Abstract: A process for `unmasking` delta antigen in the blood of an animal, known or caused to be infected with the antigen. The process involves treating serum from the animal with a surfactant and optionally with an antibody--antigen dissociating agent. The blood derived delta antigen is used as a diagnostic agent in the detection and determination of different classes of antibodies to hepatitis D. virus (delta agent) by enzyme-immunoassay and radio-immunoassay.

Abstract: A reagent and merchandizing kit for use in the diagnosis of syphilis by hemagglutination of an anitgen obtained from a culture of pathogenic Treponema pallidum Nichols and which is sensitized on carrier particles in the presence of antibody wherein said antigen is substantially devoid of proteinic fractions of said culture having a specific gravity of less than 1.01, and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: A method and serological reagent for determining antigens or antibodies with enhanced sensitivity and specificity techniques acts in an interdependent manner in one diagnostic unit of two separately acting components. This action can be simultaneous or consecutive and the combined effect inhibits "lectin-like" factors or "unspecific antibodies" and detects specific antibodies or antigens.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for clarifying and partitioning aqueous lipid-containing specimens or samples such as lipemic serum and plasma. The compositions contain zwitterionic surfactant and water-immiscible organic solvent for lipids. The components of the compositions are selected such that they are compatible in vitro and, when constituted with aqueous specimens, do not interfere with biological or chemical activity of endogenous and exogenous analytes present in the respective specimens. The methods serve to partition the specimens into discrete aqueous and non-aqueous phases. The phases in turn can be individually assayed with respect to any of various analytes, for diagnostic or other purposes.

Abstract: A latex agglutination procedure for detecting and determining one of the participants in an antigen-antibody reaction, in which non-specific reactions are suppressed by additives, and an agent for carrying out this type of procedure are described.

Abstract: Several novel hybridoma cell lines, ATCC #HB-8510, 8511, 8512, 8513, 8514, 8515, 8516, and 8517 produce monoclonal antibody to an antigen, peptidoglycan, which is a normal structural component of neREFERENCE TO GOVERNMENTThe invention described herein was supported by National Institutes of Health grants DE-03487 and DE-05160.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for performing an assay on whole blood samples. The method is for a determination of an analyte which is a member of a specific binding pair (sbp) consisting of ligand and homologous receptor. The method involves a binding agent for the red blood cells in such sample, a solid bibulous element to which is bound at least one sbp member, and a signal-producing system. The method comprises combining the whole blood sample, the binding agent, and none or, where appropriate, one or more members of the signal producing system. The medium is next contacted with a portion of a solid bibulous element to which is bound one of the members of the specific binding pair to allow the medium to traverse such element (immunochromatography). The solid bibulous element is contacted with any remaining members of the signal producing system. Signal resulting from the signal producing system is detected and is related to the amount of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Reagents for detecting antigen contained in body fluid or urine according to the immunological agglutination or agglutination inhibition reaction and comprising an antibody adsorbed on fine carrier particle to be sensitized as an effective constituent, and is characterized by acylating said antibody.Owing to such acylation, the reagent can correctly detect antigen without any influence of substance contained in sample which has inevitably caused nonspecific agglutination reaction according to the prior art.

Abstract: The vitamin D metabolite, calcitriol, is determined in blood serum by radioimmunoassay employing monoclonal antibodies in which calcitroic acid serves as the immunogen.

Abstract: Methods for the isolation and purification of an antigen, named NB/70K, from human ovarian carcinomas and radioimmunoassays for the detection of ovarian carcinomas, as well as an antibody specific for NB/70K.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods are provided for detecting the presence of a material of interest in a specimen on a solid surface. A composition useful for detecting the presence of a material of interest in a specimen comprises (1) a detector conjugate comprising a fluorescing moiety bonded to a compound capable of specific binding with the material of interest, or a derivative thereof, and (2) a non-detector conjugate comprising a poly(amino acid) and a compound having substantial structural and charge similarity to the fluorescing compound and no observable fluorescence, or low level fluorescence of a different wavelength than that of the fluoresing compound, in the region of fluorescence of the fluorescing compound. In the method of the invention, a specimen, on a solid surface, is combined with the detector conjugate and the non-detector conjugate, and the combination is incubated.

Abstract: A method for the rapid detection of virus and viral antigens associated with somatic cells in biological test samples is disclosed. The method comprises lysing the cells with a lytic agent to reveal virus or viral antigens for participation in a virus detection system. The lytic agent is chosen for its biological neutrality in the detection system, particularly its inability to produce a cytopathic effect in tissue culture.

Abstract: This invention involves an improvement in immunoassay for carcinoembryonic antigen in biological fluids. The improvement comprises liberating carcinoembryonic antigen in the biological fluid by diluting the biological fluid with about 0.4-0.8 molar salt solution buffered at about pH 6-8 prior to conducting the immunoassay for carcinoembryonic antigen.

Abstract: Method for fluorescence spectroscopic determination of a biological substance provided with a marker consisting of a lanthanide chelate complex formed by a lanthanide coupled to the substance via a chelate forming compound, such as an EDTA-analogue, the lanthanide ion before the detection is dissociated from the active substance for instance by adding a buffer with a pH value below 3.5 and a splitting detergent, whereafter the excitation in the determination takes place in the solution in the presence of a .beta.-diketone by using a short radiation pulse and the fluorescence from the marker is detected when the fluorescence from the noise sources has substantially ceased.

Abstract: In a particle agglutination assay for an antigen (Ag), there is included in the mixture a limited amount of a substance which binds univalently with a proportion of the Ag present, that Ag which is so bound being unable then to cause agglutination of the particles. In this way, unusually large concentrations of Ag can be assayed in that a proportion of the Ag is bound to the univalent substance and the particle agglutination assay is in effect conducted on the smaller amount of Ag still remaining free in solution.

Abstract: A novel enzyme of bilirubin oxidase produced by a genus Myrothecium or genus Coprinus origin microorganism and a conventional enzyme of laccase are found, in the presence of a specific additive compound, e.g. a surface active agent, aromatic carboxylic acid, sulfa drug or protease, to oxidize both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin in biological fluid to biliverdin without formation of hydrogen peroxide, such that in the case of conventional enzymatic methods of the quantitative determination of glucose, cholesterol, neutral fats, free fatty acids, phospholipids or uric acid all existing together with bilirubin in biological fluid, the usual interference with such determination, as otherwise caused by bilirubin coexisting in such fluid, can be prevented by adding such a bilirubin oxidase or laccase together with such a specific additive compound to the determinative reaction system.

Abstract: Using monoclonal mouse anti-human IgE antibodies, the microtiter solid phase radioimmunoassay (MSPRIA) and the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (EILSA) were modified to quantitatively measure honeybee venom (HBV) and perennial rye grass (PRG) specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE). By using a novel dilution, serial transfer and cummulative counting technique, the inhibiting and interfering effects of specific immunoglobulin G (sIgG) in the assay of (sIgE) can be reduced and the quantitative determination of (sIgE) accomplished with precision and reliability.

Abstract: An agglutination immunoassay in which non-specific interferences are reduced by adding to the reaction mixture a halogen substituted carboxylic acid such as chloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, bromoacetic acid, dibromoacetic acid, tribromoacetic acid, iodoacetic acid and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent for the precipitation of apo-B-containing lipoproteins, wherein it comprises 0.2 to 3 grams per liter of phosphotungstic acid and more than 2 mmols per liter of magnesium ions in aqueous solution.The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of this reagent and a process for the precipitation of apo-B-containing lipoproteins using this reagent.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing non-specific interference in competitive protein binding assays employing as the labeled reagent a fluorescent conjugate of a hydrophobic ligand conjugated to a fluorescer, which in turn is bound to a water soluble polysaccharide carrier ("fluorescer conjugate reagent"). In order to reduce non-specific interference from physiologic samples, the fluorescent reagent is combined with a lipid substituted neutral support, under conditions which provides two binding fractions: a first weakly binding fraction which is relatively free of non-specific interference in a competitive protein binding assay employing physiological fluids; and a second fraction, which more strongly binds to the lipid substituted support.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for extraction, concentration, and bioassay measurement of the concentration of bioactive parathyroid peptides in biological or other fluids. Parathyroid peptides are extracted from the fluid by a support-antibody matrix specific to the N-terminal region. The bioassay is directed to the extracted parathyroid peptides. The volume of the medium containing the extracted parathyroid peptides and tissue, cells or tissue extracts with adenylate cyclase-coupled parathyroid hormone receptors may be chosen to be significantly less than the volume of biological or other fluid being assayed.

Abstract: A method for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune diseases comprises blocking calcium ions contained in a blood sample, effecting hydrolysis of a selected substrate in the presence of .alpha..sub.2 -macroglobulin (.alpha..sub.2 M) from the blood sample, and determining the extent of hydrolysis of the substrate. Preferably, .alpha..sub.2 M in plasma is incubated with a hydrolyzable chromogenic substrate and the liberated chromogen is determined spectrophotometrically. A diagnostic kit is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid phase immunoassay for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae antigens in a clinical specimen, wherein the Neisseria gonorrhoeae antigens to be determined are coated or adsorbed on the solid phase.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid phase immunoassay for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a clinical specimen, wherein the Chlamydia trachomatis antigens to be determined are coated or adsorbed on the solid phase.

Abstract: A method is provided for testing for particular antibodies in the serum of a patient. The antibodies may be those of systemic lupus erythematosus and may constitute IgG and IgM immunoglobulins. The IgG and IgM immunoglobulin may be individually labeled radioactively.An antigen (such as DNA) may be attached to a support such as sepharose. The attachment may be facilitated as by irradiation with ultraviolet light. The DNA may be single stranded or double stranded. When double-stranded DNA is used, single-stranded portions in the double strands may be removed as by a suitable enzyme.The particular antibodies may be attached to the antigen such as the supported DNA. An assay may then be provided to determine the attachment of the particular antibodies to the supported DNA.

Abstract: Improvement in fluorescent polarization immunoassays for substances in blood plasma or serum comprising conducting the assays in dilute anionic surfactant solutions which disrupt the fluorescent bilirubin serum albumin complex without disturbing the antibody reaction in the immunoassay. In this manner, background fluorescence in icteric samples is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method for direct serum assay of steroid hormones wherein the competition from binding protein, having an affinity for complexing with the steroid hormones, is significantly eliminated by adding to the serum an artificial compound which has a greater or equal affinity for the binding protein than do the steroid hormones, and which is not immuno-reactive with the steroid hormones. Because the compound is artificial, it is non-contaminating. Levonorgestrel and norethindrone as such compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sample for use in endotoxin test which comprises subjecting a sample of plasma or blood preparation to a contact with water-insoluble anti human .alpha..sub.2 -macroglobulin antibody and to a gel filtration by means of a gel of allyl dextran crosslinked with N,N'-methylenebis acrylamide or a gel of polyvinyl alcohol having many hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, and recovering the maximum molecular weight fraction.A kit for preparing a sample for use in the endotoxin test consisting of a set of a sample-developing column prepared by packing a water-insoluble anti-human .alpha..sub.2 -macroglobulin antibody and a gel of allyl dextran crosslinked with N,N'-methylenebis acrylamide or a gel of polyvinyl alcohol having many hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, both equilibrated with a buffer solution of pH 7.0-7.

Abstract: An immunoassay for a specific antibody, particularly Graves' disease-specific antibody, in which interfering reactions by the reactive ends of similar antibodies are eliminated by the step of occluding the interfering reactive ends with an antibody against the interfering reactive ends.

Abstract: A method for the separation of theophylline and caffeine contained in body fluids is provided. A macroreticular styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer resin activated by a protic solvent is utilized. The body fluid is eluted with water in an isocratic manner to afford a theophylline sample uncontaminated with caffeine. Such samples are useful in immunoassay procedures for the measurement of theophylline.

Abstract: A process for determining the presence of an antigen or antibody in a sample wherein said antigen or antibody exists in the form of an immune complex which comprises:A. contacting the immune complex originating from the sample suspected of containing immune complex with a dissociating buffer whereby said immune complex, if present, is dissociated into antigen and antibody;B. contacting a solid support which binds proteins with said dissociating buffer suspected of containing antigen or antibody and removing said buffer;C. washing said solid support;D. adding protein to fill unoccupied sites on said solid support;E. adding radioactively labeled or enzyme labeled antibody or antigen to said solid support, said labeled antibody or antigen corresponding to antigen or antibody on said solid support, incubating the resultant mass and washing the same;F. measuring the radioactivity or enzymatic activity associated with the solid support.

Abstract: In the immunoassay of a particular protein in a biological fluid, there is frequently interference in the assay by other proteins present in the fluid, e.g. by complement factors or antibodies in human serum. The interference so caused can be avoided by subjecting the fluid to protein-digestion, using for example an enzyme such as pepsin, as a result of which the particular protein of interest, or a fragment thereof, can be assayed without interference by the other proteins. Also, radioallergosorbent tests for particular IgE antibodies can be improved in sensitivity and accuracy, by subjecting the absorbed IgE to enzymic digestion, and then assaying a fragment thereof.

Abstract: Vitamin B.sub.12 (cobalamin) and/or folate (folic acid) assay techniques can be simplified, by eliminating the step of heating or boiling the to-be-tested sample prior to its assay. This is accomplished by utilizing compositions and procedures:(1) which substantially completely liberate all vitamin B.sub.12 and/or folate from endogenous binding protein without heating or boiling;(2) which substantially completely destroy all endogenous binding protein which is present in the to-be-assayed sample, and which may bind natural and radioactive vitamin B.sub.12 or folate both due to its liberation from vitamin B.sub.12 or folate in the original sample or due to its unbound presence in the original sample;(3) which substantially completely inhibit or block any undestroyed endogenous binding protein; and(4) which substantially completely inhibit or destroy any intrinsic factor-blocking antibodies which may be present in the to-be-assayed sample.

Abstract: A solid support "dipstick" immunoassay impregnated with sodium metaperiodate (NaIO.sub.4) is described wherein ascorbate interference with an assay having a peroxidase signal producing system is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A consistent, stable serum having good optical qualities and improved filterability suitable for control and calibration uses is disclosed as well as its method of preparation.

Abstract: Radioimunoassay methods for determining the concentration of fibrinopeptide A in plasma, anticoagulation reagents for use in such methods and package test kits containing the reagents for use in such methods are provided.

Abstract: A method for determining an immunoglobulin of the IgX class in a sample where X is either M, A, D or E. Anti-IgG is added to IgG to prevent binding of rheumatoid factor before the sample containing IgX is added to insolubilized IgG.

Abstract: A particle counting assay for haptens (small non-protein monovalent substances having a molecular weight below 1500) comprises mixing a liquid sample (e.g. of human origin) containing the hapten, with finely divided inert particles bearing the same hapten (or a specific analogue thereof), an agglutinator such as RF or C1q, and a measured amount of antibody, which amount is insufficient to cause agglutination of all the particles. The amount of hapten is determinable by measuring the extent of the agglutination.

Abstract: A method of assaying for vitamin B12 achieves denaturation of serum binding proteins which normally bind the vitamin B12 by treatment with alkali at ambient temperature. The assay is characterized by the use, in the alkali denaturation step, of a dithiopolyol and cyanide, and by the use, during the intrinsic factor assay step, of a vitamin B12 analogue such as cobinamide to bind with any remaining serum proteins. The invention also includes a kit, in which the dithiopolyol is provided in admixture with the alkali.

Abstract: Competitive protein binding radioassay for sera (or cell) vitamin B.sub.12 and/or serum folate (target components, or analytes) or other target components in liquid ambient utilizing a highly alkaline (pH 12-14) environment and reducing agent for denaturing separating the target component(s) from serum without boiling, consistent with other requirements of such assays, then reducing pH to an 8-10 range for effecting the competitive protein binding after which protein bound and unbound groups of radioactively tagged replicates of the target component(s) can be separated and detected to determine content of the target component(s) in the original serum (or cell), i.e. original endogenous analyte(s).

Abstract: (1) A method for preparing a sample for use in the endotoxin test which comprises subjecting a sample of plasma or blood preparation to a contact with water-insoluble anti-human .alpha..sub.2 -macroglobulin antibody and to a gel filtration by means of a gel of allyl dextran crosslinked with N,N'-methylenebis acrylamide or a gel of polyvinyl alcohol having many hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, and recovering the maximum molecular weight fraction.(2) A kit for preparing a sample for use in the endotoxin test consisting of a set of a sample-developing column prepared by packing a water-insoluble anti-human .alpha..sub.2 -macroglobulin antibody and a gel of allyl dextran crosslinked with N,N'-methylenebis acrylamide or a gel of polyvinyl alcohol having many hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, both equilibrated with a buffer solution of pH 7.0-7.

Abstract: A method for detecting weakly expressed cell membrane antigens or antibodies thereto which involves contacting cells to be tested with a lipoprotein substance substantially free of heteroagglutins and isoagglutins, containing cholesterol and phospholipid. The lipoprotein substance is obtained from animal plasma.

Abstract: A reagent for the enumeration of oral gram-negative bacteria, such as Bacteriodes melaninogenicus, Capnocytophaga sp. and Eikenelia corrodens, by an indirect fluorescent antibody method is provided which utilizes an unlabelled antiserum to oral gram-negative bacteria and a fluorescent conjugated antibody obtained by immunizing an animal of a different species than the antiserum with .gamma.-globulin of an animal of the same species as the antiserum. A sample containing oral gram-negative bacteria to be enumerated is treated with the antiserum and the reaction product obtained is then treated with the fluorescent conjugated antibody to enumerate the bacteria in the sample by observing under a fluorescent microscope.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of renin activity in blood utilizing the measurement of Angiotensin I by treating the blood with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and the plasma with phenylmethyl sulfonylfluoride (PMSF) at a preferred pH to ascertain the full range of concentration where PMSF is effective for accurate and quick determination.Also, a method for the quantitative determination of renin activity in blood utilizing the measurement of Angiotensin I by incubating the samples after antibody addition at room temperature (23.degree. to 30.degree. C.) for 1 to 2 hours and separating the free from the antibody bound species with polyethylene glycol after having treated the blood with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and the plasma with phenylmethyl sulfonylfluoride (PMSF) at a preferred pH.

Abstract: This invention relates to a highly accurate, rapid and simple estimation of thyroxine (T.sub.4) directly from blood serum and also relates to the accurate measurement of triiodo-L-thyronine (T.sub.3) directly from blood serum. More specifically, the invention relates to a rapid, specific and reliable radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique for measurement of both T.sub.4 and T.sub.3 in unextracted serum. The method requires very small amounts of serum, e.g., 25 microliters (.mu.l) to measure T.sub.4 concentration in nearly all specimens representing clinical states of eu-, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, and 250 .mu.l to measure T.sub.3 concentrations in specimens representing most clinical states.