Composition For Standardization, Calibration, Simulation, Stabilization, Preparation Or Preservation; Processes Of Use In Preparation For Chemical Testing Patents (Class 436/8)
  • Patent number: 5891730
    Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing dye-based reference materials useful for calibrating or qualifying instrument systems that are diagnostic spectroscopically for hemoglobin and CO-ox fractions. The dye-based reference materials are non-proteinaceous and may be interpreted by CO-oximeter instrument systems as providing a spectrum substantially equivalent to the spectrum of blood, particularly with regard to hemoglobin and hemoglobin CO-ox fractions. Dye-based reference materials may be formulated to provide CO-ox fractions approximating those seen in a clinical setting, including normal physiological CO-ox fractions. The dye-based reference materials may be combined with other ingredients thus making the materials useful as references for pH and blood gas instruments and/or electrolyte instruments in addition to CO-oximeter instrument systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Chiron Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Jay J. Li, Justin E. Davey, David P. Swist, Liann Voo
  • Patent number: 5891731
    Abstract: A reagent for measuring reticulocytes which has at least one dye which specifically stains reticulocytes and at least one dye which specifically stains leukocytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: TOA Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Akai, Yuji Itose, Kayo Hatanaka, Takashi Sakata
  • Patent number: 5891733
    Abstract: A reagent for analyzing solid components in urine comprising: (i) a buffer agent for maintaining pH at 5.0 to 9.0, (ii) an osmotic pressure compensating agent for maintaining osmotic pressure at 100 mOsm/kg to 600 mOsm/kg, (iii) a first dye which is a condensed benzene derivative, (iv) a second fluorescent dye capable of staining a damaged cell, and (v) a chelating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Toa Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junya Inoue
  • Patent number: 5891657
    Abstract: An immunoassay directed at certain analytes that have benzene rings, such that the immunoreactive standard used is less volatile than the analyte, and kits for performing the assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Strategic Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Jeanne A. Itak, Michele Y. Selisker, David P. Herzog
  • Patent number: 5888823
    Abstract: A standard fluid for a flow cytometer which shows, after staining, almost the same fluorescence intensity and scattered light intensity as those of the cells to be assayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Toa Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruya Matsumoto, Masakazu Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5888822
    Abstract: A three-phase suspension suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) a high molecular weight polymer, and (3) mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Hycor Biomedical Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne R. Hengstenberg
  • Patent number: 5888752
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heretofore unknown use for a aqueous reagent composition that serves as a universal rinse for performing and/or improving a variety of hematological analyses on automated analyzers. The universal rinse reagent comprises a phosphate buffer to maintain the rinse solution pH at from about 7.0 to about 7.6; a nonhemolytic nonionic surfactant, such as a Pluronic.RTM. an alkali metal salt, such as NaCi; antimicrobial and anti-oxidant compounds; and has an osmolality of about 285 to 305 mOsmol/kg. The universal rinse reagent composition is highly suitable for use in the rinse phases or cycles of all types of blood cell analysis methods and processes performed on semi- and fully-automated systems. The invention allows the replacement of mutiple and specific rinse solutions with the disclosed universal rinse to obtain accurate and acceptable results, independent of the types of blood cell analyses that are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Malin, Phyllis Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5882934
    Abstract: A cyanide-free lytic reagent composition and method for measuring the total hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample, for counting the number of leukocytes and for deferential counting of leukocyte subpopulations are described. The cyanide-free lytic reagent composition cotains a quaternary ammonium salt or a pyridinium salt to lyse erythrocytes and release hemoglobin, and an organic ligand including triazole and its derivatives, tetrazole and its derivatives, alkaline metal salts of oxonic acid, melamine, aniline-2-sulfonic acid, quinaldic acid, 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole, triazine and its derivatives, urazole, DL-pipecolinic acid, isonicotinamide, anthranilonitrile, 6-aza-2-thiothymine, 3-(2-thienyl)acrylic acid, benzoic acid and alkali metal and ammonium salts of benzoic acid, and pyrazine and its derivatives to form a stable chromogen with hemoglobin, and a salt to adjust conductivity of the reagent for impedance measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Coulter International Corp.
    Inventors: Yi Li, Carole Young
  • Patent number: 5876676
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for preserving platelets at cryogenic temperatures with retention of hemostatic activity are provided. The compositions include a first agent for inhibiting actin filament severing and a second agent for inhibiting actin polymerization. Contacting the platelets with the first and second agents prior to exposure to cold temperature prevents cold-induced platelet activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Stossel, John H. Hartwig, Paul A. Janmey
  • Patent number: 5866424
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the need to ensure that clinical tests for urobilinogen in urine are properly working. The invention specifically provides a novel liquid urobilinogen composition which remains stable in liquid form for eighteen months and a method for making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Ko
  • Patent number: 5866425
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a PT Assay Calibrator and a method of preparing a PT Assay Calibrator including a coagulation factor such as recombinant FVII or recombinant FVIIa that will allow preparation of PT calibration curves with values about 100% and which will give results analogous to those obtained using fresh normal plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Dade AG
    Inventors: Barry J. Woodhams, Michael E. Burgess-Wilson
  • Patent number: 5866428
    Abstract: A cyanide-free method and reagent for determining the concentration of total hemoglobin in a whole blood sample accurately in less than 10 seconds including a ligand selected from the group consisting of imidiazole, imidazole derivatives, N-hydroxyacetamide, N-hydroxyl amine, pyridine, oxazole, thiazole, pyrazole, pyrimidine, purine, quinoline, and isoquinoline, and a surfactant with strong erythrolytic capability selected from the group consisting of lauryl dimethylamine oxide and octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol. The reagent pH is adjusted to about 11 to about 14. Rapid mixing of the reagent with a blood sample leads to the formation of a stable chromogen whose absorbance can be measured between 540 and 550 nm. The cyanide-free reagent is ideal for use on an automated high through-put clinical hematology analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Young Ran Kim, Stephen D. Stroupe
  • Patent number: 5863799
    Abstract: A three-phase solution suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) a high molecular weight polymer, and (3) mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hycor Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne R. Hengstenberg
  • Patent number: 5858794
    Abstract: The invention describes an improved stable reagent composition and method for the determination of hemoglobin (Hb) using whole blood samples and automated hematology analyzers. The Hb reagent contains an inorganic cyanide salt, at least one surfactant and a base and has a final pH of about 10.0 to about 11.2, preferably about 10.4 to about 11.2 or less and more preferably about 10.8 to about 11.2 or less. This reagent is intended for use as a universal Hb determination reagent for all of the instruments in the aforementioned series and will provide accurate and precise results without accompanying interference from elevated numbers of white blood cells, especially as found in abnormal blood specimens, and without system-to-system variation in the results obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Malin
  • Patent number: 5858790
    Abstract: Hematology reference control cells and method of manufacture. The invention relates to the methods of preparing stable white blood cell ("WBC") and nucleated red blood cell ("NRBC") fractions and the hematology control reagents containing such stablized cells for primary use on a multi-angle light scatter based hematology instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Young Ran Kim, Jean Emiko Kihara
  • Patent number: 5856195
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for calibrating a sensor for determination of analyte concentration. The meter includes a sensor for receiving a user sample to be measured and a processor for performing a predefined test sequence for measuring a predefined parameter value. A memory can be coupled to the processor for storing predefined parameter data values. A calibration code is associated with the sensor and read by the processor before the user sample to be measured is received. The calibration code is used in measuring the predefined parameter data value to compensate for different sensor characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Charlton, Larry D. Johnson, Matthew K. Musho, Joseph E. Perry
  • Patent number: 5854073
    Abstract: The invention concerns a stable control serum or calibration serum containing bilirubin to analytically examine the methodical accuracy of individual parameters in human sera or patients. The control serum or calibration serum according to the invention is used to stabilize bilirubin in solutions and to generally increase the stability of control sera or calibration sera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Bohringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Geoffrey Burns, Martina Junius-Comer
  • Patent number: 5849517
    Abstract: A method and composition for fixing and stabilizing tissues, cells, and cell components such that the antigenic sites and nucleic acids are preserved is provided. The fixative employs a formaldehyde donor that is non-toxic, non-flammable, and that stabilizes the cell with minimal damage to and alteration of the cell morphology. The cell antigenic sites are left intact so that studies with monoclonal antibodies may be conducted. Vaccines and related immunotherapeutic methods utilizing antigens stabilized by the fixative of the present invention are also provided. Also disclosed is a method for developing a positive control for test reagents and for test instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Streck Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne L. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5846738
    Abstract: A conjugate of at least two binding sites that bind specifically to the analyte-specific binding region of the receptor that is used for detection in a test, wherein the binding sites are linked by at least one soluble carrier substance and the conjugate is a product of a synthetic or recombinant production, dissolved in an aqueous solution in an exactly known amount is particularly suitable as a stable calibrator in a test for the detection of an analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Seidel, Peter Bialk, Herbert Von der Eltz
  • Patent number: 5843608
    Abstract: A lytic reagent composition is provided which selectively stromatolyses red blood cells in a blood sample. In addition, a lytic reagent system is provided which enable the differentiation of at least two subpopulations of leukocytes. A method for using the lytic reagent system is also provided. Still further, the lytic reagent system find use in the determination of the hemoglobin in the blood. The lytic reagent system utilizes an ethoxylated long chain compound based lysis reagent with an acid and a solubilizer, and a hypertonic, alkaline, stabilizing reagent. The system and analysis method maintains the cellular morphology of the leukocytes and can be used to analyze normal and abnormal blood samples, fresh and aged blood, human and non-human animal blood samples, as well as other fluid samples such as bone marrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Coulter International Corp.
    Inventors: Yi Li, Carole Young, Timothy J. Fischer, James H. Carter, Sergio C. Veulens
  • Patent number: 5837547
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a flow cytometer or fluorescence microscope and for quantitating binding proteins, such as antibodies. Populations of microbeads are provided which are in equilibrium with a saturating amount of fluorescently-labeled protein. The microbeads may have an incorporated fluorescent dye which has a strong signal in a selected channel of a flow cytometer, but no signal in other channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Caribbean Microparticles Corporation
    Inventor: Abraham Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5834315
    Abstract: A reagent composition which does not contain cyanide ions and a method for measuring hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample. In addition, the reagent composition can be used to measure hemoglobin concentration and differentiate at least two subpopulations of leukocytes from the same reaction product of the reagent composition and a blood sample. The reagent composition comprises at least one lysing agent selected from the group consisting of a quaternary ammonium salt, a pyridinium salt, and combinations thereof, in an amount effective to adequately lyse the erythrocytes and elute the hemoglobin, an antioxidant in an amount effective to convert the released hemoglobin into to a hemochromogen. The pH can be adjusting with a pH agent to provide a pH ranging from 5 to 11.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Coulter Corporation
    Inventors: Mirta I. Riesgo, Carole Jo Young
  • Patent number: 5830762
    Abstract: Methods of optimising binding assays are disclosed using binding agents having binding sites specific for an analyte by varying the density of binding sites on a solid phase, advantageously extending the working range of the assay and/or improving the precision of the assay within a given range. Processes for manufacturing an assay kit following the optimisation method and to methods of carrying out assays for analytes using these assay kits are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Weindel
  • Patent number: 5821128
    Abstract: A method for differentiating and isolating sub-populations of leucocytes in a blood sample involved treating the sample with polyoxyethylene 9-lauryl ether. This method is suitable for isolating basophil granulocytes when it is conducted in an acid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Hycel Diagnostics
    Inventor: Rene Provost
  • Patent number: 5821127
    Abstract: A compound represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxy groups; R.sub.4 is hydrogen atom, an acyl group or a lower alkyl group; R.sub.5 is hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted lower alkyl group; Z is sulfur atom, oxygen atom or carbon atom substituted with a lower alkyl group; n is 1 or 2; and X.sup.- is an anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Toa Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Akai, Kiminori Miyazaki, Takashi Sakata
  • Patent number: 5817518
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lytic reagent and a method of using the lytic reagent for automatically determining leukocyte subpopulations in blood. More specifically, the new lytic reagent lyses red blood cells and affects the eosinophils which enables the differentiation of at least one subpopulation of leukocytes. The lytic reagent is an acidic, hypertonic aqueous solution containing alkali metal salt of alkyl sulfite, an eosinolytic agent, a nonionic surfactant and a physiological salt. When used in combination with a second lytic reagent system, one is able to obtain at least a five part differential of leukocytes using DC and RF measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Coulter International Corp.
    Inventors: Yi Li, Carole Young, Sergio C. Veulens
  • Patent number: 5811303
    Abstract: Quantitative buffy coat (QBC) analysis control compositions are provided which sufficiently mimic whole blood and perform consistently in various QBC systems. The control compositions contain a red blood cell component composed of non-human mammalian red blood cells and a granulocyte component composed of fixed human granulocytes. Methods of making and using the control compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Streck Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne L. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5807690
    Abstract: METHOD OF SCREENING PHYSIOLOGICAL SAMPLES for elevated levels of heat shock proteins due to chronic exposure to sublethal levels of stressors, and kits for carrying out the method, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignees: StressGen Biotechnology Corporation, CA. State University, Long Beach Foundation
    Inventors: Brenda M. Sanders, Kenneth D. Jenkins, Jack L. Nichols, Bryan E. Imber
  • Patent number: 5804143
    Abstract: A system for sorting particles is arranged such that the presence or absence of multiple parameters is determined for each particle in a flow of particles, and a logic condition is determined based on the multiple parameters. Thereafter, particles are outputted from the system when the logic condition is present. Accordingly, multiparameter high-speed measurements of a rare subpopulation of particles (e.g. biological cells) can be made amidst a larger population of particles with differing characteristics. When attached to a multiparameter flow cytometer/cell sorter and microcomputer, the system allows multiparameter analysis of cells at rates in excess of 100,000 cells/sec. This system can be an outboard module attached to a commercially available or home-built flow cytometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
    Inventors: James F. Leary, Mark A. Corio, Scott R. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5804449
    Abstract: A method for determining whether a test gene product is homologous with a reference gene product produced by a cell having the same or a similar sized genome to the genome of the cell producing the test gene product. The analysis is made by step wise hierarchical comparison of M.sub.r, color, level of expression and pI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: The University of Sydney
    Inventor: Ian Humphery-Smith
  • Patent number: 5795783
    Abstract: An analyte control solution system tests a plurality of identical test strips, with each test strip having a plurality of different reactive chemicals attached on pads. The analyte control solution system has a first mixture of a first plurality of different analytes, with each of the first plurality of different analytes not reacting with one another, but reacting with a different one of the dipstick pads to generate a visual indicator. The first plurality of different analytes do not react with all of the pads attached to each test strip. Another control solution has a second mixture, physically different from the first mixture, of a second plurality of different analytes. Each of the second plurality of different analytes does not react with one another, but reacts with a different one of the plurality of different reactive chemicals on the test strip to generate a visual indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: International Remote Imaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Kyle, Leonard Spolter, Marcus Villagran
  • Patent number: 5795789
    Abstract: A stabilized liquid standard solution for use in calibrating assays of thyroid function containing albumin and known amounts of at least two analytes selected from a group consisting of total thyroxine, free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine, and free triiodothyronine, and optionally, thyroid stimulating hormone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Jerome Dietzen
  • Patent number: 5792662
    Abstract: A method for determining a fluorescent substance in a broader concentration range with higher measurement accuracy is provided which is applicable to assay of enzyme activity in enzyme-label immunoassay, enzyme-label DNA hybridization, etc. A method for assaying enzyme activity is also provided which employs the above fluorescence measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Hidechika Hayashi, Kazuya Kamata
  • Patent number: 5789253
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of equilibrating the dissolved gas composition of an aqueous fluid to reflect the predetermined gas composition contained in a gas equilibration reservoir. The equilibrated aqueous fluid can be used in a method of determining the concentration of a dissolved gas in a fluid sample. In one embodiment, the method is used to control the equilibrated gas composition of a calibrant fluid which, in turn, is used to measure the concentration of a dissolved gas, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, in a sample fluid, such as whole blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: i-Stat Corporation
    Inventors: Imants R. Lauks, Raymond J. Pierce, Joseph W. Rogers, Michael P. Zelin
  • Patent number: 5789249
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating an analysis system having a membrane, the outside of which is in contact with a medium to be analyzed, in order to detect a concentration of a species there, and a corresponding analysis system. In this connection it is desirable to be able to perform a calibration in situ. In this calibration, a first fluid of a predetermined first concentration of the species is conveyed along the inside of the membrane, at least a second fluid of a predetermined second concentration which differs from the first concentration is likewise conveyed past the inside of the membrane and the concentrations of the two fluids after passing the inside of the membrane are recorded. From these concentrations, parameters for a correlation between the concentration on the outside of the membrane and a measurement signal are ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Niels Eisum
  • Patent number: 5786224
    Abstract: A lytic reagent composition is provided which selectively stromatolyses red blood cells in a blood sample. In addition, a lytic reagent system is provided which enables the differentiation of at least three subpopulations of leukocytes. A method for using the lytic reagent system is also provided. Still further, the lytic reagent system finds use in the determination of the hemoglobin in the blood. The lytic reagent system utilizes an alkyl sulfate, polyoxyethylene based surfactant and acid with a hypertonic, alkaline, stabilizing reagent. The system and analysis method maintains the cellular morphology of the leukocytes and can be used to analyze normal and abnormal blood samples, fresh and aged blood, human and non-human animal blood samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Coulter Corporation
    Inventors: Yi Li, Carole Young, Timothy J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5780302
    Abstract: A novel flexible package for an oxygen reference solution has been developed. This package is made from a laminated film including preferably polypropylene as the inner layer, aluminum foil as the middle layer, and polyester as the outer layer. The seams are heat sealed, while an optional access device for allowing access to the solution after the storage period, is attached to the inside wall of the bag without breeching the middle barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Chiron Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Conlon, Kevin J. Sullivan, Robert B. Green
  • Patent number: 5780246
    Abstract: Method of detecting chronic exposure of an organism to a stressor, and for evaluating biological damage due to chronic exposure to sublethal levels of stressors and kits for carrying out the method are disclosed. The methods comprise: (a) sampling at least one organism in order to determine whether it has been chronically exposed to a sublethal concentration of one or more stressors in its environment, under sampling conditions that do not induce any additional heat shock protein (hsp) response in the organism; (b) obtaining a sample of cells or secretions of said organism, suspected of having elevated levels of heat shock proteins and solubilizing the heat shock proteins in the sample; and (c) measuring the concentration of a heat shock protein in said sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignees: StressGen Biotechnology Corporation, CA. State University, Long Beach Foundation
    Inventors: Brenda M. Sanders, Kenneth D. Jenkins, Jack L. Nichols, Bryan E. Imber
  • Patent number: 5776754
    Abstract: This invention discloses a population of cells which have been preserved in non-frozen hydrated form, and which have been chemically treated in a manner that renders them metabolically inert and free of proteolytic enzyme activity, but without significantly altering the cell surface proteins that are of interest in flow cytometry. The absence of alteration of the surface proteins is indicated by the ability of the surface proteins to bind to monoclonal antibodies that bind to untreated proteins of the same type, with approximately the same affinity as proteins on untreated cells. The preserved cells and their surface antigens are stable for at least a month when stored at 4.degree. C. in buffered saline solution. These cell preparations are useful as quality control (QC) reagents for processes such as calibrating and standardizing flow cytometry equipment, and for use as "unknown" test samples for QC testing programs, or as patient specimens for archival storage and subsequent retrospective analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventor: Charles William Caldwell
  • Patent number: 5773299
    Abstract: A method and reagent for the simultaneous or independent enumeration of reticulocytes in a whole blood sample, without the need to separately incubate the sample and reagent. The reagent contains a reticulocyte staining amount of an unsymmetrical cyanine dye, from about 40 mM to about 60 mM of a buffer selected from the group consisting of imidazole, Tris and Bis-Tris and a dye stabilizing amount of a non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of N, N-bis?3-D-Glucon-amidopropyl! cholamide and a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer. The reagent has a pH from about 6.8 to about 7.2 and an osmolarity adjusted to about 280 to about 310 mosm/l with a mono-, or di-, valent alkali salt selected from the group consisting of NaCl, KCl, LiCl, CaCl.sub.2, MgCl.sub.2 and ZnCl.sub.2. The method utilizes the reagent in a no incubation process that also allows for the simultaneous determination of CBC as well as reticulocyte counts and maturity indices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Young Ran Kim, Johanna Kantor
  • Patent number: 5770452
    Abstract: Lipid is determined quantitatively by treating a sample with a surfactant in an aqueous medium to obtain a liquid sample dispersion, then reacting the dispersion with a reagent containing cupric ion and bicinchoninic acid, and measuring a colored state developed by complex formation of bicinchoninic acid with cuprous ion formed from cupric ion in the presence of lipid. This method can be effectively applied to determination of amphiphilic lipid having a tendency of gathering in an aqueous medium. Further, two different species interfering with each other in quantitative determination thereof are determined respectively by conducting two different determination methods on the same sample followed by calculation using the values obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuko Yamamoto, Yasuko Tomida, Junji Ohyama, Tsuyoshi Nomoto, Masahiro Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 5770451
    Abstract: An accurate, stable, liquid lipoprotein control composition is provided. The control composition of the present invention preferably contains lipoprotein, surfactant and a divalent cation. The control may further contain an anti-oxidant agent and a chelating agent. The control composition of the present invention is stable for up to about 12 months at room temperature and up to about 24 months when refrigerated. Methods of making and using the control composition are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Streck Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne L. Ryan, Bradford A. Hunsley
  • Patent number: 5763280
    Abstract: A cyanide-free lytic reagent composition and method for measuring the total hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample, for counting the number of leukocytes and for deferential counting of three leukocyte subpopulations including lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes are described. The cyanide-free lytic reagent composition includes a hemolytic surfactant chosen from quaternary ammonium salts, pyridinium salts, organic phosphate esters, and alkyl sulfonates to lyse erythrocytes and release hemoglobin, and an organic ligand chosen from triazole and its derivatives, tetrazole and its derivatives, alkaline metal salts of oxonic acid, melamine, aniline-2-sulfonic acid, quinaldic acid, 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole, triazine and its derivatives, urazole, DL-pipecolinic acid. isonicotinamide, anthranilonitrile, 6-aza-2-thiothymine, adenine, 3-(2-thienyl)acrylic acid, benzoic acid and alkali metal and ammonium salts of benzoic acid, and pyrazine and its derivatives to form a stable chromogen with hemoglobin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Coulter International Corp.
    Inventors: Yi Li, Carole Young
  • Patent number: 5753510
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma which can be used as a calibrator in coagulation tests which detect the degradation of factor V by activated protein C, to the preparation of such a plasma and to its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Behring Diagnostics GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Kraus
  • Patent number: 5747349
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for rapid measurement of a fluid bulk analyte, requiring only microscale volumes. Several fluid bulk analytes can be measured simultaneously and, for biological samples, the cell content can also be measured simultaneously. The invention comprises reporter beads for chemical analysis of fluid bulk properties such as pH, oxygen saturation and ion content. Each reporter bead comprises a substrate bead having a plurality of at least one type of fluorescent reporter molecules immobilized thereon. The fluorescent properties of the reporter bead are sensitive to a corresponding analyte. Reporter beads are added to a fluid sample and the analyte concentration is determined by measuring fluorescence of individual beads, for example in a flow cytometer. Alternatively, reporter molecules which change absorbance as a function of analyte concentration can be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Ger van den Engh, Bernhard H. Weigl
  • Patent number: 5736402
    Abstract: A pre-determined concentration of stabilized, maturation-arrested porcine reticulocytes in a red blood cell base, useful as a reticulocyte control composition. The composition can be provided in the form of a concentrated reticulocyte composition, to be diluted to a desired final reticulocyte concentration at the time of use. The composition can also be provided in the form of a diluted, ready-to-use control composition. Also included is a method of preparing such a composition, the method involving sequential steps of forming and sedimenting Rouleaux bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Research & Diagnostics Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph T. Francis, Alan M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5736103
    Abstract: A meter is used in conjunction with a hollow, frustum-shaped disposable device to measure the concentration of an analyte in a sample of a biological fluid. The smaller end of the frustum has a porous membrane, to which a sample of the fluid may be applied. Preferably, a reagent in the membrane reacts with the analyte to cause a color change. The meter has a frustum-shaped distal section that mates with the device. The meter measures the color change and computes from the change the analyte concentration in the sample. The meter and disposable device permit remote dosing of the device, which minimizes the likelihood of cross-contamination between the user and the meter. Devices can be mounted on the meter and released from the meter without touching them, to further protect against contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Lifescan, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Thomas Pugh
  • Patent number: 5736401
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in vitro aqueous composition comprising a drug, preferably tacrolimus or rapamycin, having enhanced stability. The invention utilizes a binding protein, preferably FKBP, to stabilize the drug in an aqueous matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Frank Grenier, Thomas F. Holzman, Allan H. Smith, Alan C. Tsurutani
  • Patent number: 5733784
    Abstract: Whole blood is mixed with a reticulocyte reagent system that has a reticulocyte staining reagent and a diluent reagent, used in combination. This mixture is incubated at room temperature for between about 15 minutes to about 4 hours. The incubated mixture is then analyzed and the light scattering properties of the cells are detected, collected, differentiated and quantitized. Data gathering includes, at least, 10 and 90 degree light scatter detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Robert M. Studholme, Paul N. Marshall, Anne M. Embleton, John G. Glazier, Luc Van Hove
  • Patent number: 5728519
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of classifying an unclassified live poliovirus vaccine as having an acceptable or unacceptable level of neurovirulence, comprising, prior to vaccine administration, the steps of: a) selectively amplifying a region of an unclassified poliovirus vaccine genome containing a nucleotide position predictive for increased neurovirulence using selectively mismatched primers, whereby a restriction endonuclease site in the selectively amplified region is created by introducing a site-specific mutation into the amplified region; b) digesting an amount of the amplified region with a restriction endonuclease that specifically cleaves the amplified sequences in revertant viruses which contain a reversion at the nucleotide position predictive for increased neurovirulence; c) digesting an amount of the amplified region with a restriction endonuclease that specifically cleaves the amplified sequences in nonrevertant viruses which contain the nucleotide position predictive for increased
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Inessa S. Levenbook, Konstantin M. Chumakov, Laurie P. Norwood, Igor Roninson