Abstract: A urine analysis system includes a urinary particle analyzer and a computer. The urinary particle analyzer has a measuring unit that measures a cast concentration from the urine and an electric conductivity sensor that measures the electric conductivity of the urine. The computer has a function of correcting the cast concentration measured by the measuring unit on the basis of the electric conductivity of the urine measured by the electric conductivity sensor and a function of outputting the corrected cast concentration.

Abstract: A packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a sterilization pouch. The pouch includes a posterior portion attached to an anterior portion along three edges. The two portions define the pouch. The top part of the pouch is inverted so that the inside part of the pouch is facing outward and forms a cuff around the pouch. An integral internal sterilization indicator is further provided. The integral indicator comprises a sterilizing agent sensitive substance. The sterilizing agent sensitive substance can be an indicator ink printed as an ink line on the interior of the sterilization pouch below the cuff. Thus, the indicator becomes visible during aseptic delivery of the packaged article to provide a clear indication as to whether or not adequate conditions for sterilization have been achieved. In a further embodiment, the indicator ink line repeats as a pattern throughout the interior of the sterilization pouch.

Abstract: The invention provides a calibrating method for use in a method of determining the quantity of an analyte labelled with an AMS isotope in a test sample, said calibrating method comprising: (i) contacting a plurality of samples contaminated with neither said analyte nor a non-labelled counterpart analyte with a known quantity of said counterpart analyte and a quantity C of analyte to afford a plurality of calibrating samples, wherein each of said calibrating samples contains a known quantity of counterpart analyte but a different quantity of C; (ii) measuring by AMS the quantity C of analyte added to each of the plurality of samples; (iii) separating the analyte and counterpart analyte from other species in the plurality of samples to afford a plurality of purified samples; (iv) measuring a quantity A of analyte in said purified samples by AMS; and (v) measuring a quantity B of counterpart analyte in said purified samples.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a kit for calibrating a photoluminescence measurement system, in particular a fluorescence measurement system. The kit includes a number of fluorescence standards i and their corrected and certified fluorescence spectra Ii(?), whereby the fluorescence standards i are selected, so that their spectrally corrected fluorescence spectra Ii(?) cover a broad spectral range with high intensity. The standards are characterized by large half-widths FWHMi of their bands of at least 1400 cm?1. According to the method of the invention, partial correction functions Fi(?) are generated by forming the quotient of the measured fluorescence spectra Ji(?) and the corresponding corrected fluorescence spectra Ii(?), which are then combined to form a total correction function F(?) for a broad spectral range.

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

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that comprises: a first measurement unit for measuring a sample; a second measurement unit for measuring a sample; and an information processing unit for acquiring a first analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the first measurement unit and a second analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the second measurement unit, wherein the information processing unit is configured to: correct the first analysis result based on a first correction value, correct the second analysis result based on a second correction value, update the first correction value, and update the second correction value. A calibration method of a sample analyzer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer fractions such as polyethylene fractions can be produced that have a PDI less than about 2.3 and a Mw greater than about 1,000,000 g/mol, 3,000,000 g/mol, or 6,000,000 g/mol. Such polyethylene fractions are separated from a UHMWPE parent polymer by first dissolving the parent polymer in a relatively good solvent. The conditions employed for such dissolution are selected to reduce the degradation of the parent polymer. The resulting parent solution is transported into a fractionation column in which a support is disposed. The fractionation column is thereafter operated at conditions effective to form a precipitate on the support comprising the desired polyethylene fraction. The polyethylene fraction may then be recovered from the fractionation column by repeatedly displacing a solvent/non-solvent mixture into the column to dissolve the polyethylene fraction. The relative concentrations of the solvent and the non-solvent are based on a solvent gradient profile of the polyethylene parent polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process for preparing a sensitivity control for blood group determination including dissolving an amount of an antigen in water to give an antigen solution of known concentration, contacting the antigen solution with cells to allow insertion of antigen molecules into the cell membranes of the cells to give transformed cells or contacting the antigen solution with cells that have been modified by the insertion of a linker molecule into the membranes of the cells to allow attachment of antigen molecules to the linker molecules to give transformed cells, washing the transformed cells to give a transformed cell solution, and determining the concentration of the transformed cell solution to enable the solution to be used as a sensitivity control for blood group determination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for improving a chemiluminescent signal. In particular, a reaction buffer with an alkaline pH range of about 9 to 10 provides a maximal chemiluminescent intensity and longevity of luminol that is catalyzed by superoxide anions. The addition of carbonate to the reaction buffer provides an optimal signal to background ratio and stability of a chemiluminescent signal from luminol catalyzed by superoxide anions. The method includes preparing a buffer with an alkaline pH, combining the buffer with a working reagent to produce and detect a chemiluminescent signal. The working reagent includes luminol, a coumaric acid and a peroxide. The composition includes a buffer having a pH from about 9 to about 10, a stock reagent comprising luminol, a coumaric acid, a peroxide, and a second buffer having a pH of about 8.5.

Abstract: A method for enumerating white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells. The steps of the method are as follows: (a) providing a lysed sample of whole blood; (b) introducing the lysed sample to a light-scattering multi-angle depolarizing flow cytometer; (c) removing depolarizing interference, e.g., lipid droplets and other measured particles; (d) differentiating nucleated red blood cells and noise from white blood cells in the absence of depolarizing interference; (e) differentiating nucleated red blood cells from noise in the absence of depolarizing interference and white blood cells; and (f) differentiating possible platelet clumps.

Abstract: A method and composition for detecting and measuring analytes, such as antibodies, which are capable of binding with certain binding partners such as antigens. A homogenous assay is performed in the presence of free unbound antibodies. Such a homogeneous assay testing for specific antibodies is herein possible by defining of test subsets of microparticles having specific antigens thereon which are capable of binding with specific target antibodies. The microparticle suspension also includes at least two calibration subsets of microparticles having a binding partner thereon with at least two known levels of concentration which is capable of binding with human antibodies for the purpose of assay calibration. A verification subset of microparticles is included with another binding partner thereon at a known concentration, capable of binding with anti-human antibodies. This suspension is incubated with a human sample and then is incubated with a tagging component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making stable test samples that can be used in ligand-binding assays for measuring natriuretic peptides.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge includes a capture portion capturing target material on surfaces of nonmagnetic particles; and a separating portion separating target molecules from the target material captured on the surfaces of the particles. The microfluidic cartridge is mounted on an adaptor that is rotated by a rotating unit in order to separate a fluid including the target molecules from the particles through centrifugal force.

Abstract: The present invention describes semi- and fully-automated methods and reagents therefor for the assay and analysis of body fluid samples, particularly non-blood samples. The methods and reagents are especially useful for the assay and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The reagent compositions sphere and fix all cells in the sample in suspension. Reported results can include red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, WBC differential values, cell-by-cell volumes and dry-mass concentrations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for automatically differentiating between a sample liquid and a control liquid especially within the context of analytical measuring systems, wherein the presence of a special property of the control liquid and/or at least two criteria are used for the differentiation. In addition the invention concerns appropriate control liquids that are suitable for the new method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to indicator granular material, especially for a cat lavatory, in which at least one first granular material is substantially completely coated with a first polymer layer, which is solid at a first pH and is dissolved at a second pH; and also to a cat lavatory and the use of the indicator granular material in a cat lavatory.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay device for performing an assay on a liquid sample using a detection conjugate capable of binding to an antigen and containing a label, said device comprising a substrate having a substrate surface, wherein the surface comprises projections substantially perpendicular to said surface, said projections having a height, diameter and distance capable of generating lateral capillary flow of a fluid in said passage, said surface comprising a sample addition zone, a reaction zone and an absorbing zone, said zones being connected by at least one fluid passage, wherein said device has a first functionality verifying feature located between the sample addition zone and the reaction zone, and a second functionality verifying feature located within the absorbing zone, and both functionality verifying features being features capable of undergoing a detectable change when contacted by the sample, said assay device further comprising at least one alignment verification zone.

Abstract: A method for silver staining a gel on which biological substances such as nucleic acids and proteins are separated by electrophoresis, which comprises at least the following steps: (a) the step of immersing an untreated gel after the electrophoresis in an aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate; (b) the step of immersing the gel obtained in the step (a) in a mixture of ethanol and an aqueous solution of sodium acetate; and (c) the step of immersing the gel obtained in the step (b) in a mixture of ethanol and an aqueous solution of silver nitrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single population of simulated leukocyte granules prepared from mammalian whole white blood cells, which is useful in calibrators for a hematology analyzer, a calibrator which includes the single population of simulated leukocyte granules. Disclosed is also a method of preparing the single population of simulated leukocyte granules. The method of preparing single population of simulated leukocyte granules includes the actions of: obtaining mammalian whole white blood cells; treating the mammalian whole white blood cells with a hemolytic agent and a leukocyte treating liquid which includes an isotonic saline solution. The isotonic saline solution may include a fixative, an oxidizer, and a carbohydrate compound; fixing the treated mammalian whole white blood cells with a fixative; and suspending the fixed cells in a preservation medium for long-term preservation of fixed cells.

Abstract: Menstrual fluid simulants may consistently emulate the physical characteristics of real menstrual fluid, including but not limited to, viscosity, stringiness, surface tension and size and concentration of particulate matter. In addition, the constituents comprising the menstrual fluid simulants may be changed in order to mimic the variations in real menstrual fluid observed from woman to woman and from an individual woman over time. The menstrual fluid simulants are of use in the testing of personal care absorbent products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel derivative of Compound 1 selectively substituted with fluorine and/or deuterium and optionally further substituted with deuterium and 13C elsewhere in the molecule. The compounds of this invention are cholesterol esterase transfer protein inhibitors and possess unique biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic properties compared to Compound 1. They may also be used to accurately determine the concentration of Compound 1 in biological fluids and tissues and to determine metabolic patterns of Compound 1 and its isotopologues. The invention further provides compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating diseases and conditions that are responsive to inhibition of cholesterol esterase transfer protein, alone and in combination with additional agents.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for preparing a mixture, has a mixer. The mixer includes a plurality of chambers, each chamber having a volume of at most 1 microliter, a first plurality of channels, each channel fluidly connecting 2 chambers, a plurality of chamber valves, each chamber valve controlling fluid flow out of one of the plurality of chambers, and a first plurality of channel valves, each channel valve controlling fluid flow through one of the first plurality of channels.

Abstract: An analyzing system, comprising: a sample processor for processing a sample based on a designated dilution parameter; a measurement section for measuring the sample processed by the sample processor; a dilution parameter memory for storing a first dilution parameter and a second dilution parameter which is different from the first dilution parameter and can be supplied by a user of the analyzing system; and a measurement controller for controlling the sample processor and the measurement section so as to process the sample based on the first dilution parameter and obtain a measurement value by measuring the processed sample; wherein, when a comparison of the measurement value and a predetermined threshold indicates a retest, the second dilution parameter is used for the retest, is disclosed. A diagnostic processing device and computer program product thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel sequences for use in diagnosis and treatment of carcinomas, especially breast cancers. In addition, the present invention describes the use of novel compositions for use in screening methods. The invention provides compositions and methods associated with altered expression of PRLR in cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reagent and a process for the identification and counting of biological cells in a sample. This reagent comprises a cell lysing agent selected from at least one detergent in a concentration capable of specifically lysing a given type of cells in the sample, and a stain capable of marking the intracellular nucleic acids of the remaining unlysed cells. Application in particular for the identification and counting of cells using an automated analysis system based on flow cytometry.

Abstract: The instant invention provides an economical flow-through method for determining amount of target proteins in a sample. An antibody preparation (whether polyclonal or monoclonal, or any equivalent specific binding agent) is used to capture and thus enrich a specific monitor peptide (a specific peptide fragment of a protein to be quantitated in a proteolytic digest of a complex protein sample) and an internal standard peptide (the same chemical structure but including stable isotope labels). Upon elution into a suitable mass spectrometer, the natural (sample derived) and internal standard (isotope labeled) peptides are quantitated, and their measured abundance ratio used to calculate the abundance of the monitor peptide, and its parent protein, in the initial sample.

Abstract: Bone metastasis and the efficacy of drugs in the treatment of malignant tumors such as breast cancer, prostatic cancer and lung cancer that cause the bone metastasis are diagnosed using a marker that reflects the activity of osteoblasts and a marker that reflects the action of osteoclasts.

Abstract: A reagent for analyzing immature leukocyte capable of analyzing accurately immature leukocyte such as myeloblast and immature granulocyte, and mature leukocyte, which reagent has broader allowable range of sample processing conditions than conventional ones, and a reagent kit are provided. The present invention relates to a reagent for analyzing immature leukocyte containing a surfactant for giving damage to cell membrane of red blood cell and mature leukocyte in the sample, a solubilizing agent for causing contraction to damaged blood cell, sugar, a dye for staining nucleic acid.

Abstract: A control and a cellular fraction for use therein and methods for making the same, including a first cellular component including a plurality of a first group of processed animal red blood cells other than human blood cells; a second cellular component including a plurality of a second group of processed animal red blood cells other than human blood cells; a third cellular component including a plurality of a third group of processed animal red blood cells other than human blood cells; wherein one or more of the first second and third cellular components include a nucleus; and the control simulates erythroblasts of a human blood sample on an automated blood analyzer that analyzes blood cells using impedance, optical measurements or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for determining the molecular weight of glatiramer acetate and other copolymers. The present invention further provides a plurality of molecular weight markers for determining the molecular weight of glatiramer acetate and other copolymers which display linear relationships between molar ellipticity and molecular weight, and between retention time and the log of the molecular weight. The molecular weight markers also optimally demonstrate biological activity similar to glatiramer acetate or corresponding copolymers and can be used for treating or preventing various immune diseases. In addition, the subject invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of immune diseases comprising a polypeptide having an identified molecular weight and an amino acid composition corresponding to glatiramer acetate or a terpolymer.

Abstract: Methods that permit the rapid release of one or more analytes from head or body hair or other keratinized structures of an individual (who may previously have ingested one or more of the analytes) are provided. The methods can include contacting the keratinized structure with a reducing agent but not with a proteolytic agent. The methods can further include identification and quantification of the one or more analytes by known analytical techniques such as immunoassays. The described methods do not damage the analyte and do not cause harmful effects on a subsequently-used analyte detection probe (e.g., an antibody).

Abstract: The present invention quickly resolves troubles in an analyzer and performs effective external quality control management. An analyzer (2) and a control device (1) are connected by a network (3). Error data and sample data taken from an assay of a quality control substance are transmitted from the control device (1) to the analyzer (2). The analyzer (2) is made to be remotely operable from the control device (1) and when problems arise, repair from the control device (1) is possible. The control device (1) tallies sample data and provides the tally results to a Web page. The analyzer (2) accesses the Web page using a WWW browser, and it can perform external quality control in real time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting disorders of iron metabolism and in particular the differential diagnosis of disorders of iron metabolism by means of three independent parameters. The differential diagnosis can be used to classify disorders of iron metabolism and to recommend the required treatment and to monitor the progress and response to treatment.

Abstract: A standard material that is used for judging an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer is described. The standard material comprises first standard particles to be fluorescence-stained by a fluorescence-staining treatment and second standard particles that have preliminarily contained a fluorescence dye. A method and an analyzer that can judge an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer by using such a standard material are also described.

Abstract: A method to determine specificity of ligand binding includes comparing a solid phase carrier first extract obtained by pre-treating a sample with a ligand-immobilized solid phase carrier and a solid phase carrier second extract obtained by treating the pretreated sample again with a ligand-immobilized solid phase carrier in terms of the proteins contained therein, and identifying a protein whose content is remarkably decreased in the second extract compared to the first extract, in order to solve 1) the problem of the solubility of subject ligand, 2) the problem of the non-specific protein-denaturing effect of the subject ligand added, and the like, in antagonism experiments in target search using an affinity resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a five-part differential white blood cell control and a white blood cell control prepared thereby. The white blood cell control obtained by the method of the present invention perfectly retains the light scattering properties of every type of white blood cells and has much higher stability than that of real white blood cells, and therefore can be used for the quality control of five-part differential hematology analyzers based on the principle of multi-angle light scattering.

Abstract: A whole-blood-based substitute composition that is useful in coagulation assays as a standard, reference, control, calibrator, linearity verifier, or training material is prepared by combining a red blood cell lysate that is free of plasma, leukocytes, and platelets with a platelet-free plasma of human origin and an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Methods for normalizing output from an instrument employing a reference standard or non-fluorescing substance disposed within at least one of a plurality of reaction chambers. The method comprises collecting and analyzing a signal associated with the reference standard or non-fluorescing substance to determine a normalizing bias. The normalizing bias is then applied to the data signal collected from a remainder of the plurality of reaction chambers.

Abstract: A method for pretreating and extracting a liquid sample by sorbing an aqueous liquid sample, including an organic analyte and an acid or a base, in a solid sorbent material, and at least partially neutralizing the acid or base by reaction with neutralizing ions retained on a support surface, and contacting the liquid sample-sorbed sorbent material at elevated temperature and pressure with an organic solvent to extract the analyte into said solvent, preferably in a vessel having an extraction chamber with a zirconium metal interior surface.

Abstract: The invention is a procedure for measuring the binding of an entity (ligand) to a surface by using a hapten-conjugated version of the ligand (hapten-ligand). An excess of the hapten-ligand is presented to the binding surface and excess (unbound) hapten-ligand is washed off. Bound hapten-ligand is then solubilized (removed) and applied to a membrane support or separated by electrophoresis and applied to a membrane support. Known amounts of hapten-ligand are similarly applied to the membrane, to provide for hapten-ligand standards. The membrane-bound hapten-ligand is detected by application of an enzyme-conjugated antibody to the hapten; or by application of an antibody to the hapten followed by application of an enzyme-conjugated antibody to the anti-hapten antibody. The resultant membrane-associated enzyme is detected and quantitated by the application of a color or light-producing substrate which reacts with the enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for obtaining micro and nanometric particles in a controlled, reproducible manner. The aforementioned particles have a spherical shape and a very narrow, uniform size distribution. More specifically, the invention relates to a novel method of forming emulsions and to the application thereof in micro and nanoencapsulation techniques involving the extraction/evaporation of the solvent. In particular, the invention relates to the encapsulation of the fluorescent compounds and the subsequent application thereof.

Abstract: A hotplate chemical trace detector comprising a heatable conducting plate with a heater element having a predetermined temperature-power characteristic. A balancing circuit comprises an adjustable resistor for tuning the heater element to a predefined resistor value. A processor is provided for adjusting the adjustable resistor so as to provide a stabilized temperature in said heatable conducting plate and a detection circuit is provided for detecting a change of resistance in the heatable conducting plate in accordance with the presence of a chemical trace reacting in the presence of the conducting plate. According to the invention a test circuit is provided for measuring a dissipated power in the heater element and for calculating a real temperature from the dissipated power in the heater element based on the predetermined temperature-power characteristic.

Abstract: The embodied composition is a dose of bio-identical hormones in a solvent with a vasodilator, a hormone modulator, and a carrier for balancing and maintaining Cortisol level in a human. The dose comprises progesterone ranging from about 0.005 wt % to about 41 wt %; pregnenolone ranging from about 0.005 wt % to about 41 wt %; ethoxydiglycol ranging from about 0.005 wt % to about 10 wt %; pentoxifylline ranging from about 0.005 wt % to about 10 wt %; ginseng ranging from about 0.005 wt % to about 41 wt %, and carrier q.s. Embodied herein is a method for balancing and maintaining Cortisol levels in humans by identifying the hormonal needs for a human, testing to ascertain the baseline hormone levels, inserting the values of baseline hormone level for each hormone into a hormone tree, balancing the hormones to a normal level, adjusting the levels for symptoms and sex type, and forming a resultant composition.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus 10 and a method 100 for automatically lysing, extracting and purifying biomolecules 28. As the central technology for purifying the biomolecules magnetizable particles 35 and an adapted magnet device 40 are used for binding and transferring the particles 35. The apparatus 10 comprises a highly efficient incubation unit 60 with options for upscaling the maximum sample amount. Furthermore the apparatus 10 in particular comprises a group of magnetizable pins 40 as transport magnets and furthermore counter magnets 50 which are arranged on the cavities 20, in which solutions 30 with the biomolecules 28 to be lysed and magnetizable particles 35 are disposed. The use of counter magnets 50 improves the quality of the eluate. Furthermore the invention comprises a fully automatic system 800 and a method 100 for controlling the process steps and the selection of the reagents and the aids (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention present invention relates to improved IRIS Fe oxide paint compositions, to the dried (or cured) residue of such paints, and to devices upon which such paint compositions have been applied (IRIS devices) used to assess reducing conditions in soils, especially wetland soils. The improved IRIS Fe oxide paints contain from about 30 to about 70 mole percent goethite, more preferably, from about 40 to about 60 mole percent goethite, and still more preferably, about 50 mole percent goethite.

Abstract: Provided herein are reagents for use in an automated environment for cell conditioning of biological samples wherein the cells or tissues are predisposed for access by reagent molecules for histochemical and cytochemical staining procedures. The reagents include, but are not limited to, components optimized to facilitate molecular access to cells and cell constituents within the biological sample. Also provided herein are reagents for use in an automated environment for removing or etching embedding media by exposing a biological sample to be stained in histochemical or cytochemical procedures without the dependence on organic solvents. The reagents include, but are not limited to, components optimized to facilitate removal or etching of the embedding media from the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indicator composition for evaluating cleaning of a medical instrument that includes an extracellular matrix component and hemoglobin, as a contamination model having cleaning profile resembling an actual contaminant adhered to a medical instrument such as a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method of conducting a chemical reaction in a flow reactor comprises the steps of pumping at least one liquid reaction plug bounded at both ends by liquid spacer plugs along a reaction channel of the reactor; and conducting the chemical reaction in the reaction plug inside the reaction channel, wherein the liquid reaction plug comprises one or more reagents dispersed in a reaction solvent, the liquid spacer plugs are immiscible in the reaction solvent, and the reagents are substantially insoluble in the spacer plugs; and wherein the aspect ratio of the at least one reaction plug is at least about 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing analyses of total blood samples and to a device that is useful for implementing the method, said samples being conserved in tubes including at least one identification means for identifying the sample, the device comprising: at least one compartment constituting a said storage zone for storing said tubes before and after analysis; and at least one said read means for reading said identification means of said tubes; and at least one preparation zone for preparing said blood samples prior to analysis and including means for verifying and/or treating said tubes containing said samples, and in particular at least one agitator means for agitating said tubes; and at least one access zone giving access to at least one automatic analyzer of total blood, said access zone enabling a said tube to be placed in said analyzer; and robotic gripper and displacement means controlled by an automatic controller and suitable for taking hold of and replacing said tubes ind

Abstract: Erythrocytes from a vertebrate animal other than a human that have been size reduced and treated with a fixing agent by conventional methods to resemble human platelets are further treated to achieve a size distribution that is detected in a consistent manner by different methodologies of blood cell counting. The further treatment includes heating to a denaturing temperature followed by a second treatment with a fixing agent. The resulting cells are useful as controls for calibrating and checking the accuracy of automated blood cell counting equipment.