Abstract: A composition is used to measure the ionic strength or specific gravity of a liquid specimen and a test piece prepared from the composition. The composition is an anion type of ion-associable reagent and a cation type of ion-associable reagent. The composition may also contain a pH buffer agent. The use of the composition and test piece prepared from the composition enable the easy, simple, quick, but exact measurement of ionic strength or specific gravity of a liquid specimen without influence by characteristics of the specimen.

Abstract: Novel fluorogenic and chromogenic three-dimensional ionophores are provided which selectively bond ions such as potassium, sodium, and lithium, even in neutral aqueous or alcohol media. The novel ionophores comprise an "ion-recognizing system" fused to a "signal-moiety" through one or more heteroatoms having a non-bonded electron pair. The signal-moieties are selected from the group consisting of fused ring heterocyclics, fused aromatics, and subsituted aromatics having at least one nitro or azo moiety. The ion-recognizing system is a three-dimensional cryptand. The ionophores are ideal for the selective and direct termination of ions in biological or environmental samples and the like.

Abstract: A method for testing blood samples for determining lead content therein. The method utilizes filter collection paper that is spotted with a blood sample; the blood sample spotted thereon is allowed to dry. The dried blood sample on the paper is punched out in a predefined manner to obtain a uniform volume equivalent to a predefined volume of whole blood. A dilute aqueous acid reagent containing a surfactant wetting agent is utilized to remove the part of the blood sample containing the lead. The filter collection paper retains the hemoglobin and blood proteins thus yielding a protein free solution that is suitable for direct analysis of the trace lead elements. The dried blood sample may be easily stored and economically transported to testing laboratories where the dried blood sample may be eluted into a hemoglobin and protein free solution that is stable for weeks under proper storage conditions.

Abstract: Diluents and methodologies for determining the concentration of total calcium in a clinical sample (e.g. whole blood, sera plasma urine cerebro spinal fluid) containing protein-bound calcium are disclosed. Methodologies include the steps of: (a) admixing the sample with a diluent, the diluent including effective amounts of a pH buffer and at least two agents capable of complexing free calcium in the sample, where the agent-calcium complex association constants ("log K" in base 10) each have a range from about 1.5 to about 7.0; and (b) contacting an aliquot of the diluted sample with a calcium-specific ion selective electrode. The response of the calcium-specific ion selective electrode is an indication of the concentration of total calcium in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention measures serum iron by liberating iron from transferrin under acid conditions, and contacting a test sample with a reaction system which utilizes at least aconitase, a reducing reagent, citric acid, isocitrate dehydrogenase and (thio)NAD(P). According to the present invention, an accurate and efficient measurement of iron in the serum is possible, even for minute levels of iron. In addition, the present invention assays unsaturated iron binding capacity by adding excess iron to a test sample to bind iron to transferrin, binding the remaining unbound iron to aconitase, and measuring the activated aconitase. According to the present invention, a quick and easy assay of unsaturated iron binding capacity of body fluids, etc. is possible without the need for expert skill.

Abstract: A simple and sensitive method for extracting an inorganic element, including toxic metals such as lead or antimony or non-metallic elements such as arsenic, selenium or tellurium from animal blood, including human blood, is provided by the present invention. The sample of blood or portion of blood, such as red cells, is first mixed with an neutral salt solution. The mixture of cells and buffer is then exposed to a chelating resin which removes the inorganic element, such as lead, from solution. Thereafter, the resin is packed in a column and the element, such as lead, is eluted. The amount of eluted element, such as lead, is measured by conventional methods, such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Abstract: This invention provides a measuring method and a device suitable for the quantitative analysis of metal elements contained in body fluids comprising:using the flow injection method for reacting a sample with a reagent in a tubule and analyzing the reacted solution. In essence, the present invention provides;a method for introducing a body fluid sample and a protein release reagent into a carrier solution, reacting the two solutions with one another in the tubule in order to liberate the protein contained in the body fluid sample, followed by introducing the reacted solution into a quantitative analysis means for determining and measuring the concentration of target metal(s) contained in the body fluid; anda quantitative analysis device for performing the foregoing method.

Abstract: A method, composition and test device for determining the ionic strength or specific gravity of a test sample are disclosed. The method utilizes a test device comprising a test pad, wherein the test pad includes a carrier matrix incorporating a reagent composition capable of producing a detectable and measurable response that correlates to the ionic strength and the buffer capacity, and therefore the specific gravity, of the test sample. The reagent composition, comprising a strong polyelectrolyte, an indicator comprising: (i) a dye that is metachromatic and sensitive to pH changes, or (ii) or a combination of metachromatic dye and a pH indicator dye, in a suitable carrier, and buffered at a pH of 3 or less, is incorporated into a carrier matrix to provide a test pad of a device useful in an ionic strength or specific gravity assay of a test sample.

Abstract: This invention provides a measuring method for the quantitative flow injection analysis of metal elements contained in body fluids comprising introducing the protein liberated by the reaction of body fluid sample and protein-precipitating reagent into a separating membrane for preventing the passage of protein to separate and remove the liberated protein, and then introducing the reacted solution into quantitative analysis means for determining and measuring the concentration of target metal contained in the body fluid.

Abstract: A phenol derivative obtained by reacting a carboxylic acid anhydride with a phenol compound, followed by condensation with iminodiacetic acid and formaldehyde, or a salt thereof is effective as an agent for adjusting color forming sensitivity in a colorimetric analysis of metal ions in a fluid such as a living body fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining micromolar levels of lead ion in various fluids, including blood. Detection of lead or other heavy metal ion concentrations as low as 1 .mu.g/dL is achieved. The methods are adaptable to the detection of low levels of lead in whole blood, employing a novel separation and release of lead ion from lead chelating agents. The disclosed methods employ isocitrate dehydrogenase-based electrodes which are particularly suited for detecting nanomolar levels of lead.

Abstract: Lead assays using .delta. aminolevulinic acid dehydratase are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition, method and test device for determining the divalent cation concentration or estimating the specific gravity of a test sample are disclosed. The method utilizes a test device comprising a test pad, wherein the test pad includes a carrier matrix incorporating a reagent composition capable of interacting with divalent cations present in the test sample to produce a detectable and measurable response that correlates to the divalent cation concentration or to the specific gravity of the test sample. The reagent composition, comprising a metal-sensitive triphenylmethane dye; a buffer; an optional chelating agent; and suitable carrier, is incorporated into a carrier matrix to provide a test pad of a device useful in a divalent cation assay or a specific gravity assay of a test sample.

Abstract: Assay methods are provided for determining the presence of lithium in high sodium content liquids such as serum, plasma, urine or other sample without deproteinization. The novel compounds are water soluble derivatives of TMC-crownformazans and provide signal enhancement by increased absorbance of the dye-lithium complex over the dye anion.

Abstract: A method, composition and test device for the semiquantitative determination of specific gravity of a test sample are disclosed. The method utilizes a reagent composition capable of producing a detectable and measurable response that correlates to the concentration of cations, and therefore the specific gravity, of the test sample. The reagent composition comprises: a) a polyvalent metal ion having a valence of at least two, like mercuric ion or calcium ion; b) an indicator capable of interacting with the polyvalent metal ion to provide a polyvalent metal ion-indicator complex having a first color; c) a buffer; and d) a suitable carrier. The reagent composition is used in a wet phase specific gravity assay or is incorporated into a carrier matrix, like filter paper, to provide a test pad useful in a dry phase specific gravity assay of a test sample, such as urine.

Abstract: Disclosed are arylazo chromoionophores characterized by the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is hydrogen or a monovalent cation, Y is H or methoxy and R is a ringed aromatic organic structure which affects the optical absorption properties of the compounds. Also disclosed is a method for the detection of calcium ion using these compounds.

Abstract: A method, composition and test device for the semiquantitative determination of specific gravity of a test sample are disclosed. The method utilizes a reagent composition capable of producing a detectable and measurable response that correlates to the concentration of cations, and therefore the specific gravity, of the test sample. The reagent composition, comprises: a) a complexing agent, like a polyelectrolyte, an ion exchange material or a chelating agent, such as a copolymer of maleic acid and methyl vinyl ether; b) a polyvalent metal ion having a valence of at least two, like ferrous ion or cobaltous ion; c) an indicator capable of interacting with the polyvalent metal ion to provide a color transition, like calmagite or gallocyanine; and d) a suitable carrier. The reagent composition is used in a wet phase specific gravity assay or is incorporated into a carrier matrix, like filter paper, to provide a test pad useful in a dry phase specific gravity assay of a test sample, such as urine.

Abstract: A test device and method of determining the presence or concentration of a predetermined ion, such as a cation of medical interest, like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium or lithium, in an aqueous test sample are disclosed. The test device includes a test pad comprising a hydrophilic indicator reagent composition capable of interacting with a predetermined ion, or electrolyte, to produce a detectable or measurable response. The hydrophilic indicator reagent composition consists essentially of a hydrophobic ion specific ionophore, a hydrophobic reporter substance, and a stabilizer polymer such as gelatin. The hydrophilic indicator reagent composition, either as a film or layer, or after incorporation into a suitable carrier matrix, provides a test pad of sufficient sensitivity to the predetermined ion to achieve an accurate and trustworthy electrolyte assay of an aqueous test sample, such as plasma or serum, by a dry phase test strip assay.

Abstract: A screening method for detecting the vulnerability of patients on clozapine therapy to developing agranulocytosis which comprises establishing the concentration of N-desmethylclozapine in the blood or bone marrow of said patient. In addition, a method of determining patient sensitivity to N-desmethylclozapine is provided which comprises collecting heparinized blood and assaying it for stem cell sensitivity to N-desmethylclozapine.

Abstract: Chromogenic solvent detectors are used to detect and map the presence of organic solvent-containing materials on a surface. The detector need only be applied to the surface to be tested. When removed, the dark areas on the detector correspond to those areas of the surface where an organic solvent-containing material was present. This method can be used to test the release properties of a release film.

Abstract: A layered device suitable for use in the analysis of blood samples which includes a first layer of a matrix material having dispersed therein a complex of copper and a polymer containing multiple pendant carboxyl groups which selectively combines with hemoglobin and bilirubin in fluid communication with a second layer which contains a reagent system which reacts with one or more predetermined analytes in the blood sample to provide a color change.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the demineralization of ground bone particles or pieces of cancellous or cortical bone. The apparatus includes multiple solution reservoirs which supply solutions to be pumped into one or more columns filled with bone samples to be demineralized. Solvent outflowing from the column(s) can be monitored for pH, calcium ion concentration or conductivity as a basis for determining when demineralization is complete. During the delipidization phase of processing, lipid solute can be monitored by photometry, or a small assay of the eluent can be dropped into deionized water to see whether a precipitate develops. Flow through the apparatus, including the types and amounts of solutions to be flowed through the apparatus, can be manually or computer controlled.

Abstract: A new and improved test device and method of determining the presence or concentration of a predetermined analyte, such as glucose, cholesterol or occult blood, in a test sample are disclosed. The test device includes a test pad comprising a suitable carrier matrix incorporating an indicator reagent composition capable of interacting with the predetermined analyte to produce a detectable or measurable response.

Abstract: A chromogenic compound found to be especially selective in the determination of calcium in blood of the general formula (I): ##STR1## where: R is hydrogen or lower alkyl;X is CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2, CH.dbd.CH, O, S, SO.sub.2, S--S, or NR;X is CH, C--OH or N;M is p-nitrophenylazo, 2,4-dinitrophenylazo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinoneimino, bis-(4-dimethylaminophenyl) hydroxymethyl, 3-phenylisothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo, or isothiazolyl-5-azo;k is 1;l is 0 or 1; andn is 0 or 1.

Abstract: An analytical method for determining aluminum in amino acids such as glycine. A complex of aluminum and dihydroxyazobenzene is formed by reacting the amino acid solution with a mixture of dihydroxyazobenzene and acetonitrile in the presence of a buffer to obtain a pH of between about 7 and 8. The resulting complex is analyzed for aluminum by high performance liquid chromatography. Minimization of aluminum contamination is achieved by reducing the number of reagents used in the procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating biological substances, particularly hemoglobin or bilirubin, from blood plasma or serum which involves contacting the plasma or serum with a water insoluble complex of a polymer containing multiple pendant carboxyl groups and copper.

Abstract: A method for detecting ischemic states in a patient by contacting a sample of serum, plasma, fluid or tissue with a metal ion capable of binding to metal ion binding sites in the sample to form a mixture, and then detecting the presence of unbound metal ions to determine the occurrence of ischemia.

Abstract: A method for the colorimetic determination of zinc including the steps of:a) preparing a coloring reagent for zinc including1) an aqueous soluble 2-pyridylazoaminophenol derivative or a salt of a 2-pyridylazoaminophenol derivative, represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein 2 ) at least one surface active agent3) a masking agent for a metal,b) adding the coloring reagent solution to a sample solution containing zinc andc) measuring the absorbance of the solution at 555 nm.

Abstract: To determine iron in serum by the release of bound iron and reduction of the released iron to Fe.sup.2+, a first solution of a denaturing agent at a concentration of 1 to 8 mol/l is added to the serum, then a second solution is added which contains the color reagent and likewise a denaturing agent at a concentration of 1 to 8 mol/l and subsequently the colored complex is measured photometrically.

Abstract: 1,5-Bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-cyanoformazans substituted in at least one of the 3-, 4- and 5-positions of either phenyl moiety are useful for the determination of magnesium ions. The cyanoformazan substituents are chosen such that their cumulative Hammett-sigma value is greater than about 0.23. These cyanoformazans are useful in analytical compositions and methods for either wet or dry assay of magnesium ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining an ion in an aqueous sample. The method involves contacting the sample with a water immiscible material including an ionophore, a pH indicator and a compound which stabilizes sensitivity of the assay. The ion reacts with the ionophore in the water immiscible material, releasing a proton which reacts with the pH indicator generating a color change which is representative of the ion to be measured. The stabilizing compound stabilizes this change. Also described are compositions including the three recited elements, and various new compounds useful as the stabilizer.

Abstract: A colorimetric, particularly spectrophotometric, method and compositions for determining calcium levels in blood serum in the presence of magnesium and other serum ions is described. The method uses an aqueous composition with a pH between about 7.5 and 10 with arsenazo III to complex calcium and a hydroxyquinoline selected from the group consisting of 8-hydroxyquinoline and 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonate to complex magnesium. Lipase and a cyclodextrin can be used as reagents to clear triglycerides in the serum which can provide turbidity and false results in some instances. The method is particularly useful for human serum.

Abstract: Novel compounds and assay methods are provided for determining the presence of lithium in serum, plasma, urine or other sample without deproteinization. The novel compounds are water soluble derivatives of TMC-crownformazans and provide signal enhancement by increased absorbance of the dye-lithium complex over the dye anion.

Abstract: A method of determining individual ion concentrations in mixtures using ion exchange separation combined with indirect photometric detection and frontal analysis.

Abstract: A method of determining the radioactivity of specific actinides that are carried in urine or fecal sample material is disclosed. The samples are ashed in a muffle furnace, dissolved in an acid, and then treated in a series of steps of reduction, oxidation, dissolution, and precipitation, including a unique step of passing a solution through a chloride form anion exchange resin for separation of uranium and plutonium from americium.

Abstract: A dry analysis element for the analysis of iron ions, which is improved in selectivity so that iron ions can be analyzed reliably at a high sensitivity without the interferences by the presence of hindering Cu.sup.2+ and/or Zn.sup.2+ ions. The analysis element comprises a detection reagent layer containing Nitro-PAPS acting as a chelating agent and a cationic compound, and a pre-treating layer containing a Cu.sup.2+ -specific chelating agent. The analysis element further includes a pH buffer for keeping the pH value of the detection reagent layer within the range of from pH 3.0 to 5.0. The pH adjusting buffer may be contained in either one of the detection reagent layer or the pre-treating layer, or may be contained in another layer. The detection reagent layer may be composed of a coloring reagent layer containing Nitro-PAPS acting as the chelating agent, and a diffusion-preventing layer laminated on the coloring reagent layer and containing the cationic compound.

Abstract: A chromogenic cryptand found to be especially selective in the determination of lithium in blood of the general formula (I): ##STR1## where: n=1 or 2,R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, same or different, are hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, or lower alkylidene; andQ is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing a detectable response upon complexation of said compound with lithium ion and has the structure: ##STR2## wherein: X is CH, C--OH or N; and Z is p-nitrophenylazo, 2,4-dinitrophenylazo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinonemonoimino, bis-(4-dimethylaminophenyl) hydroxymethyl, 3-phenylisothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo; or isothiazolyl-5-azo.A reagent composition and synthesis of a preferred chromogenic cryptand are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a new class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic hemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, which have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;m is 1 to about 3;n is 0 to about 3;A is an aliphatic or aromatic subunit, e.g.

Abstract: A heavy metal-free composition and its method of use in an ion selective electrode-based assay are disclosed. The heavy metal-free composition includes a borate compound and an alkalinity adjusting compound, and is used to dilute a test sample; buffer the test sample; and substantially reduce the effects of interferents present in the test sample on the ion selective electrode-based assay. The heavy metal-free composition and its method of use are especially useful in an ion selective electrode-based assay for carbonate ion concentration in a test sample, like blood serum, blood plasma, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: Novel fluorogenic and chromogenic three-dimensional ionophores are provided which selectively bond ions such as potassium, sodium, and lithium, even in neutral aqueous or alcohol media. The novel ionophores comprse an "ion-recognizing system" fused to a "signal-moiety" through one or more heteroatoms having a non-bonded electron pair. The signal-moieties are selected from the group consisting of fused ring heterocyclics, fused aromatics, and substituted aromatics having at least one nitro or azo moiety. The ion-recognizing system is a three-dimensional cryptand. The ionophores are ideal for the selective and direct termination of ions in biological or environmental samples and the like.

Abstract: A method utilizing a novel reagent for the assay (determination)of serum iron.The serum iron assay reagent is a single, stable reagent, which includes the chromogen chromazurol B (CAB), chromazurol S (CAS), or an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, rubidium or ammonium base addition salt of CAB or CAS, a surfactant that forms a ternary complex with iron and the chromogen, a buffer, and dimethylsulfoxide.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent including one or more chromogenic crypt and compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, or aryl; and--Q-- is ##STR2## wherein X is CH, N, or COH; and Y includes ##STR3## except that when Q is ##STR4## wherein Y is p-nitrophenylazo, 3-phenylisothiazolyl-5-azo, isothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinonemonoimino or bis-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)hydroxymethyl, then the following condition cannot be present: that simultaneously b is equal to 0 to 1, d is equal to 0 or 1, j is equal to 1, n is equal to 1 or 2, a is equal to 1, e is

Abstract: Novel fluorogenic ionophores have been synthesized which selectively bind ions such as potassium and sodium, even in neutral aqueous and alcoholic media and respond to such binding by fluorescence quenching or enhancement. These ionophores are ideal for the selective and direct determination of ions in biological or environmental samples and the like. The ionophores are also suitable for incorporation into fiber optic-based sensors for the continuous in vivo or in vitro monitoring of metal ions in blood or other biological fluids.

Abstract: Compositions and test articles comprisng ionophore of an optically active isomer of bis(12-crown-4-methyl)dialkyl malonate, wherein alkyl group is methyl and the second alkyl group has 4 to 20 carbon atoms, with a reporter substance incorporated in a hydrophobic carrier are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a simple and inexpensive liquid or dry reagent assay system for detecting nanomolar amounts of manganese in body fluids in microgram per liter concentrations. More specifically, the manganese assay of this invention is directed to the optical detection of a chromogenic reaction, such as the oxidation of a redox indicator, catalyzed by a manganese porphyrin complex.

Abstract: The ionic strength or the specific gravity of an aqueous liquid is determined by mixing the liquid with a reagent composition which contains at least one pH buffer substance but no polyelectrolyte polymer, or at least one pH buffer substance and/or at least one complex former, determining the pH of the mixture, and evaluating the determined value.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent including one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, or aryl; and ##STR2## wherein X is CH, N or COH; andY includes ##STR3## except that when Q is ##STR4## wherein Y is p-nitrophenylazo, 3-phenylisothiazolyl-5-azo, isothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinonemonoimino or bis-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)hydroxymethyl, then the following condition cannot be present: that simultaneously b is equal to 0 or 1, d is equal to 0 or 1, j is equal to 1, n is equal to 1 or 2, a is equal to 1, e is equal to 1

Abstract: Disclosed is a tetra substituted cyclohexane having an ionophore in the one and two positions wherein the ionophore may be the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of a crown, a podand and a cryptand wherein the ionophore is capable of complexing with a metal or ammonium cation. Positions four and five are substituted by an electron donor group and an electron acceptor group. Also disclosed is a method for detecting the concentration of cations in a fluid by subjecting the fluid to the tetra substituted cyclohexane composition which will thereby complex the cation in the fluid. The cations are preferably alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations. The fluid may be an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid or body fluids.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent including one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen.

Abstract: A process for measuring low levels of cadmium in blood and other biological specimens is provided without interference from high levels of alkali metal contaminants by forming an aqueous solution and without contamination by environmental cadmium absent the proteins from the specimen, selectively removing cadmium from the aqueous solution on an anion exchange resin, thereby removing the alkali metal contaminants, resolubilizing cadmium from the resin to form a second solution and analyzing the second solution for cadmium, the process being carried out in a cadmium-free environment.