The present invention addresses the problem of providing a means for making highly sensitive and stable measurements possible using electrochemical measurement methods. This problem is resolved by providing: a labeling substance represented by general formula (1) and used to label a substrate; a measurement substrate that is formed by being labeled using the labeling substance; a method of measuring using electrochemical measurement methods that use the measurement substrate; and a reagent kit that includes as components the labeling substance and/or the measurement substrate.

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(In general formula (1), R.sub.1 is either H or an alkyl group (C.sub.mH.sub.2m+1), m is an integer of 1-4, R.sub.2 is an alkyl group (C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1), and n is an integer of 1-4.)

Provided is an implement for inspection capable of measuring the concentration of a test substance with high accuracy. The implement for inspection according to the present invention is an implement for inspection used for measuring the concentration of a test substance that includes a compound for reacting with a test substance to form a granular substance or a compound which is for being bound to the test substance and is a granular substance, and a wall portion having a periodic structure on its surface.

Provided is an implement for inspection capable of measuring the concentration of a test substance with high accuracy. The implement for inspection according to the present invention is an implement for inspection used for measuring the concentration of a test substance that includes a compound for reacting with a test substance to form a granular substance or a compound which is for being bound to the test substance and is a granular substance, and a wall portion having a periodic structure on its surface.

To provide means for reducing reaction interference observed when AT III is subjected to limulus test, whereby the limulus test of antithrombin III can be carried out at high accuracy. Reaction interference observed when AT III is subjected to limulus test can be reduced by subjecting AT III to a protein inactivation treatment in the co-presence of a divalent metal salt.

To provide means for reducing reaction interference observed when AT III is subjected to limulus test, whereby the limulus test of antithrombin III can be carried out at high accuracy. Reaction interference observed when AT III is subjected to limulus test can be reduced by subjecting AT III to a protein inactivation treatment in the co-presence of a divalent metal salt.

A centripetal microfluidic platform comprised of a microfluidics disc and a reader for testing LAL-reactive substances in fluid samples is provided. The microfluidic disc may comprise at least two testing areas wherein each testing area includes a reservoir portion for receiving at least one fluid sample. The disc may comprise a distribution network portion in fluid communication with the reservoir portion. Each distribution network portion may comprise a distribution network of at least four (4) channels, wherein each channel has a metering portion and at least one analysis chamber portion. The analysis chamber portion may comprise a mixing chamber for mixing samples and reagents and an optical chamber portion that is compatible with an optical reader. The metering portion may be sized to meter an aliquot of the fluid sample for analysis in the analysis chamber portion. At least one analysis chamber portion has at least one reagent isolated therein. The centripetal microfluidic platform further includes a reader for testing fluid samples within a microfluidic disc comprising an enclosure, an optical bench, a centripetal disc drive, and a controller. A method for testing at least one fluid sample for LAL-reactive substances is also provided.

A centripetal microfluidic platform comprised of a microfluidics disc and a reader for testing LAL-reactive substances in fluid samples is provided. The microfluidic disc may comprise at least two testing areas wherein each testing area includes a reservoir portion for receiving at least one fluid sample. The disc may comprise a distribution network portion in fluid communication with the reservoir portion. Each distribution network portion may comprise a distribution network of at least four (4) channels, wherein each channel has a metering portion and at least one analysis chamber portion. The analysis chamber portion may comprise a mixing chamber for mixing samples and reagents and an optical chamber portion that is compatible with an optical reader. The metering portion may be sized to meter an aliquot of the fluid sample for analysis in the analysis chamber portion. At least one analysis chamber portion has at least one reagent isolated therein. The centripetal microfluidic platform further includes a reader for testing fluid samples within a microfluidic disc comprising an enclosure, an optical bench, a centripetal disc drive, and a controller. A method for testing at least one fluid sample for LAL-reactive substances is also provided.

Endotoxin is detected by electrochemical measurement. A detection device 15 of endotoxin detects endotoxin contained in a fluid to be tested (for example, a dialysate) specifically in the following manner. First, the fluid to be tested is brought into contact with an adsorbent 17 that adsorbs endotoxin to cause the adsorbent 17 to adsorb the endotoxin. Then, a basic solution is brought into contact with the adsorbent 17 to desorb the endotoxin. Electrochemical measurement of the basic solution containing the desorbed endotoxin is performed. The endotoxin can be detected by the electrochemical measurement with high sensitivity at low cost.

The present invention is directed to methods, compositions and devices useful for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant, including an endotoxin. In embodiments, cartridges are provided that include dried compositions that are useful in absorbance-based assays and in combination with portable readers/devices.

A method for identifying constituents for detoxifying oral virulence factors and a method for determining the effectiveness of detoxifying agents.