Abstract:
In an analytical photometer, in particular multi-channel,for the simultaneous analysis of a multiplicity of samples, the light source provided is a flash tube for producing light pulses in which a permanent preionization discharge is maintained and the light energy is derived by optical fibres to be sent to optical systems where the beam is divided into an analysis beam which travels through the sample and a reference beam, both finally delivered to photodetectors. Both the divided beams pass through identical filtering systems for selection of a narrow spectral band of relevance for analytical purposes.
Abstract:
Analytical photometer for the practically simultaneous determination of the presence of different substances in a certain number of discrete samples. The photometer (10) is equipped with a centrifugal type rotor (16), already known in the art, containing a large number of chambers with inlet holes (20, 22) for the sample/samples and reagents and with axially aligned transparent windows, thereby forming a system of rotating cuvettes (18). The rotor compartments (16) serve as receptacles for the solutions and are designed and dimensioned as already known in the art, such as to retain the liquid when said rotor (16) is at rest and to transfer said liquid into the cuvettes (18) when the rotor (16) rotates. A single or multiple light source (L) is provided, which is transmitted in a novel manner through a system of suitable means, in particular, optical fibres (30-35) to various photodetector units (60 to 65), suitably aligned with the transparent windows of the cuvettes (18) by means of the same number of interference filters (50to 55) and appropriate holes (40 to 45) situated in the base (15) of the rotor (16). Thus it is possible to determine for the first time, concentrations of chemical solutions through the absorbance in the sample/samples plus reagent/reagents contained in the cuvettes (18) at various wave lengths, with wave energy being delivered from source (L). Hence it is possible to examine more than one cuvette (18) almost simultaneously and singly, each one for a different analytical parameter, and consequently to examine the transmittance and/or absorbance of the samples contained in the cuvettes at optimum wave length.
Abstract:
Liquid and lyophilized reagents for determining prothrombin time and/or fibrinogen levels in a plasma sample are disclosed. The reagents preferably are based on recombinant rabbit tissue factor. Also disclosed is a purified preparation of recombinant rabbit tissue factor having unique properties, and a novel method for making PT reagents.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for determining thrombotic risk in an individual. The method involves determining the activity of Protein C and Protein S in the plasma of the individual thought to be at thrombotic risk by adding to a plasma sample obtained from the individual: (i) a first reagent in an amount sufficient to induce or activate coagulation in the plasma, (ii) a second reagent which activates endogenous protein C in the plasma, and (iii) a third reagent comprising calcium salts, phospholipids or tissue thromboplastin, or a combination thereof. To a second plasma sample from the same subject is added a reagent which induces or activates coagulation, and a buffer or other material which does not activate protein C, and a third reagent as described above. The time, rate or both, necessary for the conversion of endogenous fibrinogen to fibrin in both the first and second samples is measured. The same steps are performed on normal control plasma, and the difference or ratio in the times, rates, or both, obtained above are determined. The difference or ratio is indicative of the thrombotic risk in the subject. A kit adapted to carry out the method also is the subject of the present invention. The methods and kits of the invention in other embodiments may comprise a first reagent comprising a synthetic substrate, a second reagent which in the first sample from the subject activates protein C, and in the second sample, a second reagent which does not activate protein C. In these embodiments, the rates of hydrolysis of the synthetic substrates are measured and compared.
Abstract:
A fluid circulating and intercepting device (10) comprises a first (12) and a second block (11) facing each other with the interposition of an impermeable elastic and flexible diaphragm (13). The first block (12) is provided with at least one concavity (16) with its mouth close to the diaphragm (13) and into which opens out in a substantially axial direction a control fluid feed duct (17). The second block (11) is provided with ducts (14, 15) for circulation of the intercepted fluid which open out on the face in contact with the diaphragm (13), in correspondence with the concavity (16) in the first block (12).
Abstract:
An aqueous coenzyme reagent composition contains NADH, a carbonate/bicarbonate buffer (with a pH of about 9.5 - 11) and water. Both NADH and the buffer are at low concentrations, e.g., about 2 - 5 mM for NADH and about 2 - 15 mM for carbonate/bicarbonate. When this coenzyme reagent is mixed with an enzyme reagent, the mixture achieves a neutral pH. The combination of high pH, low NADH concentration and low buffer concentration permit the aqueous reagent to be stored for extended periods at low temperatures without NADH degrading to form impurities which interfere with or inhibit enzyme activity, such as the activity of lactate dehydrogenase or malate dehydrogenase in an assay for ALT or AST.
Abstract:
To determine the biological activity of protein S in a sample of human plasma, the suitably diluted sample is added to a substrate formed from plasma deficient in protein S, in which protein C is activated. The functionality of protein S is evaluated by a coagulometric test using bovine thromboplastin with added calcium as the phospholipid source.
Abstract:
A method for determining the concentrations of total calcium and at least one monovalent ion in a sample includes the steps of mixing the sample with a diluent that has a pH within the range pH 6.5 to 7.0 and includes 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3 propanediol phosphate and is free of the monovalent ion. An aliquot of the diluted sample is concurrently contacted with a calcium-specific ion selective electrode and an ion selective electrode specifically responsive to the monovalent ion, the response of the calcium-specific ion selective electrode is measured as an indication of the concentration of total calcium in the sample, and the response of the monovalent ion specific ion selective electrode is measured as an indication of the concentration of the monovalent ion in the sample.