Abstract: A reagent for the detection and quantitative determination of leukocytes by measuring the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of biological samples, which is sensitive for disclosing even only a few leukocytes, without interferences caused by hemoglobin even in the presence of several erythrocytes, and suitable for photometric readings in the visible spectrum region. The reagent comprises a buffer, a chromogen, a surface-active agent, at least an alkali metal halide, a hydroperoxide compound and optionally a reaction promoter.

Abstract: The invention relates to assays of a monokine in a biological fluid, in particular in a blood sample, in particular of TNF or of IL-1. According to the present invention, the monokine in the serum or plasma obtained from whole blood stimulated with a mitogenic agent is assayed prior to any separation between the plasma (or serum) and the blood cells. According to another subject of the invention, the monokine is assayed in the case of an immunometric assay employing an oligoclonal system, consisting of several different monoclonal antibodies adsorbed on a solid phase and a non-adsorbed labeled antibody.The invention also relates to immunoassay kits.

Abstract: A stabilizer for maintaining a constant level of CO.sub.2 in coenzyme containing enzymatic CO.sub.2 diagnostic reagents is disclosed, comprising rate-limiting amounts of (a) the diagnostic reagents and (b) coenzyme-regenerating reagents, e.g., wherein (a) is malate dehydrogenase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and NADH, and (b) is glucose dehydrogenase and glucose, as are methods of use and kits containing a diagnostic reagent and stabilizer.

Abstract: In a method for preserving umbilical cord blood, a severed umbilical cord is provided which has at least one tubular blood vessel closed at opposite ends to maintain fluid in the vessel. An anticoagulant is added to blood fluids in the vessel, and the blood fluid is moved in the vessel to distribute the anticoagulant throughout the blood. An associated apparatus comprises a container, a support within the container for supporting an umbilical cord, an injector or other fluid adding device engageable with the umbilical cord in the container for introducing an anticoagulant into at least one tubular vessel in the umbilical cord, and a fluid moving device at least partially inside the container for moving blood fluid contained in the tubular vessel.

Abstract: A method of reducing the viscosity of a body fluid comprises mixing a body fluid with a cationic quaternary ammonium reagent. The body fluid is a mucopolysaccharide-containing body fluid which will be tested for a metabolite.

Abstract: An indirect potentiometric method and diluent for the analysis of lithium are disclosed. The diluent includes effective amounts of a pH buffer, at least one lithium salt, and a non-cationic surfactant containing at least one hydrophobic group, at least one hydrophillic group and being substantially free of polyoxyethylene groups. Most preferably, the pH buffer is tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-phosphate, the lithium salt is lithium chloride, and the surfactant is 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7 diol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reliable redox indicator composition for use in chemical assay systems and is particularly well suited for assay systems using a dry phase format. More specifically, the improved indicator composition of this invention is directed to the use of a divalent metal complex to prevent unwanted metal hydroperoxide mediated and similar-type oxidation of redox indicators. A fundamental element of the present invention involves the use of divalent metal complexes of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein M is either Zn(II), Co(II), Mn(II), or Rb(II).

Abstract: A pledget containing an anticoagulant for use with a blood sample is provided. The pledget includes a filler material, such as dextran, to increase the volume anticoagulant to minimize interference with free ion measurements in the blood.

Abstract: A novel class of nonpermeating cryoprotectants which, when mixed with certain known penetrating cryoprotectants, provide a useful medium for protection of living cells during a cryopreservation process. Algae-derived polysaccharides such as agarose and alginate are useful as nonpermeating cryoprotectants as they form a gel matrix when cooled, protect against ice crystal formation, and yield improved viability of cells when thawed.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed of blood serum sample preparation for improved, more accurate and precise, electrooptical method for measuring erythrocyte volumes, individually and as an average.

Abstract: A container having a longitudinal passage is provided with a filter for collecting thereon cellular components having a particle size range of 5 microns or greater. Where the cellular components are to be harvested from a hostile environment such as voided urine specimen, the hostile environment is discharged, after passing through the filter, from the container through one end thereof to separate the cells from the hostile environment as soon as possible. The cellular components harvested on the filter are washed with a suitable media such as a saline solution and a nutrient preservative media, or fixative, such as by way of example formaldehyde is added to the container to assist in stabilizing the harvested cellular components on the filter. Where the cellular components are harvested from a hostile environment, a suitable closure may be added to one end of the container to close off the longitudinal passage before the preserving media is added.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-serum based control reagent for glucose determination. Rather than using modified serum, the control reagent contains water, glucose, and the viscosity agent polystyrene sulphonate. The control reagent may also contain a buffer, preservatives, surfactants or surface active agents. A method of making the control reagent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid control standard for the use in the quality assurance of blood analysis instrumentation systems is disclosed. The liquid control standard is able to act as a control standard for blood gas instrumentation systems measuring pH, pCO.sub.2 and pO.sub.2 of blood, as a liquid control standard for ion selective electrode instrumentation systems for the measuring of electrolytes such as ionized calcium and total calcium as well as Na, K and Li ions in the blood and, optionally, as a control standard for a co-oximeter measuring the amount of total hemoglobin present in the blood and the relative amounts of other hemoglobin fractions present in the blood.

Abstract: Method for diluting blood, blood diluent, and antimicrobial agents and reagents, especially suitable for use in enumeration and sizing of blood cells. The antimicrobial agent in the blood diluent is potent, but relatively non-toxic to humans, and inexpensive. Furthermore, it does not interfere with blood analysis performed on an automated, blood-analysis instrument.

Abstract: A stable human serum based control for the assay of Total LD and CK and their isoenzymes. This control may be lyophilized and reconstituted and still provide the same enzyme activity prior to lyophilization, for seven (7) days after reconstitution, if stored in the dark at or about 2.degree.0 to 8.degree. C. No thiol compounds other than the amount normally used to purify CK isoenzymes are found in this highly stable control.

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: This invention relates to a method for the rapid determination of a differential white blood cell count in a sample, which method comprises:(a) preparing a reagent solution comprisingformaldehyde or paraformaldehyde;a surfactant;a sugar or sugar alcohol; anda buffer; and(b) rapidly mixing the reagent solution with the sample to be analyzed to form a reaction mixture, wherein both the reagent solution and the sample are initially at room temperature; and(c) rapidly heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of from about 62.degree. C. to about 72.degree. C. in order to lyse the red blood cells in the sample and fix the white blood cells in said sample. The invention also relates to the reagent solution of part (a) of the method.

Abstract: A universal blood diluent for use in hematology analysis is the subject of this invention. The diluent consists of an aqueous solution of 0.4-1.5% by weight of either Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 or NaNO.sub.3 or a combination of the two. Also included is 0.1-0.4% by weight of a salt of the formula XH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 where X is either Na or K and 0.1-2.4% by weight of a salt of the formula X.sub.2 HPO where X is Na or K. The phosphate salts may be hydrous or anhydrous. A mixture of Na and K phosphate salts may also been employed. The salts should be present in a ratio of from 1:1 to 1:6 (by weight), XH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 :X.sub.2 HPO.sub.4. 0.1 to 1% by weight of one or both of NaCl and KCl is also included. The Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and NaNO.sub.3 should be present in a ratio of at least 1:1 (by weight) relative to the chloride salt. The pH of the diluent should be within the range of 6.0-8.0 and it should have an osmotic strength of 200-400 milliosmoles.

Abstract: An isotonic multipurpose blood diluent, and a method for use of this diluent with a weak lysing reagent system which is especially suitable for routine enumeration of traditional hemogram values, and also the determination of lymphoid-myeloid populations of leukocytes, particularly in automatic particle counting systems.This blood diluent is capable of affording accurate, reproducible test results. It is an osmotically balanced aqueous solution of preselected pH containing Procaine hydrochloride for maintaining erythrocyte morphology during operation, N-(2-acetamido)iminodiacetic acid (ADA) as a blood cell stabilizing agent, and bacteriostatic agents including sodium 1-hydroxypyridine-2-thione, and dimethylolurea which, together with the ADA, allow preferential determination of myeloid-lymphoid leukocytes, and other hematological values.The lysing agent is a mixture of an aqueous solution of at least one quaternary ammonium salt having surface active properties, and an alkali metal cyanide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for stabilizing aqueous solutions of serum complement for extended periods of time and the resultant stabilized complement solutions. More particularly, morphilino buffering compounds and tris-hydroxymethyl buffering compounds have been used to make aqueous buffers with a pH between about 6.5 and 8.5 and a concentration of greater than 0.01M. These buffers have been found to extend the normal life of complement solutions to unexpectedly longer periods.

Abstract: A liquid control standard for the use in the qualilty assurance of blood analysis instrumentation systems is disclosed. The liquid control standard is able to act as a control standard for blood gas instrumentation systems measuring pH, pCO.sub.2 and pO.sub.2 of blood, as a liquid control standard for ion selective electrode instrumentation systems for the measuring of electrolytes such as ionized calcium and total calcium as well as Na, K and Li ions in the blood and, optionally, as a control standard for a co-oximeter measuring the amount of total hemoglobin present in the blood and the relative amounts of other hemoglobin fractions present in the blood.

Abstract: A reference liquid for calibration or quality control of instruments which determine ionized calcium and pH. The reference liquid contains both a particular calcium ion activity and a pH-buffer and can therefore be used for calibration of both the calcium-sensitive electrode and the pH-electrode in the instruments. The pH-buffer is a nitrogen-containing organic sulphonic acid and the salt of this acid, the acid having a pK in the range of 6.6-7.6. The reference liquid has an ionic strength of 0.15-0.17, a buffer capacity .beta. in the range of 0.04-0.10 and is packed in glass ampoules.

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: There is disclosed a sample preparation chamber for a system for preparing samples of various compositions for assay by liquid chromatography. The sample preparation chamber is includes a container having a threaded cap and a threaded, lightweight, translucent plastic cup. A stirrer/grinder shaft driven by a motor and connected to a propeller/grinder passes through the cap. The cup has a sloped bottom with a sump region, and a fill/empty pipe passes through the cap and has its outlet at or near the sump. A nozzle/fill pipe arrangement allows the walls to be washed down as liquid is pumped into the cup. A second fill pipe with its outlet spaced up from the bottom of the cup is also used, and a sample metering valve having an inlet in said cup is present.

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: 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: Nuclear isolation media and procedures are described for dissociating discrete, non-agglomerated cell nuclei from animal tissue without the need to use enzyme treatments, centrifugation or the like in order to achieve the desired separation. The media facilitates separation and maintains the nuclear membrane intact and in its normal physiological environment. When a DNA-fluorochrome stain is included in the medium an essentially one step combination nuclear isolation and DNA staining procedure is used to measure DNA in tissue cells by flow cytometry. Rapid and consistant results are obtained and multiple sampling of the same tissue or comparison between whole tissues and their single cell isolates are also described.

Abstract: Isoenzyme control reagents and methods for making same stabilized by means of plexiform stabilizing means. The preferred plexiform stabilizing means is selected from the group consisting of monosaccharide and disaccharide reducing sugars. The most preferred isoenzyme control reagent comprises the isoenzyme of interest obtained from selected tissue, preclarified human sera, stabilizing cofactor, a chelating agent means, a weak nonphospate buffer and lactose as the most preferred plexiform stabilizing means.

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 agent and process are used for the determination of calcium in liquids. The agent contains essentially orthocresolphthalein complexone, an acid and a zwitterionic buffer and is characterized in that the buffer contains at least one sulphonic acid amine of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and denote H or alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or cycloalkyl having in each case up to 8 C atoms andR.sub.3 denotes alkyl or hydroxyalkyl having up to 8 C atoms.

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 an aqueous cholesterol standard solution with a definite content of cholesterol, wherein it contains a detergent mixture of 10 to 90% of cholic acid and 90 to 10% of desoxycholic acid or of appropriate salts or derivatives of these acids.The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of this aqueous cholesterol standard solution, wherein a detergent mixture of cholic acid and desoxycholic acid or of appropriate salts and derivatives of these acids is dissolved in distilled water or in 0.9% aqueous sodium chloride solution, an appropriate preservation agent and/or a buffer effective in the pH range of from 7 to 9 optionally added thereto, and a definite, precisely defined amount of cholesterol is dissolved in the solution thus obtained, while stirring and warming to 40.degree. to 60.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition useful for stabilizing diagnostic reagent which functions to react with a specimen to determine the presence or absence of a biological condition comprising about 0.01 to 35 parts by weight protein or peptide and either (A) about 1 to 90 parts by weight of a saccharide polyol selected from the group consisting of corn syrup and dextrose and optionally up to about 25 parts by weight of a pyrrol, or (B) about 1 to 90 parts by weight of a saccharide polyol and about 0.01 to 25 parts by weight of a pyrrol. Also disclosed is a method of stabilizing such diagnostic reagents comprising using the stabilizing composition, and a diagnositc device comprising a non-absorbent base carrying at least one deposition area in which is carried the evaporative residue of such diagnostic reagent and the stabilizing composition.

Abstract: A solvent composition useful for the determination of water by the Karl Fischer method, comprises an ethylene glycol monoalkyl ether and a tetraalkylated ammonium salt.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multiple control standard for the use in the quality assurance of blood analysis instrumentation systems. The liquid control standard is able to act as a control standard for blood gas instrumentation systems measuring pH, pCO2 and pO.sub.2 of blood, as a control standard for a co-oximeter measuring the amount of total hemoglobin present in the blood and the relative amounts of other hemoglobin fractions present in the blood, and as a liquid control standard for ion selective electrode instrumentation systems for the measuring of electrolytes such as Na, K, Li and Ca ions in the blood.

Abstract: Inclusion in a blood sample of an isomer of glucose which is capable of replacing glucose in blood cell metabolism ensures accuracy of glucose assay.

Abstract: A calibration liquid, especially suitable for ion-selective electrodes, containing albumin. This solution is stable and prevents errors by junction potentials or unknown complexing with calcium.

Abstract: A stabilizer for radioactively labelled organic compounds has the general formula ##STR1## where R is C1 to C4 alkylene which may be OH substituted, m is 0 or 1 (i.e. R may be absent or present), X is carboxyl or sulphonyl e.g. COOH or SO.sub.3 H or a salt thereof and n is 1, 2 or 3. Radiolabelled compounds of biological origin, such as nucleotides and amino acids, may be stabilized either in solution or in the freeze-dried state. For example, L-[.sup.35 S]methionine may be stabilized to prevent formation of a 47 KD band in protein transcription/translation experiments.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing steroid hormone receptor samples to be utilized as controls during assays of various human tissue for steroid hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. The process comprises collecting tissue known to include such receptors, adding a buffer solution to the tissue, homogenizing the tissue and buffer solution, centrifuging the homogenized mixture, and thereafter collecting the supernatant. The supernatant which contains the desired receptors is subdivided into suitable control sample size and preferably lyophilized to a flake. A process is described for maximizing the number of receptors found in the samples.

Abstract: An inhibitor of Platelet Factor 3 activity is included in a collection medium into which a whole blood sample is a collected. The inhibitor of Platelet Factor 3 activity, it has been discovered, prevents an initial drop in the activated clotting time measured during an assay test conducted on the whole blood sample collected 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 Platelet Factor 3 activity is of considerable importance in heparin therapy, since the initial drop in the activated clotting time of heparinized blood is substantial. The inhibitor of Platelet Factor 3 activity 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 Platelet Factor 3 activity.

Abstract: An enzyme conjugate composition comprising an enzyme conjugate, a calcium salt and a polyethylene glycol is disclosed. The enzyme conjugate composition is effectively stabilized by the presence of the calcium salt and the polyethylene glycol.

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: Red cells are exposed to an unsaturated aldehyde such as acrolein (propenal) under conditions sufficient to increase the stability of the cells without impairing the ability of a lysing reagent to lyse the cells. After treatment, the treated cells are washed and are suspended in a stabilizing suspension medium.

Abstract: The invention herein is directed to an improved thromboplastin composition wherein the thromboplastin is supplied in a tablet separate from calcium salts in order to stabilize the thromboplastin.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multiple control standard for the use in the quality assurance of blood analysis instrumentation systems. The liquid control standard is able to act as a control standard for blood gas instrumentation systems measuring pH, pCO2 and pO.sub.2 of blood, as a control standard for a co-oximeter measuring the amount of total hemoglobin present in the blood and the relative amounts of other hemoglobin fractions present in the blood, and as a liquid control standard for ion selective electrode instrumentation systems for the measuring of electrolytes such as Na and K ions in the blood.

Abstract: Improved reagents and methods for obtaining distinct volumetric differentiation of platelets, erythocytes and certain leukocyute subpopulations are disclosed. 1,3-dimethylurea is disclosed as a cell stabilizing agent for use in the blood diluent reagent. A hematology analyzer detergent is described wherein the addition of a wetting agent to the diluent of the instant invention provides the necessary attributes of an automatic analyzer detergent. The lysing reagent exploits the selective and intrinsically gentle lytic qualities of the dodecyl quaternary ammonium salt. The improved method modifies the leukocytes so that the frequent lymphocyte and neutrophil subpopulations are well separated on a volume scale, permitting quantitative evaluation of infrequent and rare leukocyte subpopulations as well as improved enumeration of the lymphocytes and neutrophils.

Abstract: A whole blood control sample and a method of preparing the sample are disclosed. The method comprises collecting a whole blood sample from one or more donor, separating each sample into red blood cells and plasma, fixing the red blood cells, mixing the fixed red blood cells with plasma from the same or a different donor to produce a suspension, quick-freezing the suspension before the red blood cells can settle, and lyophilizing the frozen suspension. The control sample therefore comprises a lyophilized mixture of fixed red blood cells and plasma solids.

Abstract: A stable glucose reference control has been found in which the true value and the measured value of glucose in blood, colorimetrically obtained with glucose test strips, is approximately the same. The glucose reference control comprises an aqueous suspension of:(i) 40 to 500 mg/dL of glucose, and(ii) about 0.1 to 0.3.times.10.sup.12 /dL red blood cells fixed with a fixing agent to render the red blood cells incapable of metabolizing glucose.

Abstract: A whole blood diluting solution for analyzing quantitatively whole blood (even when it contains a subject component in an abnormally high quantity, or it is used as a sample after a several-hour hapse from blood-gathering) by supplying a given volume of whole blood sample in the form of a diluted solution to a dry analysis material, which has at least one porous layer side, with the diluting solution containing a water-insoluble dispersed phase (made up of, e.g., macromolecular substances), preferably in an emulsified or suspended condition isotonic to whole blood.