Abstract: A histological tissue specimen treatment process includes the steps of placing a plurality of histological tissue specimens to be processed in chamber structure, closing the chamber structure, monitoring the level of a first tissue processing material flowed into the chamber structure with a sensor system that responds to a characteristic of the first tissue processing material, terminating the flow of the first tissue processing material when the histological tissue specimens are immersed in the first tissue processing material, flowing the first tissue processing material from the chamber structure after the histological tissue specimens have been immersed in the first tissue processing material for a predetermined time interval, monitoring the level of a second tissue processing material flowed into the chamber structure with the sensor system in a changed sensitivity condition, terminating the flow of the second tissue processing material when the plurality of histological tissue specimens are immersed in

Abstract: An apparatus for preserving and conducting chemical tests on corneal tissues. The apparatus consists of a chamber having a medial portion with a port therethrough. Operatively attached to the port is a system for retaining the cornea in position. Placed over the port and in direct contact with the cornea is a cover member of non-abrasive, biologically compatible material. A nutrient supply conduit delivers liquid nutrients to the cover member from an external source. The nutrients are imparted to the cornea through direct contact between the cornea and the cover member. Residual nutrients are collected in a reservoir secured to the chamber beneath the port. The reservoir is drained using a waste conduit. Also, the chamber is filled with nutrients so that the inner surface of the cornea is sustained. As a result, the corneal tissues are maintained in a living state.

Abstract: Method for storing, preserving and transporting concentrates of human platelets under blood bank conditions prior to transfusion by compressing plastic walled platelet bags with the use of a grid to permit gas circulation to the bag with the bag positioned for storage in a desired position. A grid aids in storing and preserving platelets and has a rigid body with a substantial open area configured to substantially compress a side of a plastic walled platelet bag to form a substantially uniform layer of fluid in the bag to maximize gas transfer capacity and permit long storage life at atmospheric conditions without the need for conventional agitation of the bag.

Abstract: This application relates to a method for preparing specimens for viewing particles and/or fibers captured upon membrane filters with a TEM. The method comprises mounting a section of the membrane filter on a glass slide with a quick drying liquid applied between the filter membrane and the slide which liquid will not release the filter membrane when the slide is immersed in a selected solvent and such that the liquid will not render the filter membrane resistant to the selected solvent. Next, the filter section surface is coated with carbon to replicate the surface of the membrane filter and the particles and fibers thereupon. The coated membrane is then immersed in the selected solvent which will attack the filter material causing the carbon film squares to float off of the memberane filter.

Abstract: Incubation media intended for solid-phase immunometric assays and containing lactoferrin are described. Compared with the media used hitherto, these incubation media have the advantage that they prevent, especially in the case where heated sample material is used in the assays, false results on determination of antigens or antibodies.

Abstract: A device and process to measure the water content of a material or the water permeability of a membrane by stably humidifying a carrier gas stream and passing it through calcium carbide to convert the water content of the stream to acetylene, then producing a spectrographic or equivalent trace establishing the stable acetylene value of the carrier gas, then passing carrier gas into contact with the material whose water content is to be measured to evaporate water from it and passing the carrier gas through the calcium carbide whereby the water content of the material is represented by the area between the stable acetylene value and the spectrographic trace caused by the added water.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a blood-collection tube containing an acid such as citric acid in an amount effective to adjust the pH of the blood to be collected in the tube to a level between 5.0 to 7.0. The blood-collection tube may also contain NaF in an amount to produce a concentration thereof between 0.1 to 0.5 mg/ml of the blood.

Abstract: The invention provides a specimen collection and sampling device, particularly useful for urine samples, for collecting a liquid sample and segregating an aliquot of the sample away from contact with the remaining portion of the sample. This segregation is accomplished as the lid is closed on the container. In one embodiment, the aliquot sample is transferred to an evacuated tube held within the container. In another embodiment, the aliquot is held within a sample chamber that is built into the container. In a preferred embodiment, the aliquot is mixed with a treating agent to maintain the microbiological integrity of the aliquot, or to provide an appropriate reagent or buffer for drug analysis.

Abstract: A urine specimen is preserved from bacterial deterioration as to relative constituents by adding thymol. To the thymol-treated specimen, lithium-solution volume-marker is added, then is divided into two (first and second) separate portions. Thereupon, using the first portion, standard conventional measurements and/or analysis is conducted for total volume, pH/acidity, uric acid, citrate, sodium, and potassium. To the second portion, there is added boric acid and hydrochloric acid, followed by standard/conventional measurement and/or analysis for ammonium ion, citrate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, oxalate and sulfate. Thereafter the findings are charted and compared to controls.

Abstract: Perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations are oxygenated prior to use by means of a portable oxygenation system. The blood substitute is in a closed container or bag. An oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the bag from a separate container. The bag is continuously agitated for a sufficient time to increase the pO.sub.2 of the perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations to a desired pressure, e.g., to at least 600 mmHg. In one embodiment, the system used for oxygenation of the perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations comprises a small tank for gas having an inlet port and an outlet port fitted with shut-off valves. The outlet port is adapted to be connected to a filter which, in turn, is adapted to be connected to the inlet port of a three-way valve. The primary outlet of the three-way valve is adapted to mount a hypodermic needle which is adapted to be pushed through a rubber septum in a port of the bag to communicate with the interior of the bag.

Abstract: Sensitive proteins in human biological secretion samples are preserved by dispersing them in an aqueous solution containing from 0.05 to 0.5M of a buffer which is effective to maintain the solution pH within the range of from 6.5 to 8.0; from 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a non-immune animal protein selected from the group consisting of albumin, ovalbumin, casein, glycoprotein and mixtures thereof; from 40 to 2000 kallikrein units/mL of an enzyme inhibitor of trypsin, chymotrypsin, kallikrein or plasmin; and from 0.01 to 0.1 wt. % of a bacteriostatic agent. The solution preferably also contains from 5 .mu.M to 1 mM of a protease inhibitor; and from 1 to 10 mM of a chelating agent. Optimally, the enzyme inhibitor is aprotinin, the protease inhibitor is phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, the non-immune animal protein is bovine serum albumin, and the protease inhibitor is phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride. 0.0 to 0.15 mM of a water-soluble non-interfering salt, such as NaCl, may be desired.

Abstract: .gamma.-GTP activity can be determined easily by using a stabilized substrate solution comprising .gamma.-L-glutamyl-p-nitroanilide and a modified cyclodextrin, together with an acceptor solution containing an acceptor for glutamic acid and measuring p-nitroaniline generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and preserving fluid biological evidence comprising a specimen vial and lid, the lid having an adhesive coated disk inserted therein with the lid initially being inverted on the rim of the specimen vial and encased in a tamper evident plastic wrapper. The specimen vial and lid, encased in the tamper evident wrapper, are sealed along with a pair of adhesive backed sealing tapes, an instruction manual, and a compressible foam cushioning pad, within an outer container with a second tamper evident plastic wrapper.

Abstract: An inhibitor of platelet-related procoagulant activity is included in a collection medium into which a whole blood sample is collected. The inhibitor prevents an initial drop in the recalcified activated clotting time measured during an assay test conducted on the whole blood sample collected in citrate in the medium. The discovery of the problem of the initial drop in the activated clotting time and the solution of including the inhibitor of the procoagulant activity is of considerable importance in heparin therapy, since the initial drop in the activated clotting time of heparinized blood is substantial. The inhibitor can be included with a calcium chelating agent in the collection medium. Prostacylin and imidazole, which is an inhibitor of platelet thromboxane A2 synthesis, are effective inhibitors of this platelet-related procoagulant activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides stabilized compositions of tetrazolium salts for analytical purposes which contain 1 to 10 moles of a complex forming acid which is soluble in polar solvents, per mole of tetrazolium salt. Additionally, the invention provides a process for the detection of reducing materials, wherein a stabilized composition as described is added to a test batch.

Abstract: Diluent compositions for preparing specimens for immunoassay contain effective amounts of salt and non-ionic surfactants to inactivate viruses in the specimens and improve the sensitivity and specificity of the immunoassays; said diluents having some strengths of from about 21 to about 35 mS/cm and comprising 0.05 to 1% non-ionic surfactants, along with other conventional ingredients. The invention relates as well to immunoassay procedures using the novel diluents.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of specific polymethine dyes for staining fixed biopsy specimens of hematopoietic origin consisting of blood, bone marrow and lymph node cells for purposes of identifying and enumerating the stained cells when viewed under dark field illumination. The polymethine dyes, e.g. Astrazon Red Violet FRR, stain the lymphocyte subpopulations distinct colors capable of being viewed under dark field illumination for purposes of distinguishing one stained cell from another. This method of staining and the compositions thereof represents an advance in the art of lymphocyte subpopulation identification which was achieved heretofore primarily by using monoclonal antibody techniques.

Abstract: There is described a method of inhibiting glycolysis in blood samples by adding an acid to the blood sample to adjust pH of the blood to a level between 5.0 and 7.0.Collected blood samples undergo glycolysis during storage due to progress of the reaction with glycolytic enzymes with a result that glucose is reduced and lactic acid and pyruvic acid formed by the glycolysis is increased. According to the method of the invention, the glycolysis as mentioned above can be inhibited simply by adjusting pH of the blood sample so that accurate determination of the above-mentioned components are feasible. The preferred acids are citric acid, malonic acid and maleic acid. Addition of citric acid to produce a level between 1.0 and 5.0 mg/ml (blood) is especially preferable. In the method of the invention, further addition of a fluoride compound, preferably NaF, improves the glycolysis-inhibiting action.

Abstract: A container body is formed of a polymer material and contains coloring matter effective to render the body substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation having a wave length of about 5 to about 600 nm and translucent or semi-transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a wave length of about 600 to about 800 nm. The container permits storage and transport of photosensitive fluids, for example, body fluids for test purposes which contain bilirubin and other photo-degradable substances, but at the same time the contents of the container body are apparent from visual inspection.

Abstract: A system for determining zinc protoporphyrin levels in whole blood using hematofluorometry without the need for oxygenation of the hemoglobin by derivatizing the hemoglobin to form a new compound having essentially the same spectral properties as oxygenated hemoglobin. A preferred reagent includes cyanide as the active ingredient.

Abstract: A method for detecting an antigen in a plasma or serum sample, which comprises conditioning the sample, wherein conditioning comprises either diluting the sample by a factor of at least 100 or dissociating the antigen in the sample from binding proteins with acid, base, or a chaotropic agent; drying the conditioned sampled; and detecting the antigen in the dried sample using an immunological assay is disclosed. The method is particularly useful for the detection of antigens associated with breast cancer.

Abstract: A tablet for use in preserving samples of milk for analysis comprises bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) and a water-soluble solid organic carboxylic acid, the amount of the organic acid being within the range 0.002-0.07 milli-equivalents per milligram of bronopol. The presence of the organic acid stabilizes the bronopol, thereby providing a tablet with an adequate shelf life. Suitable organic acids include citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid and fumaric acid.

Abstract: A stabilized indicator powder for use in assays to detect the presence of peroxidase or other peroxidatively active substances, wherein the indicator is stabilized by being combined with a water soluble polymer. As a dry powder, the indicator retains its reactivity for at least several months. The powder readily dissolves in an aqueous medium and as a solution retains its reactivity for a period of weeks, even in the presence of peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides stabilized compositions of tetrazolium salts for analytical purposes, wherein they contain 1 to 10 moles of a complex-forming acid which is soluble in polar solvents per mole of tetrazolium salt.The present invention also provides a process for the detection of reducing materials, wherein one of the above stabilized compositions is added to a test batch.

Abstract: A process for sampling and diluting a liquid to be diluted utilizing a device comprising a hollow tubular body and a sealed pre-evacuated container. The hollow tubular body includes a self-filling tube for drawing up and capturing by capillary attraction a predetermined volume of a liquid to be diluted. Additionally, the hollow tubular body includes a connecting tube in an air-tight sealing relationship with the self-filling tube. In a preferred embodiment, the container has a frangible tip for mutually interengaging in an air-tight sealing relationship with the connecting tube.

Abstract: A protein sequencing method utilizing a composition of matter which comprises a D-C-B-A reagent wherein A is a moiety which can react with and bind to a terminal amino acid of a protein and can result in removal of the terminal amino amino acid, B is a moiety which provides steric separation between C and A, C is a nucleophilic moiety which can be detected, and D is a moiety which protects the C moiety from degradation or other modification, and is labile in acidic media and stable in neutral or basic media. The protein sequencing method and reagent can be used in micro sequencing apparatus.

Abstract: Artificially constituted storage-stable hemoglobin compositions for use in the temperature correction of a cation exchange column chromatographic assay for hemoglobin A.sub.1 or A.sub.1c in a sample of human blood. The relative amounts of hemoglobin components in the composition conform approximately to the following formula:______________________________________ y = mx + b where y = weight percent A.sub.1c with respect to A.sub.1 x = weight percent A.sub.1 with respect to total hemoglobin m = -1.7 and b = 85 when x < 10, and m = -1.2 and b = 80 when x > 10. ______________________________________The compositions when analyzed in a cation exchange assay produce a result which varies with temperature in substantially the same manner as that from a true sample of human blood.

Abstract: A solid support "dipstick" immunoassay impregnated with sodium metaperiodate (NaIO.sub.4) is described wherein ascorbate interference with an assay having a peroxidase signal producing system is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A consistent, stable serum having good optical qualities and improved filterability suitable for control and calibration uses is disclosed as well as its method of preparation.

Abstract: A labile, organic reagent, which is unstable in aqueous media and stable in a nonaqueous media, is stabilized by dissolving the organic reagent in a water-miscible, organic solvent which is liquid at room temperature and which is nondegradatively reactive with the organic reagent to form a solution of the organic reagent in the organic solvent. At least 1% of an inert, high-surface area particulate desiccant is added to the solution for entrapping water with the desiccant so that the residual water content of the solution is below about 0.5%. The desiccant can be removed from the solution before sealing it. More than one organic reagent can be added to the solvent, and a solubilizing agent for the organic reagent can be used.