(19)

(11)

EP 1 173 605 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 08.02.2001 (43) Date of publication: 23.01.2002 Bulletin 2002/04 (21) Application number: 00928414.2 (22) Date of filing: 26.04.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/28, G01N 33/72, G01N 33/52 (86) International application number: PCT/US0011/204 (87) International publication number: WO 0065/083 (02.11.2000 Gazette 2000/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 26.04.1999 US 299399 02.03.2000 US 517481 02.03.2000 US 517441 (71) Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (US)	(72) Inventors: CAPRI, Maria, Grazia I-66020 S. Giovanni Teatino (IT) CARLUCCI, Giovanni I-66100 Chieti (IT) GUERRESCHI, Lisa I-26048 Sospiro (IT) HAMMONS, John, L. Hamilton, OH 45011 (US) (74) Representative: Hirsch, Uwe Thomas et al Procter & Gamble Service GmbH Sulzbacher Strasse 40-50 65824 Schwalbach am Taunus 65824 Schwalbach am Taunus (DE)