Abstract: A control and system for blood testing, including a control having stabilized blood cells that have been introduced into a suspension including an aggregating agent and preferably a surfactant. The control and system is used advantageously for indirect acute protein plasma measurement, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate testing.

Abstract: The invention provides a new single channel, single dilution method and system for identifying, analyzing and quantifying the cellular components of whole blood using a single channel, rather than multiple channels, of an automated hematology analyzer utilizing flow cytometry and the detection of the light scattered and absorbed by each cell. The single channel utilized in the method was previously known and used only for red blood cell and reticulocyte analysis. The method involves the use of an organic dye in the reagent solution for staining the nucleic acid of reticulocytes, including reticulated platelets, and white blood cells in the sample. The single channel method developed and described is particularly useful for determining white blood cell counts and assessing parameters of a whole blood sample, for blood samples from both human and non-human mammals.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a test specimen are described. The methods use an immunoreagent, where one of the analyte and the immunoreagent is an antigen, and the other of the analyte and the immunoreagent is an antibody which specifically binds to the antigen. An important feature distinguishing these immunoassays over conventional immunoassays is that the standard sample containing a known concentration of analyte is measured in the same reaction vessel as the test specimen containing an unknown amount of analyte.

Abstract: The control of the present invention involves a gentle chemical removal of red cells, leaving an intact white cell preparation. The preservation steps, namely the use of cross-linking agents as aldehydes, involve a step-wise process starting with very low concentrations of a cross-linking agent. The fixation part of the process outlined in this disclosure has also been applied to non-mammalian blood cells and therefor would appear to be a universal procedure for preparing all types of vertebrate blood cells.

Abstract: An artificial test soil comprises particulate, hair, and fiber components, wherein said particulate component consists of mineral, food, and plant materials, so chosen and proportioned as to correlate to a typical soil found in the home. The test soil may be used to test cleaning products by application of a known amount thereof to a surface, cleaning of said surface, and determination of the amount of said soil removed from said surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of quantitative microspectroscopy, and in particular to a method for calibrating a sample analyzer to obtain a more precise HCT value.

Abstract: A control serum for a dry process is provided that dose not show misfit in measurement values by the dry process and a wet process. The above-mentioned control serum is obtained by freezing or freeze-drying a control serum without dialysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selecting analgesic agents based on their selective ability to block tetrodotoxin-insensitive sodium channels, particularly in comparison to blocking tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channels. Also disclosed is a novel class of compounds that is selective for blocking tetrodotoxin-insensitive sodium channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production of a stable troponin preparation and its use as a calibrator and/or control in immunoassays. The formulation is prepared from mammalian, preferably bovine, heart tissue which provides a calibrator/control composition which remains stable over a long period of time.

Abstract: Blood clot analysis instrumentation used to evaluate platelet function and clot structure by monitoring force development during clot retraction or upon application of a known amount of force can have a calibration check automatically performed by using a top member with a known amount of mass which is detachable from the instrumentation, and preferably is a disposable component. The calibration check is performed by monitoring force or displacement on a holding member with and without the top member attached. If the difference measured is within a preferred tolerance range, then the instrumentation can be deemed to be within the specifications deemed best suited for the instrument. The top member may also be modified to allow for mixing reagents with the clot, thereby avoiding the need to pre-mix blood with reagents before measurement.

Abstract: For a simple and reliable check of the fitness for purpose of analysis elements, it is proposed to check the deviation of the quotient of a control value and a first standard reference value as compared to a first reference quotient, formed by a control reference value and the first standard reference value, and to reject a checked analysis element, if the deviation is not within a given tolerance range.

Abstract: A sample pre-separation and concentration system for detecting low levels of analytes in highly complex mixtures includes a plurality of trapping columns having a high selectivity for classes of compounds of interest, upstream of a standard separation column. The system may be used, for example, to measure urinary 8 hydroxy 2′ deoxyguanoisine.

Abstract: The invention provides a class of samples that model the human body. This family of samples is based upon emulsions of oil in water with lecithin acting as the emulsifier. These solutions that have varying particle sizes may be spiked with basis set components (albumin, urea and glucose) to simulate skin tissues further. The family of samples is such that other organic compounds such as collagen, elastin, globulin and bilirubin may be added, as can salts such as Na+, K+ and Cl−. Layers of varying thickness with known index of refraction and particle size distributions may be generated using simple crosslinking reagents, such as collagen (gelatin). The resulting samples are flexible in each analyte's concentration and match the skin layers of the body in terms of the samples reduced scattering and absorption coefficients, &mgr;ms and &mgr;ma. This family of samples is provided for use in the medical field where lasers and spectroscopy based analyzers are used in treatment of the body.

Abstract: An anticoagulant for blood cell counting containing at least two kinds of the following antiplatelet agents: theophyllines, adenosines and dipyridamoles. The anticoagulant also contains citric acid, an alkali metal salt thereof or a mixture of citric acid and an alkali metal salt thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically selecting test types for an analytical meter system based on the insertion into the meter of a test element. The test element can be an analytical element, formed by a test strip with a fluid such as blood applied thereto; a control element, formed by a test strip with control fluid applied thereto; or a standard element, or a standard strip exhibiting known optical properties. By inserting the test element into the analytical meter system, optical properties are measured and the existence of relationships between the measurements are ascertained. Based on the existence or nonexistence of certain relationships, the proper test can be automatically selected by the meter without the need for user interaction. Advantageously, the results of the test can be classified and stored according to test type.

Abstract: An aqueous tissue clearing solution for use in making biological tissues transparent is provided. The aqueous tissue clearing solution is selected from the group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, diatrizoate acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, glucamine, &bgr;-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, sodium diatrizoate, and derivatives of polyoxyalkalene. The aqueous tissue clearing solution is used to make tissue transparent for viewing through microscopy.

Abstract: A method of analyzing nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) in a blood sample and further enumerating NRBCs is disclosed. The method includes lysing a first aliquot and a second aliquot of a blood sample separately with a first lysing reagent system and a second lysing reagent system; measuring the first sample mixture in a flow cell by DC, RF, and light scatter measurements; measuring cell distributions and counting remaining blood cells in the second sample mixture by DC impedance measurements in a non-focused flow aperture; analyzing blood cell distribution patterns obtained from measuring the first sample mixture and from measuring the second sample mixture respectively; and further performing a combined analysis to differentiate NRBCs from other cell types and determine numbers of NRBCs in the blood sample.

Abstract: A microarray scanning system for conducting microarray experiments on a planar substrate includes an excitation radiation source, a detection system, and a computational device, the planar substrate supporting a plurality of dilution marks containing a fluorophore and located on the substrate surface at predetermined distances from a fiduciual reference mark and/or a microarray.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting biopolymers in a matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for interfacing computer technology with biological and chemical processing and synthesis equipment. In preferred embodiments, the present invention features methods for the computer to interface with equipment useful for biological and chemical processing and synthesis in a remote manner.

Abstract: A control device serving as a source of control reagent for a solid-phase analytical test device is disclosed. The analytical test device analyzes a biological sample for the presence of an analyte such as an enzyme or other chemical species or a particular pH range, and registers the presence or absence of the analyte as a detectable change in an indicator. The control device contains a control reagent that produces the same indicator change and that can be transferred to the analytical test device by a sample implement such as a wet swab. The control reagent is present on the control device as a dry lamina or combination of laminae. A positive control reagent on a control device in accordance with this invention mimics the action of the analyte once it is transferred to the analytical test device, while a negative control reagent on the control device mimics the action of a sample that lacks the analyte.

Abstract: A disposable receptacle unit for solutions is described, in particular for solutions used in calibrating sensors for measurement of physiologically relevant parameters. The receptacle is a disposable blister pack for a single use that includes several chambers to hold solutions. Each chamber is connected to a sample channel by an outlet channel sealed by a sealing element. The sensors for measurement of physiological parameters are preferably part of the receptacle unit. To calibrate the sensors, the calibration solutions in the chambers are metered into the sample channel after opening the corresponding sealing elements. After the treatment, the receptacle unit is discarded together with the sensors.

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to inhibit telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity and means are shown for slowing the loss of telomeric repeats in aging cells.

Abstract: A method for the quality control of nucleated red blood cells on a hematology analyzer using a mixture of human and animal blood, particularly chicken blood and fixed human blood with nucleated red blood cells. The control material illustrated good stability over a fifty day period when stored at 4 degrees Celsius. The cell morphology showed good cell shape and the equipment had a stable nucleated red blood cell number and nucleated red blood cell per 100 white blood cells number. The method is used for quality control as for calibration for nucleated red blood cell counting or staging, on a hematology analyzer.

Abstract: A control composition, and method of preparing a control composition, that includes stabilized, maturation-arrested reticulocytes, and a complete blood count base including mature erythrocytes, stabilized white cells and stabilized platelets, or analogs thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of sterol esters for the long-term stabilization of biological fluids, in particular even those which are obtained by lyophilization and subsequent reconstitution.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test plate and methods for adjusting fluorescence imaging systems involving using a plate with fluorescent microbeads bound to a surface.

Abstract: A system, composition and method for the stabilization of biological specimens, which employs a chemical fixative.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aqueous control liquid (control solution) containing glucose at a known concentration and at least one substance selected from the group comprising cyclodextrins, cyclodextrin derivatives and finely dispersed materials having a large specific surface.

Abstract: A fecal specimen may be tested for the presence of occult blood by combining the fecal specimen with (a) an oxidizable substrate that produces a colored product in the presence of peroxide and hemoglobin; (b) hydrogen peroxide or a peroxide source; and (c) an enhancer selected to enhance the sensitivity of the test. Suitable enhancers are monocyclic nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compounds; tertiary or quaternary ammonium compounds having a phenyl, hydroxy alkyl or esterified hydroxy alkyl attached to the nitrogen; or quinoline or a substituted derivative thereof. If hemoglobin is present in the fecal sample, the oxidizable substrate is converted to the visibly detectable, colored product.

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: Hematology control compositions and systems used to measure a plurality of parameters in a blood sample are provided. The hematology control compositions are particularly useful as a control for multi-parameter, automated instrument systems. The control compositions comprise a reticulocyte component, a white blood cell component, a red blood cell component, a nucleated red blood cell component, a platelet component and a reticulated platelet component. Methods of making and using the control compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Hematology control compositions and systems used to measure a plurality of parameters in a blood sample are provided. The hematology control compositions are particularly useful as a control for multi-parameter, automated instrument systems. The control compositions comprise a reticulocyte component, a white blood cell component, a red blood cell component, a nucleated red blood cell component, a platelet component and a reticulated platelet component. Methods of making and using the control compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A kit for labeling cells to determine their viability which includes a first dye for labeling non-viable cells and a second dye for labeling all cells, including non-viable cells in which the dyes are selected to have concentrations suitable for determining the viability of cells in cell suspensions having different cell viability.

Abstract: Hematology control compositions and systems used to measure a plurality of parameters in a blood sample are provided. The hematology control compositions are particularly useful as a control for multi-parameter, automated instrument systems. The control compositions comprise a reticulocyte component, a white blood cell component, a red blood cell component, a nucleated red blood cell component, a platelet component and a reticulated platelet component. Methods of making and using the control compositions are also provided.

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: An automated system for continual transdermal extraction of analytes present in a biological system is described. The system optionally uses reverse iontophoresis to carry out the continual transdermal extraction of the analytes. The present invention describes quality control test kits, and methods of use thereof, for testing the ability of the system to provide reliable, effective, and accurate determination of analyte concentration.

Abstract: For use in a sorption analysis system, a method compensating for measuring error due to the time-dependent evaporation of liquid coolant and the resulting change in the level of the coolant and temperature increase around the stem of the sample cell, during a gas sorption analysis of a sample in the sample cell. This error compensation does not inhibit coolant evaporation and is without recourse to mechanical means or other physical contrivances for causing the system to act as if the coolant were not evaporating. This method employs fixed and time-dependent data, including: changing coolant level and sample cell stem temperature changes, both of which can be obtained off-line, cold zone volume changes, and volumes of adsorptive gas transferred into the sample cell, to generate progressive error correction; whereby, system output is being corrected throughout the duration of the sorption analysis.

Abstract: A multiple single use optical sensor includes a series of continuous sensor stripes deposited on a substrate web. At least one sample chamber is adapted to extend transversely across a discrete portion of the series of sensor stripes to facilitate analysis of a sample disposed therein. The sample chamber may be moved, or additional sample chambers provided to enable subsequent measurements of additional samples at unused discrete portions of the sensor stripes. The continuous nature of the sensor stripes provides consistency along the lengths thereof to enable calibration data obtained from one discrete portion of the sensor stripes to be utilized for testing an unknown sample an other discrete portion of the sensor stripes. This advantageously eliminates the need for any particular discrete portion of the sensor stripes to be contacted by more than one sample, for improved sensor performance.

Abstract: Process and formulation are described allowing fabrication of absorbance and fluorescence standards in cuvettes and micro-well plate, and other desirable containers, with particular application to drug discovery and high throughput screening of bioactive systems. The material medium is capable of incorporating a large number of dyes, individually or in combination, and can closely mimic real aqueous assays in optical properties such as the dye spectra, transparency, refractive index, and shapes of meniscus. The medium is compatible with addition of formulation components for control of foaming, vapor pressure, freezing point, dye bleaching, and molecular rotational correlation times. The process starts with the dispensing of a fluid dye-containing liquid into the vessel of choice, and its subsequent viscosification by chemical or physical means into a viscous gel. After further processing for stability, the container can be sealed with appropriate means.

Abstract: A method is provided for stabilizing a low-concentration standard reference gas. The stabilizing method includes the steps of treating an inner wall surface of a container with high-purity water for causing the inner wall surface to adsorb the high-purity water, and charging the container with the standard reference gas.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to processes of measuring molecular mass by mass spectrometry, in particular to methods of precise calibration of mass spectrometers, and to kits and systems for use in calibrating mass spectrometers.

Abstract: Magnetic particles for separating biological mixtures consist of nacreous luster pigments with magnetic properties coated with a biological polymer.

Abstract: A quality control material is disclosed which is used to monitor the calibration or used for recalibration of instruments used to screen for interferents in serum or plasma specimens. In particular, the quality control material disclosed is used to monitor instrument calibrations or used for recalibration for instruments which assess the amount of hemolysis, turbidity, bilirubinemia and biliverdinemia, either separately, or any two, or any three, or all four simultaneously, in plasma or serum samples. The quality control material does not contain any blood products such as plasma lipids, bile pigments, or hemoglobin, is stable at room temperature, and is ready for use with up to four constituents.

Abstract: A dye compound having the formula I: wherein, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3; R1 is H, alkyl, or an alkoxy group; R2 is CH2(CH2)mOH, wherein m is 0, 1, 2, or 3; X is O, S, or C(CH3)2; R is CH3, CH(CH3)2, CH2CH2OH, alkyl, alkylsulfonate, or hydroxyalkyl and B− is a counteranion. Red- and blue-excitable dyes based on the above chemical structure are described, and reagents containing them are described for use in staining nucleic acid, more particularly for staining reticulocytes. Also described are methods for detecting reticulocytes using such compositions.

Abstract: A method of cryopreserving biological material, which method comprises providing a sample of the biological material, where a liquid phase of the sample includes at least one solute; lowering the temperature of the sample to a nucleating point at which ice nucleation can occur in the sample; effecting ice nucleation in the sample; and lowering the sample temperature from the nucleating point to the solidification point thereof, characterized in that the temperature lowering from the nucleating point to the solidification point is non linear, whereby the rate of change of solute concentration in the liquid phase decreases for more than 80% of the time taken to lower the temperature from the nucleating point to the solidification point.

Abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) antigen formulations are disclosed which prevent protein aggregation and show prolonged stability as aqueous solutions. These formulations comprise a salt (such as sodium chloride) and a non-ionic surfactant (Polysorbate 80 such as Tween 80®) in physiologically acceptable concentrations.

Abstract: A carrier for contraband substances to be used as a reference for testing trace detection systems. The carrier, which has the consistency of hand cream and can be dispensed from a tube or a syringe, is inert with respect to the contraband substances and does not dissolve or degrade the plastics normally used for making luggage or computer disc cases. After the carrier (with added contraband substance) has been placed on a hard surface such as a plastic luggage handle and dried, the contraband substance can be sampled by wiping with a paper or cloth, which is then tested in a device that uses ion mobility spectrometry, gas chromatography, chemiluminescence, or a combination of these methods.

Abstract: A histological staining technique that allows quantification of previously unmeasured parameters involved in surgical AVM embolization. The invention allows the evaluation of the polymerization characteristics of various ratios of embolization agents, such as Lipiodol/NBCA/glacial acetic acid (GAA) mixtures, by virtue of a new tissue sample preparation protocol and staining technique.