Sherwood Medical Company

Cetus Corporation

Sherwood Medical Industries Inc.

Eastman-Kodak Company

Louis M Mezei

John J Huang

E Melvin Gindler

John W Sutherland

Patrick J Sheridan

Joseph T Widunas

Jung-Shou Chen

Richard A Leath

Robert E Lovins

Jung S Chen

Samuel C Berry

Richard W Reeves

Laurence N Jacobs

A convenient method for the quantitative determination of a DNA polymerase includes contacting an aqueous test specimen suspected of containing the enzyme with the following: a single-stranded DNA template present in a concentration of at least about 10.sup.-8 molar bases, a DNA primer complementary to the template, a source of a metal polymerase cofactor, sufficient deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates to synthesize double-stranded DNA in the presence of the polymerase, and a colorimetric or fluorescent dye which is capable of providing a detectable signal when a primed single-stranded nucleic acid is converted to double-stranded DNA by the polymerase. The rate of signal generation is then measured and can be correlated with the level of DNA polymerase in the specimen using graphical or mathematical means. The results of this method are precise, having a covariance of less than about 10%. A test kit includes the reagents needed for carrying out this method.

Quantitative determination of a DNA polymerase and a test kit useful in

An improved liquid handling device used for transferring a selected quantity of liquid from one receptacle to another. The device includes a meniscus tracking feature which minimizes mixing in a liquid sample and contact between the sample and a sample-handling pipette during a liquid-transfer operation. Further included is a volume-correcting feature for improving the accuracy of volume withdrawn into or dispensed from the pipette during a liquid handling operation.

Liquid handling device and method

Antibodies specific to glycosylated hemoglobin and substantially free of cross-reactivity with nonglycosylated forms of hemoglobin are obtained by administering a synthetic antigen to a host animal. The antigen comprises a glycosylated synthetic peptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to that of the NH.sub.2 -terminus of the .beta.-chain of hemoglobin. The peptide comprises a sequence of between about four and ten, and preferably seven, amino acids, and is conjugated with glucose and a protein. The protein preferably comprises an immunoglobulin which is foreign to the host animal.

Method of obtaining antibodies

A control material for use in the determination of glycosylated and total hemoglobin, and a method of preparing the same, are disclosed. The control is prepared by the steps of hemolyzing red blood cells, preferably in the presence of a detergent, followed by removal of stroma and lipids from the hemoglobin with an organic solvent such as toluene in the presence of a polyhydroxy compound such as sucrose. A hemoglobin-rich fraction is separated from the resulting mixture and dialyzed against a solution of a polyhydroxy compound. The dialysate may be lyophilized to provide a stable, dry product suitable for reconstitution.

Standard or control material for glysocylated or total hemoglobin

The stability of a reagent comprising an aqueous solution of a phenolsulphonephthalein dye is enhanced by the presence of a weak acid in the reagent.

Calcium assay

A cholesterol standard solution containing a predetermined amount of cholesterol, alcohol, and a long chain alkyl substituted betaine.

Growing community of inventors

Fremont, CA, United States of America

Louis M Mezei