Abstract: A method of rapidly assaying nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity in white blood cells contained within a blood sample. A method according to the invention includes the steps of: (a) labeling the white blood cells with a white blood cell-specific label; (b) depolarizing the labeled white blood cells with an isotonic depolarizing solution; (c) contacting the labeled white blood cells with a dye and a P2X7 agonist in an amount sufficient to activate nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity; (d) contacting the labeled white blood cells with a divalent cation in an amount sufficient to deactivate nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity; and (e) analyzing dye uptake in labeled white blood cells whereby nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity is quantified by the amount of dye taken up in labeled white blood cells treated with P2X7 agonist relative to labeled white blood cells in the absence of P2X7 agonist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid molecules encoding a Rhesus D antigen contributing to the weak D phenotype which are characterized by one or a combination of missense mutations or by a gene conversion involving exons 6 to 9 of the RHD and RHCE genes. The present invention further relates to vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, to hosts transformed with said vectors, to proteins encoded by said nucleic acid molecules and to methods of producing such polypeptides. The fact that missense mutations and the conversion referred to above can be directly correlated to the weak D phenotype has a significant impact on the routine testing of blood samples. For example, oligonucleotides and antibodies can now be designed that generally allow the detection of weak D phenotypes in a sample. Such oligonucleotides, antibodies as well as a variety of diagnostic methods all fall within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting very small quantities of particles. The inventive method is based on a detection of antigen-antibody reaction products and provides a very high detection sensitivity all the way to the femtomolar or attomolar range.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a PCR wherein a magnetic field is focused in a localized area and also to the possibility of a cyclic transfer of heat. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a magnetic field gradient is constructed along the direction of flow and the transfer of heat is carried out in a manner perpendicular to the direction of flow. Suitable things are provided therefore. The magnetic field is, in particular, focused by Mumetal® which is arranged on both sides of the flow channel and the temperature is controlled by way of Peltier elements, cooling bodies, and thermal coupling plates.

Abstract: Arrays of microparticle populations, each population labeled with a single fluorescent dye, are provided for use in multiplex assays. The populations form a virtual multidimensional array wherein each microparticle is identified by fluorescence intensity in two different fluorescence detection channels. The arrays are useful in a variety of assays, including multiplex, multi-analyte assays for the simultaneous detection of two or more analytes by, for example, flow cytometry, and a labeling reagents in, for example, microscopy. The use of singly-dyed microparticles to form multidimensional arrays greatly simplifies the creation of multiplex assays.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of factor VIIa-antithrombin complexes is disclosed which has application to estimating the level of intravascular exposure of tissue factor, assessing patient risk for hypercoagulation or other coagulopathies, and monitoring patients for factor VIIa-antithrombin complexes over time which can reveal changes in risk for hypercoagulation or other coagulopathies and/or effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy. Antibodies suitable for use in an in vitro assay for determining the concentration of factor VIIa-antithrombin complexes and methods for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing and/or characterizing chronic immune disease activity in a subject. In the subject methods, a sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having or known to have a chronic immune disease. The sample is then assayed for the presence of low molecular actin fragments. The assay results are used to diagnose the presence of chronic immune disease activity and/or characterize chronic immune disease activity in the subject, e.g. to confirm an initial chronic immune disease diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease, to monitor disease progression, to predict disease attacks, and the like. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for practicing the methods.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring the dissociation rate coefficient (Kd) by surface plasmon resonance analysis without measuring the theoretical maximum amount of binding (Rmax). The present invention provides a method for measuring the dissociation rate coefficient (Kd) of the reaction between an analyte molecule immobilized on a metal surface and a molecule that interacts with the analyte molecule by assaying changes in surface plasmon resonance signals using a surface plasmon resonance measurement device, wherein the signal and the slope of the dissociation curve of the surface plasmon resonance signal curves, or the signal ratio are used to calculate the dissociation rate coefficient (Kd).

Abstract: A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample.

Abstract: A device for counting micro particles is presented. The device comprises a light source; a chip containing micro particles; an object lens; a CCD camera; a counting part; and a shifter for shifting the position of the chip. It is easy to count the number of micro particles, such as red blood cells or somatic cells, by using the device. The shifter shifts the position of the chip by a predetermined distance at every predetermined time interval in order that a certain area adjacent to the area photographed just before is shifted to the point where the light is incident. Therefore, sub-areas on the chip are photographed successively. The counting part counts the number of micro particles in each sub-area, and adds them together to calculate the total number of micro particles in the samples.

Abstract: Membrane-based assays using surface detector array devices suitable for use with a biosensor are disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by an aqueous film, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Arrays may be engineered to display natural membrane materials in a native fluid bilayer configuration, permitting high-throughput discovery of drugs that target and affect membrane components. The membrane-based assays detect binding events by monitoring binding-induced changes in one or more physical properties of fluid bilayers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the estimation of the amount of subtypes of specific cells, for example the number of certain subtypes of leukocytes, by measurements of unique proteins in extracts of blood and other biological material. The knowledge of the number or amount of specific subtypes of white cells is important in the clinical diagnosis and surveillance of subjects with inflammatory disease including infectious disease, cancer, allergy/asthma etc.

Abstract: ELISA, Western Blot, and a peptide-based ELISA were applied to clinical specimens from patients with clinical symptoms of tick borne diseases, including Lyme disease. Peptides from different components of Borrelia during different cycles, including peptides from outer surface protein, leukocyte function associated antigens, immunodominant antigens, variable major proteins, and peptides from decorin-binding proteins of Borrelial subspecies (B. sensu stricto. B. afzelii, B. garinii) were used. Antibodies against specific peptides from Babesia and Ehrlichia were also measured.

Abstract: Immunoassays for malondialdehyde-modified low density lipoprotein (MDA-modified LDL) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL), monoclonal antibodies (and the cell lines for them) for use in the assays, and a storage-stable standard (which may be used as a calibrator and/or control) are disclosed. MDA-modified LDL and OxLDL are implicated in atherosclerosis and its etiology.

Abstract: The amount of platelet surface proteins in a sample may be measured by collecting a sample containing platelets into a collection tube containing a platelet stabilizing composition, labeling the platelet surface protein and detecting by cytometry.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods for regulating or determining fertility in humans and animals. In various embodiments of the invention, LOX and other related enzymes can be used as fertility markers, contraceptive agents, or means of treating infertility. LOX may be detected in accordance with the invention in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Heart and brain fatty acid binding proteins (H-FABP, B-FABP) are markers for TSEs, especially CJD. The invention provides a diagnostic assay for either of these markers, preferably by enzyme immunoassay using a specific antibody thereto. Since H-FABP is also a marker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), to distinguish CJD from AMI requires an assay specific to AMI, e.g. using troponin-1 or CK-MB as a marker, also to be carried out.

Abstract: In a method for measuring an analyte, which comprises a reaction step of forming a reaction system including a sample containing whole blood, a first substance carried by a solid carrier and specifically binding to an analyte contained in the sample and a second substance specifically binding to the analyte and allowing the analyte to react with the first and second substances and a measurement step of measuring the formed reaction product, (1) the reaction step is performed in a state that blood cells are not disrupted, and (2) at least the reaction step is performed in the presence of a sufficient amount of a detergent that does not cause hemolysis, does not inhibit reactions of the analyte with the first and second substances specifically binding to the analyte and can prevent influence on the reaction system of a component existing in the reaction system.

Abstract: A method of detecting an analyte is described in which an up-converting luminescent species that is excited by absorption of long wavelength light is provided as a donor of energy to an acceptor species that can be bound to, or generated in proximity to, the luminescent species. The analyte either alters the proximity between the luminescent species and the acceptor species or alters the absorbance or luminescence properties of the acceptor species. The luminescent energy donor is excited with long wavelength light and transfers up-converted energy to the proximate acceptor species and this transfer of energy is detected by measurement of appropriate luminescence properties of either the donor or of the acceptor or both.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detection of the stress-inducible Hsp70B? protein are disclosed. These include antibodies directed against particular amino acid regions of Hsp70B? and various peptides corresponding, or antigenically equivalent, to the regions. The ability to generate anti-Hsp70B? antibodies to defined epitopes permits a variety of in vitro and in vivo uses.

Abstract: The instant invention involves the use of a combination of preparatory steps in conjunction with mass spectroscopy and time-of-flight detection procedures to maximize the diversity of biopolymers which are verifiable within a particular sample. The cohort of biopolymers verified within such a sample is then viewed with reference to their ability to evidence at least particular disease state; thereby enabling a diagnostician to gain the ability to characterize either the presence or the absence of at least one disease state relative to recognition of the presence and/or the absence of the biopolymer, predict disease risk assessment, and develop therapeutic avenues against the disease.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to solve low test efficiency and low accuracy which are problems encountered in the conventional methods for testing myelotoxicity of a drug by observing smears. To this end, markers for discriminating and identifying hematopoietic stem cells and blood cells at various differentiation stages in bone marrow are identified. From this point of view, cell surface antigens are specified. Thus, it is found that the myelotoxicity of a drug can be evaluated with a high efficiency at a high accuracy by using flow cytometry to analyze for a change in the quantity of bone marrow-derived cells expressing the cell surface antigens after administration of the drug to an animal.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are provided which bind to heat-treated proteins of meats. The antibodies are useful in detecting the presence of an exogenous meat in a cooked or raw meat sample. Furthermore, the antibodies can be used to determine the end point temperature of a meat sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for assaying for troponin I in a sample such as serum, the method comprising a determination of the troponin I concentration in a sample using a standard preparation that comprises a complete native troponin complex. One exemplary assay for troponin I concentration according to the invention is an immunoassay. Further contemplated in the method is a step comprising contacting the sample with a Ca2+-binding agent. Another aspect of the invention is the standard preparation comprising a complete native troponin complex. Yet another aspect of the invention is a kit for use in the assay method comprising the standard preparation, a detectable label, and a troponin I binding partner, such as an anti-troponin I antibody. All aspects of the invention are usefully practiced using human materials, such as a human troponin complex, and/or human sources for samples.

Abstract: The immunoassay method of this invention measures the content of a subject substance in a sample. The method includes the steps of: (a) preparing a mixed solution by mixing the sample and an antibody solution including a first monoclonal antibody and a second monoclonal antibody capable of specifically binding to the subject substance; and (b) measuring an optical property of the mixed solution. The first monoclonal antibody is capable of binding to a first epitope of the subject substance, and the second monoclonal antibody is capable of binding to a second epitope of the subject substance different from the first epitope. Each of the first and second epitopes exists singly in the subject substance.

Abstract: A Method for identifying one or a small number of molecules, especially in a dilution of ?1 ?M, using laser excited FCS with measuring times ?500 ms and short diffusion paths of the molecules to be analyzed, wherein the measurement is performed in small volume units of preferably ?10?14 l, by determining material-specific parameters which are determined by luminescence measurements of molecules to be examined. The device which can be preferably used for performing the method according to the invention is a per se known system of microscope optics for laser focusing for fluorescence excitation in a small measuring compartment of a very diluted solution and for imaging the emitted light in the subsequent measurement through confocal imaging wherein at least one system of optics with high numerical aperture of preferably ?1.2 N.A.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system for determining the distribution, environment, or activity of fluorescently labeled reporter molecules in cells for the purpose of screening large numbers of compounds for specific biological activity. The invention involves providing cells containing fluorescent reporter molecules in an array of locations and scanning numerous cells in each location with a fluorescent microscope, converting the optical information into digital data, and utilizing the digital data to determine the distribution, environment or activity of the fluorescently labeled reporter molecules in the cells. The array of locations may be an industry standard 96 well or 384 well microtiter plate or a microplate which is a microplate having a cells in a micropaterned array of locations. The invention includes apparatus and computerized method for processing, displaying and storing the data.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a condition of a patient involves the steps of (a) adding one or more reagents to a test sample from a patient, the test samples comprising at least part of a blood sample from the patient, in order to cause formation of a complex comprising at least one acute phase protein and at least one human lipoprotein, while causing substantially no fiber polymerization; (b) measuring the formation of the complex over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile, and (c) determining a slope and/or total change in the time-dependent measurement profile, so as to diagnose a condition of the patient. A greater formation of the complex is correlated to increased probability of death of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to protein-protein interactions and methods for identifying interacting proteins and the amino acid sequence at the site of interaction. Using overlapping hexapeptides that encode for the entire amino acid sequences of the linker domains of human P-glycoprotein gene 1 and 3 (HP-gp1 and HP-gp3), a direct and specific binding between HP-gp1 and 3 linker domains and intracellular proteins was demonstrated. The method of the present invention was further validated with Annexin. The present invention thus demonstrates a novel concept whereby the interactions between two proteins are mediated by strings of few amino acids with high and repulsive binding energies, enabling the identification of high affinity binding sites between any interacting proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the detection of early renal disease in animals. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from an animal to be tested and (b) determining the amount of albumin in the sample. An amount of albumin in the range of from 10 ?g/ml to about 300 ?g/ml indicates the presence of early renal disease. The present invention also provides antibodies to canine, feline and equine albumin which can be used to detect the presence of early renal disease.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sample of muscle tissue and of assaying the prepared sample to determine the presence of prions in the sample is disclosed. The muscle tissue is homogenized and mixed with a complexing agent which forms a complex with a higher specific gravity than PrPSc, the complexing agent or other components of the homogenate. Gravity is then used (e.g. ultra centrifugation) to concentrate the complex and the concentrate is assayed to detect prions. The muscle tissue is preferably extracted from a muscle or group of muscles such as hind limb muscle which have a higher or more preferably the highest concentration of prions as compared to other muscle in the mammal.

Abstract: A method having clinically sufficient degree of diagnostic accuracy for detecting the presence of coronary artery disease in a human patient from the general population and for distinguishing between the stages of the disease in that patient is disclosed. The stages are, first, the non-acute stage, which is either asymptomatic coronary artery disease or stable angina, second, the acute stage known as unstable angina, and, third, the acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction. The diseased state (as opposed to the non-diseased state) is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a first marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of one of the two acute stages, unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction, is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a second marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of the more severe acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a third marker in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to the measurement of elastic fiber breakdown products in human sputum obtained from patients with emphysema and other lung diseases. Measurement of elastic fiber breakdown products may be used to monitor the progression of lung disease or to assess the efficacy of a treatment for lung disease. Such breakdown products are associated with lung injury resulting from degradation of lung elastic fibers. This process may occur in emphysema and other inflammatory disease of the lung where excess amounts of elastase are secreted by inflammatory cells. The methods for measuring elastin breakdown products in certain tissue fluids (i.e. blood, urine, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) are well known to the art but have not been previously applied to sputum samples. The use of sputum has several advantages over other fluids, including greater specificity and ease of procurement.

Abstract: A fibronectin type III (Fn3) polypeptide monobody, a nucleic acid molecule encoding said monobody, and a variegated nucleic acid library encoding said monobody, are provided by the invention. Also provided are methods of preparing a Fn3 polypeptide monobody, and kits to perform said methods. Further provided is a method of identifying the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide molecule capable of binding to a specific binding partner (SBP) so as to form a polypeptide:SSP complex, and a method of identifying the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide molecule capable of catalyzing a chemical reaction with a catalyzed rate constant, kcat, and an uncatalyzed rate constant, kuncat, such that the ratio of kcat/kuncat is greater than 10.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively detecting an antigen which comprises (1) a first step of providing an Fab? antibody having a uniform isoelectric point, said antibody forming an immune complex with an antigen in an analytical sample and being modified by adding an amino acid sequence comprising a charged amino acid residue and by being labeled with a fluorescent dye, (2) a second step of mixing the Fab? antibody having a uniform isoelectric point with the analytical sample containing the antigen to obtain a mixture comprising the immune complex, (3) a third step of separating the mixture by performing electrophoresis in a carrier, (4) a fourth step of irradiating an excitation light which excites the fluorescent dye to the mixture separated in the third step to cause fluorescence in the immune complex, and (5) a fifth step of detecting the fluorescence.

Abstract: Heart and brain fatty acid binding proteins (H-FABP, B-FABP) are markers for stroke. The invention provides a diagnostic assay for either of these markers, preferably by ELISA using anti-H-FABP or B-FABP antibody. Since H-FABP is also a marker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), to distinguish stroke from AMI requires an assay specific to AMI, e.g. using troponin-I or creatine kinase-MB as a marker, also to be carried out.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of biological cells labelled with a fluorescent dye, the sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if a masking dye, which absorbs the excitation light for the fluorescent dye and/or its emission light is added to the solution surrounding the biological cells and/or if a separating layer permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light or the emission light is applied to a layer of the biological cells at the bottom of a reaction vessel. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. Analogously, these process principles can also be used in receptor studies for the masking of the interfering background radiation in the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently or luminescently labelled reaction components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence of IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of selecting an antibody against a target substance to be measured, which comprises selecting the antibody against the target substance by antigen-antibody reaction in the presence of a substance interfering with the antigen-antibody reaction. That is, an antigen and a labeled antigen are reacted with the antibody in the presence of an interfering substance, such as an environment pollutant, and on the basis of the degree of reaction thereof, the antibody against the target substance, which is highly resistant to the interfering substance, is selected. Thereby, even if a test sample is contaminated with a substance interfering with antigen-antibody reaction, the antibody, which is highly resistant to the substance interfering with antigen-antibody reaction, is not influenced by the interfering substance and gives a correct value in the quantification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the measurement of a cellular process, or for the measurement of the effect of a test compound on a cellular process, in one or more different populations of cells. The method comprises providing separate samples of one or more different populations of cells adhering to support particles, the support particles comprising a scintillant substance and being adapted for cell growth. In one embodiment, different samples of cells are introduced into separate reaction vessels in a fluid medium, together with a reagent labelled with a radioisotope, in the presence or the absence of the test compound, under conditions so as to cause a portion of said radiolabelled reagent to become associated with the cells. In another embodiment, multiparameter analysis may be performed to determine the effect of a test compound on a cellular process using two or more different cell populations present in the same well.

Abstract: A coplanar waveguide biosensor and methods of use include a coplanar waveguide transmission line and a sample containment structure. The coplanar waveguide transmission line is operable to support the propagation of an electromagnetic signal and includes a signal line and one or more spaced apart ground elements. The signal line is configured to conduct a time-varying voltage, and the one or more ground elements are configured to maintain a time-invariant voltage, a detection region being formed between a portion of the signal line and a portion of at least one of the one or more ground elements. Detection methods are improved through the enhancement of the electric field in the detection region via impedance discontinuities in the signal line and ground elements. The sample containment structure intersects the detection region of the coplanar waveguide transmission line and includes a cavity configured to hold 1 ml or less of sample solution within the detection region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the binding behavior of ligands which specifically bind to target molecules at at least one binding site, whereby the markers are present in a native form and the determination of the concentrations K4 and K5 or of the quantities M2 and M1 is carried out by means of mass spectrometry.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labelled biological cells 5, a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom 2 of a reaction vessel 1 is in contact with a solution 3 containing the fluorescent dye 4. The sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if to the fluorescent dye 4 already present in addition a masking dye 9, which absorbs the excitation light 6 for the fluorescent dye 4 and/or its emission light 7, is added to the solution 3 and/or if a separating layer 10 permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light 6 or the emission light 7 is applied to the cell layer at the bottom 2. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. The separating layer 10 must in this case be composed such that it has a high power of reflection for the luminescent light 11.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for selectively removing objects from a surface utilizing a probe. The probe is scanned over the surface utilizing a greater and greater relative amount of force so that a certain number of the objects are removed from the surface. The force required to remove the objects from the surface can be calculated utilizing Hook's law and the spring constant of the probe. After removal of the objects that have a relatively weaker binding affinity with the surface, the remaining objects can be harvested, characterized, and subjected to further study.

Abstract: Novel bipyridyl-osmium complex conjugates and their use in electrochemical assays are described. The redox reversible-osmium complexes can be prepared to exhibit unique reversible redox potentials and can thus be used in combination with other electroactive redox reversible species having redox potentials differing by at least 50 millivolts in electrochemical assays designed for use of multiple electroactive species in the same cell and in the same sample without interference between the two or more redox coupled conjugate systems.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus which images the changes in height of reactive spots on the surface of a slide requires the surface roughness of the slide to be small enough to distinguish the changes in height from the roughness features of the slide.

Abstract: Improved receptor assays for the detection of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) autoantibodies are described which use immobilized, affinity-purified rTSHR preparations as specific binders. This format, as well as novel measures for neutralizing pathologically increased human TSH (hTSH) levels in the sera, e.g., by the addition of anti-hHSH antibody, and/or eliminating the influence of anti-bovine TSH antibody, result in increased assay reliability and open up the possibility of preparing the assay constituents in a ready to use and/or well-standardized form for automatic processing and/or convenient marketing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for quantitative or qualitative determination of an analyte or its interaction or reaction kinetics in a system with at least two different phases, comprising the step of taking at least one measurement signal from at least one of the phases, whereby the different phases are present in parallel when taking the signal and whereby each measurement signal is attributed to one of at least two phases. In addition, the invention concerns a sample carrier, in particular for use in the method constituting the invention with one or more wells. The sample carrier is characterized by the fact that at least a portion of the sample carrier at least in the range of one or more wells is coated with fluorescence-quenching material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the early detection of pregnancy failure, spontaneous abortion or premature birth by determinations of complement regulatory protein levels. A kit for use in rapid identification of these pregnancy complications is also provided.