Abstract: A method of assessing glycated blood protein in a sample which comprises separating glycated and non-glycated protein using a liquid phase precipitation reagent, contacting the sample with a signal forming agent capable of binding preferentially to the glycated protein, and assessing the signal forming agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the ability of a fluid to transmit radiation therethrough, the apparatus comprises a chamber for receiving the fluid and associated means for examining the transmission of radiation through the fluid at different parts of the chamber given that the means is adapted to differentially facilitate an examination of said transmission at different parts of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the concentrations of n hemoglobin derivatives in a sample of undiluted, unhemolyzed whole blood provided in a cuvette, employs a device producing a primary light beam formed of at least n substantially monochromatic, narrow-band components of different wavelengths. Further provided is a detection device for measuring of the radiation passing through the cuvette. At least two measuring geometries are provided for spectral detection of a collimated central beam and at least one scatter beam, and detection of the central beam departing from a first measuring location in the cuvette takes place in a first measuring position on the axis of the primary beam, and detection of the scatter beam takes place in a second measuring position if it departs from the first measuring location in the cuvette, or in the first measuring position if it departs from a second measuring location in the cuvette, whereby the axes of the central beam and the scatter beam(s) enclose angles .alpha..sub.

Abstract: Nitrosyl (FeII) hemoglobin can be detected in biological samples, using a method which involves injections of samples into a photolysis cell, prior to detection of chemiluminescence generated by the reaction between nitric oxide and ozone. This method is useful for monitoring the levels of nitric oxide bioactivity in both normal physiological states, and disease states, such as septic shock, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hyperhomocysteinemia, pulmonary hypertension, malignancy, infections and central nervous system disorders.

Abstract: A solution-based assay for determining the presence of peroxidatively-active substance in a bodily fluid is described. The solution-based assay contains a spectrophotometric substrate, a hydroperoxide, a pH 6.0-7.0 buffer, a surfactant, and a solvent such as DMSO, THF, DMF, or mixtures thereof, with the balance of the solution being water. The solution-bascd assay is particularly useful in qualitative and quantitative assays for urinary hemoglobin. Solution-based assay kits and assay methods are also described.

Abstract: A method for sampling feces, by which an approximately constant amount of feces can be sampled in simple manner and it is possible to easily identify whether occult blood is present in the feces or not. The method comprises a main container for a liquid for suspending feces in it, a cap arranged a one end of said main container, a separating means for dividing inner spaces of the main container and the cap, a through-hole formed in the separating means, and a collecting stick having a means for collecting feces engaged and inserted in the through-hole, wherein the means for collecting feces is composed of a plurality of hairs and arranged at or near the forward end of the collecting stick, whereby feces collected by the means for collecting feces being composed of said plurality of hairs are passed into the through-hole of the separating means in order to sample an approximately constant amount of the feces.

Abstract: A cyanide-free lytic reagent composition and method for measuring the total hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample, for counting the number of leukocytes and for deferential counting of leukocyte subpopulations are described. The cyanide-free lytic reagent composition cotains a quaternary ammonium salt or a pyridinium salt to lyse erythrocytes and release hemoglobin, and an organic ligand including triazole and its derivatives, tetrazole and its derivatives, alkaline metal salts of oxonic acid, melamine, aniline-2-sulfonic acid, quinaldic acid, 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole, triazine and its derivatives, urazole, DL-pipecolinic acid, isonicotinamide, anthranilonitrile, 6-aza-2-thiothymine, 3-(2-thienyl)acrylic acid, benzoic acid and alkali metal and ammonium salts of benzoic acid, and pyrazine and its derivatives to form a stable chromogen with hemoglobin, and a salt to adjust conductivity of the reagent for impedance measurement.

Abstract: An analysis element for analyzing both amounts of glycated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin in an aqueous liquid sample to determine glycated hemoglobin content ratio in the sample. The element comprises a substrate layer for receiving a reaction mixture after the completion of an immunological reaction between the glycated hemoglobin in the sample and an enzyme-labelled antibody against the glycated hemoglobin, and a reagent layer. The substrate layer contains a non-diffusible substrate which forms a diffusible material in the presence of the enzyme of the enzyme-labelled antibody, the activity of the enzyme being effected relative to the steric hindrance due to the immunological reaction. The reagent layer contains a reagent composition for reacting with the diffusible material to form a dye detectable colorimetrically in a wavelength range which is not effected by an absorption spectrum of the hemoglobin.

Abstract: A method is provided for differentiating leukocyte subpopulations, immunophenotyping of lymphocytes and counting white blood cells. The method preserves leukocyte morphology and surface markers without using fixatives. In addition, the method finds utility in determination of hemoglobin concentration without using cyanide. The stable hemoglobin chromogen formed is measured at approximately 540 nm.

Abstract: A cyanide-free method and reagent for determining the concentration of total hemoglobin in a whole blood sample accurately in less than 10 seconds including a ligand selected from the group consisting of imidiazole, imidazole derivatives, N-hydroxyacetamide, N-hydroxyl amine, pyridine, oxazole, thiazole, pyrazole, pyrimidine, purine, quinoline, and isoquinoline, and a surfactant with strong erythrolytic capability selected from the group consisting of lauryl dimethylamine oxide and octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol. The reagent pH is adjusted to about 11 to about 14. Rapid mixing of the reagent with a blood sample leads to the formation of a stable chromogen whose absorbance can be measured between 540 and 550 nm. The cyanide-free reagent is ideal for use on an automated high through-put clinical hematology analyzer.

Abstract: The invention describes an improved stable reagent composition and method for the determination of hemoglobin (Hb) using whole blood samples and automated hematology analyzers. The Hb reagent contains an inorganic cyanide salt, at least one surfactant and a base and has a final pH of about 10.0 to about 11.2, preferably about 10.4 to about 11.2 or less and more preferably about 10.8 to about 11.2 or less. This reagent is intended for use as a universal Hb determination reagent for all of the instruments in the aforementioned series and will provide accurate and precise results without accompanying interference from elevated numbers of white blood cells, especially as found in abnormal blood specimens, and without system-to-system variation in the results obtained.

Abstract: A multi-parameter hematology analyzer and method are provided for in vitro determination of blood parameters. The analyzer apparatus includes a laser for transmitting light through a specimen container containing a minimally diluted blood sample. The light scattered by the constituents of the blood sample are scattered into a pattern which is recorded on a camera image. This image is then processed by image processing software and is used to establish specific blood parameters.

Abstract: Fluorescence immunoassays methods are provided which use fluorescent dyes which are free of aggregation and serum binding. Such immunoassay methods are thus, particularly useful for the assay of biological fluids, such as serum, plasma, whole blood and urine.

Abstract: A method for continuous separation and analysis of glycated and non-glycated proteins in a blood sample by HPLC using a phenylboronic acid resin and a buffered polyol as eluent.

Abstract: A device 10 detects the presence of occult blood in feces by employing a sheet 12 of brittle material in which are formed a plurality of chambers 18 holding a liquid reagent solution juxtaposed to an absorbant material 14 impregnated with a guaiac material. The individual chambers 18 provide individual liquid tight enclosures that have thin walls that rupture to release the reagent solution when the device 10 is used to wipe feces from the rectum. The reagent solution reacts with the guaiac material to produce a blue color in the presence of occult blood in the feces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement apparatus (1) for analysing fluids, comprising a container (3) in the form of a syringe, into which a fluid may be taken in via an intake device (14) through at least one opening (5), and further comprising a sensor (7) which is either integrated in the container wall (9) or is attached to said container wall (9), the sensor(s) (7) being so disposed that it/they can come into contact with the fluid which may be taken up into the cavity (10).

Abstract: A reagent composition which does not contain cyanide ions and a method for measuring hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample. In addition, the reagent composition can be used to measure hemoglobin concentration and differentiate at least two subpopulations of leukocytes from the same reaction product of the reagent composition and a blood sample. The reagent composition comprises at least one lysing agent selected from the group consisting of a quaternary ammonium salt, a pyridinium salt, and combinations thereof, in an amount effective to adequately lyse the erythrocytes and elute the hemoglobin, an antioxidant in an amount effective to convert the released hemoglobin into to a hemochromogen. The pH can be adjusting with a pH agent to provide a pH ranging from 5 to 11.5.

Abstract: Centrifuged anticoagulated blood samples are analyzed under magnification in a centrifuge tube containing a layer-elongating insert, which tube is placed on a calibrated slide. The slide includes a slot in which the tube is placed. A calibrated scale is disposed adjacent to the slot for use in measuring various blood sample parameters, such as hematocrit, platelet count, and the like. Anemia and/or low platelet counts are indicative of potentially serious complications of malaria. Their detection will prompt a physician to consider the liklihood of serious illness due to malaria. The presence or absence of blood-borne parasites can also be determined using the procedures of this invention. Thus the device allows a blood sample to be analyzed for malarial parasites, and also allows measurement of hematicrit and platelet counts.

Abstract: A cat litter which comprises a plurality of lightweight, resilient paper strips treated with a pH-indicator and/or an occult blood indicator and folded transversely into generally zig-zag shapes, enables early detection of feline urological syndrome. When wetted with alkaline urine secreted by the cat, the paper strips treated with pH indicator exhibit a noticeable color change. When wetted with cat urine containing occult or gross blood, the paper strips treated with occult blood indicator exhibit a noticeable color change. A mixture of pH indicator treated strips and occult blood indicator strips in the cat litter enables the detection of both alkaline pH and occult blood in the same urine sample. The color changes are easily visible to the observer without requiring unsanitary contact with the cat litter.

Abstract: A method for assessing or determining alcohol consumption rates including using a blood specimen from a human subject to develop an individual blood constituent panel; comparing the individual panel with a reference blood constituent panel to provide categories corresponding to rates of alcohol consumption; and identifying the category of consumption rate. The methods of the invention can be varied through modification of one of several statistical models used therewith to preferentially weigh the analysis and identify one consumption category over another. Multi-variate and similar such statistical techniques correlate comparisons of individual/subject blood and reference panel constituents with recognized consumption rates.

Abstract: N.sup..epsilon. -carboxymethyllysine, a carboxymethylated protein in which at least part of the side-chain amino groups of amino acid residues constituting the protein is carboxymethylated, or a carboxymethylated peptide in which at least part of the side-chain amino groups of amino acid residues constituting the peptide is carboxymethylated can be used as a marker for diabetes mellitus or diabetes mellitus complications.

Abstract: A method of determining the glycosylated fraction of a protein in a sample includes the steps of examining the sample to determine the total quantity of protein in the sample (READ 1), removing the glycosylated fraction of the protein, and then reexamining the sample to measure the glycosylated fraction of the protein (READ 2). The glycosylated fraction of the protein may then be calculated by the formula (READ 1-READ 2)/READ .times.100. The glycosylated fraction of the protein is removed by inserting a cartridge containing a binder into the sample, or by urging the sample through a cartridge containing a binder. Both of the cartridge assemblies preferably include a flow through body, a support material disposed in the body, and a binder material attached to the support wherein the binder has an affinity for the glycosylated fraction of the protein.

Abstract: A method is taught by which a sample can be analyzed for the selective determination of the total concentration of bilirubin (B.sub.t), the concentration of conjugated bilirubin (B.sub.c), the concentration of unconjugated bilirubin (B.sub.u), the concentration of unbound bilirubin (b), the concentration of unbound, unconjugated bilirubin (b.sub.u) using a unique combination of enzymatic and colorimetric methods in a single assay, so that the potentially neurotoxic, non-albumin bound, unconjugated fraction of total bilirubin in the sample (i.e., b.sub.u) can be measured in a simple, quick and accurate manner. A kit utilizing the same assay is also described. Both kit and methods will be of use to the clinician and general researcher. The B.sub.t, B.sup.c, B.sub.u, b and b.sub.u are determined using spectra, absorption or emission characteristics in combination with kinetic measurements of rates of reaction of chemical processes.

Abstract: Improved HPLC methods for the identification and characterization of hemoglobin variants in blood samples are disclosed. These methods are performed manually or with the aid of a computer. In preferred embodiments, a blood sample is injected into an HPLC unit and hemoglobin species from the blood sample are separated using high column temperatures and high eluant flow rates. Blood samples are initially screened using a low-resolution HPLC method to determine if an eluted hemoglobin species has a characteristic indicative of a hemoglobin variant, i.e., if a chromatograph peak of the eluted species has one of a number of parameter values falling within a predetermined range of values.

Abstract: A method for assessing or determining alcohol consumption rates including using a blood specimen from a human subject to develop an individual blood constituent panel; comparing the individual panel with a reference blood constituent panel to provide categories corresponding to rates of alcohol consumption; and identifying the category of consumption rate. The methods of the invention can be varied through modification of one of several statistical models used therewith to preferentially weigh the analysis and identify one consumption category over another. Multi-variate and similar such statistical techniques correlate comparisons of individual/subject blood and reference panel constituents with recognized consumptions rates.

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition is provided which selectively stromatolyses red blood cells in a blood sample. In addition, a lytic reagent system is provided which enables the differentiation of at least three subpopulations of leukocytes. A method for using the lytic reagent system is also provided. Still further, the lytic reagent system finds use in the determination of the hemoglobin in the blood. The lytic reagent system utilizes an alkyl sulfate, polyoxyethylene based surfactant and acid with a hypertonic, alkaline, stabilizing reagent. The system and analysis method maintains the cellular morphology of the leukocytes and can be used to analyze normal and abnormal blood samples, fresh and aged blood, human and non-human animal blood samples.

Abstract: A cat litter which comprises a plurality of lightweight, resilient paper strips treated with a pH-indicator and/or an occult blood indicator and folded transversely into generally zig-zag shapes, enables early detection of feline urological syndrome. When wetted with alkaline urine secreted by the cat, the paper strips treated with pH indicator exhibit a noticeable color change. When wetted with cat urine containing occult or gross blood, the paper strips treated with occult blood indicator exhibit a noticeable color change. A mixture of pH indicator treated strips and occult blood indicator strips in the cat litter enables the detection of both alkaline pH and occult blood in the same urine sample. The color changes are easily visible to the observer without requiring unsanitary contact with the cat litter.

Abstract: Detecting white blood cells in an aliquot of urine by placing the aliquot of urine in an automated analyzer sampling cup, transferring the urine to a cuvette and injecting at least one reagent composition. The reagent composition contains a buffer, an activator such as benzalkonium chloride, an indicator and at least one substance to remove substances in the urine that cause interference with colorimetric photometry. The aliquot of urine is read in accordance with a preprogrammed code at a monochromatically specified wavelength to compare absorbance of the patient's urine with a known standard containing a known concentration of white blood cells.

Abstract: In a method of optically determining the total hemoglobin concentration (tHb) in non-hemolyzed whole blood, using at least two wavelengths for measuring, a first wavelength of .lambda.<805 nm and a second wavelength of .lambda.>805 nm is employed, such the following is valid for the absorption coefficients of hemoglobin derivatives O.sub.2 Hb and RHb at the two measurement wavelengths .lambda..sub.1 and .lambda..sub.2 : .sigma.O(.lambda..sub.1).about..sigma.R(.lambda..sub.2) and .sigma.R(.lambda..sub.1).about..sigma.O(.lambda..sub.2). The sum of absorption values A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 measured at wavelengths .lambda..sub.1 and .lambda..sub.2 will be a quantity which is proportional to the total hemoglobin concentration tHb and independent of the oxygen saturation O.sub.2sat.

Abstract: A cyanide-free lytic reagent composition and method for measuring the total hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample, for counting the number of leukocytes and for deferential counting of three leukocyte subpopulations including lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes are described. The cyanide-free lytic reagent composition includes a hemolytic surfactant chosen from quaternary ammonium salts, pyridinium salts, organic phosphate esters, and alkyl sulfonates to lyse erythrocytes and release hemoglobin, and an organic ligand chosen from triazole and its derivatives, tetrazole and its derivatives, alkaline metal salts of oxonic acid, melamine, aniline-2-sulfonic acid, quinaldic acid, 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole, triazine and its derivatives, urazole, DL-pipecolinic acid. isonicotinamide, anthranilonitrile, 6-aza-2-thiothymine, adenine, 3-(2-thienyl)acrylic acid, benzoic acid and alkali metal and ammonium salts of benzoic acid, and pyrazine and its derivatives to form a stable chromogen with hemoglobin.

Abstract: A specimen testing device having first and second panels and a reagent sheet therebetween. The first panel has an aperture with a cover and the second cover has an aperture opposite the aperture in the first panel. The sheet in the first aperture has first and second portions disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the panel and a fecal specimen is smeared on the sheet in the apertures so as to cover the first and second portions. The second panel is provided with a cover which overlies the first portion of the sheet and with a further cover which overlies the second portion of the sheet. The further cover is selectively moveable depending on the outcome of testing of the sample on the first portion through the respective aperture on the second panel.

Abstract: A process for the elimination of labile glycohaemoglobin from a sample comprises adding to the sample a reagent comprising a temperature dependent buffer having a pH/temperature coefficient of -0.011 or less, and a method for measuring the concentration of stable glycohaemoglobin in sample containing stable and labile glycohaemoglobin fractions.

Abstract: Detecting red blood cells in a patient's urine by placing an aliquot of the urine in an automated analyzer sampling cup. The urine is transferred to a cuvette mounted within the automated analyzer and one or more reagent compositions in an aqueous medium is injected into the cuvette. The reagent contains a buffer to adjust pH, chemicals to remove substances in the urine that interfere with colorimetric photometry, a compound to lyse the red blood cells in the urine, a substrate to react with the hemoglobin, a color indicator and a surfactant to improve fluid mechanics. The sample is read against a standard using a pre-programmed monochromatically specified wavelength to determine the presence or absence of blood cells in the patient's urine.

Abstract: Centrifuged anticoagulated blood samples are analyzed under magnification in a centrifuge tube containing a layer-elongating insert, which tube is placed on a calibrated slide. The slide includes a slot in which the tube is placed. A calibrated scale is disposed adjacent to the slot for use in measuring various blood sample parameters, such as hematocrit, platelet count, and the like. Anemia and/or low platelet counts are indicative of potentially serious complications of malaria. Their detection will prompt a physician to consider the liklihood of serious illness due to malaria. The presence or absence of blood-borne parasites can also be determined using the procedures of this invention. Thus the device allows a blood sample to be analyzed for malarial parasites, and also allows measurement of hematicrit and platelet counts.

Abstract: Improved HPLC methods for the identification and characterization of hemoglobin variants in blood samples are disclosed. These methods are performed manually or with the aid of a computer. In preferred embodiments, a blood sample is injected into an HPLC unit and hemoglobin species from the blood sample are separated using high column temperatures and high eluant flow rates. Blood samples are initially screened using a low-resolution HPLC method to determine if an eluted hemoglobin species has a characteristic indicative of a hemoglobin variant, i.e., if a chromatograph peak of the eluted species has one of a number of parameter values falling within a predetermined range of values.

Abstract: A process for the determination of H. pylori in a fecal specimen comprising (a) dispersing a fecal specimen suspected of carrying H. pylori in a sample diluent; (b) contacting the fecal specimen in the diluent with a first polyclonal antibody for H. pylori antigen to form a complex of the antibody and the antigen; (c) separating said specimen and said complex; (d) exposing the complex to a second polyclonal antibody for said antigen and a portion of the antibody reacting with said complex, one of said first and second antibody being bound to a solid carrier and the other being labeled with a detection agent; and (e) determining the amount of the labeled antibody and in turn determining the presence of H. pylori antigen in said fecal specimen.

Abstract: The circulating advanced glycosylation endproducts Hb-AGE, serum AGE-peptides and urinary AGE-peptides are disclosed as long term markers of diseases and dysfunctions having as a characteristic the presence of a measurable difference in AGE concentration. Diagnostic and therapeutic protocols taking advantage of the characteristics of these AGEs are disclosed. Antibodies which recognize and bind to in vivo-derived advanced glycosylation endproducts are also disclosed. Methods of using these antibodies as well as pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed, along with numerous diagnostic applications, including methods for the measurement of the presence and amount of advanced glycosylation endproducts in both plants and animals, including humans, as well as in cultivated and systhesized protein material for therapeutic use.

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: A method and apparatus are disclosed for predicting the presence of at least one congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition associated with thrombosis/hemostasis from at least one time-dependent measurement profile. At least one time-dependent measurement on an unknown sample is performed and a respective property of said sample is measured over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile. A set of a plurality of predictor variables are defined which sufficiently define the data of the time-dependent measurement profile. A model is then derived that represents the relationship between the congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition, and the set of predictor variables. Subsequently, the model is utilized to predict the existence of the congenital or acquired imbalance or therapeutic condition in the unknown sample.

Abstract: An improved chromogen-reagent test system for a slide, test kit or the like has particular utility in the testing of fecal specimens for occult blood. The chromogen-reagent system may include the use of colorless guaiac which, in the presence of a developing solution and a catalyst, is oxidized to yield a predetermined color such as blue. Hydrogen peroxide is used as the developing solution and hemoglobin in the fecal specimen functions as the catalyst. The chromogen-reagent test system includes an indicator area for determining if the guaiac and the developing solution are functioning properly, i.e., the test system of the present invention verifies that the guaiac has not lost its activity nor been improperly catalyzed and that the hydrogen peroxide has not lost its activity. The indicator area includes a catalyst which has a greater stability than blood, in respect to adverse environmental conditions, such that a determination can be made if the reagents are functioning properly.

Abstract: The invention provides novel labelled boronic acid conjugates of formula ##STR1## (wherein V is a reporter moiety; W.sup.2 is a bond or an organic linker moiety;W.sup.1 is a *SO.sub.2 NR.sup.2, *CONR.sup.2 or *CH.sub.2 N.sup..sym. R.sup.2.sub.2 group bound at the *-marked atom to the phenyl ring;R.sup.1 is hydrogen or an electron withdrawing substituent group; andeach R.sup.2 independently is hydrogen or an optionally hydroxylated and optionally C.sub.1-6 -alkoxylated C.sub.1-6 -alkyl group) and salts thereof, e.g. for use in assays for cis-diols such as glycated blood proteins, having enhanced water-solubility and storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the detection of hydrogen peroxide in biological fluids or an aqueous solution which involves contacting the solution with an oxidation-reduction indicator and a transition metal complex. The transition metal complex is either a creatinine coordinated with iron or a guanidine coordinated with iron.

Abstract: A reagent for analyzing cells in urine and a method for analyzing cells in urine with the use of the reagent are provided. The present invention discloses a reagent for analyzing cells in urine which comprises solution(s) containing a fluorescent dye, an osmolarity compensating agent and a buffer, as well as a method for analyzing cells in urine which comprises diluting a urine sample and staining cells therein with the reagent, irradiating the cells with light in the violet or blue wavelength region by using a flow cytometer and measuring the forward or side scattered light and fluorescence from the cells.

Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus and method to determine the hemoglobin concentration of individual red blood cells by measuring the radio frequency resistance (RF) and direct current (DC) resistance resulting during the flow of the cells through a measurement aperture. The hemoglobin concentration of the cell is determined using the ratio of these two resistances. This determination can be made using a focused flow cell and a non-focused flow cell. In addition, the determination can be made with red blood cells which are either in their native, deformable state or with red blood cells that have been isovolumetrically sphered.

Abstract: A chromatograph system with improved automation is provided. In the chromatograph system of one embodiment, a regression line is set between retention times of predetermined peaks measured at each run in the past for a standard sample having known components. Referring to this regression line, the peak identifying condition, i.e., time window, is corrected. In another embodiment, there is provided a chromatograph apparatus having a function of estimating a limited life time of a system component. The analyzed results of the chromatograph system can thus be improved.

Abstract: The invention features a method of labeling a cell containing an intracytoplasmic target molecule involving (1) permeabilizing the plasma membrane of the cell so that (a) a reagent capable of detectably labeling the intracytoplasmic target molecule can traverse the plasma membrane into the cytoplasm of the cell; and (b) substantially all of the intracytoplasmic target molecule and the DNA of the cell remain in the cell; and (2) contacting the cell with the reagent to label the intracytoplasmic target molecule. The method may further involve detecting the label in the cell, and isolating the cell on the basis of detecting the label in the cell. The invention also includes cells permeabilized using the method of the invention.

Abstract: Polymer or copolymer coated catalytic colloidal metal particles bound to a biomolecule such as an antibody, avidin, or streptavidin and kits containing such polymer or copolymer coated catalytic metal particles are useful for detecting the presence of the biomolecule in an assay such as an immunoassay.

Abstract: A tracking and identification card for an air filter specimen, the card having a sheet-like base with a substantially flat support surface for supporting the specimen, the base having a substantially uniform thickness of from about 3 to about 20 mil, and having a focus axis oriented substantially normal to the support surface, a locator area on the support surface and provided with contact adhesive for adhesively holding the specimen in a particular position on the support surface upon contact of the specimen with the adhesive, a sheet-like cover in contact with and substantially overlying the adhesive, the cover being readily removable for exposing the adhesive and allowing the specimen to be placed in contact therewith, and indicia markings on the base for interfacing with an indicia reader for tracking the location and identity of the card within an air monitoring system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for stimulating hematopoiesis in a mammal comprising administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a hemoglobin, including recombinant hemoglobin, and methods for treating cytopenias. These cytopenias include anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia and the like. The stimulation of hematopoiesis can occur both in vivo and ex vivo, as in the treatment of cytopenias associated with disease states, in cell culture or ex vivo expansion of bone marrow cells.

Abstract: A cyanide-free method and reagent for determining the concentration of total hemoglobin in a whole blood sample accurately in less than 10 seconds comprising a ligand selected from the group consisting of imidiazole, imidazole derivatives, N-hydroxyacetamide, N-hydroxyl amine, pyridine, oxazole, thiazole, pyrazole, pyrimidine, purine, quinoline, and isoquinoline, and a surfactant with strong erythrolytic capability selected from the group consisting of lauryl dimethylamine oxide and octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol. The reagent pH is adjusted to about 11 to about 14. Rapid mixing of the reagent with a blood sample leads to the formation of a stable chromogen whose absorbance can be measured between 540 and 550 nm. The cyanide-free reagent is ideal for use on an automated high through-put clinical hematology analyzer.