Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure to establish the presence of allergen-containing housedust, as results when or after housedust mites occur, in which samples of dust present in buildings are thoroughly suspended in a aqueous-alcoholic alkali metal hydroxide solution and, with the resulting extract, a color reaction using an aromatic diazo compound is carried out, the color reaction being evaluated with respect to its occurrence as an indication of the pollution of the dust with housedust mite residues. According to a particular embodiment, a paper treated with the aromatic diazo compound (and where appropriate with starch) is used for carrying out the color reaction. A further aspect of the invention involves quantitatively determining the allergological activity resulting from housedust mites in housedust samples.

Abstract: A calibration liquid, especially suitable for ion-selective electrodes, containing albumin. This solution is stable and prevents errors by junction potentials or unknown complexing with calcium.

Abstract: A stabilizer for radioactively labelled organic compounds has the general formula ##STR1## where R is C1 to C4 alkylene which may be OH substituted, m is 0 or 1 (i.e. R may be absent or present), X is carboxyl or sulphonyl e.g. COOH or SO.sub.3 H or a salt thereof and n is 1, 2 or 3. Radiolabelled compounds of biological origin, such as nucleotides and amino acids, may be stabilized either in solution or in the freeze-dried state. For example, L-[.sup.35 S]methionine may be stabilized to prevent formation of a 47 KD band in protein transcription/translation experiments.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing steroid hormone receptor samples to be utilized as controls during assays of various human tissue for steroid hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. The process comprises collecting tissue known to include such receptors, adding a buffer solution to the tissue, homogenizing the tissue and buffer solution, centrifuging the homogenized mixture, and thereafter collecting the supernatant. The supernatant which contains the desired receptors is subdivided into suitable control sample size and preferably lyophilized to a flake. A process is described for maximizing the number of receptors found in the samples.

Abstract: There is described a method of inhibiting glycolysis in blood samples by adding an acid to the blood sample to adjust pH of the blood to a level between 5.0 and 7.0.Collected blood samples undergo glycolysis during storage due to progress of the reaction with glycolytic enzymes with a result that glucose is reduced and lactic acid and pyruvic acid formed by the glycolysis is increased. According to the method of the invention, the glycolysis as mentioned above can be inhibited simply by adjusting pH of the blood sample so that accurate determination of the above-mentioned components are feasible. The preferred acids are citric acid, malonic acid and maleic acid. Addition of citric acid to produce a level between 1.0 and 5.0 mg/ml (blood) is especially preferable. In the method of the invention, further addition of a fluoride compound, preferably NaF, improves the glycolysis-inhibiting action.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a flow cytometer or fluorescent microscope is based on a set of highly uniform microbeads associated with a fluorescent dye in such a way that the microbeads have the same excitation and emission spectral properties as the samples which are to be measured. The calibration values of the microbeads are plotted against the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel for each microbead in the set. From this calibration plot, the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel of the sample is translated into equivalent soluble fluorescent dye molecules per sample particle. The calibration values of the standard microbeads are determined against solutions of the dyes.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multiple control standard for the use in the quality assurance of blood analysis instrumentation systems. The liquid control standard is able to act as a control standard for blood gas instrumentation systems measuring pH, pCO2 and pO.sub.2 of blood, as a control standard for a co-oximeter measuring the amount of total hemoglobin present in the blood and the relative amounts of other hemoglobin fractions present in the blood, and as a liquid control standard for ion selective electrode instrumentation systems for the measuring of electrolytes such as Na and K ions in the blood.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease by the determination of the levels of the hormones somatotropin (human growth hormone) and somatomedin-C (IGF-I) after the administration of the L-dopa provocative test. Blood-sera samples are taken every thirty minutes for a two hour period after the administration of L-dopa, and the samples are tested for the levels of these hormones. These levels are then compared against the levels for normal subjects in the age group of between fifty and sixty. If the levels of the patient being diagnosed falls below the statistical mean corrected for error, then a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is indicated.

Abstract: A block of polymeric material 12 comprises label layers 14 and interposed non-label layers 16, each label layer containing a different known concentration of a label material. The block can be sliced by a microtome 18 into thin section each of which is useful as a standard for analysis e.g. in autoradiography. Preferred label materials are radioactive isotopes e.g. 3-H and 14-C; other label materials include metals and fluorescent materials.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a flow cytometer or fluorescent microscope is based on a set of highly uniform microbeads associated with a fluorescent dye in such a way that the microbeads have the same excitation and emission spectral properties as the samples which are to be measured. The calibration values of the microbeads are plotted against the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel for each microbead in the set. From this calibration plot, the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel of the sample is translated into equivalent soluble fluorescent dye molecules per sample particle. The calibration values of the standard microbeads are determined against solutions of the dyes.

Abstract: The effectiveness of drugs and substances that affect brain chemistry can be efficiently and relatively inexpensively monitored. Radioactive tracer substances comprising a ligand that binds to presynaptic or postsynaptic neuroreceptors is administered to a patient. Emissions (primarily positrons, and gamma rays which are emitted from the positrons) are measured. These emissions are indicative of the number and the degree of occupancy or blocking of the neuroreceptors. The number of neuroreceptors and the degree of occupancy or blocking is calculated utilizing a mathematical model, and compared with an intra-person or inter-person control, to determine the degree of drug response. Further treatment of the patient with drugs is based upon the comparisons made. Dopamine, serotonin, opiate, and other receptors all may be monitored, and the procedures are particularly applicable to treatment of Parkinson's disease, schizophenia, and drug addictions.

Abstract: A blood gas-hemoglobin analysis control which simulates whole human blood characteristics comprising a buffered suspension medium containing erythrocytes which have been stabilized with an imidoester protein cross-linking agent while being contacted with a gas consisting of pure oxygen or pure carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A reduced dinucleotide, preferably nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), is stabilized in an aqueous base liquid containing propylene glycol, boric acid and a buffer capable of buffering within a pH range of 8-11. The stabilized liquid contains greater than 50% (v/v) water. The remaining volume contains propylene glycol which has been chemically treated to remove oxidants. This reagent may be used by itself or in conjunction with an assay reagent system for use in the clinical laboratory.

Abstract: A solution for blood cell storage having sugar-containing blood cell nutrients therein and additionally containing a magnesium or calcium L-ascorbate-2-phosphate salt is taught. The magnesium and calcium L-ascorbate-2-phosphate salts remain stable below pH 7 and thus permit sterilization of the solution at a pH at which degradation of both the L-ascorbate-2-phosphate salt and the nutrient sugar present in the solution is substantially avoided.

Abstract: The article includes a first vial (12) which is positioned within a second larger vial (32). The first vial (12) separately contains a first fluid, such as a first calibrating fluid, and the second vial (32) contains a second fluid, such as a second calibrating fluid. A stopper (18) seals the first vial (12) and holds a sensing portion (21) of the sensor in the first vial (12). The first vial (12) is released from the second vial (32) by activating a plunger (36).An encapsulation package (50) having first and second elements (51, 52) maintains the chemical sensor and a calibrating article or vessel in a sterile condition. The package includes a first cavity (54) which receives the calibrating vessel, the sensing portion of the sensor and a substantial portion of the sensor cable, and a second cavity (56) which receives the sensor connector. A passageway (58) connecting the two cavities (54, 56) is adapted to receive a portion of the sensor cable.

Abstract: A method and structure for mounting fluorescent samples, e.g., fluorescent microbeads, are based on immobilizing the samples in a gel which preserves the spectral properties of the samples and mounting the gel containing the samples on a slide and beneath a coverslip.

Abstract: Certain derivatives of procaterol are believed to possess similar biological activity to the base compound, (i.e., as bronchodilators) but have greater stability and bioavailability.

Abstract: A viability test device wherein the viability of a test composition for the determination of an analyte of interest can be determined by simply wetting the device with ordinary water. The viability device can be prepared in three formats: a control or calibrator device, an internal control device and a self indicating device. Unreacted analyte, or an analog thereof, can be incorporated in a limited defined portion of a dried carrier matrix incorporated with a test composition to provide an internal control test device. When wetted with water, a positive optical response, usually color, indicates the test composition can provide a viable test for the analyte. The internal control test device is particularly advantageously used by diabetics in their own homes where a negative test response could be due to the desired control of the user's condition or due to deterioration of a test composition because of unfavorable storage conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of clinical controls useful for calibrating clinical chemistry analyzers and in manual testing methods, as well as clinical standards and reagents. In addition, it relates to methods for producing stabilized liquid clinical control, standards, and reagents.

Abstract: A stable control solution is provided for the determination of urobilinogen. The control solution comprises an aqueous solution of about 3-12% ethylene glycol, about 0.1% protein and preferably about 40-400 mg/dl urobilinogen, said composition buffered to pH about 8.0-9.0 and retained in a hermetically sealed container under a blanket of inert gas.

Abstract: A method of performing biological analysis of a liquid sample using a one-piece plastic container (1), said container being compartmented to provide a storage chamber (4) for the sample, a calibrated cell (6), and a plurality of storage chambers (30, 40, 50) for various liquids such as a conjugate liquid, a substrate liquid, and a blocking liquid. A succession of centrifuging operations serve to successively pass the sample and said liquids into a reaction vat (11) containing a bead (17) which is initially covered in antigens or antibodies. Means are also provided for rinsing the bead (17).

Abstract: Nuclear isolation media and procedures are described for dissociating discrete, non-agglomerated cell nuclei from animal tissue without the need to use enzyme treatments, centrifugation or the like in order to achieve the desired separation. The media facilitates separation and maintains the nuclear membrane intact and in its normal physiological environment. When a DNA-fluorochrome stain is included in the medium an essentially one step combination nuclear isolation and DNA staining procedure is used to measure DNA in tissue cells by flow cytometry. Rapid and consistent results are obtained and multiple sampling of the same tissue or comparison between whole tissues and their single cell isolates are also described.

Abstract: The determination of fructosamine levels in at least part of a blood sample for use in detecting diabetes in patients or deciding treatment levels is effected by controlling the temperature and pH of the sample, adding a coloring agent such as a nitro-blue tetrazolium and after a first delay in time taking a first color measurment at a predetermined wavelength and after a second delay in time taking a second color measurement at the predetermined wavelength, then comparing any resultant change between the first and second color measurements with those of standard solutions, the selected timing delays, wavelength, coloring agent and pH conditions being such that any change of color in the coloring agent between the first and second color measurements is caused predominantly by the glucose in the sample that is reacted with an amine group of protein and has undergone a molecular rearrangement to form fructosamine and not materially by any non-specific reducing substance which may be present in the sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of clinical controls useful for calibrating clinical chemistry analyzers and in manual testing methods, as well as clinical standards and reagents. In addition, it relates to methods for producing stabilized liquid clinical control, standards, and reagents.

Abstract: The determination of fructosamine levels in at least part of a blood sample for use in detecting diabetes in patients or deciding treatment levels is effected by controlling the temperature and pH of the sample, adding a coloring agent such as a nitro-blue tetrazolium and after a first delay in time taking a first color measurement at a predetermined wavelength and after a second delay in time taking a second color measurement at the predetermined wavelength, then comparing any resultant change between the first and second color measurements with those of standard solutions, the selected timing delays, wavelength, coloring agent and pH conditions being such that any change of color in the coloring agent between the first and second color measurements is caused predominantly by the glucose in the sample that is reacted with an amine group of protein and has undergone a molecular rearrangement to form fructosamine and not materially by any non-specific reducing substance which may be present in the sample.

Abstract: A composition which reduces the turbidity of samples of artificial or naturally occurring biological fluids comprising:a buffering agent;a nonionic surfactant;alpha-cyclodextrin;a lipase; andwater.The composition provides a catalyst for and agents which hydrolyze triglycerides present in the sample to glycerol and free fatty acids. Also present in the composition is a complexing agent or agents to render the catalyzed fatty acids water-soluble.

Abstract: A standard solution for simultaneously calibrating a plurality of ion electrodes for determining a plurality of ion electrodes for determining a plurality of ions including at least potassium ions and calcium ions in blood, the improvement wherein the concentration of the standard solution for a potassium ion electrode and a calcium ion electrode is adjusted in accordance with the following equations: ##EQU1## As for potassium ion,C=C.sub.o .multidot.10.sup.-.DELTA.E/60As for calcium ion,C=C.sub.o .multidot.10.sup.-.DELTA.E/30As for potassium ion,A=-0.130 to -0.065As for calcium ion,A=-0.240 to -0.172whereinE: is the potential difference when an ionic strength of 150 mM is used as the standard;.mu.: is the ionic strength;C.sub.o : is the calibrated concentration;C: is the concentration of reagent added; andA: is the correction factor.

Abstract: A binder for low density lipoproteins (LDL) consisting of sulphated polyvinyl alcohol which is cross-linked by the chemical or the physical route to a waterinsoluble product. The binder may be in the form of a hydrogel which is applied or not to a carrier or it may be present on the surface of a polyvinyl alcohol fibre which is preferably in the form of tape having a thickness of 0.1 to 2 .mu.m and a width of 0.5 to 6 .mu.m. The fibre shaped binder is prepared by successively cross-linking with an acidified aqueous solution of glutardialdehyde and sulphating with chlorosulphonic acid.

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

Abstract: A stabilized indicator powder for use in assays to detect the presence of peroxidase or other peroxidatively active substances, wherein the indicator is stabilized by being combined with a water soluble polymer. As a dry powder, the indicator retains its reactivity for at least several months. The powder readily dissolves in an aqueous medium and as a solution retains its reactivity for a period of weeks, even in the presence of peroxide.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel, 2 component Giemsa stain. The stain comprises a first component which is an aqueous solution of methylene blue, Azure B and a preservative and a second component which is an acetone/dimethyl formamide/water solvent system containing the sodium salt of eosin Y and a buffer. The Giemsa stain effect is obtained by first fixing a blood slide with methanol and then applying the freshly mixed first and second components of the stain. The slide is then rinsed and dried to prepare it for examination.

Abstract: A hematology control is disclosed which is useful for clinical hematology procedures and, in particular, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) determinations. The hematology control comprises an aqueous suspension of red blood cells in which varying levels of MCV are provided by applying to the red cell component, after light treatment with aldehyde, an osmotic pressure that is directly proportional to the desired red blood cell size.

Abstract: An ultrasonic emulsion fluid is provided for use in ultrasonic probes of medical ultrasonic diagnostic systems, in which the fluid couples ultrasonic energy between a transducer and human tissue. The emulsion outer phase is a water and velocity enhancer mixture. Suitable enhancers include alcohols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or glycerol. The suspended phase of the emulsion is an oil phase such as a silicone fluid. The silicone fluid droplets in the emulsion exhibit an average size which provides the emulsion with desired attenuation characteristics over a given band of ultrasonic frequencies.

Abstract: Preparations useful in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis are disclosed. Horse and sheep erythrocytes are purified and essentially homogenous glycoproteins are extracted. The purified glycoproteins are useful as antigens in testing for the presence of the heterophile antibodies of infectious mononucleosis and in the preparation of reagents for the enumeration of rosetting lymphocytes without having to have available fresh sheep blood.

Abstract: Viruses, particularly hepatitis viruses, in blood clotting enzyme compositions are inactivated with little enzyme activity loss by heating the compositions in the dry state. The novel products which result are therapeutically and diagnostically useful.

Abstract: Biological indicators are used to evaluate the effectiveness of virus inactivation conducted on virus-contaminated, protein-containing compositions. The indicators comprise dry protein and a predetermined titer of infectious virus.

Abstract: A wavelength calibration solution comprising from about 0.025 to about 0.140 molar neodymium and from about 0.135 to about 0.550 molar samarium, wherein the neodymium is present as a neodymium ionized constituent and the samarium is present as a samarium ionized constituent.A method for checking the wavelength accuracy of spectrometers or spectrophotometers of the type comprising measuring the absorbance (A) or percent transmittance (% T) of a wavelength calibration check solution versus a blank at more than one wavelength. The method is characterized in that the above solution is employed therein as the wavelength calibration check solution.

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

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

Abstract: A solution of the type comprising cobalt ammonium sulfate and sulfuric acid. The solution is characterized in that it comprises from about 0.020 to about 0.040 N H.sub.2 SO.sub.4.Also, a method for checking the linearity of response of a spectrometer or spectrophotometer. The method is of the type comprising measuring absorbance (A) or percent transmittance (%T) of a solution versus a blank at a known wavelength. The method is characterized in that the above solution is employed therein.In addition, a method for checking photometric accuracy of a spectrometer or spectrophotometer. The method is of the type comprising measuring A or %T of a solution at a specific wavelength. The method is characterized in that the above solution is employed therein.

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

Abstract: Process for preparing cell samples for cytological tests of exfoliated cells, in which the cell sample is in the form of a slurry in a physiological solution, which is introduced into a first chamber (5) provided with a wall (2) with a large number of holes with a cross section of 10-100 .mu.m and communicating with a second chamber (6). The solution is pressed under the influence of a pressure differential between the first (5) and the second (6) chamber through the wall (2) with holes. The material for the cell sample is taken from the solution in the second chamber (6) for smearing on a slide. A suitable device for carrying out the process is also described.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing steroid hormone receptor samples to be utilized as controls during assays of various human tissue for steroid hormones, especially estrogen. The process comprises collecting tissue known to include such receptors, adding a buffer solution to the tissue, homogenizing the tissue and buffer solution, centrifuging the homogenized mixture, and thereafter collecting the supernatant. The supernatant which contains the desired receptors is subdivided into suitable control sample size and preferably lyophilized to a flake.

Abstract: A hypothyroid control serum for use in assay of thyroid function of serum with a reagent antiserum, said control comprising (a) serum from which triodothyronine and thyroxine have been stripped and (b) low-affinity antibody against triiodothyronine.

Abstract: Method of producing liquid equivalent solid gamma ray calibration standards comprising the steps of adding a first organic solvent to a calibrated aqueous solution of radioactive material, either in the form of a single isotope or mixed isotopes, to form a first solution; mixing the first solution with a polymerizible resin dissolved in a second organic solvent together with a hardening catalyst to form a second solution; and curing the second solution. With isotope standards requiring highly acidic conditions, a stabilizing agent is added to the first solvent to complex with metal and hydrogen ions so as to prevent plate-out.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing steroid hormone receptor samples to be utilized as controls during assays of various human tissue for steroid hormones, especially estrogen. The process comprises collecting tissue known to include such receptors, adding a buffer solution to the tissue, homogenizing the tissue and buffer solution, centrifuging the homogenized mixture, and thereafter collecting the supernatant. The supernatant which contains the desired receptors is subdivided into suitable control sample size and preferably lyophilized to a flake.

Abstract: A stabilized composition comprising a solution of a radiolabeled compound and a diethylenetriamine is described. Preferred diethylenetriamines include, N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl) dithiocarbamic acid, di(2-dithiocarbamyl-ethyl) amine, and salts thereof.

Abstract: A reference liquid system for use with a chemical analyzer that has a plurality of ion selective electrodes comprises a plurality of reference liquids, each of which has a first salt component such that ions of a first element to be measured are present in a predetermined concentration, a second salt component such that ions of a second element to be measured are present in a predetermined concentration, and an error compensation salt component present in a concentration effective to adjust(a) the activity coefficient factor and/or(b) the junction potential factorto reduce the error involved in use of the compensated reference liquid to less than fifty percent of the error involved in use of a corresponding uncompensated reference liquid.

Abstract: A chemical 2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl dimethylthiocarbamate as a simulant use in place of VX nerve gas in decontamination studies.