Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention disclose a system in which multiple injections may be made into a capillary array. The injections are spaced in time with each injection followed by an interval of electrophoresis. Once all samples are loaded into the capillaries, continuous electrophoresis and detection is used to separate and detect target compounds within the sample. The interval between injections is matched to the target compound migration rate to be sufficient to allow the target compounds to be detectably separated when the compounds reach the detector.

Abstract: A method for specifically immunoprecipitating albumin from a serum sample, using a “collapsible affinity matrix.” Also provided is a method for the co-removal of immunoglobulin using a “collapsible affinity matrix.” Removal of the highly abundant serum proteins, albumin and immunoglobulin, thereby improves the fractionation of the remaining serum proteins. Due to the collapsible nature of the matrix, less protein is trapped in the void space. Through specific removal of the abundant serum proteins by the collapsible affinity matrix and application of a two dimensional gel electrophoresis method, HiCap 2-D PAGE, the concentrations of a large number of low abundant serum proteins are estimated simultaneously, allowing the identification of several disease-related proteins in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying and concentrating AAV-2 and antigen portions thereof. AAV-2 or antigen portions thereof are bonded to an activated chromatographic material on which antibodies are linked, said antibodies being directed against AAV-2. Afterwards, elution using a solution containing 0.5 to 4.5 M MgCl2 is carried out. The invention also relates to a kit for implementing said method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a competitive-binding, capillary electrophoretic method of detecting new therapeutic regulatory (modulating) and diagnostic compounds in natural samples and other complex biological materials. The present method generally comprises mixing a preselected, detectable target with a sample of complex biological material to produce a first, sample/target mixture capillary electrophoresis apparatus. Subsequently, the first mixture is mixed with a pre-selected, tight-binding competitive ligand (TBCL), prior to produce a second, sample/target/TBCL mixture, for a predetermined optional incubation period sufficient to allow the TBCL to bind a pre-selected percentage of the available target in the absence of any other ligand. An aliquot of the second mixture is subsequently subjected to pre-optimized capillary electrophoresis, during which the migration of the target is monitored.

Abstract: An analytical device comprising a surfactant-treated porous reaction membrane having an exposed sample-contacting surface and at least one receptor area located in a limited region of the exposed sample-contacting surface. The limited region has a higher concentration of surfactant than areas of the sample-contacting surface that are peripheral to the limited region. To make the device, a surfactant-containing solution comprising at least 0.2% surfactant is added to the reaction membrane and allowed to dry. Then, a receptor reagent is added to a limited region of the reaction membrane. In the assay, the surfactant causes the liquid sample to flow faster through the portion(s) of the reaction membrane where receptor molecules are located.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and test kits for diagnosis of periodontal disease activity in mammals, especially in human. The methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of periodontitis, peri-implantitis and HIV (+)-infection/AIDS-disease related periodontal diseases. Especially, the methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of the loss of bone density associated with periodontal diseases.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence and position of labelled material in a sample in which the labelled material either gives off light or can be stimulated to do so. The sample is imaged onto a CCD array which is scanned following each exposure. A cooled CCD camera or an image intensified CCD camera may be used. Measurements are performed on the data signals so obtained, to identify clusters of data values from adjacent regions of the CCD array caused by light incident on those regions. The measured signal values are compared with at least one threshold so as to distinguish clusters resulting from light emitting regions of labelled material from the remainder of the sample and the centroid of each light produced cluster of data values is computed with reference to the camera array, and a signal value corresponding to the centroid coordinates is stored in a memory together with the centroid coordinates of any other light produced clusters identified during the same interrogation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the amplification of or creation of A signalling event for detection of a probe which reacts with a test substance, the method comprising causing the test substance to react with the probe and identifying the reaction of the test substance with the probe by release of a signalling moiety from a vesicle. The invention also relates to a kit for the detection of a probe which reacts with a test substance, the kit comprising a vesicle which contains a signalling moiety.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for generating a library of bi-ligands, comprising (a) determining a common ligand to a conserved site in a receptor family; (b) attaching an expansion linker to the common ligand, wherein the expansion linker has sufficient length and orientation to direct a second ligand to a specificity site of a receptor in the receptor family, to form a module; and (c) generating a population of bi-ligands comprising a plurality of identical modules attached to variable second ligands. The invention also provides methods for identifying a bi-target ligand to a receptor by combining a first bi-ligand to a first receptor in a receptor family and a second bi-ligand to a second receptor in the receptor family. The invention additionally provides bi-ligands and bi-target ligands.

Abstract: An analytical test device is described for the immunochromatographic determination of the presence of one or more analytes in fluid samples. The device is configured such that the sample is allowed to enter the detection zone simultaneously from many different directions, eliminating stagnation of the flow of the sample. By selection of the porous substrate, the device also allows for the separation of red blood cells from plasma, providing a rapid test for one or more analytes in a sample of whole blood. The device of the present invention may measure more than one analyte simultaneously from a single sample, either by having multiple immunochromatographic pathways fed by a single sample, or multiple analytes detected in the same pathway by way of multiple capture antibodies.

Abstract: A test device for detecting or quantifying determining an analyte in a test solution includes an absorbent material having contact, liposome lysing and electrochemical measurement portions. The contact portion is positioned for contact with and uptake of the test solution. The liposome lysing portion is segregated from the contact portion and has a liposome lysing agent bound thereto. The liposome lysing portion is further either positioned between the contact portion and the electrochemical measurement portion, or partially or completely coincides with the electrochemical measurement portion. The electrochemical measurement portion comprises a first conductor comprising a plurality of fingers disposed on the absorbent material, and a second conductor similarly comprising a plurality of fingers disposed on the absorbent material, where the fingers of the first and second conductors are interdigitated to form an array.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to the analysis of biological samples. More particularly, the present invention is directed to automated sample analysis for paraproteins using immunosubtraction, capillary electrophoresis and Fourier transformation analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and test kits for diagnosis of periodontal disease activity in mammals, especially in human. The methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of periodontitis, peri-implantitis and HIV (+)-infection/AIDS-disease related periodontal diseases. Especially, the methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of the loss of bone density associated with periodontal diseases.

Abstract: An assay for the identification of neutralizing botulinum antibodies in sera is provided which includes the steps of separating non-sodium dodecyl sulfate, non-trypsinized complex botulinum toxin in an arylamide gel by electrophoresis, the separation occurring on a basis of botulinum toxin protein size and charge. Thereafter, the separated protein is electrophoretically transferred onto a solid support, the transferred separated protein being bound to the solid support at spaced apart sites. Remaining sites on the solid support not occupied by bound protein are blocked and the solid support and bound protein are contacted with a sera sample containing an antibody directed against botulinum toxin. The contacted solid support is then exposed to a second antibody capable of reacting to produce an insoluble colored substrate of intensity relative to a quantity of antibodies present. Finally, the second antibody is reacted to produce the insoluble colored substrate which is visually identified.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for performing a lateral flow assay. The method includes depositing a sample on a test strip at an application region, detecting a first detection signal arising from the test strip in the first detection zone, and generating a baseline for the first measurement zone by interpolating between values of the detection signal outside of the first measurement zone and inside of the first detection zone. The method may include locating a beginning boundary and an ending boundary for the first measurement zone on the test strip. Additional detection zones having measurement zones may also be incorporated with the embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for masking inhomogeneity of a member of a specific binding pair (sbp) employed in a capillary electroseparation. The method comprises binding the sbp member to synthetic particles that become localized during capillary electroseparation. Also disclosed is one embodiment of the present invention, which is a method for conducting a capillary electroseparation specific binding assay. The method involves the electroseparation of a labeled first member of a specific binding pair that is bound in a complex from labeled first member that is not bound in the complex. The complex comprises the first member and a second member of a specific binding pair. A combination is provided comprising a sample suspected of containing an analyte, a labeled first member of a specific binding pair, and a second member of a specific binding pair under conditions for forming a complex between labeled first member and the second member.

Abstract: The method for the aptitude testing of protein fractions containing factor VIII the further processing of which comprises a pasteurizing step is performed in such a way that the starting material is examined for fragments within a range of from 20 to 50 kD. Fragments of factor VIII within this range evidently cause inhibitor formations in patients pretreated with factor VIII. Batches contaminated with such fragments can also be utilized, i.e., for the preparation of a high purity virus-free factor VIII by size exclusion chromatography on hydrophilic materials.

Abstract: Modified Western blot membranes and methods of using same are provided which allow confirmation of Lyme disease and screening for at least one additional tick-borne disease. The membranes and methods of the present invention may thus be used to screen for the presence of tick-borne diseases which may be transferred along with Lyme disease. A Western blot assay may also be employed to confirm the presence of such additional tick-borne disease.

Abstract: This invention features methods for characterizing antigenic reactivity of biological samples by contacting a biological sample with two or a plurality of monoclonal receptor molecules raised to an immunogen containing a polypeptide of about 7 to about 40 amino acid residues and comparing the ensuing reaction pattern with a pattern generated with a known biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for performing highly sensitive enzyme-amplified assays using channel electrophoresis of an enzyme having a biorecognition moiety. Combining a binding reaction of an analyte and an enzyme having a biorecognition moiety, and an electrophoretic separation which uses enzyme-amplified detection methodology, assay methods and apparatus are provided that offer simplicity, quantitative sensitivity and rapid analysis. Also disclosed are highly sensitive catalytically-amplified assays using a capillary electrophoresis format in which the binding reaction prior to electrophoresis is heterogeneous or homogeneous, and direct or competitive. The methods and apparatus for conducting sensitive automated catalytically-amplified assays using electrophoresis may be conducted in a microscale format.

Abstract: A test device for detecting or determining an analyte in a test solution includes an absorbent material having contact, liposome lysing and electrochemical measurement portions. The contact portion is positioned for contact with and uptake of the test solution. The liposome lysing portion is segregated from the contact portion and has a liposome lysing agent bound thereto. The liposome lysing portion is further either positioned between the contact portion and the electrochemical measurement portion, or partially or completely coincides with the electrochemical measurement portion. The electrochemical measurement portion comprises a first conductor comprising a plurality of fingers disposed on the absorbent material, and a second conductor similarly comprising a plurality of fingers disposed on the absorbent material, where the fingers of the first and second conductors are interdigitated to form an array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens extracted from mammalian malpighian epithelia, in particular rat esophageal epithelium or human epidermis, which are specifically recognized by the autoantibodies present in patients suffering form rheumatoid arthritis in respect of antigenic determinants in common with filaggrin and human profilaggrin, as well as to the antigenic proteins of which said antigens are composed and to the peptide fragments derived therefrom. The invention relates to the use of these antigens, proteins and peptide fragments, and that of filaggrin and human profilaggrin, for the preparation of antigenic compositions, and to their applications, in particular for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The invention also relates to the preparation of antibodies directed towards these antigens, and to their applications.

Abstract: The invention provides monospecific antibodies that are specifically reactive with fibrinopeptide B (FPB) and with fibrinogen and fragments thereof containing the amino acid sequence defined by SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides anti-FPB probes, including monospecific anti-FPB antibodies that have been detectably labeled. In addition, the invention provides methods of using the monospecific antibodies for detection of fibrinopeptide B, as well as reagents and kits for performing the methods. For example, the invention provides a method for detecting fibrinopeptide B with specificity in biological samples such as blood samples, by using the antibody to immunometrically bind to the fibrinopeptide B. Diagnostic methods for determining information associated with atherogenesis and/or thrombogenesis. The invention further provides continuous cell lines (hybridomas) that produce monospecific anti-FPB antibodies.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte in a sample uses both the specificity of an enzymatic reaction and the separation power of capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract: A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production thereof. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques.

Abstract: Analytes can be detected from among closely related substances by reacting the analyte in a test sample with a labeled binding agent which specifically binds to the analyte to form a complex. The labeled binding agent is supplied in excess, and the complex is identified through a time window relative to the detection of the excess unbound agent. The complex and labeled binding agent are isolated on a separation media and identified by the differential rate of migration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a chemiluminescent assay are disclosed. A test sample or multiple test samples is or are deposited on a supporting matrix and chemiluminescence of the sample(s) is effectuated. Low energy chemiluminescence emitted during chemiluminescence is removed by a light attenuation optical filter. Chemiluminescence is detected from the filtered light using a light detector means and chemiluminescence is counted using a chemiluminescence counter coupled to the light detector means.

Abstract: Methods for the identification of inducers and inhibitors of apoptosis are described. The method exploits the finding that the exposure of cells to apoptotic stress and its concurrent shutdown of cellular protein synthesis is accompanied by phosphorylation of IF-2.alpha. and a novel protein termed p90.

Abstract: A test device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample includes an absorbent material having separate contact and measurement portions. The contact portion is positioned at or proximate to a first end of the absorbent material. The measurement portion has a receptor for a conjugate of an analyte analog and marker-encapsulating liposomes. In a method for using the test device, a binding material specific for the analyte is combined with the liposome-analyte analog conjugate and the test sample to form a test mixture. The mixture is incubated for a time sufficient to permit competition between any analyte present and the conjugate for the binding material. Following incubating, the mixture is allowed to traverse the absorbent material from the contact portion through the measurement portion of the absorbent material.

Abstract: An assay for the identification of neutralizing botulinum antibodies in sera is provided which includes the steps of separating non-sodium dodecyl sulfate, non-trypsinized complex botulinum toxin in an arylamide gel by electrophoresis, the separation occurring on a basis of botulinum toxin protein size and charge. Thereafter, the separated protein is electrophoretically transferred onto a solid support, the transferred separated protein being bound to the solid support at spaced apart sites. Remaining sites on the solid support not occupied by bound protein are blocked and the solid support and bound protein are contacted with a sera sample containing an antibody directed against botulinum toxin. The contacted solid support is then exposed to a second antibody capable of reacting to produce an insoluble colored substrate of intensity relative to a quantity of antibodies present. Finally, the second antibody is reacted to produce the insoluble colored substrate which is visually identified.

Abstract: Antibodies that are indicative of organ transplant rejection, for example, cardiac or kidney transplant rejection, and of associated pathological conditions, for example, accelerated (or transplant-associated) coronary artery disease (CAD) are identified, as are antigens that bind to such antibodies. The antigens are used in immunoassays to diagnose transplant rejection and associated pathological conditions, and in the treatment of transplant rejection. The antigens and antibodies are particularly useful in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic rejection and associated conditions, especially rapid onset vasculopathy.

Abstract: Vaccines effective in the inhibition of infection caused by the family of retroviruses, HTLV-III, Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus, LAV, Lymphadenopathy-associated virus, ARV-2, AIDS-Related Virus, (AIDS and AIDS-Related Complex) have been developed from an antisera prepared against thymosin .alpha..sub.1 (T.alpha..sub.1), a thymic hormone, as well as from antisera to synthetic peptide fragments of T.alpha..sub.1 and antisera to synthetic peptide fragments inclusive of amino acid positions 92-109 of the p17 gag core protein of HTLV-III, LAV and ARV-2. In this 18 amino acid primary sequence there is a 44 to 50% homology between the gag protein and T.alpha..sub.1. Immunoglobulin (IgG)-enriched preparations of the T.alpha..sub.1 antisera have enhanced activity in blocking vital replication. A diagnostic test capable of directly detecting the presence of HTLV-III, LAV, ARV-2 and related retroviruses associated with AIDS and ARC is also described.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel assays which allow the identification of compounds which block the ability of lentiviruses to infect non-dividing cells. Compounds discovered employing the invention methods can be employed to block the ability of HIV to infect non-dividing cells. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, novel antibodies have been developed which are specifically immunoreactive with the phosphorylated form of HIV-1 MA. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, novel kinases which phosphorylate HIV-1 MA have been discovered.

Abstract: Monoclonal receptors raised to immunogenic polyeptides whose amino acid residue sequences correspond to sequences of oncoprotein ligands are disclosed, as are method for the production of those receptors and products and methods that utilize them. The monoclonal receptors bind both to the oncoprotein ligand to a portion of which the polypeptide corresponds in sequence, and to the immunogenic polypeptide to which the receptors were raised.

Abstract: Homogeneous immunoassays and enzyme-substrate assays which use capillary electrophoresis and fluoescent detection systems are described. The method is useful for detecting and/or quantitating the concentration of analytes in a sample.

Abstract: A method for classifying and typing M-proteins present in a sample of serum, etc. of an individual is disclosed. The method employs an on-capillary electrophoretic immunosubtractive method to analyze and classify identified M-proteins.

Abstract: Described are methods for determining the predisposition of a mammal for developing an autoimmune disease that is characterized by defective presentation of self antigens on the surface of antigen presenting cells. The methods involve identifying defects in the processing, transport, or presentation of self peptides by MHC class I molecules. Defects in or deletions of components of these processes result in decreased levels of normal MHC class I expression on the surface of mammalian antigen presenting cells. Identification of these defects or deletions, or observation of such a decreased level of MHC class I expression, is indicative of a predisposition for an individual developing an autoimmune disease characterized by improper self antigen presentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteins associated with human bone marrow cell membranes for adhering hematopoietic cells to human bone marrow cell membranes. These proteins are soluble in lithium dodecyl sulfate but insoluble in 2% nonaethylene glycol octylphenol ether (e.g., 2% Triton.RTM. X-100) solution. These proteins and antibodies raised against them are useful in the treatment and diagnosis of blood disorders. The DNA molecules encoding these proteins have use in gene therapy regimes. Also disclosed is a method for detecting binding between cell adhesion membrane proteins and cells having a potential to be bound to such proteins.

Abstract: Character of the envelope transmembrane protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) was carried out using murine polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies or patient sera specific for HIV-2 proteins. A 80-Mr glycoprotein (gp80) was produced in HIV-2 infected cells along with three other glycoproteins that were recently reported: the extracellular glycoprotein (gp125), the envelope glycoprotein precursor (gp140), and the transient dimeric form of gp140 (gp300). The gp125 and gp80 were detectable after the synthesis of gp140 and the formation of gp300. Among these four glycoproteins, only gp80 and gp125 were associated with HIV-2 virions. As the other glycoproteins, gp80 was recognized by all HIV-2 positive sera. A murine polyclonal antibody raised against the purified gp300 recognized all four glycoproteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of predicting disease-free survival in cancer patients by relating the number and amount of stress response proteins in cancer tissue to the probability of tumor recurrence. Particular heat shock/stress response proteins useful in the determination of tumor recurrence are the stress response proteins, hsp70, hsp90, hsp27, and glucose regulated protein grp94. Specific levels of the stress response proteins relative to an internal standard are identified, above which the probability of tumor recurrence is highly significant. Kit methods are disclosed which could enable determination of the stress proteins by an antibody assay.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are buffers and methodologies for the capillary zone electrophoretic analysis of hemoglobin and the variants of hemoglobin. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the buffer comprises at least about 100 mM of barbituric acid, derivatives of barbituric acid, combinations of barbituric acid and derivatives of barbituric acid, and combinations of the derivatives of barbituric acid, and has a pH of at least about 8.0.

Abstract: A process for handling a biological specimen for the analysis of nucleic acid sequences wherein the biological specimen is immobilized within a carrier device for controlled temperature conditions and the sequential addition of fluid treatments. The fluid treatments arm selected from lysing end denaturing solutions, wash or rinse solutions, reagents for nucleic acid amplification, electrophoresis and hybridization and labeling and detection reagents. The fluid treatments are unique to each specimen and the detection of target nucleic acid sequences is localized within the carrier device.

Abstract: Electrophoresis support media which include one or more polymers made from hydroxy alkyl esters of acrylic or methylacrylic acid or poly (alkylene glycol) esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid. These acrylic or methacrylic monomers are polymerized or copolymerized to form electrophoresis support media which can be used in place of polyacrylamide gels, agar gels and agarose gels. The acrylic or methacrylic ester monomers may be cross-linked with various cross-linking agents to provide electrophoresis support media with a wide range of pore sizes and physical strength. The electrophoresis support media is well-suited for use with organic solvents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assessment of the concentration of a subset of variants in a population of proteinaceous analyte variants capable of separation by a fractionation system, wherein said population of variants are contacted with a population of labelled proteinaceous specific binding partners therefor to form labelled binding partner-analyte complexes therewith, which are then subjected to separation by the said fractionation system into one or more fractions containing said subset of analyte variants in complexed form and assessment of the amount of label in one or more fractions so obtained, the said population of specific binding partners having, prior to reaction, substantially uniform distribution or mobility in said fractionation system, compositions and test kits for use in such methods. The method of the invention is particularly suitable for the analysis of variants of the protein transferrin.

Abstract: An optical fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor includes both a metal layer and an overlay or underlay material on its surface. Existing fiber based SPR devices are inherently incapable of monitoring aqueous systems which have a refractive index ranging between 1.33 and 1.35, and existing prism based SPR sensors have proved too cumbersome for online chemical and biochemical analyses. Inclusion of the overlay or underlay material on the SPR sensor allows monitoring media with a refractive index from 1.00 to the 1.39 barrier and above. Hence, the SPR sensor allows monitoring important biochemical and chemical aqueous processes where the media typically have a refractive index between 1.33 and 1.35. In operation, samples are simply applied to the sensing region of the SPR sensor where the metal layer and overlay or underlay materials are coated, introducing a polarized beam of light into the optical fiber, and detecting surface plasmon resonance.

Abstract: A method and assay for determination of functionality of steroid receptors present in breast or other tumors. The method is useful for determination of cancer responsiveness to hormonal therapy by establishing a correlation between functioning estrogen receptors and those which are dysfunctional or nonfunctional. The assay is useful for determination whether the cancer, particularly the breast cancer, will respond to anti-estrogen hormonal therapy.

Abstract: Electrophoresis support media which include one or more polymers made from hydroxy alkyl esters of acrylic or methylacrylic acid or poly (alkylene glycol) esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid. These acrylic or methacrylic monomers are polymerized or copolymerized to form electrophoresis support media which can be used in place of polyacrylamide gels, agar gels and agarose gels. The acrylic or methacrylic ester monomers may be cross-linked with various cross-linking agents to provide electrophoresis support media with a wide range of pore sizes and physical strength. The electrophoresis support media is well-suited for use with organic solvents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the diagnosis of non-healing ulcers in humans. Provided are methods for detecting the presence of non-healing ulcers by assaying for certain cell adhesion-related proteins or their degradation products in ulcer exudate. The methods of the present invention are useful as an initial, quick and inexpensive screening process for a condition which is often misdiagnosed. It has been discovered that in non-healing ulcers there appear to be proteases which degrade cell adhesion-related proteins, e.g., fibronectin and vitronectin. Protein separation techniques, such as electrophoresis, may be used in combination with immunoassay techniques to isolate and identify these degradation products, as well as the cell adhesion-related proteins themselves.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing renal diseases by detecting fragments of albumin in human urine. The detection of the fragments is carried out by, for example, immunological methods or liquid chromatography techniques.

Abstract: Combined electrophoretic-immunoelectrophoretic analysis is conducted using a gel plate having a plurality of preformed trenches therein dividing the plate into a number of electrophoretic tracks. Serum samples are applied to the tracks such that each pair of tracks has the same sample. After subjecting the tracks to electrophoresis, one track from each pair of matching tracks is removed for protein staining by inserting a spatula into a trench and under the track to be removed. Small dabs of high vacuum silicone stopcock grease are applied to the ends of each sidewall of the remaining gel tracks and antiserum is applied therebetween. After immunoprecipitation and staining, the removed tracks are returned to their original positions to permit exact correlation of said immunoprecipitation and electrophoresis patterns.