Abstract: The invention relates generally to a new functional protein S assay and kit that is based on the ability of endogenous protein S to prolong clotting time. In the assay procedure, a test plasma sample is diluted with protein S deficient plasma, followed by the addition of purified or recombinant tissue factor (pTF or rTF), purified natural or synthetic phospholipid (pPL or sPL) and activated protein C (APC) or protein C activator (PCA). The clotting time is then measured and compared to a standard curve or a normal control.

Abstract: What is described is a single reference material and method of making useful for calibrating or qualifying instruments that are diagnostic spectroscopically for bilirubin, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin fractions, and, optionally, diagnostic for other blood analytes by sensor means.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system that continuously monitors and calibrates the sensors included in the system. The invention also includes a method for determining failure patterns of a sensor and incorporating into an electrochemical sensor system the ability to recognize the failure pattern and initiate remedial action.

Abstract: What is described is a single reference material and method of making useful for calibrating or qualifying instruments that are diagnostic spectroscopically for bilirubin, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin fractions, and, optionally, diagnostic for other blood analytes by sensor means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing patient data. In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for managing patient data having many instruments. The instruments have a sampling member for sampling a body fluid from a patient and are in direct communication with at least one other instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing patient data. In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for managing patient data having many instruments. The instruments have a sampling member for sampling a body fluid from a patient and are in direct communication with at least one other instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing patient data. In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for managing patient data having many instruments. The instruments have a sampling member for sampling a body fluid from a patient and are in direct communication with at least one other instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a sample vial adaptor for interfacing a sample vial with the sample port of a diagnostic instrument, in particular a sample vial containing a patient body fluid sample with the sample port and sample pathway of a multi-use diagnostic instrument. Embodiments of the sample vial adaptor according to the invention generally include a short exterior vent tube having one end in communication with a chamber having a vent, an interior collection tube that is longer than the short exterior vent tube, axially positioned in the lumen of the short exterior vent tube and extending to a capillary outlet that is located on the portion of the inner collection tube that is outside of the short exterior vent tube and outside the vented chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reference solution for use in instruments that determine hematocrit levels in biological samples by measuring the resistance and/or conductivity of the biological samples. A reference solution according to the invention achieves conductivities representative of known hematocrit levels in blood, while maintaining tolerable levels of interference with the measurement of other analytes in the reference solution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a clinical instrument analyzer system for the automated analysis of patient samples. In one embodiment, the analyzer may be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid, for example. Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method for suspending magnetic particles accumulated on the floor of a mixing tube and depositing the magnetic particles in bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system and membrane and method thereof for increased accuracy and effective life of electrochemical and enzyme sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing patient data. In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for managing patient data having many instruments. The instruments have a sampling member for sampling a body fluid from a patient and are in direct communication with at least one other instrument.

Abstract: An analytical instrument for the immobilization of antigens to be detected in an immunoassay using mangetizable beads. The instrument includes a probe containing magnetizable particles and a plurality of magnetic devices for applying a magnetic field gradient to the particles in the probe reservoir. The probe is movable between the plurality of magnetic devices and at least one of the probe positions may be used to immobilize the magnetic particles in the fluid medium and at least another position may be used to resuspend the particles in a fluid medium.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system and membrane and method thereof for increased accuracy and effective life of electrochemical and enzyme sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reference solution for use in instruments that determine hematocrit levels in biological samples by measuring the resistance and/or conductivity of the biological samples. A reference solution according to the invention achieves conductivities representative of known hematocrit levels in blood, while maintaining tolerable levels of interference with the measurement of other analytes in the reference solution.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the rate of loss of oxygen from a solution and increasing the effective life span of oxygen-containing calibration solutions.

Abstract: A kit for clinical analysis, including a vessel containing magnetizable particles and a magnetic stirring element. A device for distributing magnetizable particles in a fluid including a platform for supporting a vessel containing a fluid, magnetizable particles, and a magnetic stirring element, where the magnetic stirring element moves in a horizontal plane within the vessel. A method for distributing magnetizable particles in a fluid including the steps of providing a vessel containing a magnetic stirring element and a fluid containing magnetizable particles, moving the magnetic stirring element in the vessel, and distributing the magnetizable particles in the fluid.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system that continuously monitors and calibrates the sensors included in the system. The invention also includes a method for determining failure patterns of a sensor and incorporating into an electrochemical sensor system the ability to recognize the failure pattern and initiate remedial action.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system and membrane and method thereof for increased accuracy and effective life of electrochemical and enzyme sensors.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system and membrane and method thereof for increased accuracy and effective life of electrochemical and enzyme sensors.