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Human support committee provides a forum where staff, patients, and administration can become involved in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient services.

A new rapid differentiating solubility test for hemoglobin S

A new test for sickling hemoglobin, SickleQuikTM, has been developed which has definitive advantages over existing turbidity tests. This test utilizes a biphasic liquid reagent system provided in individualized, ready-to-use reaction tubes which are stable at room temperature. The test differentiates homozygous from heterozygous S samples in less than eight minutes. Results are based on the color of a layer formed at the organic-aqueous interface and the color of the lower aqueous phase. Of more than 900 samples tested in independent laboratories, no false positive or false negative results occurred.

The determination of residual ethylene oxide and halogenated hydrocarbon propellants in sterilized plastics

A specific and sensitive method is described for the determination of residual ethylene oxide, dichlorodifluoromethane and trichlorofluoromethane in sterilized plastic surgical equipment. Residues are isolated from the plastics by high vacuum distillation and analysed by gas chromatography using an exponential dilution apparatus, to avoid the use of solvents. Under the conditions specified, a lower limit of 1 ppm of each component could be detected in blood giving sets of which the main plastics material was PVC. The rate of loss of each component has been studied, to indicate the necessary holding time of the material before it can be considered safe to use.

Studies on the human renin--anti-renin system

Two precipitating rabbit antibodies capable of neutralizing the pressor activity of human renin were developed, characterized and purified. One of these antibodies reacted with both active and inactive renin, the other reacted only with active renin. Hopefully, use can be made of such purified precipitating anti-renin preparations to develop a totally in vitro assay for human renin.

Characterization of the renin-antirenin system

Rabbit antibody capable of neutralizing the pressor activity of the enzyme renin, derived from hog kidneys, was characterized with respect to type and capacity to react serologically. Three antirenin antibodies were detected, both a precipitating and nonprecipitating, neutralizing antibody as well as a neutralizing antibody capable of being absorbed by inactivated renin. The precipitating, neutralizing antibody was purified and used successfully in an assay for hog renin by means of a hemagglutination inhibition test. By immunofluorescent methods utilizing the purified antiserum, renin was found to be localized in the macula densa of the distal convoluted tubules and the juxtaglomerular cells of the afferent arteriole in both hog and dog kidneys.