(19)

(11)

EP 0 995 103 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 26.04.2000 Bulletin 2000/17 (21) Application number: 98935713.2 (22) Date of filing: 17.07.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01N 15/14 (86) International application number: PCT/US9814/719 (87) International publication number: WO 9904/244 (28.01.1999 Gazette 1999/04)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB NL (30) Priority: 17.07.1997 US 52942 P 17.07.1997 US 895756 09.10.1997 US 948184 04.03.1998 US 34690 (71) Applicant: Accumed International Inc. Chicago,Illinois 60610 (US)	(72) Inventors: PRESSMAN, Norman, J. Glencoe, IL 60022 (US) DOMANIK, Richard, A. Libertyville, IL 60048 (US) (74) Representative: Dixon, Philip Matthew  Frank B. Dehn & Co.179 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EL London EC4V 4EL (GB)