Abstract: A reagent for classification of leukocytes includes (a) at least two cationic surfactants; (b) at least one organic compound bearing a hydrophobic group and an anionic group; (c) a buffer for adjusting pH into a range of approximately 2-8. Also disclosed is a method for classifying leukocytes with the reagent. With the reagent and method, erythrocytes are lysed rapidly and classification of leukocytes into five groups is achieved in the same channel. The reaction may be carried out at approximately between 10-40° C. and scattered light signals may be detected at two angles for measuring the classification of leukocytes into five groups.

Abstract: A method for analyzing platelet is described. In the method, a measurement sample is prepared by mixing a sample and a dye for staining platelet. The dye is selected from the group consisting of Capri blue, Nile blue and brilliant cresyl blue. By irradiating cells in the measurement sample with light, scattered light and fluorescence emitted from the cells is measured. The platelet is detected on the basis of the scattered light and the fluorescence. A reagent kite and a reagent are also described.

Abstract: A game device and a method allow a player to play a game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine has a main display and a user interface. The game has a main game and a bonus game. The method includes the steps of (i) allowing the player to place a wager on the main game, (ii) playing the main game and randomly establishing a result of the main game, and (iii) awarding the player an award as a function of a paytable if the result of the main game is a win. The method further includes the steps of (iv) detecting an appearance of a predetermined bonus trigger symbol during the play of the main game and responsively, randomly selecting a bonus symbol from a set of bonus symbols, repeating steps (i)-(iv), and awarding the player a bonus award if a predetermined number of unique bonus symbols are selected.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a reagent that includes an effective amount of an adsorber to remove interfering species present during heavy metal level measurement in a fluid sample. In some examples, the reagent can include an effective amount of an adsorber to remove a suitable amount of glutathione from the fluid sample such that the glutathione does not interfere with measurements of lead levels in the fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of processing a biological fluid which comprises cellular components by heat treatment. The method is particularly useful for preparing biological samples for analyte detection. Further, the invention refers to a processed biological fluid comprising substantially quantitatively disintegrated cellular components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lysing reagent for use in the simultaneous automatic electronic enumeration and volumetric discrimination of different types of blood cells, such as leukocytes, thrombocytes, etc, in blood. Further, the present invention relates to a Coulter (impedance) counting apparatus containing the lysing reagent, for example a Coulter counting apparatus with a disposable cartridge for characterizing cells suspended in a liquid, especially a self-contained disposable cartridge for single-use analysis, such as for single-use analysis of a small quantity of whole blood.

Abstract: A gaming machine according to the present invention includes: a gaming portion in which a plurality of main dice roll and stop; a timer capable of measuring time; a station having an input device with which a player can place a normal BET and a side BET different from the normal BET, based on a prediction of the outcomes of dice; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (A) starting acceptance of the normal BET and the side BET from the input device provided in the station, (B) measuring the time from when the acceptance was started in the processing (A) by using the timer, (C) terminating the acceptance of the normal BET and the side BET from the input device provided in the station, when the time measured in the processing (B) reaches a predetermined value, (D) determining whether or not the side BET has been placed by using the input device provided in the station, since the acceptance was started in the processing (A), (E) increasing the predetermined value when determining

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for the quantitative analysis of in vivo mutation frequencies of the Pig-A gene in individuals exposed to a genotoxicant, particularly using peripheral blood samples of vertebrates.

Abstract: A field effect transistor including a gate insulation portion, an organic semiconductor portion, a source electrode and a drain electrode, wherein when a voltage is applied to the gate at 70° C. for 5.0±0.1 hours so that the field strength in the gate insulation portion would be 100±5 MV/m, the change in the threshold voltage is within 5 V. The organic semiconductor portion has a high driving stability, of which the change in characteristics by driving is thereby small.

Abstract: A reagent for four-part differentiation of white blood cells is provided. In one embodiment the reagent has an osmolality below 50 mOsm/kg H2O. A method for differentiating white blood cells using the reagent is also provided. The disclosure provides for a rapid lysis of red blood cells and four-part differentiation of white blood cells. The reagent may be simple in components and a surfactant is not necessary, but optional. A wide range of pH values may be suitable for the reagent.

Abstract: A reagent for classification of leukocytes includes (a) at least two cationic surfactants; (b) at least one organic compound bearing a hydrophobic group and an anionic group; (c) a buffer for adjusting pH into a range of approximately 2-8. Also disclosed is a method for classifying leukocytes with the reagent. With the reagent and method, erythrocytes are lysed rapidly and classification of leukocytes into five groups is achieved in the same channel. The reaction may be carried out at approximately between 10-40° C. and scattered light signals may be detected at two angles for measuring the classification of leukocytes into five groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel analogs of fresh human platelets for use in hematological instrument. Methods for preparing such analogs are also described.

Abstract: Described are a urine pretreatment agent, a urine pretreatment method, and a urinary protein quantitation method which reduce or cancel the influences of urine pH variations, cancel the influences of precipitates of urinary inorganic salts, and solubilize membrane proteins. The urine pretreatment agent for urinary protein quantitation, includes a buffer, a chelating agent, and a surfactant; the urine pretreatment method includes a step of mixing 10 to 1000 parts by mass of the urine pretreatment agent of the present invention with 100 parts by mass of urine; and the urinary protein quantitation method includes steps of: mixing 10 to 1000 parts by mass of the urine pretreatment agent with 100 parts by mass of urine; and then measuring the protein concentration.

Abstract: A sample acquiring device for volumetric enumeration of white blood cells in a blood sample comprises a measurement cavity for receiving a blood sample. The measurement cavity has a predetermined fixed thickness. The sample acquiring device further comprises a reagent, which is arranged in a dried form on a surface defining the measurement cavity. The reagent comprises a hemolysing agent for lysing red blood cells in the blood sample, and a staining agent for selectively staining white blood cells in the blood sample. A system comprises the sample acquiring device and a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus comprises a sample acquiring device holder, a light source, and an imaging system for acquiring a digital image of a magnification of the sample. The measurement apparatus further comprises an image analyser arranged to analyse the acquired digital image for determining the number of white blood cells in the blood sample.

Abstract: Fluid handling devices, systems, methods and kits are disclosed. Fluid handling devices according to the disclosure comprise: an inlet for receiving a sample; a reagent layer comprising, a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, at least one reagent storage compartment configured to hold a reagent, and a seal in communication with the at least one reagent storage compartment; and a reaction layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface comprising, a reaction area, and an outlet in communication with the reaction area, wherein the reagent layer and reaction layer are adapted and configured to permit movement of at least one of the reagent layer and the reaction layer in a plane relative to the other layer.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for detecting a false result in an assay for determining a concentration of an analyte in a whole blood sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises determining by means of the assay a concentration of the analyte utilizing a hemolyzed portion of the blood sample to obtain concentration value 1 and determining by means of the assay a concentration of the analyte utilizing a non-hemolyzed portion of the blood sample and multiplying the concentration times a hematocrit factor to obtain concentration value 2. A ratio of concentration value 1 divided by concentration value 2 is determined and is compared to a predetermined ratio of known reliability. If the ratio is less than the predetermined ratio, a false result is indicated.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for pretreating a sample suspected of containing a hydrophobic drug for conducting an assay method for detecting the hydrophobic drug. A combination is provided in a medium. The combination comprises (i) the sample, (ii) a releasing agent for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties, and (iii) a selective solubility agent that provides for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The selective solubility agent comprises a water miscible, non-volatile organic solvent and is present in the medium in a concentration sufficient to provide for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The medium, which may further comprise a hemolytic agent, is incubated under conditions for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties.

Abstract: A device is described that includes: a first portion configured to be grasped by the hand of the user, and a second portion defining a reservoir containing a control material, wherein the control material contains a target analyte in a known or predetermined concentration. Related arrangements and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for the enumeration of in vivo gene mutation. The method utilizes differential staining of GPI-anchor deficient erythrocyte populations to distinguish between wild-type and pig-a gene mutants. Quantitative analyses can be conducted on erythrocytes and/or reticulocytes, and is based upon fluorescent emission and light scatter following exposure to an excitatory light source. Counting of mutant erythrocytes or reticulocytes relative to the number of total erythrocytes or reticulocytes can be used to assess the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous chemical agent, the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous physical agent, the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify endogenously-induced DNA damage, and the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify exogenously-induced DNA damage. Kits for practicing the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for efficient isolation of long nucleic acids and short nucleic acids from a sample containing long nucleic acids and short nucleic acids via safe and convenient operations. Specifically, long nucleic acids and short nucleic acids are isolated from a sample containing nucleic acids by mixing a chaotropic agent with the sample containing nucleic acids, allowing the mixed solution to pass at least twice through a first solid phase containing silica that has passage pores having predetermined pore sizes, allowing the mixed solution to pass at least twice through a second solid phase containing silica that has passage pores having pore sizes smaller than those of the first solid phase containing silica, and separately recovering nucleic acids that have bound to the first solid phase containing silica and those that have bound to the second solid phases containing silica.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing a mixture for quality control of 0.1 g glycine tablets for sublingual application. The mixture for quality control includes a 100:0.5 ratio of ethanol to porphyrized tablets, each tablet containing 0.1 g microcapsules of non-agglomerated crystals of amino-acetic acid covered with a polymeric film of water-soluble methylcellulose, each tablet further containing 0.001 g of magnesium stearate. The process for preparing the mixture includes dissolution of the tablet in ethanol for 20 minutes and is carried out at a temperature of 40° C. in an apparatus using a paddle rotation speed of 200 revolutions per minute. After the mixture is dissolved, it is allowed to stand for 10 minutes at room temperature, and then a light transmission coefficient is measured at 700±2 nm for a 10 mm thick layer of the mixture. A transmission value within the limits of 90% to 100% compared with 50% ethanol corresponds to the proper quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing method for long-term stabilization of biological red blood cell volume. The red blood cells can be further used in reference materials and calibrators of a hematology analyzer. The method of the present invention comprises contacting the sample with a solution comprising a membrane-fixation reagent and an aldehyde for a processing period to terminate or slow down the red blood cell metabolism. It is provided by experiments that such process enables the volume of the red blood cells to be stable in a period over 120 days.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing a standard sample in which a uniform dispersion of a predetermined concentration of red phosphorus is guaranteed even in a very small amount, and an analytical method for quantitatively determining red phosphorus contained in a resin by pyrolysis-GC/MS, in which the standard sample is used. The method for producing a standard sample for quantitatively determining red phosphorus contained in a resin includes the steps of preparing a red-phosphorus-containing compound by weighing a predetermined amount of red phosphorus and uniformly mixing the red phosphorus in a resin; decreasing the number of particles having a maximum diameter of 5 ?m or more to 1/20 or less of the number of particles having a maximum diameter of 1 ?m or more and less than 5 ?m by pulverizing the red-phosphorus-containing compound; and obtaining a standard sample by weighing about 0.05 to 10 mg, preferably about 0.1 to 0.5 mg of the pulverized red-phosphorus-containing compound.

Abstract: Isobaric reagents for labeling analytes are provided. The isobaric reagents have facile design and synthesis that allows for differential labeling of an unlimited number of analyte samples.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for reducing matrix effects in protein precipitated bioanalytical samples comprising: a support, and a sorbent associated with the support capable of binding matrix interfering agents present in the bioanalytical sample, wherein the device further comprises filtering means for removing precipitated protein particles. The filtering means is a size exclusion filter or a polymeric or inorganic monolith having a maximum pore size less than or equal to the diameter of the particles to be removed from the sample, and can be integral with the sorbent or associated with the sorbent. The sorbent is characterized by sufficient selectivity between the matrix interfering agents and analytes of interest to provide retention of the matrix interfering agents while providing elution of the analytes of interest (e.g., a reversed phase or a polar modified reversed phase).

Abstract: Described herein is a composition for converting a non-pathogenic prion protein (“PrPN”) into a prion protein in a pathogenic conformation (“PrPPath”) comprising a lipid and a polyanion. Also described are methods of (1) using the composition to convert a PrPN to a PrPPath, (2) identifying a potential therapeutic substance affecting PrPPath, and (3) diagnosing PrPPath infection in a subject using the composition and at least one cycle of protein misfolding cyclic amplification.

Abstract: A composite structure, for marking biomolecules in a biological, biochemical or medicinal system, comprises: at least one nano particle and at least one dendritic macromolecule, which has an inner region with branched, especially perfectly branched to highly branched, structures and a periphery, which comprises surface groups of the dendritic macromolecule, wherein a plurality, especially more than 50%, of the surface groups have in the periphery of the dendritic macromolecule, in each case, at least one functional group of first type, wherein the functional group of first type comprises at least one monosaccharide-, oligosaccharide- and/or polysaccharide unit, and wherein the dendritic macromolecule stabilizes the nano particle.

Abstract: A method for extracting low-molecular-weight proteins/peptides contained in a body fluid sample, particularly, in serum or plasma. The method includes the steps of (a) to (e): (a) adding reagent 1 containing urea and thiourea and reagent 2 containing a reducing agent to the body fluid sample, mixing them, subsequently dropping the mixture into reagent 3 containing 90% or more of an organic solvent, and mixing them; (b) stirring at a low temperature the mixed solution obtained in step (a); (c) centrifuging at a low temperature the stirred solution obtained in step (b) and removing the supernatant; (d) adding reagent 4 containing an organic solvent and an acid to the precipitate obtained in step (c) and mixing them; (e) stirring at a low temperature the mixed solution obtained in step (d); and (f) centrifuging at a low temperature the stirred solution obtained in step (e) and recovering the supernatant.

Abstract: Method for the automatic analysis of a blood sample in which: an analysis solution containing the blood sample, a diluent, and at least one compound to lyze the erythrocytes; at least one compound to stabilize the haemoglobin in the form of a chromogenic complex, is formed in a single dilution and analysis tank, the haemoglobin level is measured in this analysis solution by spectrophotometry in the tank after the lysis of the erythrocytes; and an appropriate quantity of this analysis solution is taken from the tank on which a leucocytic differentiation is carried out by an optical elements characterized in that the analysis solution also contains at least one compound to protect the leucocytes, allowing the distinguishing of at least four main leucocyte sub-populations. A haematological analysis apparatus for the implementation of such a method is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing a standard sample in which a uniform dispersion of a predetermined concentration of red phosphorus is guaranteed even in a very small amount, and an analytical method for quantitatively determining red phosphorus contained in a resin by pyrolysis-GC/MS, in which the standard sample is used. The method for producing a standard sample for quantitatively determining red phosphorus contained in a resin includes the steps of preparing a red-phosphorus-containing compound by weighing a predetermined amount of red phosphorus and uniformly mixing the red phosphorus in a resin; decreasing the number of particles having a maximum diameter of 5 ?M or more to 1/20 or less of the number of particles having a maximum diameter of 1 ?m or more and less than 5 ?m by pulverizing the red-phosphorus-containing compound; and obtaining a standard sample by weighing about 0.05 to 10 mg, preferably about 0.1 to 0.5 mg of the pulverized red-phosphorus-containing compound.

Abstract: A reference control for cell by cell analysis on flow cytometric analyzers contains cellular analogs made of permeated blood cells containing therein aggregated intracellular proteins and preserved antigenic sites thereof, having cellular membrane permeable to antibodies and a suspension medium. The reference control is frozen after being prepared and thawed prior to use. The cellular analogs further contain a fluorescence marker therein. Further disclosed are a method of making the reference control and a method using the reference control, as an internal or stand-alone control, for measurements of cellular hemoglobin and cellular hemoglobin variant of a blood sample.

Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase. The amount of hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction is measured for determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A fosfomycin plus tobramycin combination formulation for delivery by aerosolization is described. The concentrated fosfomycin tobramycin combination formulation containing an efficacious amount of fosfomycin plus tobramycin is able to inhibit susceptible bacteria. Fosfomycin and tobramycin are formulated separately in a dual ampoule such that when reconstituted, the pH is between 4.5 and 8.0 or as a dry powder. The method for treatment of respiratory tract infections by a formulation delivered as an aerosol having a mass median aerodynamic diameter predominantly between 1 to 5?, produced by a jet or ultrasonic nebulizer (or equivalent) or dry powder inhaler.

Abstract: Methods for reducing time to result in blood bank diagnostic testing with an agitation device and a low ionic strength solution are disclosed. Specifically provided are methods for reducing incubation time for antigen-antibody reactions in an immunohematologic assay by subjecting the assay reactants to incubation with agitation and optionally additionally a low ionic strength diluent.

Abstract: Provided is a developing solution for immunochromatography that is precise and highly sensitive and is able to sufficiently detect even a low-concentration substance to be detected while controlling false positive reactions caused by non-specific adsorption of components other than the substance to be detected contained in a sample. The invention relates to a developing solution that contains a non-ionic surfactant and a vinyl-based water-soluble polymer having oxygen atom- and nitrogen atom-containing polar groups, for immunochromatography using a detection reagent labeled with an insoluble carrier.

Abstract: A process for the detection of antibodies in a test sample by preparing a suspension of erythrocytes with a test serum or plasma by mixing a test serum or plasma with erythrocytes; incubating the suspension of erythrocytes at a temperature of from 37° C. to 45° C. to bind any antibodies in the test serum or plasma to the surface of said erythrocytes; combining the suspension of erythrocytes with an amount of a solution of a macromolecule which is effective to agglutinate the erythrocytes; packing the resultant red cell agglutinates by centrifuging the suspension of erythrocytes; and, determining the presence of anti-erythrocyte antibodies by observing if antibody-dependent erythrocyte agglutination has occurred.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for pretreating a sample suspected of containing a hydrophobic drug for conducting an assay method for detecting the hydrophobic drug. A combination is provided in a medium. The combination comprises (i) the sample, (ii) a releasing agent for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties, and (iii) a selective solubility agent that provides for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The selective solubility agent comprises a water miscible, non-volatile organic solvent and is present in the medium in a concentration sufficient to provide for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The medium, which may further comprise a hemolytic agent, is incubated under conditions for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties.

Abstract: Elevated number of Circulating Endothelial Cells (CEC) have been implicated in disease conditions associated with the formation or destruction of blood vessels such as acute coronary syndrome, thrombocytopenic purpura, sickle cell disease, sepsis, lupus, nephrotic syndromes, rejection of organ transplants, surgical trauma and cancer. This invention provides a method for assessing the levels of CEC which vary between different studies using a sensitive enrichment, imaging, and enumberation analysis. CD146 is one of the most specific endothelium-associated cell-surface antigens which can be used in image cytometry. CEC analysis provides an essential tool in prognostic/diagnostic evaluation in the clinic.

Abstract: A method and kit which allow the use of a discrete amount of a binding matrix to first purify nucleic acids from a medium under a first set of binding conditions wherein the amount of nucleic acid bound to the binding matrix is essentially independent of the amount of surface area of the definable amount of the binding matrix, followed by a second purification step wherein the nucleic acids are bound to a discrete amount of binding matrix under a second set of binding conditions wherein the amount of nucleic acid bound to the binding matrix is essentially dependent on the amount of surface area of the definable amount of the binding matrix, thus providing a discrete quantity of nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical-pharmaceutical industry and specifically to mix for identification test in the process of quality control of the medicine ‘Glycine tablets for sublingual applying 0.1 g.’ its preparation method and method of identity evaluation in the process of quality control of the mentioned medicine. There is prepared mix containing 50% etha??l and porphyrized tablets in a ratio 100:0.5. The method involves dissolution of 1.25 g of porphyrized tablets in 250 ml of 50% ethanol. Process of dissolution takes 20 minutes and is carried out at a temperature of 400 C in the apparatus for dissolving determination at a paddle rotation speed of 200 rpm. After mix is dissolved it is allowed for 10 minutes RT. Method of identification test includes hydro-alcohol mix preparation using 50% ethanol as described before. Then there are selected 4 ml of the mix for light transmission spectrophotometer analysis at a wave length of 700±2 in a cuvet with layer thickness of 10 mm relative to 50% ethanol.

Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase, and peroxidase. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A composition, method and device for the preparation of biological samples for subsequent instrumental analyses, such as GC, GC-MS, LC and LC-MS analysis, using a solid phase extraction (SPE) process is described. Through SPE process alone or an integrated combination of protein precipitation, filtration, and SPE using a hydrophobic zirconia-coated chromatographic media, interfering compounds, such as proteins, glycerides and phosphate-containing compounds, are eliminated from the biological, food, environmental and biotechnology samples, affording an enhanced analyte response during the instrumental analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for the enumeration of in vivo gene mutation. The method utilizes differential staining of GPI-anchor deficient erythrocyte populations to distinguish between wild-type and pig-a gene mutants. Quantitative analyses can be conducted on erythrocytes and/or reticulocytes, and is based upon fluorescent emission and light scatter following exposure to an excitatory light source. Counting of mutant erythrocytes or reticulcoytes relative to the number of total erythrocytes or reticulocytes can be used to assess the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous chemical agent, the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous physical agent, the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify endogenously-induced DNA damage, and the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify exogenously-induced DNA damage. Kits for practicing the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for preparation of a biological sample for measurement of protein epitopes that allows for the preservation of intracellular protein epitopes and detection of signal transduction pathways based on the ability to capture transient activation states of the epitopes. The method provided by the invention allows for the rapid fixation of biological samples containing red blood cells, to ensure that epitopes of signal transduction molecules and other intracellular protein epitopes are preserved in the active state. The method of the invention further allows for lysis of red blood cells, thereby making it a useful method for cytometric analysis of biological samples, including, for example, whole blood, bone marrow aspirates, peritoneal fluids, and other red blood cell containing samples. The invention also provides a method to recover or “unmask” epitopes on intracellular antigens that have been made inaccessible by the cross linking fixative necessary to fix the sample.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of processing a biological fluid which comprises cellular components by heat treatment. The method is particularly useful for preparing biological samples for analyte detection. Further, the invention refers to a processed biological fluid comprising substantially quantitatively disintegrated cellular components.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and associated test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. A sample membrane is utilized having a collection region and a detection region, the collection region having a known saturation volume for the intended test sample. A barrier is defined between the collection region and the detection region. The collection region is saturated with the test sample having a volume of less than about 100 microliters so that a known volume of the test sample is contained in the collection region. The barrier is removed from between the collection region and detection region of the membrane and a diluent is supplied to the collection region of the membrane to facilitate flow of the test sample from the collection region to the detection region of the membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for improving assay accuracy for plasma samples by decreasing or eliminating false results due to platelet interference. The compositions of the present invention comprise compositions that include a platelet interference reducing agent in an amount effective to decrease the platelet interference activity in the plasma sample, particularly platelet-rich plasma sample, to be analyzed. The most preferred platelet interference reducing agent of the present invention is 1-(1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-iyl)-1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl) urea, also called “Diazolidinyl urea” or “DZU”.

Abstract: Methods for reducing time to result in blood bank diagnostic testing with an agitation device and a low ionic strength solution are disclosed. Specifically provided are methods for reducing incubation time for antigen-antibody reactions in an immunohematologic assay by subjecting the assay reactants to incubation with agitation and optionally additionally a low ionic strength diluent.

Abstract: The enumeration and analysis of residual white blood cells in a sample of leukocyte-reduced blood products is conducted by forming a suspension of the leukocyte-reduced blood products with a sufficient amount of a lysing reagent. The lysing reagent comprises a buffer with a low molar concentration, and a non-ionic surfactant. The suspension of leukocyte-reduced blood products and the lysing reagent is incubated for a sufficient time at a temperature sufficient to selectively lyse the platelets and red blood cells without damaging the white blood cells. The white blood cells of the lysed blood products are then contacted with a suitable dye to stain the white blood cells and the number of stained white blood cells is measured. The lysing reagent is free of harsh organic solvents which can damage the plastic components of automated clinical analyzers.