USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

John R Kelly

Lloyd Grant Simonson

An assay method and kit for detecting the presence of a predesignated, target IgG antibody in a sample selected from one or more patient bodily fluids. The method comprises the following steps: (a) contacting the sample of one or more patient bodily fluids with a membrane-bound recombinant protective antigen to bind to the target IgG antibody in the sample; (b) previously, simultaneously or subsequently to step (a), binding the protective antigen (PA) with a conjugated label producing a detectable signal; and (c) detecting the signal whereby the presence of the target IgG antibody is determined in the sample by the intensity of the signal. The method can further comprise the step of evaluating immunization status of the patient from whom the sample came by comparing the signal or lack thereof with immunizations previously received by the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the recombinant protective antigen (PA) specifically binds to anthrax protective antigen-specific IgG antibodies. Preferably, the immunoassay of the present invention comprises a lateral-flow assay comprising a membrane, a conjugated label pad, and a recombinant protective antigen (PA) bound to the membrane.

Rapid and non-invasive method to evaluate immunization status of a patient

An extracting tool for removing an electronic plug-in module from a chassis ssembly applies, by mechanical advantage, a large extracting force to a module. An extractor plate engageable with a plug-in module is slidably connected to a frame and a rotatable cam is provided for linearly moving the extractor plate. A handle integral with the cam is used for rotating the cam, and a cam surface on the handle is used to return the extractor plate to a starting position when the handle is moved in a reverse direction.

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Rockville, MD, United States of America

John R Kelly