Abstract: The present invention relates to the preservation of a liquid biological sample. The biological sample is exposed to a preservative containing at least about 0.15 g of sodium benzoate and at least about 0.025 g of citric acid per 100 ml of sample. The biological sample may be collected in a vessel or an absorbent mass. The biological sample may also be exposed to a substrate and/or a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively measuring white blood cell count involves capture of white blood cells from a fluid sample by a retainer, removal of the red blood cells and other interfering substances by a wash solution, and reading the result of a color reaction in which an ester which is present on the white blood cells cleaves a chromogenic substrate which produces a water insoluble dye. The apparatus for use in the present method includes a retainer for white blood cells that has a dye substrate immobilized therein and an absorption layer that wicks and takes up all excess washing solution flowing past the sample.

Abstract: A low formaldehyde containing aqueous blood diluent contains an effective amount of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid derivative, or combinations thereof; an effective amount of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; and an effective amount of 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane. Advantageously, less than about 1 parts per million of formaldehyde is produced in this multipurpose diluent. A method of analyzing a blood sample containing blood cells is conducted by forming a diluted blood sample by mixing a blood sample containing blood cells with this diluent and analyzing the diluted blood sample to determine a physical parameter of the blood cells.

Abstract: The oxygen detecting composition of the present invention includes a layered silicate, a cationic surfactant, an organic colorant, a reducing agent, and optionally a basic substance. The oxygen detecting composition is suitable for indicating the presence or absence of oxygen or the degree of oxygen concentration by its reversible color change because of its high light resistance, high heat resistance, transparency and translucency.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 &mgr;m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed that are effective to produce reliable vapor measurements in the presence of drift. In certain instances the sensor module is mounted externally on a housing. In other instances, the sensor module contains a first sensor element incorporating a first array of sensors and a second sensor element incorporating a second array of sensors wherein both sensor elements are mounted externally on the housing. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to mapping an x-y surface for detection of an analyte, the method includes moving in tandem at least two sensor arrays separated by a distance “d” across an x-y surface to produce a plurality of responses and analyzing the responses to map the x-y surface for detection of an analyte. Moreover, the present invention provides a sensor module, such as in a handheld device, comprising at least two pneumatic vapor paths and at least two sensor arrays.

Abstract: Automated staining equipment that can mix reagents is used to spray a Romanowsky stain onto slide mounted specimens which are then briefly centrifuged. The centrifugation step removes excess stain leaving only a thin film. Depending on the time of the centrifugation step, most of the organic solvent and part of the water in the stain are evaporated by airflow through the equipment. This greatly accelerates the staining reaction and preserves water soluble structures such as the granules in basophilic leukocytes. For optimal performance, this staining procedure requires a thiazin-eosin stain with about 90% to about 40% organic solvent, such as methanol, and only about 10% to about 60% water. This is a unique staining reagent in Romanowsky staining.

Abstract: The invention is a method, reagent and test cartridge for the determination of the clotting time of a blood sample by means of a reagent containing tissue factor and a sulfatide. In an alternative embodiment, the reagent may contain tissue factor and at least one of the group consisting of a phosphatide and a sulfatide. This invention is preferably used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy in patients that have been administered low to moderate heparin doses to achieve blood heparin levels from 0 to about 3 U/mL, and may also be used for determining clotting time at higher heparin levels of up to about 6 U/mL.

Abstract: A diagnostic kit for measuring a characteristic of a fluid sample includes a test strip (e.g., a disposable blood glucose test strip) and device (e.g., a hand-held meter) for measuring a property (e.g., an optical or electrochemical property) of the test strip. The device also calculates, based on the measured property of the test strip, a characteristic (e.g., blood glucose concentration or INR) of a fluid sample applied to the test strip. Stored in a memory of the device are test strip calibration codes that represent geometric regions (e.g., polygonal or hexagonal geometric regions) of a multi-dimensional calibration parameter space. The test strip calibration codes and geometric regions are distributed across the multi-dimensional calibration parameter space such that a quantization error of assigning one of test strip calibration codes to the test strip is optimally reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for the preservation of a virus, the composition including a virus, a lipid and a cryoprotectant.

Abstract: A stabilization reagent composition, particularly desirable for stabilizing blood samples containing platelets, comprises reactants that generate multiple species of formaldehyde-ammonium complexes; at least one inhibitor of phosphatase enzymatic activity; and at least one inhibitor of protease enzymatic activity. Blood samples and other tissues are stabilized by this composition. Such stabilized samples are produced by methods for stabilizing the tissue by contacting the sample with the composition. Methods for assessing the efficacy of such stabilizing reagents are also included in this invention.

Abstract: High purity silicon usable for production of solar cells is easily produced with high production efficiency. In a rotary chamber (50) made of quartz, which is evacuated and filled with an hydrogen-argon atmosphere containing SiF4, a plasma area (60) is generated by supplying electric power from a coil (51) to decompose SiF4 and produce silicon as being fine powder particles. Fine particles of seed silicon (Si) in the rotating reaction chamber are picked up and transported upward by weirs (52), and then they can fall by gravity into the plasma area where silicon elements produced by decomposition of SiF4 are deposited onto surfaces of the silicon fine particles.

Abstract: A process, a test kit, calibration standards, and the method of preparing such standards as useful for the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of total solid phase- or microparticle-immobilized, amine-containing reactants such as proteins is provided. The operating principle of the invention is distinct from a classical immunoassay based on antibody-antigen immune interaction or from standard calorimetric proteins assays of soluble proteins and allows the detection of as low as attogram (10−18 gm) levels of total analyte per microparticle.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for use in the analysis and quantitation of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin in patient or other samples. The compositions have the general formula: wherein: R1 and R2 are independently selected from alkyl and aryl, R3 and R4 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, tauryl, aryl, and glucoronyl, and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 are each independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl, and are resistant to oxidation, as occurs in bilirubin upon exposure to light and air. These properties make them ideal for use in calibration and control solutions for use in medical and research bilirubin analysis, or other applications where stable reagents for bilirubin analysis is desirable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a biological attribute, such as the concentration of an analyte, particularly a blood analyte in tissue such as glucose. The method utilizes spectrographic techniques in conjunction with an improved instrument-tailored or subject-tailored calibration model. In a calibration phase, calibration model data is modified to reduce or eliminate instrument-specific attributes, resulting in a calibration data set modeling intra-instrument or intra-subject variation. In a prediction phase, the prediction process is tailored for each target instrument separately using a minimal number of spectral measurements from each instrument or subject.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an assay for determining Bax degradation activity in a patient sample. The assay includes a labeled Bax protein which is incubated with a protein extract from the sample and a detector for detecting a signal from the labeled Bax protein, whereby decreased signals compared to a control indicates Bax degradation activity. Also provided by the present invention is a method for assaying a tissue for Bax degradation activity for determining aggressiveness of a tumor, for screening compounds for inhibitors of Bax degradation activity and for determining efficacy of proteasome inhibitors to prevent Bax degradation including the steps of incubating the sample with a labeled Bax protein and detecting the presence of a label generated signal whereby decrease signal compared to a control indicates Bax degradation activity. A method for screening potential proteasome inhibitors and anticancer drugs for efficacy in preventing Bax degradation activity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring calibration of a spectrophotometric apparatus including one or more calibration algorithms for one or more analytes. This method includes measuring absorbance of a quality control material with the apparatus to obtain a measurement, where the quality control material exhibits an absorbance spectra having a negative slope for a continuous spectral segment from about 5 nm to about 200 nm in length, and where the spectral segment includes a principal calibration wavelength for the one or more analytes. The method then involves calculating one or more concentration values from the measurement using the one or more calibration algorithms, followed by comparing the one or more concentration values with an assigned value given to the quality control material for each of the one or more analytes, and determining if there is a violation of a pre-established quality control rule. In this way one or more calibration algorithms of the apparatus may be monitored.

Abstract: Method for developing a quantitative structure activity relationship that includes obtaining a training set of chemical compounds with molecular descriptors consisting of a number of multidimensional vectors with an activity class for each of the vectors; partitioning the multidimensional vectors into groups having interdependence; transforming the descriptors such that the interdependence of the groups is lessened; estimating a probability distribution of the descriptors by assuming that a probability distribution of a product of each of the groups is approximately equal to the probability distribution of the molecular descriptors; performing the partitioning, transforming and estimating steps for each of the activity classes; and, developing a probability distribution for the activity classes.

Abstract: A method for the production of a holographic sensor wherein the holographic recording material forming the sensitive element is a polymer matrix, which comprises diffusing into the matrix one or more soluble salts that undergo reaction in situ to form an insoluble sensitive precipitate; and recording a holographic image. This method allows the production of a holographic sensor wherein the holographic recording material forming the sensitive element is an insoluble polymer film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved immunoassay device for confirming the validity of a test result showing either the presence or absence of an analyte in a patient sample. In the improved device, control reagents are provided in the device which directly mimic the reaction of the sample analyte with the test reagents of the device. The device thus allows the user to verify the efficacy of the test reagents at all stages of interaction with the sample analyte.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a sensor for determination of the concentration of a sterilant, e. g., hydrogen peroxide vapor, in a sterilization system.

Abstract: In connection with a fluidic medical diagnostic device that permits measurement of the coagulation time of blood, software, methods and associated devices for quality control are disclosed. The fluidic device preferably includes a test strip with one end having a sample port for introducing a sample and a bladder at the other end for drawing the sample to a measurement area. A channel carries sample from the sample port to an assay measurement area and first and second control measurement areas. Preferably, a stop junction, between the measurement areas and bladder, halts the sample flow for measurement. If results from measurements taken for each control fall within a predetermined zone or defined limits, the assay measurement is qualified. If not, an error is registered and the test strip is counted as unfit.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents for use in an automated environment for cell conditioning of biological samples wherein the cells or tissues are predisposed for access by reagent molecules for histochemical and cytochemical staining procedures. The reagents comprise components optimized to facilitate molecular access to cells and cell constituents within the biological sample. The present invention also provides reagents for use in an automated environment for removing or etching embedding media by exposing a biological sample to be stained in histochemical or cytochemical procedures without the dependence on organic solvents. The reagents comprise components optimized to facilitate removal or etching of the embedding media from the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the diagnosis of tauopathies in an individual and/or for the differential diagnosis of a tauopathy versus a non-tauopathy based on the detection of the ratio of phospho-tau (181)/total tau in said individual. The present invention further provides a phospho-peptide for standardization in a method of the invention.

Abstract: An Agent for the removal of turbidity and biological samples including 0.5-10 mM Phenol, 0.5-15% polyoxyethylated triglyceride and at least one non-ionic tenside in a range of 0.5-15% capable of dissolving the polyoxyethylated triglyceride.

Abstract: In connection with a fluidic medical diagnostic device that permits measurement of the coagulation time of blood, software, methods and associated devices for quality control are disclosed. The fluidic device preferably includes a test strip with one end having a sample port for introducing a sample and a bladder at the other end for drawing the sample to a measurement area. A channel carries sample from the sample port to an assay measurement area and first and second control measurement areas. Preferably a stop junction, between the measurement areas and bladder, halts the sample flow for measurement. If results from measurements taken for each control fall within a predetermined zone or defined limits, the assay measurement is qualified. If not, an error is registered and the test strip is counted as unfit.

Abstract: A method for differentiating and enumerating nucleated red blood cells in a blood sample is described. The method includes the steps of lysing red blood cells of a blood sample with a lytic reagent, measuring nucleated blood cells by DC impedance measurement in a non-focused flow aperture, differentiating nucleated red blood cells from other cell types, and reporting nucleated red blood cells in the blood sample. The method further includes subtracting nucleated red blood cells and other interference materials from the count of remaining blood cells, and reporting a corrected white blood cell count of the blood sample. Additionally, the method further includes measuring spectrophotometric absorbance of the sample mixture at a predetermined wavelength of a hemoglobin chromogen formed upon lysing the blood sample, and reporting hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample.

Abstract: A method for differentiating and enumerating nucleated red blood cells in a blood sample is described. The method includes the steps of lysing red blood cells of a blood sample with a lytic reagent, measuring nucleated blood cells by DC impedance measurement in a non-focused flow aperture, differentiating nucleated red blood cells from other cell types, and reporting nucleated red blood cells in the blood sample. The method further includes subtracting nucleated red blood cells and other interference materials from the count of remaining blood cells, and reporting a corrected white blood cell count of the blood sample. Additionally, the method further includes measuring spectrophotometric absorbance of the sample mixture at a predetermined wavelength of a hemoglobin chromogen formed upon lysing the blood sample, and reporting hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample.

Abstract: Apparatus for calibrating a micro-array receiver comprising; a micro-array receiver including a substrate having coated a biologically active region with a composition including a first set of micro-spheres modified with a biological probe and containing an optical bar code generated from at least one colorant associated with the micro-spheres; and a calibration region associated with the substrate, the region being outside the biologically active region and having an area containing the optical bar code color.

Abstract: A method of making a molecularly imprinted porous structure makes use of a surfactant analog of the molecule to be imprinted that has the imprint molecule portion serving as the surfactant headgroup. The surfactant analog is allowed to self-assemble in a mixture to create at least one supramolecular structure having exposed imprint groups. The imprinted porous structure is formed by adding reactive monomers to the mixture and allowing the monomers to polymerize, with the supramolecular structure serving as a template. The resulting solid structure has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the supramolecular structure and has cavities that are the mirror image of the imprint group. Similarly, molecularly imprinted particles may be made by using the surfactant to create a water-in-oil microemulsion wherein the imprint groups are exposed to the water phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge for packaging an analyte-containing fluid calibrant. The cartridge is formed from a container having an opening sealed by a sealing member. A septum divides the container into a calibrant compartment and an outer compartment. A probe is provided comprising an analyte-detecting portion and a connecting portion that allows for operative connection to a device for quantitating or determining the concentration of the analyte. The probe may extend sealingly through the septum such that the analyte-detecting portion is located in the calibrant compartment and the connecting portion is located in the outer compartment. The construction of the cartridge provides ease and reduces the likelihood of error in calibrating the probe. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the cartridge and a method for calibrating a device for analyte concentration determination and quantitation using the inventive cartridge.

Abstract: An improved control for a hematology analyzer. In one embodiment, blood cells are treated for permitting the cells to simulate nucleated red blood cells for detection or analysis by the hematology analyzer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of microorganisms in fluids or on surfaces. Preferably the fluids contain blood or blood products and comprise biologically active proteins. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, non-toxic amount of an endogenous photosensitizer to a fluid and exposing the fluid to photoradiation sufficient to activate the endogenous photosensitizer whereby microorganisms are inactivated. Other fluids, including juices, water and the like, may also be decontaminated by these methods as may surfaces of foods, animal carcasses, wounds, food preparation surfaces and bathing and washing vessel surfaces. Alloxazines and K- and L-vitamins are among the preferred photosensitizers. Systems and apparatuses for flow-through and batch processes are also provided for decontamination of such fluids using photosensitizers.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel fluorescent particle including a core or carrier particle having on its surface a plurality of smaller polymeric particles or nanoparticles, which are stained with different fluorescent dyes. When excited by a light source they are capable of giving off multiple fluorescent emissions simultaneously, which is useful for multiplexed analysis of a plurality of analytes in a sample. The coupled complex particles carrying on their surface fluorescent nanoparticles, methods of preparing such polymer particles, and various applications and methods of using such particles are claimed.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems and methods for containing and using liquid solutions. The devices include liquid containment structures and packages of such liquid containment structures for containing single doses of a liquid solution for subsequent use. The systems include at least one subject containment structure or package of containment structures and the liquid solution for which they are intended to contain. The liquid solutions may comprise any type of agent, reagent or control solution. The subject methods involve the use of the liquid containment structures and packages thereof as well as methods of providing a control solution for use to evaluate a system's performance.

Abstract: Multilayer reagent test strips that include at least one hydrophobic fluid flow delay layer, as well as methods for using the same, are provided. The hydrophobic fluid flow delay layer of the subject test strips is one that has been treated with an non-polar organic solvent to provide for a layer which delays fluid flow through a multilayer reagent test strip in a reproducible manner. Also provided are kits and systems that include the subject test strips and find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject compositions and methods find use in a variety of different analyte detection applications.

Abstract: A solution for preservation and/or storage of a cell or tissue is described. This simple nonaqueous composition can have 10% polyethylene glycol and 90% methanol. It can be used at room temperature. Special chemicals, equipment, and techniques are not needed. Tissue preserved with and/or stored in the solution can be processed for cytology or histology, including chemical staining and/or antibody binding, by a variety of methods; antigen, DNA, and RNA can be extracted from processed tissue in high yield and with minimal or no degradation. Advantages of the solution include: economy and safety, easy access to archival material, and compatibility with both cellular and genetic analyses. The use and manufacture of the solution are also described.

Abstract: A reagent and kit are disclosed for determining if a patient is hypercoagulable, hypocoagulable or normal. The test involves providing a test sample from the patient and initiating coagulation in the sample in the presence of an activator, which is added to the sample in an amount which will result in intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin. Then the formation of the intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin polymerization is monitored over time so as to derive a time-dependent profile, with the results of the fibrin polymerization monitoring determining whether the patient is hypercoagulable, normal or hypocoagulable. The coagulation activator is added in an amount that triggers a thrombin explosion that is dependent on the propagation phase and amplification pathways. In this way, a single assay can assess the hemostatic potential of a sample.

Abstract: Devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject devices include a calibration means, at least one light source, a photometric detector array having at least one calibration detector and at least one other detector. The at least one calibration detector is capable of detecting a calibration mark from an analyte concentration measurement device container for calibrating the analyte concentration determination device. The at least one other detector is used for detecting reflected light from an analyte concentration measurement device associated with the analyte concentration determination device. The means for calibrating a component, aspect or feature of the analyte concentration determination device is based on the calibration mark. The subject invention also includes methods for calibrating a component, aspect or feature of a subject device based on the detected calibration mark. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A reagent for detecting exogenous oxidants in urine comprises tetramethylbenzidine, an acidic buffer, a catalyst, a medium for carrying out chemical reactions, and a resinous material. The reagent may be utilized in liquid form or may be applied to a test strip.

Abstract: An article and method for high throughput and a high content investigation of compound interactions with live tissue or its substitutes under controlled conditions during compound absorption and related processes. In some variations of the illustrative embodiment, the article is a multi-chamber enclosure having at least two chambers separated by a membrane. Membranes can be prepared from live epithelial tissue or from an artificial material with or without attached cells from cell-line cultures. Each chamber is advantageously connected to a fluidic-control system by tubes that pass through a feed fitting. In addition to coupling the chambers with the fluidic-control system, the feed fitting, which is spring-biased, provides a sealing force to seal the enclosure. In some variations, one or more multi-chamber enclosures are installed in a mother chamber, which provides controlled environmental conditions.

Abstract: A test device for use as a fluorescent standard in microfluidic analytical detection systems includes one or more slits that correspond to, and are of similar dimension to, one or more microchannels in a detection region on a corresponding analysis chip. A fluorescent material is attached to the test device on the side opposite the illumination source such that excitation radiation passes through the slit(s), which defines the focal plane of the illumination optics, and impinges on the fluorescent material thereby causing the fluorescent material to fluoresce. By displacing the fluorescent material relative to the focal plane, the intensity of the radiation exciting the fluorescent material is dispersed relative to the intensity of the radiation at the focal plane, and concomitantly the strength of the resulting fluorescent signal is reduced.

Abstract: Methods for detecting biopolymers in a matrix are disclosed, which involve contacting the matrix with a sensitizing reagent, which may include one or more optionally substituted heteroaromatic compounds; contacting the matrix with one or more reduceable metal salts to stain the biopolymer; and detecting the stained biopolymer. Also disclosed are compositions for carrying out the invention and compositions made according to the invention. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Tissue-mimicking material suitable for phantoms for use with at least ultrasound and MRI have sections of material in contact with each other which mimic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging properties of human tissues, and preferably also computed tomography properties, so that the phantom can be used for the testing of imaging by various types of medical imagers. A suitable tissue-mimicking material for use in phantoms of this type includes an aqueous mixture of large organic water soluble molecules, a copper salt, a chelating agent for binding the copper ions in the salt, and a gel-forming material. Small glass beads may be intermixed therewith to provide a selected ultrasound attenuation coefficient without substantially affecting the MRI properties of the material. Larger glass beads may be used in a section to control primarily the ultrasound backscatter coefficient without significant effect on the ultrasound attenuation coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for diagnosing and/or quantifying antibodies present in a biological fluid from a patient and which are specific for a reaction associated with an infection with a microorganism, specific for an autoimmune reaction or specific for an allergy. This device includes as a standard a biological sample selected from a pool of blood plasmas from more than 200 healthy patients.

Abstract: The invention concerns calibrators or calibration solutions which are based on a human serum matrix and which are used in a method for detecting cytokeratin, a process for producing them, a method for stabilizing cytokeratin and an immunological method for detecting cytokeratin in a sample.

Abstract: Multi-analyte reference solutions having a stable partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in zero headspace packaging and methods for preparing such solutions are disclosed. The solutions have long shelf and use lives when stored at room temperature and are packaged in laminated foil containers having low or no oxygen reactivity. Access devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel reagent system for use with automated and semi-automated hematology analyzers including an essentially isotonic blood diluting reagent, a blood cell lysing and hemoglobin conversion reagent, and a second lysing reagent for differentiating white blood cells into classes by size and functional characteristics. The diluent reagent enhances properties for counting and sizing blood specimens, while stabilizing cellular volume and cellular integrity for many hours. The blood cell lysing reagent removes red blood cells and enables subsequent enumeration of white blood cells and simultaneous determination of hemoglobin without use of the toxic cyanide anion. The third lysing reagent and a companion quenching differentiates blood cells into classes by size and functional characteristics, based on d.c. impedance volume, conductivity/opacity and light scatter measurements. The companion quenching reagent adjusts pH and conductivity of the final measurement solution to match the analyzer system requirements.

Abstract: A method for testing gas detection instruments includes providing at least two reagents, immobilizing at least one of the reagents into a matrix material, heating the matrix material until the matrix permits movement of the reagent and generating a gas responsive to chemical reaction between the reagents. The gas is introduced into the sensor portion of the gas detection instrument to test the same. The reagents may each be immobilized on the matrix material with the heating serving to soften or melt the matrix material to permit chemical interaction. In a preferred embodiment, the heating is effected at about 90 to 150° C. The method may be employed to generate carbon monoxide or other gases of interest. Corresponding apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be structured to be inserted into or receive the gas detection instrument or have its output in communication therewith.

Abstract: An air-barrier agent for an aqueous reagent or an aqueous specimen having as an effective component a mixture of a chain hydrocarbon and a silicone oil immiscible with the aqueous reagent as well methods of using and making the same.