotide sequence database is used to predict one or more fragment spectra for comparison with the experimentally-derived fragment spectrum. In one embodiment, sub-sequences of the sequences found on the database which define a peptide having a mass substantially equal to the mass of the peptide analyzed by the tandem mass spectrometer are identified as candidate sequences. For each candidate sequence, a plurality of fragments of the sequence are identified and the masses and m/z ratios of the fragments are predicted and used to form a predicted mass spectrum.

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: A method is provided, in one embodiment, for the determination of an analyte in a biological fluid sample in the presence of a substance interfering with an assay for the analyte. This embodiment is implemented by using antibodies to cause the selective immunoreaction of at least one of the analyte or the interfering substance and then conducting an assay for the analyte in at least one of the immunoreactants or the non-reactants. Another embodiment provides a disposable reaction device to implement the method. The invention is applicable to the detection of a wide variety of analytes, including cholesterol in a targeted lipoprotein class in the presence of cholesterol in another class; to targeted isozymes of enzymes such as creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, amylase, and alkaline or acid phosphatases in the presence of other isozymes; as well as to targeted immunoglobulins in the presence of non-targeted immunoglobulins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for detecting non-complexed prostate specific antigen (free PSA), which is used in conjunction with total PSA tests to identify patients having either benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy or prostatic adenocarcinoma (CAP). In a biological sample, one can find not only free PSA, but also prsotate specific antigen (PSA) which has formed a complex with .alpha.1-antichymotrypsin (ACT). The present invention removes complexed PSA (PSA-ACT) from a fluid sample, thereby removing any possible interference due to binding of complexed PSA to an allegedly free PSA specific antibody in an immunoassay for free PSA.

Abstract: A sampling method for collecting metallic contaminants from a surface of a wafer having an oxide film thereon. A sampling vessel comprises a bottom having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, a cylindrical wall extending from the edge of the bottom, and a step section having a plane intercepting an arc plane of the cylindrical wall for adapting the orientation flat of the wafer. Sampling liquid containing 0.1 to 10% HF and hydrogen peroxide dissolves the oxide film and collects the metallic contaminants by swinging the sampling vessel on the convex outer surface of the bottom.

Abstract: A sample cup insert has a tubular wall and a flange extending inwardly at an acute angle from the tubular wall. When the sample cup, into which the sample cup insert is inserted, is filled with sample and sealed by a film that forms a window through which the sample is analyzed, air bubbles collect under the film. The air bubbles are transferred under the flange of the sample cup insert, and out of the portion of the sample to be analyzed, by rotating the sample cup, and allowing the air bubbles to flow up the side of the sample cup insert over the flange, and then returning the sample cup to its original position, thereby trapping the air bubbles under the flange. The flange of the sample cup insert retains these air bubbles outside of the portion of the sample to be analyzed.

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.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.