Abstract: The present invention provides a single-use electronic device and test card for use therein which performs a coagulation or lysis assay of a blood sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area and means for receiving the sample through the housing into the interior space. A non-porous substrate is positioned within the interior space for receiving the sample thereon. A reagent accelerates the coagulation of the sample and is positioned on the substrate and in contact with the sample. Optionally, an electroactive species may also be reacted with the sample. The device also includes means for measuring the viscosity of the sample and generating an electrical signal which correlates to a curve of the coagulation/lysis assay.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter for separating red blood cells from a whole blood sample to form plasma. The filter includes a solid phase support and an agglutinin for red blood cells. The agglutinin is insoluble in the whole blood sample and is immobilized on the solid phase support. The present invention also includes a device and method for determining the presence of at least one of a plurality of analytes in a sample of whole blood.

Abstract: A transport matrix and diagnostic device are provided which produce a physically detectable change in a predetermined distribution across a detection zone which correlates with the amount of selected analyte in a sample. The matrix includes a detection zone having a capture reagent yielding a physically detectable change which correlates with the amount of selected analyte in the sample. The detection zone has a leading boundary which first encounters the sample and a trailing boundary which encounters the sample after being transported across the detection zone. The capture reagent is immobilized on the matrix in a predetermined distribution from the leading boundary to the trailing boundary of the detection zone. A method is also provided which determines the level of a selected analyte in a sample by distributing a physically detectable change in a predetermined pattern across a detection zone on a transport matrix which correlates with the amount of selected analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter for effectively removing substances from a sample of bodily fluid which can interfere with the results of an assay. The filter includes a solid phase support and an active chemical component for binding to the interfering substance. The active chemical component is insoluble in the sample and is immobilized on the solid phase support. The present invention also includes a filter device, transport matrix, assay device, and method for removing substances which interfere with determining the presence of one or more analytes in a sample.

Abstract: A suture applying device comprises a shaft which carries a pair of needles near its distal end. The needles are joined by a length of suture, and the shaft is used to both introduce the needles into a lumen of a body structure and to push the needles back through tissue on either side of the puncture site. After the needles have passed through the tissue, they are captured on the shaft and drawn outward through the tract, leaving a loop of suture behind to close the puncture site near the body lumen. The suture can then be tied and the knot pushed back through the tract to complete the closure. Alternatively, a locking fastener formed of a resorbable material can be placed into the penetration over the sutures and the sutures tied over the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay device for determining the presence of one or more selected analytes in a sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area. A sample receptor receives the sample. A sample treatment strip reacts the sample with a reagent to yield a physically detectable change which correlates with the amount of selected analyte in the sample. A detector responds to the physically detectable change and produces an electrical signal which correlates to the amount of the selected analyte in the sample. A processor converts the electrical signal to a digital output. A starter automatically activates the processor and detector upon the application of the sample to the device. A display visually displays the digital output external to the housing and is connected to the processor.