Abstract: An immunoassay reagent is obtained whereby a microscale substance such as an antigen or antibody can be assayed at a high sensitivity, and whereby a need to separate a reacted substance, e.g., an immunoreacted substance, from an unreacted substance can be eliminated or such a separation can be simplified. An immunoassay reagent, for use in the quantitative determination of a target antigen or antibody present in a sample, containing an insoluble carrier which carries an enzyme and an antibody or antigen corresponding to the antigen or antibody, an enzyme inhibitor for inhibiting the activity of the enzyme and a substrate with which the enzyme reacts.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents for analyzing hemoglobin in a sample using a pan-hemoglobin antibody conjugated to a detectable marker and one or more affinity reagents that are conjugated to a detectable marker that specifically bind to hemoglobin types and/or variants. The present invention is further drawn to flow cytometric methods using the reagents.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a molecular marker of the integrity of the extracellular matrix in an animal including a human subject. More particularly, the present invention provides a molecular marker of cartilage integrity. The identification of the molecular marker in circulatory or tissue fluid is indicative of disrepair of the extracellular matrix and in particular cartilage such as caused or facilitated by trauma or a degenerative disease or other condition, for example, arthritis or autoimmunity. The molecular marker is preferably in the form of a glycoprotein but the instant invention extends to genetic sequences encoding the polypeptide portion of the glycoprotein. Expression analysis of such genetic sequences provides predictive utility in detecting normal or abnormal extracellular matrix development.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 &mgr;m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials and methods for detecting biomolecules in samples employing transponders associated with the bead(s) used as the solid phase in the assay, and information pertinent to the assay is encoded on the transponders memory elements. A dedicated read/write device is used remotely to encode or remotely to read the information. The invention can be used in direct or competitive ELISA-type assays, or in multiplex assays for the simultaneous assay of several analytes.

Abstract: An increased risk of a fetal chromosomal abnormality, for example, fetal Down syndrome can be detected by separating or discriminating &agr;-fetoproteins present in the body fluid of a pregnant woman, and measuring the proportion of one or more of the &agr;-fetoproteins which have a specific sugar chain structure, relative to the total &agr;-fetoproteins.

Abstract: A chromatography assay device and method for use with whole blood samples utilizing a red blood cell separating agent to aggregate red blood cells and permit plasma or serum to flow by capillary action and a neutralizing agent to neutralize any effects the red blood cell separating agent may have on the device and method.

Abstract: A method to facilitate recovery troponin I and/or troponin T from a sample comprising addition of troponin C to the sample or to a surface from which the troponin I and/or troponin T are recovered.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of harvesting rare cells from blood products and/or obtaining products of the rare cells. The method includes contacting a blood product containing rare cells with a porous medium, and selectively retaining rare cells of interest on the porous medium. The porous medium can be contacted with an elution fluid wherein a population of the rare cells is eluted from the porous medium. Rare cells selectively retained on the porous medium can be cultured on the porous medium, and products of the rare cells can be obtained.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to by physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: A process for permeabilizing erythrocytes in which the erythrocytes are subjected successively to the action of (a) a fixing agent containing an aliphatic aldehyde and oligosaccharide, (b) a permeabilizing agent containing a detergent and an oligosaccharide, kit for permeabilizing erythrocytes, kit for immuno-marking fetal erythrocytes, and a process for identifying fetal erythrocytes by immuno-marking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for differentiating human peripheral blood granulocytes which comprises cultivating the granulocytes in the presence of an interferon and acting an immune complex on said granulocytes in the presence of a chemiluminescent substance, and measuring the chemiluminescent amounts induced. It contributes to the screening of patients suffering from serious infectious diseases or a range of inflammations, and is advantageous for monitoring the curative effects for those patients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the physico-chemical encoding of a collection of beaded resin (“beads”) to determine the chemical identity of bead-anchored compounds by in-situ interrogation of individual beads. The present invention provides method and apparatus to implement color-coding strategies in applications and including the ultrahigh-throughput screening of bead-based combinatorial compounds libraries as well as multiplexed diagnostic and environmental testing and other biochemical assays.

Abstract: A container having a flexible wall receives a continuous flow of a biological fluid that includes a target antigen and emits a continuous flow of the biological fluid at least partially depleted from the target antigen. The container further comprises a compartment with magnetic beads coupled to an affinity marker that binds the target antigen, and the target antigen is separated from the biological fluid using a magnetic force and an automatic mechanical force, wherein at least one of the magnetic force and automatic mechanical force is transmitted through the flexible wall.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials and methods for detecting biomolecules in samples employing transponders associated with the bead(s) used as the solid phase in the assay, and information pertinent to the assay is encoded on the transponders memory elements. A dedicated read/write device is used remotely to encode or remotely to read the information. The invention can be used in direct or competitive ELISA-type assays, or in multiplex assays for the simultaneous assay of several analytes.

Abstract: A method of identifying embryonic or fetal red blood cells in a sample containiing maternal blood cells and embryonic or fetal red blood cells or both, the method comprising determining which cell or cells contain or express an adult liver component. A method of isolating embryonic or fetal red blood cells from a sample containing maternal blood cells and embryonic or fetal red blood cells or both, the method comprising isolating the cells which contain or express an adult liver component. A method of determining a fetal abnormality the method comprising identifying or isolating embryonic or fetal cells according to the above methods and analysing said embryonic or early fetal cells for said abnormality. Use of a means for determining whether a cell contains or expresses an adult liver component for identifying or isolating an embryonic or fetal red blood cell.

Abstract: Method and test kit for assaying in a sample an analyte which is a bloodgroup antigen present on erythrocytes or an antibody binding to such a bloodgroup antigen. To that end, the sample is treated with a reagent containing a binding partner for the analyte, so that a complex of bloodgroup antigen present on erythrocytes and antibody bound thereto is formed if the sample contains analyte. The analyte is a bloodgroup antigen present on erythrocytes, the analyte binding partner is an antibody capable of binding to the bloodgroup antigen and if the analyte is an antibody binding to a bloodgroup antigen, the analyte binding partner is the bloodgroup antigen present on erythrocytes. Erythrocytes, complex or non-complexed, are then separated from non-bound antibodies using a separation medium with a density higher than that of the liquid containing the antibodies but lower than the density of crythrocytes.

Abstract: A cell containing sample is separated into a cell containing portion and a substantially cell depleted portion, by mixing the sample with particles to produce a cell containing network, and separating the network from the remaining substantially cell depleted portion within a plurality of confining walls, wherein at least one of the walls is flexible. While in some aspects the separation is performed employing a magnetic force, in other aspects the separation is performed using two forces, wherein one force is a magnetic force and the other force is a mechanical force. It is contemplated that whole blood may be used as the sample, and that the cell-containing portion largely comprises a network of inter-linked red blood cells. It is especially contemplated that separation involves antiligands, preferably primary antibodies that bind to a ligand such as antigen on or in red blood cell membranes, and secondary antibodies that bind to the primary antibodies.

Abstract: Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials that are encoded with an optically readable code are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The matrix materials may additionally include fluophors or other luminescent moieties to produce luminescing matrices with memories. The memories include electronic and optical storage media and also include optical memories, such as bar codes and other machine-readable codes. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel protein and peptide compositions comprising soluble and bound forms of immunologically-active blood group antigens including mammalian Rh antigens. In preferred embodiments methods for the isolation and purification of serologically-active human Rh antigens such as D, c, C, E, and e are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the adsorption of immunologically-active Rh antigens to solid supports. Diagnostic kits, methods, and devices for the detection of Rh antibodies in clinical and non-clinical samples are also disclosed. Devices, compositions and methods for the isolation, purification and quantitation of anti-Rh antibodies from solution are also provided.

Abstract: An indirect agglutination immunoassay includes the steps of providing, in a container, an immunoassay system comprising a test sample containing a desired analyte, and a reagent composed of magnetic particles or magnetic-material containing particles containing iron therein, wherein the magnetic particles or magnetic-material containing particles have been sensitized to allow specific binding to the desired analyte, and have a particle size in the range of 1 to 5 &mgr;m, with the content of the iron being in the range of 8 to 20 wt. %, precipitating the magnetic particles or magnetic-material containing particles by the application of magnetic force, allowing the container to stand at an inclination, and detecting the presence or absence of an immune reaction from the absence or presence of slippage observed of the precipitated magnetic particles or magnetic-material containing particles on the bottom of the container.

Abstract: This invention is thus related to a biospecific multiparameter assay employing single molecule detection. In particular, this invention is related to a new method for determination of several different biomolecules simultaneously in the same reaction solution. The method uses a fluorescent label for labelling biospecific primary probes and a combination of other labels, bound to secondary probes. Complexes are formed comprising primary probes, analyte molecules and secondary probes in the biospecific reaction. These single molecule complexes are counted selectively while discriminating the signals from other fluorescent molecules using confocal fluorometry or two-photon excitation fluorometry including an auto- and cross-correlator for the signals obtained from said fluorescent labels.

Abstract: A method of releasing particulates from a solid matrix is provided. The method is effected adding to the solid matrix a degrading enzyme capable of degrading the solid matrix, to thereby release the particulates from the solid matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out heterogeneous immunoassays, in particular to a method for separating a coated solid phase from a liquid phase by means of precipitation and subsequent centrifugation, with a detectable activity remaining in the liquid phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for detecting a mammal's prior exposure to radiation or radiomimetic agents. Labeled antibodies are employed to determine the quantity of transferrin receptors on the red blood cells of the mammal. The quantity of transferrin receptors on the red blood cells of the mammal is correlated to the mammal's prior exposure.

Abstract: A suspension of inert particles is prepared in an aqueous solution, to which an antibody or an antigen and a carrier-bound antigen or antibody, respectively, are added in any desired order. After centrifuging, the positive, weakly positive, or negative reaction can easily be recognized on the basis of a simple pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying a patient at risk to developing fibrinogen receptor antagonist-induced thrombocytopenia which comprises incubating patient plasma with a GPIIb/IIIa receptor:GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist complex to form a GPIIb/IIIa receptor:GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist:plasma antibody complex, incubating the GPIIb/IIIa receptor:GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist:plasma antibody complex with a secondary anti-human detectable antibody to form a GPIIb/IIIa receptor:GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist:plasma antibody:secondary anti-human detectable antibody complex, and detecting the presence of the secondary anti-human detectable antibody in the GPIIb/IIIa receptor:GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist:plasma antibody:secondary anti-human detectable antibody complex.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the sequence of nucleic acids. The method employs small solid phase particles having transponders, with a primary layer of an oligonucleotide of known sequence attached to the outer surface of the particle. A read/write scanner device is used to encode and decode data on the transponder. The stored data includes the sequence of the oligonucleotide immobilized on the transponder. The sequence of sample nucleic acids is determined by detecting annealing to an oligonucleotide bound to a particle, followed by decoding the transponder to determine the sequence of the oligonucleotide.

Abstract: Encoded combinatorial chemistry is provided, where sequential synthetic schemes are recorded using organic molecules, which define choice of reactant, and stage, as the same or different bit of information. Various products can be produced in the multi-stage synthesis, such as oligomers and synthetic non-repetitive organic molecules. Conveniently, nested families of compounds can be employed as identifiers, where number and/or position of a substituent define the choice. Alternatively, detectable functionalities may be employed, such as radioisotopes, fluorescers, halogens, and the like, where presence and ratios of two different groups can be used to define stage or choice. Particularly, pluralities of identifiers may be used to provide a binary or higher code, so as to define a plurality of choices with only a few detachable tags. The particles may be screened for a characteristic of interest, particularly binding affinity, where the products may be detached from the particle or retained on the particle.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of agglutinating or capturing cells comprising providing a mixture comprising a population of cells and a population of bacteriophage expressing a first antibody on the surface of the bacteriophage, the first antibody being specific for an antigen-bearing moiety expressed by at least a portion of the cells in the cell population, wherein the first antibody binds to the portion of the cells causing the bacteriophage to also bind to the portion of the cells, adding to the mixture a second antibody specific for the bacteriophage, wherein binding of the second antibody to bacteriophage bound to the portion of the cells causes the portion of the cells to agglutinate or be captured.

Abstract: Encoded combinatorial chemistry is provided, where sequential synthetic schemes are recorded using organic molecules, which define choice of reactant, and stage, as the same or different bit of information. Various products can be produced in the multi-stage synthesis, such as oligomers and synthetic non-repetitive organic molecules. Conveniently, nested families of compounds can be employed as identifiers, where number and/or position of a substituent define the choice. Alternatively, detectable functionalities may be employed, such as radioisotopes, fluorescers, halogens, and the like, where presence and ratios of two different groups can be used to define stage or choice. Particularly, pluralities of identifiers may be used to provide a binary or higher code, so as to define a plurality of choices with only a few detachable tags. The particles may be screened for a characteristic of interest, particularly binding affinity, where the products may be detached from the particle or retained on the particle.

Abstract: A suspension of inert particles is prepared in an aqueous solution, to which an antibody or an antigen and a carrier-bound antigen or antibody, respectively, are needed in any desired order. After centrifuging, the positive, weakly positive, or negative reaction can easily be recognized on the basis of a simple pattern.

Abstract: Fragments of cell membrane of erythrocyte are used as an antigen for insolubilization in enzyme immunoassay to provide a highly sensitive, excellent quantitative method for measuring anti-erythrocyte antibody. The cell membrane fragments of erythrocyte are the residual membrane fraction after removal of soluble cytoplasm proteins which interfere with the absorbance analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cell membrane fragments of erythrocyte which are used as an antigen may be prepared by destroying the erythrocytes to obtain a cell membrane fragment fraction and a cytoplasm protein fraction. The two fractions may be separated or fractionated by gel filtration, ultrafiltration or centrifugation to isolate the cell membrane fragment fraction. A solution of the cell membrane fragments of erythrocyte is substantially transparent and is useful as an insolubilized antigen for ELISA. The antigen is shelf stable for extended periods when stored in a cool, dark location.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds which specifically inhibit factor Xa activity. The compounds consist of the structure X.sub.1 -YIR-X.sub.2, wherein X.sub.1 is H, acyl, alkyl, acylalkyl, arylalkyl or one or more amino acids, and X.sub.2 is a modified C-terminal group, one or more carboxy-protecting groups or one or more amino acids or other substituent, and Y, I and R are tyrosine, isoleucine and arginine, respectively, or peptidomimetic or organic structures that possess the same functional activity as Y, I and R, respectively. In addition, the present invention provides a compound having the structure A1-A2-(A3).sub.m --B, where m is 0 or 1. A compound of the invention can be linear or cyclic and can be about 2 and 43 residues in length. A compound of the invention is characterized, in part, in that it exhibits a specific inhibition of factor Xa activity with a K.sub.i of .ltoreq.100 .mu.M, preferably .ltoreq.

Abstract: This invention relates to identification of a new key marker namely 9-O-Acetylated sialoglycoconjugate with the help of a known 9-O acetylsialic acid binding lectin, Achatinin-H useful for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis, by a rapid, accurate haemagglutination assay.

Abstract: Immunoassays of psychoactive drugs including psychotomimetic drugs, narcotic drugs, and tetrahydrocannabinols and treatment methods based on the antigenic properties of protein conjugates of these drugs. These methods are based upon treating the psychoactive substances as haptens and utilizing their protein conjugates to produce antibodies to the psychoactive materials themselves. The immunoassay methods include both agglutination and agglutination-inhibition reactions. The treatment methods include treatment or both exogenous, administered drugs (such as cannabinols, LSD, heroin and morphine) and endogenous substances (such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, by active immunization and also passive immunization.

Abstract: HIV-1 peptides having at least one point mutation between position 593 and 611 of the HIV-1 gp160 amino acid sequence. The point mutation either is at position 604 or 610, or both positions. Immunoassays which utilize these peptides are provided, as well as, diagnostic test kits which contain these peptides.

Abstract: The invention describes reactive dyes having an alkyl spacer attached via a sulfonamide bond to a sulforhodamine 101 fluorophore, and a variety of useful conjugates prepared therefrom. The increased length of the covalent linkage due to the alkyl spacer results in dye-conjugates having a number of surprisingly advantageous properties relative to previous sulforhodamine 101-labeled conjugates, including enhanced solubility and increased fluorescence. The reactive dyes of the present invention are more stable than the known compound sulforhodamine 101 sulfonyl chloride. Novel reactive dyes are described for selective modification of groups other than amines, including thiols and photoreactive derivatives.

Abstract: A solid phase method of detection or assay of the presence or amount in a serum or plasma sample of a target antibody specific to a cell surface antigen. The sample is contacted with an immobilised preparation of cells bearing the antigen and antibody bound thereto is detected or assayed by means of an indicator comprising a binding partner for the antibody bound to labelled latex particles.

Abstract: A particularly efficient design for a nonbibulous lateral flow one step assay for an analyte in a biological sample is disclosed. In the improved device of the invention, three zones which are in nonbibulous lateral flow contact are employed: a sample receiving zone, a labeling zone, and a capture zone. The sample containing analyte is carried through the labeling zone and interacts with an assay label comprising visible moieties, preferably particles, which are coupled to specific binding reagent for analyte or to a competitor with analyte for a capture reagent. The flow continues into the capture zone where the visible moieties to which analyte or competitor are coupled are captured. Excess fluid is absorbed into an absorbent zone in contact with the capture zone. A positive result is obtained by visualizing the visible moieties in the capture zone.

Abstract: A particularly efficient design for a nonbibulous lateral flow one step assay for an analyte in a biological sample is disclosed. In the improved device of the invention, three zones which are in nonbibulous lateral flow contact are employed: a sample receiving zone, a labeling zone, and a capture zone. The sample containing analyte is carried through the labeling zone and interacts with an assay label comprising visible moieties, preferably particles, which are coupled to specific binding reagent for analyte or to a competitor with analyte for a capture reagent. The flow continues into the capture zone where the visible moieties to which analyte or competitor are coupled are captured. Excess fluid is absorbed into an absorbent zone in contact with the capture zone. A positive result is obtained by visualizing the visible moieties in the capture zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting rare cells in a biological sample is disclosed. A color image of the sample is generated and the color image is decomposed into its color components. A first mask is then generated based upon a first color characteristic of the rare cells. At least one color component of the color image is filtered using the mask to produce at least a first composite image which contains features having the first color characteristic. At least a second mask is then generated based upon other color characteristics of the rare cells and at least the first composite image is filtered using at least the second mask to create at least a second composite image. The color and/or shape of features in the at least second composite image are analyzed and a list of locations of probable rare cells is generated from the color and/or shape analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides a diagnostic method of determining Rh genotypes by the identification of the molecular basis of Rh polymorphisms. Specifically, the invention provides a method for directly determining Dd and associated CcEe genotypes with great accuracy, overcoming problems associated with traditional serologic typing methods and leading to a direct discrimination of D/D, D/d, and d/d genetic status. The diagnostic method allows genotyping of fetuses to assess the risk of hemolytic diseases caused by Rh alloimmunization and genetic counseling and/or testing of couples to predict the outcome of pregnancies in relation to Rh incompatibilities. The method of the invention preferably employs amplification of Rh nucleic acid sequences, and employs differential cleavage of RhD-, RhCc- and/or RhEe-specific nucleic acid sequences by a restriction enzyme. Furthermore, diagnostic kits for the determination of Rh genotypes are provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting presence or absence of a nucleic acid of interest in fetal nucleic acid derived from a sample of peripheral blood obtained from a pregnant woman is described. The method involves obtaining a sample of peripheral blood from a pregnant woman, treating the sample of peripheral blood such that fetal nucleic acid present in fetal granulocytes is made available for detection and detecting presence or absence of a nucleic acid of interest in the available fetal nucleic acid. The proportion of fetal granulocytes present in the sample of peripheral blood can be increased relative to the sample of peripheral blood forming a sample enriched in fetal granulocytes prior to the detection step.

Abstract: Novel tandem dyes comprising a conjugate of a Cy7 dye and allophycocyanin are provided. Also provided are probes comprising the subject dyes conjugated to a member of a specific binding pair. Probes comprising the subject tandem dyes find use as labels in variety of fluorescence detection assays.

Abstract: A method for detecting blood component in a sample comprising reacting a human erythrocyte membrane band 3 glycoprotein (band 3) in the sample and a hemagglutinin produced by a microorganism belonging to the genus Conidiobolus (CA) and measuring said band 3 glycoprotein contained in a complex produced by the reaction. Because band 3 can be detected specifically, at high sensitivity, and stably by the use of CA, the method ensures qualitative or quantitative, and accurate detection of human blood component in feces or contents of digestive organs, of which the determination of the presence or quantity of human blood component by hemoglobin is difficult.

Abstract: The invention is a rapid, continuous test for glycated hemoglobin using a non-equilibrium affinity binding method. Agarose beads derivatized with 3-aminophenylboronic acid specifically bind glycated hemoglobin. This solid phase is incorporated into a sample processor card, modified to mix and to separate the test solution from the solid phase prior to absorbance readings. Two absorbance readings are made on the test solution, one immediately after mixing the reagent/diluent with the specimen, and one after a significant amount of binding has occurred. A linear correlation between total glycated hemoglobin and hemoglobin A.sub.1c permits standardization and reporting of units equivalent to % hemoglobin A.sub.1c. Stable glycated hemoglobin solutions for use as standards in the assay, and a method for preparing the standards are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target substance which includes collecting a substance sample; introducing the substance sample into a substance card having at least one reagent responsive to the presence of the target substance and having a light-transmissive chamber; inserting the substance card into a substance detector device having a photosensor and adapted to receive the substance card; mixing the substance sample with the reagents for a preselected mixing period, thus producing a measurand having a target substance reaction; streaming the measurand through the light-transmissive chamber and illuminating the measurand with a quantity of light for a selectable analysis period, an optical characteristic of the measurand can be measured with the photosensor; and selecting the target substance reaction as a positive reaction or a negative reaction, responsive to the optical characteristic. If the target substance reaction is a negative reaction, the device operator is signalled thereof.

Abstract: Immunoassays of psychoactive drugs including psychotomimetic drugs, narcotic drugs, and tetrahydrocannabinols and treatment methods based on the antigenic properties of protein conjugates of these drugs. These methods are based upon treating the psychoactive substances as haptens and utilizing their protein conjugates to produce antibodies to the psychoactive materials themselves. The immunoassay methods include both agglutination and agglutination-inhibition reactions. The treatment methods include treatment of both exogenous, administered drugs (such as cannabinols, LSD, heroin and morphine) and endogenous substances (such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine), by active immunization and also passive immunization.