Abstract: Novel chromogenic derivatives of 1,2-bis-(o-aminoaryloxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid are useful for the determination of calcium ions in both solution and dry assays. These compounds comprise a dye moiety which is directly conjugated to the acetic acid substituted-nitrogen atom and which enables the compounds to exhibit maximum absorbance at a wavelength generally greater than 400 nm before complexation. When the compounds are complexed with calcium ions, the absorbance shifts to a shorter wavelength.

Abstract: A device for treating water to reduce the concentration of cations or anions therein includes a water-tight container (4) of flexible material, designed to be able to lie substantially flat (FIG. 3) when empty and having an aperture (5) for the introduction of liquid, a strainer (7) extending across the aperture, and a closure (6) for the aperture, and a quantity of ion-exchange material (b 8) occupying a minor proportion of the available interior volume of the container. A soil extraction outfit and a soil testing outfit are described, which incorporate the water treatment device.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of lithium in a liquid test sample employing turbidimetric or nephelometric techniques to measure the maximum rate of change in the optical density of a reaction mixture containing precipitated lithium. The lithium is precipitated by a lithium precipitating reagent to result in dispersed, suspended particles, and the maximum rate of change in optical density determined to provide a linear dose response which can be quantitatively correlated to the amount of lithium present in the test sample.

Abstract: The concentration of a selected alkali metal cation in an aqueous sample is determined using an aqueous fill solution containing a dissolved polymeric cationic material (e.g., copper--PEI) and a dissolved fluorescent anionic material (e.g., ANS) and, in contact with the fill solution, an ionophore selective for the selected alkali metal cation. The aqueous fill solution is contacted with an aqueous sample through a membrane, the membrane being permeable to alkali metal cations, but impermeable to the polymeric cationic material. Fluorescence is detected either from molecules of fluorescent anionic material which have migrated from adjacent to the polymeric cationic material to adjacent to ionophore-complexed alkali metal cations or from molecules of fluorescent anionic material which have remained adjacent to the polymeric cationic material, or from both, especially through a fiber optic.

Abstract: An analytical element is used to determine magnesium ions at a pH of from about 8.5 to about 11. This element comprises an absorbent carrier material containing a 1,5-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-cyanoformazan compound which is substituted in at least one of the 3-, 4- and 5-positions of either phenyl moiety. The substituents are chosen such that their cumulative Hammett-sigma value is greater than about 0.23, provided that none of the substituents is carboxy. The assay is carried out in the presence of a calcium ion chelating agent and a suitable buffer. In preferred embodiments, the cyanoformazan is incorporated in the element in such a manner so as to be isolated from protein molecules which may be encountered in the assay.

Abstract: An improved method and reagents are disclosed for determining a ligand in an assay solution containing the ligand, a reagent system and a luminescent compounds, wherein the intensity of the light emitted by the assay solution is related to the change in the transmittive properties of the assay solution produced by the interaction of the ligand to be determined and a reagent system capable of producing a change in the transmittive properties of the assay solution in the presence of the ligand.

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: The invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring the sodium sulfide content of liquid industrial process streams. According to this method, a sample of the liquid is passed through a heated filter to remove solids and reduce viscosity and a portion of the sample is then mixed with carbon dioxide to generate hydrogen sulfide gas. The hydrogen sulfide gas is separated from the reacted liquid sample, and a portion of the gas is mixed with dilution air and then analyzed quantitively for hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: Chromogenic aza-12-crown-4 ethers which can be used for the spectrophotometric determination of lithium ion in aqueous solutions are disclosed. The compounds of the invention are particularly useful for the analysis of Li.sup.+ in the presence of Na.sup.+, a situation common in biological and geological systems. The compounds [e.g., 1-(2-oxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-1-hydro-1-aza-4,7,10-trioxacyclododecane], their methods of manufacture, and methods of utilizing the compounds for the analysis of lithium are disclosed.

Abstract: A test means for detecting the presence of a specific ion in an aqueous test sample and for determining its concentration comprises a substantially nonpolar, nonporous carrier matrix which is incorporated with an ionophore capable of selectively forming a complex with the ion under analysis. In addition, a counterion reporter substance is provided separately, which is capable of producing a detectable response, such as a change in or appearance of color or fluorescence in the carrier matrix. In use, the test sample containing the counterion reporter substance is contacted with the test means, the test means is washed and any detectable response associated with the test means is determined.

Abstract: A releasing reagent for releasing, as ionized calcium, protein-bound calcium in a biological sample for measurement of the ionized calcium, together with any ionized calcium originally present in the sample, using a calcium ion specific electrode, the releasing reagent including monochlorocoacetate salt, formate salt, and formic acid, in concentrations sufficient to render the pH of the sample, when mixed with the reagent, in the range of 4.0 to 5.5. Also disclosed is a method of measuring calcium in a liquid sample using such a releasing reagent.

Abstract: Two novel trifluoromethyl-substituted chromogenic crown ethers are disclosed, 4'-(2",6"-dinitro-4"-trifluoromethylphenyl) aminobenzo-15-crown-5 and 4'-(2",4"-dinitro-6"-trifluoromethylphenyl) aminobenzo-15-crown 5. These compounds are useful as reagents for the extraction and spectrophotometric determination of potassium in the presence of sodium. Reagent solutions of these compounds and methods of utilizing the reagents for the analysis of potassium are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A method for continuously measuring the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 in slurries comprising CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 is described. The method comprises continuouly sampling a given amount of the slurry, feeding the slurry into an agitated continuous reactor container which is isolated from the outside air and in which the slurry is kept at a temperature not lower than 70.degree. C., adding sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to the slurry to make the pH below 3, blowing air or nitrogen gas into the slurry in the reactor container, withdrawing from the container CO.sub.2 and/or SO.sub.2 produced by reaction of CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 with the acid by entrainment with the air or nitrogen gas, and calculating the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 from the concentration of CO.sub.2 and/or SO.sub.2 in the withdrawn gas, the flow rate of the sampled slurry and the flow rate of the blown air or nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A method for continuously measuring the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in slurries comprising CaCO.sub.3 is described. The method comprises continuously sampling a given amount of the slurry, feeding the sampled slurry into an agitated continuous reactor container which is isolated from the outside air, keeping the slurry in the reactor container at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., adding sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to below 4, blowing a known flow rate of air into the slurry, withdrawing from the reactor container CO.sub.2, produced by the reaction between CaCO.sub.3 and the acid, by entrainment with the air, further mixing the withdrawn gas with air for dilution while controlling a flow rate of the dilution air so that the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the mixed gas is maintained constant, and calculating the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in the slurry from the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the mixed gas, the flow rate of the mixed gas and the amount of the sampled slurry.

Abstract: A single sampling tube is inserted into a whole blood sample contained in a sample cup, and the blood introduced into a switch-valve and a first channel without being diluted. The switch-valve has a volumetric section. In the first channel are arranged a plurality of ion-sensing electrodes, and downstream from these electrodes, a sample position sensor. The blood is led up to where the sample position sensor is located, at which point it fills the volumetric section and the ion sensing electrode channels. The sample Na.sup.+, K.sup.+, Cl.sup.-, and Ca.sup.++ are detected in this state. After the switch-valve switches, the flow within the volumetric section is forced towards a photometer positioned in a second channel by a reagent solution. The blood is diluted while passing through a reaction coil, during which time enzymes in the blood give rise to enzyme reactions with the reagents. The absorbance of the reaction solution is measured by the photometer.

Abstract: A method for continuously measuring the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in slurries comprising CaCO.sub.3 is described. The method comprises continuously sampling a given amount of the slurry, feeding the sampled slurry into an agitated continuous reactor container which is isolated from the outside air, keeping the slurry in the reactor container at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., adding sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to below 4, blowing air into the slurry in the reactor container, withdrawing from the reactor container CO.sub.2, produced by the reaction between CaCO.sub.3 and the acid, by entrainment with the air, and calculating the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in the slurry from the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the withdrawn gas, the amount of the sampled slurry and the flow rate of the blown air.

Abstract: A test means for determining the presence of an ion in an aqueous test sample is disclosed, as well as a test device incorporating the test means, a method for preparing it and a method for using it. The test means is composed of a porous carrier matrix incorporated, substantially uniformly, with a homogeneous hydrophobic composition and with a buffering substance capable of providing a pH in the range of from about 5 to 10. The homogeneous hydrophobic composition contains an ionophore capable of forming a complex with the ion, a hydrophobic substance and a reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of ionophore and ion to produce a detectable response. In a preferred embodiment, this invention provides a colorimetric test capable of measuring serum potassium.

Abstract: Chromogenic aza-12-crown-4 ethers which can be used for the spectrophotometric determination of lithium ion in aqueous solutions are disclosed. The compounds of the invention are particularly useful for the analysis of Li.sup.30 in the presence of Na.sup.+, a situation common in biological and geological systems. The compounds [e.g., 1-(2-oxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-1-hydro-1-aza-4,7,10-trioxacylclododecane], their methods of manufacture, and methods of utilizing the compounds for the analysis of lithium are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A test means for determining the presence of an ion in an aqueous test sample, a method for preparing it and a method for using it. The test means comprises a hydrophilic carrier matrix incorporated with finely divided globules of a hydrophobic vehicle. The hydrophobic vehicle contains an ionophore capable of forming a complex with the ion and a reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of ionophore and ion to produce a detectable response. The test means of this invention is useful for clinical determinations of serum potassium. The test means forms the reagent layer in a multilayer format which is particularly suited to whole blood electrolyte determinations and does not require washing or wiping before use.

Abstract: A test means, test device and method for use for determining the presence of an ion in a test sample are disclosed. The test means comprises a substantially nonpolar, nonporous carrier matrix incorporated with an ionophore capable of forming a complex with the specific ion and reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of ionophore and ion to produce a detectable response. The test means disclosed is particularly useful for serum potassium determinations. The test means forms the reagent layer in a multilayer format particularly suited to whole blood electrolyte determinations.

Abstract: An improved process for quantitatively determining nitrogen content or other elemental content in a wide variety of materials. The process avoids the use of conventional catalysts, is simpler and faster than previous techniques, and results in a very high degree of accuracy. The process involves the use of a hydrogen peroxide which is added to the digest continuously, while the digest is boiling, while refluxing with a fractionating column. The digestion process also enables quantitative determination of various elements other than nitrogen.

Abstract: A method for determining the alkali metal content of a liquid such as protein-containing liquids wherein a liquid containing alkali metal cation is contacted with a monocyclic crown ether capable of forming a complex with the alkali metal cation in a substantially inert solvent and an anionic dye, is disclosed. The alkali metal forms a complex with the ether and the dye in the solvent, the presence of which is a measure of the alkali metal content of the liquid.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining calcium ion content of serum which comprises calibrating a potentiometric analytical system with calcium standards having a solution containing both TRIS and BisTRIS at a pH of 7.5. The serum sample is diluted with a silicone oil/water emulsion which may further contain a protein complexing agent such as iron, zinc, cadmium, nickel or copper. Measurement is then carried out on the diluted serum sample.

Abstract: An improved multilayer analytical element for the determination of calcium comprising a liquid impermeable, optically transparent support; at least one reagent layer positioned with a first side on said support and containing at least one reagent capable of reacting with a calcium component in a fluid sample; and at least one porous developing layer on the second side of said reagent layer, said porous developing layer being permeable to calcium from said fluid sample thereby transporting said calcium to said reagent layer. The improvement comprises at least one of said reagent layer and developing layer containing a basic substance of the formula M.sub.v H.sub.w PO.sub.4 .multidot.ZH.sub.

Abstract: A novel group of nuclear magnetic resonance shift reagents is disclosed. This group comprises the anionic chelates of dysprosium and thulium wherein the chelate moiety has a charge of at least -3. These reagents cause a shift in the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of aqueous solutions of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. By providing shift reagents to one side of a membrane capable of permitting the transport of alkali or alkaline earth metal ions therethrough and having such ions on one or the other side of said membrane and providing an environment in which said ions can pass through said membrane, by measuring the NMR spectrum of the total environment, the area of the peak of the absorpiton due to a predetermined ionic species caused by the shifted ions is compared to that due to the unshifted ions, the rate of transport through the membrane may be determined.

Abstract: Alkaline earth metal ions, e.g., Mg.sup.++ and/or Ca.sup.++, are removed from alkali metal brines, e.g., NaCl, by use of a particulate, macroporous, anion exchange resin containing the in-situ reaction product of polymeric, amorphous, hydrous zirconium oxide and a source of PO.sub.4.sup.--- ions, e.g., H.sub.3 PO.sub.4.

Abstract: A reagent mixture for measuring magnesium comprising Xylylazo Violet I or II as a color producing agent and at least one of sulfide compounds and thioureide compounds, and if necessary one or more surface active agents, can be stored for a long period of time stably and can give a stable color development.

Abstract: An electrolyte in a sample is stably measured by using an automatic biochemical analyzing apparatus wherein a flame photometer is assembled, which comprises a sample pipetting and delivering member, a reagent liquid delivering member, reaction cups charging the sample delivered through the sample pipetting and delivering member and the reagent liquid delivered through the reagent delivering member and a flame photometer for measuring an electrolyte, the method being characterized in that with respect to a sample cup to which the measurement of electrolyte is ordered, the sample pipetting and delivering member and the reagent delivering member are operated to deliver the sample and the reagent liquid to a reaction cup and an electrolyte of the diluted sample in the reaction cup is measured by the flame photometer and with respect to a sample cup to which the measurement of electrolyte is not ordered, the sample pipetting and delivering member is not operated and into a reaction cup corresponding to said sample

Abstract: An improved field-test method and apparatus for the detection of asbestos by detecting magnesium or iron is described wherein all of the reactions of the test are performed in one reaction tube or column. The method includes the steps of placing a sample in the tube, washing the sample in the tube, adding acid reagent to the sample, and adding a color reagent to the sample in the tube to indicate qualitatively if asbestos is present in the sample. The apparatus is in the form of a compact kit containing multiple columns with caps and other labware needed for the test.

Abstract: An improved assay method and reagent composition for the determination of magnesium in a fluid sample by reaction with an alkaline buffered solution of calmagite, in which caffeine and preferably also thiourea have been included, thereby achieving parity between protein-free and protein-containing samples while eliminating the need for cyanide.

Abstract: In a method for colorimetric determination of calcium, the sample to be analyzed is mixed with a dye reagent of pH value at which that reagent does not produce a predetermined change when complexed with calcium ions; a first colorimetric measurement is made on the mixture of the sample and dye reagent; a second reagent is added to the mixture of the sample and dye reagent to shift the pH and activate the dye reagent producing the predetermined change; and then a second colorimetric measurement is made on the resulting mixture, the difference between the two colorimetric measurements being a measure of calcium in the sample.

Abstract: An absorbent quantitative test device in the form of a flat patch. When placed on the skin of a subject; the device collects a fixed volume of sweat. It is particularly intended to be used in screen testing for cystic fibrosis by measuring the chloride level in sweat and providing a visual indication when the level is in excess of a predetermined concentration. A fill tab indicator undergoes a color change when the fixed volume of sweat has been collected signifying completion of the test. The device includes two concentric circular reaction areas of chemically treated absorbent paper or the like. The sweat sample is introduced into the device at the center of the first or inner circular reaction area which contains a chemical composition capable of reacting with all chloride in the sweat sample below a predetermined concentration value to screen out that amount of chloride.

Abstract: Two novel trifluoromethyl-substituted chromogenic crown ethers are disclosed, 4'-(2",6"-dinitro-4" trifluoromethylphenyl) aminobenzo-15-crown-5 and 4'-(2",4"-dinitro-6"-trifluoromethylphenyl) aminobenzo-15-crown-5. These compounds are useful as reagents for the extraction and spectrophotometric determination of potassium in the presence of sodium. The compounds, their methods of manufacture, and methods of utilizing the compounds for the analysis of potassium are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Method, kits and reagents for the simultaneous, kinetic spectrophotometric analysis of blood serum samples for multiple components. Pairs of components which may be simultaneously analyzed are: cholesterol and triglyceride; glucose and urea; uric acid and gamma glutamyl transferase; calcium and magnesium; albumins and total protein.

Abstract: A diluent and a method of assaying are described, by which the ionic strength range of the liquid that is to be assayed potentiometrically, is compressed. The diluent comprises a predetermined concentration of (a) a protonated water-soluble organic amine having (i) a pKa greater than or equal to 9.3, and (ii) a hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, bonded to the nitrogen of the amine, wherein the oxygen-to-carbon bond of the hydroxy is no more than two bonds removed from the nitrogen, and (b) an acid anion.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing a patient's proneness to develop kidney tones of the calcium oxalate type, which comprises forming an aqueous reaction medium comprising from about 5 to about 20% by volume of a sample of the patient's urine, said medium having an ionic strength of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 and containing calcium ions at a concentration of from about 1 to about 5 mM/l and oxalate ions at a concentration of from about 1 to about 7 mM/l; measuring by means of a calcium ion-specific electrode the rate of decrease of the calcium ion concentration and comparing the thus measured rate with the corresponding rate determined with a reference sample of normal urine. A kit for carrying out the above method is also provided.

Abstract: A colorimetric assay method and stabilized working reagents for the determination of magnesium in which an alkaline reagent containing a dye to complex magnesium reacts directly with the sample, requiring no protein-removal steps and no addition of substances to artificially correct for absorption differences of the metallized and free dye due to the presence of protein. The dye is either Calmagite or Eriochrome Black T. The reagent is buffered so that the pH is greater than about 9.0; the relative Van Slyke buffer value .beta.' of the reagent is greater than 1.

Abstract: The stability of a reagent comprising an aqueous solution of a phenolsulphonephthalein dye is enhanced by the presence of a weak acid in the reagent.