Abstract: A device for the processing of a sample comprises a location apparatus, a processing chamber for receiving the sample and a plurality of reagent chambers. The reagent chambers have openings defined in the location apparatus. The processing chamber is movable relative to the reagent chambers to enable sequential communication with each reagent chamber in turn.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test strip device, comprising a strip body and a blocking element. The strip body has a first face and a second face. The strip body has an injection opening, a flow channel and a reaction receptacle. The injection opening reaches the first face, the flow channel is in fluid communication between the injection opening and the reaction receptacle, and the flow channel is in fluid communication with the injection opening through a flow channel opening. The blocking element is vertically movably disposed in the injection opening, and the blocking element selectively closes the flow channel opening. Therefore, the back flow of a sample can be prevented, so as to ensure chemical reaction of the sample and a reagent and thus improve accuracy of the test results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involving the configuration of an open capillary channel for size-based separation of analytes is described. The open capillary channel contains numerous turns of defined angles separated by intervening linear or curvilinear segments of capillary tubing. The configuration of the channel allows analyte differentiation based on diffusion coefficients and thus separates analytes by size.

Abstract: A portable analytical device includes a housing, a measuring facility and a processor in the housing, and an electrical connector coupled to the housing and having one end electrically connected to the processor and an opposite end extending outwardly from the housing. The measuring facility is configured to analyze an optical or electrochemical change in the test element having received a liquid sample of the body fluid and to generate measuring values resulting from the analysis. A memory has stored therein software at least a portion of which is executable by the processor to process the measuring values to produce analytical measuring data taking into account calibration values. The electrical connector may be a male universal serial bus (USB) electrical connector, a Type-A USB electrical connector or a mini-USB electrical connector having electrical connections for electrical power, ground, data and ID.

Abstract: An automated analyzer includes a rod-like member 12a, a driving portion 12c, and a control mechanism 30. The driving portion 12c lifts and lowers the rod-like member 12a a direction of being inserted into and removed from the container 24. The control mechanism 30 controls the driving portion 12c so that the rod-like member 12a is lifted after being lowered so that a tip portion of the rod-like member 12a reaches a first position in the liquid L, and at a time when the rod-like member 12a reaches a second position where the tip portion is not separated from the liquid, an upward motion of the rod-like member 12a is stopped for a given period of time to reduce liquid film adhering to the rod-like member.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic Trap Array. The array includes a serpentine bypassing channel including a plurality of trapping pockets disposed therein, the trapping pockets including a ramp entry portion to decrease flow velocity orthogonal to the trapping pocket to increase trapping efficiency. The relative fluid resistances of the trapping pockets and the serpentine bypassing channel are selected such that a slight majority of the flow is diverted to one of the trapping pockets. A pair of microfluidic bypass channels flank the array of traps allowing independent control of upstream and downstream pressures on each side of the array, thereby decoupling flow magnitude in the bypass channels from flow across the trapping pockets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath capillary flow matrix and a plurality of reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix. The device includes one or more pressure delivery systems configured to urge capillary flow matrix toward a portion of the housing in which it resides, such that a substantially uniform pressure is applied over a portion of the capillary flow matrix.

Abstract: A chemical indicator device for use in detecting exposure to an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, comprising a substrate or support upon which is disposed a chemical indicator composition (ink) for detecting an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. The chemical indicator composition further comprises an indicator dye that achieves a distinct range of different color changes with clear transitions between colors, upon exposure to different doses of the oxidizing agent, thus allowing for both a qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of exposure to the agent.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus using a fuel cell as at least one electric power source. The fuel cell has an electric power output unit for outputting an electric power through a chemical reaction between fuel gas and oxidant gas, a purge device for purging the electric power output unit and a purge control unit for issuing a purge instruction to the purge device. The electronic apparatus has a monitor unit for monitoring a consumption power, an operation state or a manipulated state of the electronic apparatus, and a purge permission unit for judging from an output of the monitor unit whether the purge control unit is permitted to issue the purge instruction, and outputting a judgment result to the purge control unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a microfluidic platform for optical biosensing, the platform including an optical substrate, a layer provided on the substrate, and a channel formed within the layer through which fluid can flow, the channel including a constriction that is adapted to trap a microsphere suspended in the fluid when the fluid flows through the channel.

Abstract: A separator for use in a container for a biological fluid is disclosed. The separator includes a separator body having a first region at least partially made of a first material having a first density, and a second region at least partially made of a second material having a second density different from the first density. The separator has an overall density intermediate the densities of a first phase and a second phase of the biological fluid. At least a portion of the separator is deformable between a first condition in which the biological fluid can pass between an inner surface of the container and the separator, and a second condition in which at least a portion of the separator prevents the biological fluid from passing between the inner surface of the container and the separator.

Abstract: An imager may include an array of pixels formed on a substrate. A chemisorption layer such as a planar chemisorption layer may be deposited over the array of pixels. The chemisorption layer may include active sites that bond with anchoring molecules. The anchoring molecules may be bonded to the planar chemisorption layer in only localized regions each covering a respective pixel of the array of pixels. The image sensor may include a photoresist layer that covers the chemisorption layer. Openings in the photoresist layer may define the boundaries of the localized regions. The anchoring molecules may be bonded only with the chemisorption layer without bonding to the photoresist layer. The anchoring molecules may serve to bond with analyte molecules. By forming the anchoring molecules within only localized regions centered over respective pixels, spatial resolution of the imager when imaging the analyte molecules may be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an assay device with improved tolerance to mishandling and/or use by the user. More particularly, the invention relates to an assay device with reduced susceptibility to flooding.

Abstract: The invention concerns a test element analytical system for the analytical examination of a sample, especially a body fluid, comprising at least one test element with one or more measuring zones and contact areas located on the test element, in particular electrodes or conductor paths, the sample to be examined being brought into the measuring zone to carry out an analysis in order to determine a characteristic measured quantity for the analysis, and an evaluation instrument with a test element holder for positioning the test element in a measuring position and a measuring device for measuring the characteristic change, the test element holder containing contact elements with contact areas which enable an electrical contact between the contact areas of the test element and the contact areas of the test element holder, characterized in that one of these contact areas is provided with an electrically conductive hard material surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying nucleic acid can include a disposable cartridge having a layered configuration, and a disposable syringe for coupling to the disposable cartridge such that a fluid can be delivered to or withdrawn fluid from the disposable cartridge using the syringe. At least one layer of the disposable cartridge can include a cut-out for forming a functional unit of the disposable cartridge, and at least one layer of the disposable cartridge can be joined to an adjacent layer of the disposable cartridge by an adhesive material layer. The functional unit can include a fluid channel between an access port on the first surface of the disposable cartridge and the fluid pouch. The apparatus can include a disposable silica-containing material for binding with the nucleic acid. The apparatus can include a heating element and a temperature sensor for heating the disposable silica-containing material.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid collection device is able to separate the plasma portion from the cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid collection device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with an anticoagulant. The biological fluid collection device is engageable with a testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid collection device to the testing device. The testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing including a top portion having a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, a bottom portion separate from the top portion including a second substantially rigid zone, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The top portion and the bottom portion are bonded to form the cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an allergy detection system for use during catheterization. The allergy detection system is incorporated into specialized syringes, connectors for use with standard syringes, or can be an independent test module designed for the sole purpose of allergy detection. The detection system features a test strip, such as an immunochromatographic test strip, and a structure to couple the system to a connector, syringe, or a housing, to form an independent test module. The detection system, by way of test strips, is used to detect potential allergic reactions.

Abstract: A test element (10) used to determine concentration levels of free and total chlorine in a water sample comprises a test pad (12) adhered to a substrate (14), wherein the test pad (12) is impregnated with a stabilized DPD solution. The test pad (12) is color responsive to different concentration levels of chlorine in the water and compared to a color chart to determine the level of free chlorine and/or total chlorine in the water. The stabilized DPD solution may include N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine oxalate salt, a polymeric anhydride such as a methyl-vinyl anhydride and an organo-sulfate such as dimethylsulfone.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. A first depletion agent may be added to a vessel that contains the sample to change the density of a non-target material.