Patent ID: 6977068

Claim:
A method for the in vivo detection of fibrin, said method comprising the steps of: administering to said patient an effective amount of a detectable reagent comprising discrete diagnostic particles dispersed in a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable carrier, diluent, excipient, adjuvant or any combination thereof, wherein said diagnostic particles comprise a detectable marker encased in at least two layers of carbon, wherein upon administration of said reagent said diagnostic particles are dispersed in the aqueous medium and form a stable colloid and wherein said particles are made by heating a carbon crucible having deposited thereon a detectable marker to a temperature in the range of 2250° C. to 3000° C. in an inert gas and in a sealed container, thereby generating particles suspended in said inert gas, and precipitating said particles suspended in said inert gas to form said diagnostic particles; binding said diagnostic particles to said fibrin, wherein said diagnostic particles exhibit a specific affinity for said fibrin; and detecting the presence of said detectable marker in said patient.