Patent ID: 6458548
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
A kit for measurement of cell functions comprising:a first container for measurement of cell functions by determining a physiologically active substance produced by blood cells, said container comprising at least a wall made of a first container material defining a space inside the first container and an amount of a first inducer contained in the container material, wherein the first inducer is capable of inducing production of said physiologically active substance, wherein said amount is such that, when a volume of an aqueous liquid for said measurement of cell functions is introduced into said first container, a resulting concentration of said inducer in said aqueous liquid is insufficient to induce the production of the physiologically active substance by the blood cells; a second container for measurement of cell functions, said second container having an identical structure to the first container and comprising at least a wall made of a second container material defining a space inside the second container, a first amount of the first inducer contained in the second container material, and a second amount of the first inducer and/or a second inducer in said space inside the second container, wherein said inducer is capable of inducing production of a physiologically active substance in blood when said inducer is in contact with the blood, wherein said first amount is such that, when a volume of an aqueous liquid for said measurement of cell functions is introduced into said second container in the absence of said second amount, a resulting concentration of said inducer in said aqueous liquid is insufficient to induce the production of the physiologically active substance by the blood cells, and also wherein said second amount is such that, when the blood is introduced into the container, a resulting concentration of said inducer is sufficient to induce the production of the physiologically active substance in the blood; and a reagent for quantitating said physiologically active substance; each of said first and second containers, having an opening and further comprising a stopper to seal the opening, wherein the stopper is not removed when the blood is collected.