Abstract: An immunochemical assay device comprising a base member, an array disposed on the base member, and at least one assay indicia zone. The array comprises (i) a reservoir pad to receive sample liquid, (ii) a wicking membrane, and (iii) at least one filter zone interposed between the wicking membrane and the reservoir pad. The filter zone being operable to permit passage of any specific immunocomplex to the wicking membrane while impeding passage of larger components.

Abstract: Disclosed are assay systems, kits, and methods for performing an assay which determines the presence or quantity of an analyte in a fluid sample by detecting binding of the analyte to at least one immobilized analyte capture reagent and washing unbound material from the immobilized analyte capture reagent. An elongated solid phase flow matrix includes: (i) a first region adapted for receipt of the fluid sample, (ii) a second region at which the analyte capture reagent is immobilized, (iii) a third region for application of a liquid wash and/or detector reagent capable of removing unbound substances from the second region; and (iv) an absorbent reservoir of high volume capacity. The second region is positioned between the first region and the third region and between the absorbent reservoir and the third region. The device also includes means to detect analyte bound at the second region.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for performing an assay which determines the presence or quantity of an analyte in a fluid sample by detecting binding of the analyte to at least one immobilized analyte capture reagent and washing unbound material from the immobilized analyte capture reagent. The devices and methods an elongated solid phase flow matrix, including capillary channels capable of driving capillary fluid movement, and further including (i) a first region adapted for receipt of the fluid sample, (ii) a second region at which the analyte capture reagent is immobilized, (iii) a third region for application of a wash reagent capable of removing unbound substances from the second region; and (iv) an absorbent reservoir of high volume capacity. The second region is positioned intermediate to the first region and the third region and intermediate to the absorbent reservoir and the third region. The device also includes means to detect analyte bound at the second region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detection, a sensor and a test-kit which find application in immunological detection (e.g., immunoassay). The invention provides, inter alia, a method of detection, suitable for use in immunological detection of an entity, which method includes the use of a secondary species (as defined in the specification), the use of a first detectable species, and the use of a second detectable species. The method may include, for example, the use of a primary species, a secondary species, a first detectable species and a second detectable species. The primary species may be, for example, an antibody or a ligand. The secondary species may be, for example, an auxiliary species such as an auxiliary binder or an auxiliary ligand, or a species which has a part which is an auxiliary function. The entity to be detected may be an analyte species as such or may be an entity which carries or includes analytes species.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved solid phase antigenic reagent useful in an immunoassay for detecting antibodies specific for a virus, such as the human immunodeficiency virus, is disclosed which comprising the addition to a natural viral lysate a synthetic or recombinant viral protein or peptide. Also provided is an improved immunoassay utilizing the solid phase antigenic reagent.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers labeled with fluorescent dye to the point that significant fluorescence quenching occurs, such that degradation of the polymer results in fluorescence enhancement. The resulting fluorescence enhancement is useful for measuring the degradation of such polymers, for example as a result of enzymatic hydrolyis of a protein, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, or other natural or synthetic polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a diagnostic tests and devices for conducting such tests at the point of care or in a diagnostic laboratory for accurate, simple, and rapid assessment of chest pain. In particular, the invention relates to differential diagnosis of the origin of chest pain, e.g., whether the pain is cardiac in origin, and for differentiating between unstable angina ("UA"), myocardial infarction ("MI"), congestive heart failure ("CHF"), and other ischemic events affecting the heart, at early onset of patient chest pain. The invention further relates to diagnosis of the stage of the MI in a patient suffering from MI, and to prognosis of such a patient.

Abstract: Assays using receptor:reland complexes capable of releasing the reland in the presence of an analyte are described, wherein the reland does not detectably compete with analyte for binding to the receptor. The dissociation constant of the reland and the receptor is such that no appreciable release of reland occurs in the absence of analyte for the receptor. In a preferred embodiment, the association constant of the monomeric reland and the receptor is less than or equal to about 10.sup.5 M, preferably 10.sup.3 to 10.sup.5 M, most preferably 1% or less of the association constant of the analyte and receptor. In a preferred embodiment, the reland is labelled and the amount of analyte bound to the receptor is determined from the amount of labelled reland which is released.

Abstract: A device and related method for simultaneously performing a plurality of immunoassays to detect the presence of respective analytes in a sample. The device involves the use of a unitary bibulous material providing one or more flow paths having a common origin site and a plurality of respective reagent zones providing the reagents necessary for performing a visual read-out, competitive immunoassay for the presence of the respective analyte.

Abstract: A method of determining immunological cross reactivity between Candida and human tissue or food antigens. Tissue antigen preparations or food extracts are analyzed by electrophoresis. Cross reacting antigens are identified by immunoblotting using anti-Candida antisera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assaying for Alzheimer's disease in a human by determining the relative abundance of one or more forms of amyloid precursor protein (APP) or the enzyme responsible for said forms in circulatory fluid and to a method for treating the disease by modulating divalent cation, trivalent cation and/or heparin interaction with APP.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus for separation and detection of target molecules in a liquid sample containing the target molecules and non-target molecules comprising at least one absorption area, a bibulous carrier defining a first liquid transport path in fluid contact with at least one absorption area including at least one reaction area upstream of the at least one absorption area wherein the reaction area includes a capture reagent and a sample area upstream of the reaction area wherein the liquid sample when applied to sample area is transported by capillary action past the reaction area where at least a portion of the target molecules may be bound to the capture reagent to permit detection of the target molecules. The liquid sample is then transported by capillary action on to the absorption area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of predicting the onset of fetal membrane rupture in a gestative female comprising the step of assaying a tissue or fluid sample of fetal membrane origin obtained from the female for the presence of pro-metalloproteinase-9 (pro-mmd-9). The presence of pro-mmd-9 in the sample is a positive indication of the onset of fetal membrane rupture. Also disclosed is a method of delaying the onset of female membrane rupture in a gestative female comprising the step of administering to the female an MMP-9 inhibitor in an amount effective to delay fetal membrane rupture. Further disclosed is a method of inducing labor in a gestative female comprising the administration of an MMP-9 activator or MMP-9 itself in an amount effective to induce fetal membrane rupture, and thus facilitate the onset of labor.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an immunoassay capable of the rapid detection of a variety of test substances that may be present in a test sample. One feature of the invention is that extraction or isolation of the test substance occurs simultaneously with the formation of the primary antigen-test substance complex. The primary antigen-test substance complex is then captured in a solid phase format having a plurality of interstitial spaces which facilitate rapid and efficient detection. The immunoassay of the present invention works over a wide range of environmental conditions and is simple enough to be used in the absence of laboratory facilities.

Abstract: A technique for generating nonrandom combinatorial libraries on solid phase supports in which each of a set of predetermined species of test compounds is present on a predetermined number of solid phase supports, preferably on only one, and each solid phase support has only a single species of test compound. Each of the predetermined species of test compounds is prepared with absolute certainty because the technique does not employ any random division of the solid phase supports. Rather, the method is based on the stepwise division of a continuous solid phase support matrix prior to each synthetic step in which more than one type of subunit is added. Non-limiting examples of matrices of the solid phase supports include polypropylene membranes, polytetrafluoropropylene membranes and cotton thread. The combinatorial libraries made by the technique are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for increasing the binding activity of specific binding members bound to a solid phase material, e.g., a particle, that has been sterically stabilized. This increase in binding activity is brought about by degrading a steric stabilizer on the surface of the solid phase material. The method involves both immobilizing a specific binding member on the surface of a solid phase material and degrading a steric stabilizer on the surface of that solid phase material. In the preferred embodiment, the method involves the immobilization of a specific binding member on the surface of the sterically stabilized solid phase material, with subsequent degradation of the steric stabilizer.

Abstract: Trace components in samples can be measured rapidly with high precision by applying interaction between an analyte to be measured and an affinity substance and using a membrane having specific separating capability.

Abstract: The invention relates to activated support materials which comprise epoxy-substituted poly(meth)acrylamides, characterized in that:a) the base support contains aliphatic hydroxyl groups,b) the covalently bonded polymers are bonded to the support via a terminal monomer unit,c) the polymers contain monomer units of the formula I,d) the monomer units are linearly linked, ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently of one another are H or CH.sub.3,R.sup.4 is H or alkyl having 1-5 carbon atomsandn is an integer between 1 and 5 and to the use thereof.

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: The invention pertains to dipstick immunoassay devices. The device comprises a base member and a single, combined sample contact zone and test zone, wherein the test zone incorporates the use of symbols to detect analytes in a sample of biological fluid. A first immunological component, an anti-immunoglobulin capable of binding to an enzyme-labeled antibody, is immobilized in a control indicia portion. A second immunological component, capable of specifically binding to a target analyte which is bound to the enzyme-labeled antibody to form a sandwich complex, is immobilized in a test indicia portion. The enzyme-labeled antibody produces a visual color differential between a control indicia portion and a non-indicia portion in the test zone upon contact with a substrate.

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, comprises a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, wherein the mobility is facilitated by a material comprising a sugar, in an amount effective to reduce interaction between the test strip and the labelled reagent, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabelled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilised on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the t

Abstract: An assay for photometrically detecting and/or quantitating the presence of an analyte in a sample in which the signal generated by a label associated with the analyte is photometrically detected in the presence of a suspended solid support.

Abstract: A fluorescent labelling composition comprises a linear polysaccharide backbone molecule having a plurality of target-binding molecules, such as antibodies or nucleic acids, attached at spaced-apart intervals thereon. Each of the target-binding molecules, in turn, includes a multiplicity of fluorescent dye molecules bound thereto. In this way, fluorescent signal introduced to a single target-site on a solid phase surface may be increased without loss of binding activity.

Abstract: A supported polyionic hydrogel containing biologically active material is epared by impregnating into a porous support material a solution of anionic polysaccharide, a solution of cationic polysaccharide and a biologically active material. The anionic polysaccharide and the cationic polysaccharide react with each other to form a hydrogel containing the biologically active material. The hydrogel may be dried such as by lyophilization. The biologically active material can be in either polysaccharide solution or in another solution impregnated into the porous support material. A paper material or a textile material may be used as the porous support material. Preferably, the anionic polysaccharide is xanthan, dicarboxystarch or dicarboxycellulose and the cationic polysaccharide is chitosan. Especially preferred is a hydrogel formed from xanthan and chitosan.

Abstract: A method of separating bound labeled indicator from free labeled indicator in a layer of a test element for immunoassay. The method comprisesa) depositing sample containing a target immunoanalyte capable of binding to the labeled indicator or to an immobilized antibody in competition with the labeled indicator, onto an exterior surface of a test element in the presence of the labeled indicator andb) adding an amount of wash liquid to the exterior surface to form a pool of the liquid having a meniscus on the surface, the liquid penetrating the surface over an area bounded by a closed intersect edge formed between the pool meniscus and the surface, so that penetrating liquid can push free labeled indicator away from bound labeled indicator in a volume of the layer below the bounded area.

Abstract: A device for performing an enzyme-labelled binding assay comprises an absorbent material and a developing solution containing a substrate for said enzyme, wherein the absorbent material is provided with a plurality of reagent zones including an indicator reagent zone and is capable of transporting the developing solution by capillary action sequentially through the reagent zones, and wherein the indicator reagent zone includes a reagent capable, directly or indirectly, of immobilising an enzyme-labelled reagent in an amount dependent on the assay result, characterized in that the absorbent material includes a reagent that prevents a signal formation except where enzyme-labelled reagent is immobilised at the indicator reagent zone. The absorbent material is suitably in the form of an elongate strip provided with transverse reagent zones. The device is useful for performing immunoassays, including immunometric assays and dual analyte assays.

Abstract: A method of detecting bone acidic glycoprotein-75 (BAG-75) antigen includes the steps incubating a serum or synovial fluid sample with anti-BAG antibody, reacting the incubated sample with a signal generating antibody to the anti-BAG-75 antibody, and detecting the signal as an indication of BAG-75 antigen in the serum. Antibodies for use in the test for detecting BAG-75 antigen in serum and synovial fluid samples includes BAG-75 #3-13 peptide anti-serum, anti-BAG-75 protein anti-serum, and monoclonal antibodies against the BAG-75 protein, the antibodies recognizing the 75,000 molecular weight BAG-75 precursor protein and the 50,000 molecular weight BAG-75 fragment in serum and synovial fluid. Molecular weight assignments are based upon electrophoretic mobilities under denaturing conditions.

Abstract: New and useful methods of producing stabilized enzyme antibody conjugates are disclosed which are particularly useful in forming multi-layer immunoassay test devices. In particular, the invention concerns the formation of a manganese ion and enzyme-antibody conjugate in aqueous solution and drying the solution to produce a dry stabilized enzyme-antibody conjugate. Further, this stabilized enzyme-antibody conjugate can be formed on a continuous web and dried in a heat tunnel. This continuous manufacturing process allows for the more efficient production of multi-layer test strips.

Abstract: A unitary collection and displacement immunoassay device for determining a toxic substance adhered to aerosols in the air is provided. The device comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends and encloses a space defining a collection chamber, a reaction chamber and a measurement chamber, each chamber separated by a liquid flow barrier which delays liquid transport between chambers until a vacuum source is applied to the distal end of the test device to pull liquid into the next chamber. The collection chamber contains a solution for solubilizing the toxic substance from the aerosols and a semi-permeable means for separating the solubilized toxic substance from the aerosols. The reaction chamber contains a labelled immunoreactant bound to a solid phase carrier material. The labelled reagent can be displaced by the solubilized toxic substance.

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: An immunoassay process is provided for the detection of a target antigen in a fluid sample where an admixture of the target antigen and a labeled capture reagent against the target antigen is contacted by a solid polymeric carrier having bound to a portion of its surface a capture reagent against the target antigen and visual determination of a change in color of the bound labeled reaction product on the surface of the solid carrier member serves to readily detect the presence of the target antigen.

Abstract: A method of assaying bone collagen degradation activity in a human subject. In the method, a human urine sample is reacted with an antibody which (i) is capable of reacting immunospecifically with pyridinium crosslinks selected from the group consisting of native free pyridinoline and native free deoxypyridinoline, and (ii) has a ratio of reactivity toward the selected pyridinium crosslinks and urinary pyridinium peptides larger than 1,000 daltons in molecular weight, of greater than about 5:1. An immunocomplex forms between the antibody reagent and the selected pyridinium crosslinks which are present in the sample, and the amount of immunocomplex is measured. Also disclosed are antibody reagents and kits which can be used in the method.

Abstract: Methods and a device for determining the corrosivity of a substance to human skin or membrane are disclosed. In one approach, corrosivity is evaluated by measuring the time required for the test substance to transit a biobarrier that mimics human skin or membranes or the time required to cause a component of such biobarrier to break down and transit the membrane. The invention also envisions alternative approaches which involve series of layers of dyes and corrosive-resistant materials coated onto microspheres or test strips. Use of these methods provides a rapid determination of the corrosivity of test materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent for assaying an endotoxin which comprises limulus amoebocyte lysate and an antibody to (1 .fwdarw. 3)-.beta.-D-glucan sensitive factor or a reagent which comprises a lysate substantially free from (1 .fwdarw. 3)-.beta.-D-glucan sensitive factor. The reagent of the present invention makes it possible to assay an endotoxin originating from gram-negative bacteria contained in a biological sample such as blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid at an extremely high sensitivity without being affected by (1 .fwdarw. 3)-.beta.-D-glucan.

Abstract: A diagnostic test, and a device for conducting the test, for assessing whether patient chest pain is cardiac in origin and for differentiating between unstable angina and myocardial infarction as a cause of patient chest pain is described. The diagnostic test comprises simultaneously detecting at least three selected cardiac markers with the use of at least three different monoclonal or polyclonal antibody pairs, each member of which is complementary to a different marker, which is released by heart muscle at varying stages after the onset of chest pain and is indicative of the cause of the chest pain.

Abstract: Method of extracting fish serum and using the fish serum as a blocking reagent for solid phase immunoassays. The donor fish for the serum are taken from domesticated stocks reared under controlled conditions similar to rearing conditions for herds of domestic land animals. Control of genetics, habitat, diet, and reproductive status of the donor fish permits reproducibility of results and also provides batch-to-batch consistency in serum taken from the fish.

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, includes a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, wherein the mobility is facilitated by a material comprising sugar, in a amount effective to reduce interaction between the test strip and the labelled reagent, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabeled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilized on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the two zo

Abstract: A method and device for detecting fetal membrane rupture by detecting only that insulin-like growth-factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) which is free of insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) are disclosed. The method is based on the fact that the concentration of free IGFBP-1 in the blood serum is about 10 times lower than that of the IGFBP-1 bound to IGF-1 and IGF-2, while in the amniotic liquid which is contained in the amnion has more than 1000 times the concentration of free IGFBP-1 than the blood serum. Therefore, when even a small amount of amniotic liquid is contained in the vaginal secretion sample, this is clear evidence of the rupture of the fetal membrane having taken place. The method and the device make it possible to diagnose fetal membrane rupture with an extremely high accuracy. Because of the low concentration of the IGFBP-1 in the blood, the admixture of the blood serum to the sample does not affect the results of the test.

Abstract: A Dot-Blot assay ("spot test") with Bis-N,N,dioctadecylamide (BDA.TDA) as antigen was developed to detect anti-BDA.TDA antibodies in tuberculosis patients. To develop the antigen-antibody reaction, as a first step and in order to enhance the reaction, an anti-human rabbit serum was used followed by incubation with a protein A-colloidal gold conjugate. This assay showed almost equal sensitivity and specificity as the .beta.-galactosidase ELISA test which was conducted in parallel. This simple and fast assay could be used in places where ELISA equipment is not easily available.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simple and rapid preparation of reusable, addressable surface-immobilized arrays of biomolecules (libraries) used for screening for interaction with any biologically significant target. A special plate having on its surface a plurality of discreet functionalized substrate areas, typically in arrays of 10.times.10 to 400.times.400, is provided for chemical synthesis or bonding thereon of desired families of biomolecules (e.g. peptides, DNA, RNA, oligosaccharides). In the case of peptides, such as hexapeptides, the resulting permanently hexapeptide-loaded plate is a reusable Addressable Synthetic Peptide Combinatorial Library (ASPCL), in which 1 to 3 (typically two) of the positions in the sequence are uniquely identified by the address location. Plate embodiments include substrates of physically bonded (e.g.

Abstract: A medium and method for blotting macromolecules is disclosed. The method begins with the separation of macromolecules on a slab gel. Next, a sheet of cellulosic paper is dipped into an alcohol bath. The dipped paper is placed against the slab gel. The paper and the gel are exposed to a means for transferring the macromolecules from the gel onto the paper. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method, the paper is dipped into a methanol bath, the transferring means includes an electric field, and the paper is either xerographic paper or cotton bond paper. The present invention is also a medium for blotting macromolecules comprising a piece of cellulosic paper that has been dipped in alcohol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a multilchambered cuvette having a first movement pattern and a second movement pattern, the first movement pattern comprises a stationary position and a rotation about a circular path. The second movement pattern comprises a rocking motion. The cuvette uses the first movement of fluid between chambers and a second movement pattern to effect mixing and incubation. The cuvette features a unitary housing having an opening over the first and second compartments to allow viewing and access.

Abstract: The analytical dipstick of the present invention facilitates analyte testing with reduced liquid reagent volumes and provides improved mixing. The dipstick includes an elongated member having a fluid displacing member at one end thereof and a ligand attached to a portion of the elongated member in a region adjacent to the displacing member. The displacing member has a configuration that substantially conforms with the inner side wall of an analytical well in which the dipstick is placed to displace fluid therein. When the displacing member is substantially centered at the bottom of the well, the portion of the dipstick supporting the ligand preferably is spaced from the inner side wall by a distance of at least about twice that between the displacing member and the inner side wall, measured along a line passing through the greatest lateral dimension of the displacing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems of unhindered construction and display of tethered organic ligand molecules, and more particularly to preparation and use of thin film, substantially non-crosslinked hydrophilic polar multi-functionalized polymers (HPMPs) anchored to a variety of functionalized substrates so that the HPMP forms a thin film matrix layer providing a unique highly hydrated, high dielectric environment equivalent to an aqueous solution, for affinity binding of Ligands (L) to Tagged Target Molecules (TTMs). Ligands, and especially MER.sub.n ligand libraries such as peptide libraries, are singly tethered to the HPMP by a "permanent" strong covalent bond so that subsequent displacement of the TTM does not also displace the ligand from the HPMP, thereby making the HPMP tethered Ligand library reusable. The HPMP thin film is on the order of 200-2000 .ANG.

Abstract: An assay for detecting an analyte which comprises applying a sample containing analyte to a surface of an absorbent material having at least one binder for the analyte supported on at least a portion of the surface. The absorbent material has a porosity which is capable of retaining non-charged particles having a size of at least 0.1 micron and no greater than 10 microns on the surface thereof. The sample flows past the binder and into the absorbent material. Porous plastics or ceramics are preferred absorbent materials.

Abstract: An immunoassay element for quantitatively analyzing a ligand by determining the change in enzymatic activity caused by a reaction between the ligand, a linked product of the ligand and a high molecular weight compound and an enzyme-labelled antibody. The immunoassay element comprises a substrate layer containing a non-diffusible substrate which forms a diffusible material in the presence of the enzyme, and a reagent layer containing a fragmenting enzyme for further fragmenting the non-difussible material. Also provided is a process for quantitatively analyzing a ligand contained in a sample by the use of the immunoassay element.

Abstract: Specific binding ligands can be detected with an assay which utilizes an immobilized receptor for the ligand, a reporter enzyme, an inhibitor antibody and an anti-inhibitor antibody. Both antibodies are specific for the reporter enzyme. The inhibitor antibody effectively shuts down the activity of the reporter enzyme when it is complexed thereto. The anti-inhibitor antibody binds to the reporter enzyme, does not affect the enzymatic activity, but prevents the binding of the inhibitor enzyme. This assay provides a direct correlation of the target specific binding ligand to the signal generated without the use of separation or wash steps.

Abstract: A dye couple compound is provided for use in a test device containing a reagent system for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte in a sample. The reagent system comprises one or more enzymes which, in the presence of the analyte, produce an oxidizing agent in quantities indicative of the quantity of analyte in the sample. The compound of choice is meta[3-methyl 2-benzothiazolinone hydrozone]N-sulfonyl benzenesulfonate monosodium.

Abstract: The invention provides phospholipid coated particles capable of specifically binding antiphospholipid antibodies and a method for preparing such particles. Methods are also provided for determining antiphospholipid antibodies in a serum or plasma. Also provided are methods for isolating antiphospholipid antibodies from a fluid and for raising specific antiphospholipid antibodies.

Abstract: An immunoassay reagent is disclosed comprised of carbon black and ligands which are coupled to the carbon black through a linking agent, together with a device comprised of the immunoassay reagent.