Abstract: Subject matter of the present invention is a method for determining the fat processing activity and/or predicting the risk of obesity in a subject. The method involves determining the level of pro-neurotensin or fragments thereof of at least 5 amino acids in a bodily fluid obtained from a subject; and correlating the determined level of pro-neurotensin or fragments thereof with fat processing activity and/or the risk of incidence of obesity in the subject, wherein an elevated level is indicative of enhanced fat processing activity and/or predictive for an enhanced risk of getting obesity.

Abstract: Fungal infections are difficult to diagnose. The most common filamentous fungal infection, aspergillosis, carries with it a high mortality. Culture of the organism is difficult and obtaining samples, e.g., though a lung biopsy, sometimes causes morbidity. Biomarkers that indicate ‘early’ infection in it development are sought after. One such biomarker is detection of galactomannan (GM), a polysaccharide that is attached to hyphal cell walls and secreted during growth of the organism. Galactomannan is excreted in urine. Disclosed herein is a lateral flow assay comprising monoclonal antibodies that recognize specific residues of Aspergillus fumigates for detecting GM in urine samples to provide a point-of-care detection device to allow for frequent screening and early diagnosis in patients at high risk for infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semi-quantitative lateral flow assay device and method for generating semi-quantitative data from a lateral flow assay. The device comprises a thin, porous hydrophilic substrate wherein the substrate includes a star-shaped or other geometry taken in plan view having a liquid sample-receiving central region and multiple arms that extend or radiate out from the central region. Each arm includes a reaction zone formed by the presence of an analyte-capturing agent wherein the reaction zone of each arm is located at a different distance from the central region such that the analyte in the sample is captured accumulates in different quantities at at least some of the reaction zones of the arms in a manner that can be analyzed to yield semi-quantitative data from lateral flow assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detection schemes for ascertaining pregnancy status of an animal. The compositions and methods employ interferon-tau (IFNT) and/or antibodies specific for IFNT. Methods of the present invention detect the presence of IFNT in samples obtained from animals as an early indicator of pregnancy. Methods are provided to identify non-pregnant animals so that management decisions regarding rebreeding can be made earlier compared to existing approaches.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device that is in fluid contact with the first portion. In specific embodiments, the device is a pregnancy test device, which detects human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as an indicator of pregnancy. Devices with improved clinical sensitivity are provided which are capable of detecting all clinically relevant hCG isoforms.

Abstract: Subject matter of the present invention is a method for predicting the risk of getting cancer in a female subject that does not suffer from cancer or alternatively diagnosing cancer in a female subject comprising determining the level of pro-neurotensin or fragments thereof of at least 5 amino acids in a bodily fluid obtained from said female subject; and correlating said level of pro-neurotensin or fragments thereof with the a risk for getting cancer, wherein an elevated level is predictive for an enhanced risk of getting cancer or alternatively diagnosing cancer wherein an elevated level is correlated with the diagnosis of cancer and, wherein said cancer is selected from the group comprising breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and colon cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simple device for a membrane assay using the lateral flow immunoassay method, whereby a subject to be detected can be detected at a high sensitivity, provided with, as a label drying pad, a substrate which has a higher tensile strength than glass fiber and can well release a label. The present invention provides a simple membrane assay device, comprising: a supporting board, a sample supply part, a label containing a labeling component which labels a subject to be detected, a development part formed with a detection part which includes a trapping reagent for detecting or quantifying the subject to be detected, and an absorption part, wherein a non-woven fabric which includes fibers having a fiber diameter of 0.05 to 10 ?m is used in the labeling component part.

Abstract: The invention relates to reagents and methods for detecting, diagnosing and screening for conditions associated with hydroxylated hypoxia inducible factor 1-? (HIF-1?). The invention also relates to novel monoclonal antibodies specific for hydroxylated HIF-1?, or binding fragments thereof, and related nucleic acids, vectors, cells and compositions, as well as methods of using the antibodies in methods of the invention.

Abstract: An electronically processed single-step test device for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid. The device includes a hollow rectangular outer casing, disposed within co-joined upper and lower sections of the casing are assay material, an electronic processing system, and a display. The display is observable through a viewing window. The assay material is a sorptive material including a fluid sample application region in the form of a sample wick in fluid communication with a test strip. The test strip includes an analyte capture region adjacent to a light shield. The system includes lights which are alternately pulsed or energized over predetermined periods of time to determine if fluid test results show a marker or markers in the capture region indicative of the presence of a preselected analyte in the fluid. If so, Yes+ is displayed on the display otherwise, No? is displayed on the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the gender of a fetus by assaying the sex hormones, evaluating the overall reducing/oxidizing (redox) activity, and/or evaluating the radical scavenging capacity of the maternal urine or other body fluid. The method can be used to determine fetal gender at any time point during the entire pregnancy. The body fluid may be processed before assaying. Processing may involve aging the body fluid, or purification of various fractions.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs or mAbs) specific for ALPHA-ACTININ-4 antigens, hybridoma lines that secrete these ALPHA-ACTININ-4 mAbs, and the use of such mAbs to detect ALPHA-ACTININ-4 antigens, particularly those expressed by cancer cells are disclosed. Chimeric and humanized antibodies based upon these anti-ALPHA-ACTININ-4 mAbs, processes for producing monoclonal, chimeric, and humanized antibodies using recombinant DNA technology, and their therapeutic uses, particularly in the treatment of cancer are also disclosed. Methods and kits for the immunodetection and immunotherapy of cells for samples which express ALPHA-ACTININ-4 antigens are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A method and kit for determining whether an animal is not pregnant, or is pregnant following a breeding. The level of expression of a pregnancy induced protein is determined in an animal for which pregnancy status information is desired and the level is compared to that of the level in animals that are not pregnant.

Abstract: Testing systems and methods are disclosed for detecting a pregnancy marker of an animal. A test kit may include a first standard with a first concentration of the marker, a second standard with a second concentration of the marker lower than the first concentration, and at least three test surfaces coated with a biomolecular recognition element selected to bind with the marker. The test may also include a reagent solution with a conjugated biomolecular recognition element that binds with the marker, and a visual indicator that produces a visually detectable change when reacting with the conjugated biomolecular recognition element bound to each test surface. A detectable change generated by the marker from the sample with an intensity greater than the first concentration yields a pregnant result, lower than the second concentration yields a not pregnant result, and between the first and second concentrations yields a retest result.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for assessing the state of oocyte maturation in a female mammal based on the level of PAPP-A found in the female's bodily fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable formulations of Neisseria meningitis rLP2086 Subfamily B Antigens in immunogenic compositions. The present invention also relates to methods of preserving the conformation of Neisseria meningitis rLP2086 Antigens and methods for determining the potency of Neisseria meningitis rLP2086 antigens.

Abstract: The present invention related to a pregnancy test device that can selectively detect hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG-H) in a liquid sample. The sample can be deposited on a proximal portion of the device for transport to a distal portion of the device. The device can include a release medium formed of a first material and including a detectable label thereon and a capture medium, including a capture site, in fluid communication with the release medium and formed of a second, different material. At least one of the release medium and the capture medium includes a binding member that exhibits a moderate to high affinity for hCG-H and is selectively or preferentially reactive with hCG-H.

Abstract: Arteriovenous malformation, or Arteriovenous vascular malformation (AVM) is a congenic disorder characterized by an abnormal connection between veins and arteries, resulting in hemorrhaging and even death. A lack of good animal models has long been an obstacle for identifying effective drugs for neurological AVM treatment. Describe herein is a mouse model for AVM that includes a viable, postnatal animal with a conditional deletion of the activin receptor-like kinase 1 (Alk1;Acvrl1). The Alk1-cKO mouse model can be used to identify genes and gene products that are upregulated in subjects suffering from AVM. For example, it has been discovered Agpt2, IL1?, and TNF-?, are upregulated in Alk1-cKO compared to controls. Pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of AVM are disclosed. Preferred compositions inhibit or decrease expression of angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors, such as VEFG, Cox-2, Agpt2, IL1?, TNF-?, and matrix metalloproteinases.

Abstract: The present invention related to a pregnancy test device that can selectively detect hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG-H) in a liquid sample. The sample can be deposited on a proximal portion of the device for transport to a distal portion of the device. The device can include a release medium formed of a first material and including a detectable label thereon and a capture medium, including a capture site, in fluid communication with the release medium and formed of a second, different material. At least one of the release medium and the capture medium includes a binding member that exhibits a moderate to high affinity for hCG-H and is selectively or preferentially reactive with hCG-H.

Abstract: Testing systems and methods are disclosed for detecting a pregnancy marker of an animal. A test kit may include a first standard with a first concentration of the marker, a second standard with a second concentration of the marker lower than the first concentration, and at least three test surfaces coated with a biomolecular recognition element selected to bind with the marker. The test may also include a reagent solution with a conjugated biomolecular recognition element that binds with the marker, and a visual indicator that produces a visually detectable change when reacting with the conjugated biomolecular recognition element bound to each test surface. A detectable change generated by the marker from the sample with an intensity greater than the first concentration yields a pregnant result, lower than the second concentration yields a not pregnant result, and between the first and second concentrations yields a retest result.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the contractility of intestinal tissue upon treatment with GLP-2 or a GLP-2 ligand. Also disclosed is an assay which directly measures the activity of GLP-2 or GLP-2 ligands ex vivo and permits the screening of putative GLP-2 ligands in native tissue.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of different sex hormones in a serum sample, which can be used to evaluate different clinical situations. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antibodies used for the detection of representative sex hormones in a serum sample.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte cell proteins from a primate, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the isolation of biological macromolecules including peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids from mature plant fibers such as cotton fibers and from textiles. The biological macromolecules can be used to characterize the plant fiber (source, origin, genomic composition of producing plant etc.).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides for use in immunocontraception of canines and other animals. The disclosed compositions may include pharmaceutical compositions. Methods for identifying peptides that bind to intact oocytes also are provided, in particular methods for identifying peptides that bind to zona pellucida of intact oocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Down's syndrome, acute coronary syndrome or pre-eclampsia, or a predisposition to any of them, by a method comprising measuring the level of the human PAPP-A/proMBP complex in a body fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic method for detecting susceptibility to delivery, and to a test kit for this purpose. A low, but higher than baseline level concentration of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 (IGFBP-1), which is due to leakage from decidual cells, is detected by an immunological assay in a vaginal secretion sample.

Abstract: Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are structurally related to the pepsins, thought to be restricted to the hoofed (ungulate) mammals and characterized by being expressed specifically in the outer epithelial cell layer (chorion/trophectoderm) of the placenta. By cloning expressed genes from ovine and bovine placental cDNA libraries, the inventors estimate that cattle, sheep, and most probably all ruminant Artiodactyla, possess possibly 100 or more PAG genes, many of which are placentally expressed. The PAGs are highly diverse in sequence, with regions of hypervariability confined largely to surface-exposed loops. Selected PAG that are products of the invasive binucleate cells, expressed highly in early pregnancy at the time of trophoblast invasion and expressed weakly, if at all, in late gestation are useful in the early diagnosis of pregnancy. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to immunoassays for detecting these PAGs.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for testing for pregnancy and non-pregnancy in ungulates and non-hoofed ruminates. The tests provided by this invention are useful during a time that coincides with the estrus cycle during which breeding occurs or the first estrus cycle after breeding of a non-pregnant animal. The tests provided by this invention are useful in estrus and ovulation synchronization programs, with pregnancy testing useful at a time allowing for resynchronization of non-pregnant animals within the first estrus cycle. The tests provided by this invention assay for the presence, absence, or level of a selected IFN-?-induced protein in a sample from a female animal. The tests of this invention are useful for testing cells, blood, plasma, serum, cells, milk, nasal secretions, ocular secretions, vaginal secretions, urine, and saliva samples. The tests provided by this invention are immunoassays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rapid immunochromatographic detection of a target in a sample by double sandwich immunoassay detection, wherein the target is an antibody and/or an antigen, using different colloidal gold conjugates conjugated with a first and a second specific antibody or antigen, respectively, to a rapid immunochromatographic detection device, to uses of the method for detecting diseases or specific conditions, and to a method for the manufacture of the device as well as to a kit which comprises the device.

Abstract: The invention features methods of diagnosing high grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) These methods involve measuring: (1) the level of HID-5 in a body fluid (e.g., blood or urine) of a subject suspected of having, or at risk of having, high grade DCIS; or (2) the level of HID-5 gene expression in breast tissue from a subject suspected of having, or at risk of having, high grade DCIS. The invention also embodies a method of inhibiting expression of HID-5 protein in DCIS cells and methods of treating a subject suspected of having, or at risk of having, high grade DCIS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining if a patient is pregnant and if the pregnancy is progressing. The method involves testing the patient a first time with a hCG home urine test, then after a select number of days, a second hCG home urine test is taken having a lower hCG sensitivity than the first.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability.

Abstract: This invention provides bovine pregnancy test methods and devices. The test is also suitable for other ruminant and/or ungulate animals. Antigens from Group A (early pregnancy antigens), and/or Group B (mid-pregnancy antigens), and Group C (early, mid- and late pregnancy antigens) are detected in a fluid from the animal, and pregnancy is reliably determined. The pregnancy assays of this invention are preferably carried out using immunoassay devices which provide immediate results in the field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and evaluation of stroke and stroke sub-type. A variety of bio-markers are disclosed for assembling a panel for such diagnosis and evaluation. Methods are disclosed for selecting markers and correlating their combined levels with a clinical outcome of interest. In various aspects: the invention provides methods for early detection and differentiation of stroke subtypes, for determining the prognosis of a patient presenting with stroke symptoms, and identifying a patient at risk for hemorrhagic transformation after thrombolyic therapy. Methods are disclosed that provide rapid, sensitive and specific assays to greatly increase the number of patients that can receive beneficial stroke treatment and therapy, and reduce the costs associated with incorrect stroke diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention provides a device (10) for detection and providing an indication of the concentration of a single pregnancy associated hormone (especially hCG), comprising a matrix (16) defining an axial flow path, the matrix comprising: (i) a sample receiving zone (18) at the upstream end of the flow path, for receiving a fluid sample; (ii) a plurality of test zones (22) positioned within the flow path and downstream from the sample receiving zone (18), wherein each test zone is capable of detecting a different concentration of hormone compared with an adjacent test zone; and (iii) an indicator (26) for recording a previous hormone concentration recorded by the same or a previous device. The devices are especially useful to give an indication of a miscarriage or non-natural termination. Methods of using the assay devices are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing risk of miscarriage and/or premature birth, foetal abnormalities, cancer (e.g. prostate cancer) and inflammatory disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) are disclosed which involve determining abnormal levels of macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) in a body sample or, otherwise, determining the presence of a MIC-1 variant protein. Also disclosed are methods for reducing the risk of miscarriage and/or premature birth in pregnant subjects, and methods for treatment of inflammatory disease and/or cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides improved assays for detection of pregnancy. In the assays, pregnancy associated glycoproteins are analyzed in conjunction with progesterone analysis. The techniques of the invention overcome limitations in the prior art by reducing the rate of false positive results. The assays provided by the invention can be implemented to increase the efficiency of commercial animal breeding programs.

Abstract: A method for predicting pregnancy outcome includes measuring blood levels of hCG-hg and progesterone in a pregnant woman, determining a rate of change of progesterone levels from the blood measurements, determining at least a qualitative direction of change of hCG-hg levels from the blood measurements, comparing the determined rate of change of progesterone levels with a pre-established reference value, and determining at least a qualitative likelihood of a term pregnancy and a failed pregnancy for the woman from the qualitative direction of change of hCG-hg levels and the determined rate of change of progesterone levels relative to the pre-established reference value. The rate of change of progesterone is determined by formula as a number of days for progesterone to double.

Abstract: An immunoassay device has a housing defining a first opening for receiving a solution and a second opening through which a liquid sample is deposited, a strip of sorbent material having a test site with immobilized antigen or antibody for the ligand to be tested, and a filter for filtering the sample. The filter is located at the second opening and directly above the test site. The sorbent material defines a horizontal flow path in the housing for the solution from the first opening to the test site. In use, the sample is first applied via the filter to the test site, and then, after the ligand has been captured, a buffer added through the first opening is used to cause a secondary specific binder conjugated to a marker to migrate horizontally by capillary action to the test site where it can bind to the already captured ligand. This immunoassay offer several advantages over the traditional chromatographic immunoassays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for determining an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising: a) a gripping support (1); b) first capillary diffusing means (2) integral with the gripping support (1) comprising a downstream zone (2a) accessible to external observation; c) a set of predetermined reagents for detecting and/or quantifying the analyte; d) a member for collecting (4) the liquid sample mounted on the support (1). The invention is characterized in that the member for collecting (4) the liquid sample is mounted mobile or fixed on the support; second capillary diffusion means (41) extends from a zone collecting (41a) said sample, to a zone transferring (41b) the latter; and an upstream zone (2b) of said first capillary diffusion means (2) is arranged to be urged temporarily to constitute continuous capillary flow with the second diffusion means (41) transferring zone (41b), when the collecting member (4) is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A method of testing an animal for pregnancy or identifying the sex of the animal comprising the steps of first, providing a first vessel containing a liquid and having a removable surface wherein said removable surface is at least partially coated with an antibody and then introducing a bodily fluid from the female animal into said first vessel so that said bodily fluid contacts the liquid and then manipulating the first vessel so that the liquid contacts the antibody. Then, a second vessel containing a reporter hormone solution is provided and the removable surface from the first vessel is displaced to the second vessel and manipulating the second vessel so that the reporter hormone solution contacts the removable surface. Then, a third vessel containing an indicating solution which has an appearance which is related to the amount of the reporter hormone contacted is provided, and the removable surface is displaced from the second vessel to the third vessel.

Abstract: A method and test device for differentiating between states of an analyte that can exist in different forms, such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The method or test device uses a pair of specific binding agents, especially monoclonal antibodies, in two assays for the same analyte. The assays, applied to contemporaneous samples, differ from one another in format, one being a two step assay and the other being one step. A novel pair of anti-FSH monoclonal antibodies that can be used together in two such assays to differentiate pre-menopausal and post-menopausal FSH samples is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of testing an animal for pregnancy or sex identification comprising the steps of first, providing a first vessel containing a liquid and having a removable surface wherein said removable surface is at least partially coated with an antibody and then introducing a bodily fluid from the female animal into said first vessel so that said bodily fluid contacts the liquid and then manipulating the first vessel so that the liquid contacts the antibody. Then, a second vessel containing a reporter hormone solution is provided and the removable surface from the first vessel is displaced to the second vessel and manipulating the second vessel so that the reporter hormone solution contacts the removable surface. Then, a third vessel containing an indicating solution which has an appearance which is related to the amount of the reporter hormone contacted is provided, and the removable surface is displaced from the second vessel to the third vessel.

Abstract: This invention provides bovine pregnancy test methods and devices. The test is also suitable for other ruminant and/or ungulate animals. Antigens from Group A (early pregnancy antigens), and/or Group B (mid-pregnancy antigens), and Group C (early, mid- and late pregnancy antigens) are detected in a fluid from the animal, and pregnancy is reliably determined. The pregnancy assays of this invention are preferably carried out using immunoassay devices which provide immediate results in the field.