Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for detecting and/or identifying one or more specific microorganisms in a culture sample. Indicator particles, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active nanoparticles, each having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest, can form a complex with specific microorganisms in the culture sample. Further, agitating magnetic capture particles also having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest can be used to capture the microorganism-indicator particle complex and concentrate the complex in a localized area of an assay vessel for subsequent detection and identification. The complex can be dispersed, pelleted, and redispersed so that the culture sample can be retested a number of times during incubation so as to allow for real-time monitoring of the culture sample.

Abstract: A self-injection device (101) for delivering a medicament includes a housing (111), and a needle (103) connected to the housing (111). A compressible reservoir (121) is connected to the housing (111) and is in fluid communication with a needle (103) such that compressing the reservoir (121) delivers medicament from the reservoir (121) to the needle (103) and moves the needle (103) from the first position to the second position. A platform (171) is disposed within the housing (111) about which the housing (111) is rotatable between a plurality of positions. Each of the positions corresponds to a different distance the needle (103) is moved to the second position during an injection to provide a variable injection depth. The needle (103) is withdrawn into the housing (111) after an injection without requiring manual manipulation by the user, thereby preventing needle sticks and other accidents.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for detecting and/or identifying one or more specific microorganisms in a culture sample. Indicator particles, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active nanoparticles, each having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest, can form a complex with specific microorganisms in the culture sample. Further, agitating magnetic capture particles also having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest can be used to capture the microorganism-indicator particle complex and concentrate the complex in a localized area of an assay vessel for subsequent detection and identification. The complex can be dispersed, pelleted, and redispersed so that the culture sample can be retested a number of times during incubation so as to allow for real-time monitoring of the culture sample.

Abstract: A self-injection device (101) for delivering a medicament includes a housing (111), and a needle (103) connected to the housing (111). A compressible reservoir (121) is connected to the housing (111) and is in fluid communication with a needle (103) such that compressing the reservoir (121) delivers medicament from the reservoir (121) to the needle (103) and moves the needle (103) from the first position to the second position. A platform (171) is disposed within the housing (111) about which the housing (111) is rotatable between a plurality of positions. Each of the positions corresponds to a different distance the needle (103) is moved to the second position during an injection to provide a variable injection depth. The needle (103) is withdrawn into the housing (111) after an injection without requiring manual manipulation by the user, thereby preventing needle sticks and other accidents.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing formed of opposed thermoformed polymeric sheets bonded together having formed therebetween a chamber having a medicament cartridge encapsulated between the sheets, an inlet aligned with a passage through the cartridge having a pierceable closure and an outlet aligned with the passage outlet having a burstable membrane. The device includes a pressure actuator formed as a blister between the sheets and a piercing element having a bow-shaped actuator portion and a shaft which pierces the pierceable closure upon actuation of the pressure actuator, delivering fluid under pressure to the cartridge passage, rupturing the membrane and expressing the medicament.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing formed of opposed thermoformed polymeric sheets bonded together having formed therebetween a chamber having a medicament cartridge encapsulated between the sheets, an inlet aligned with a passage through the cartridge having a pierceable closure and an outlet aligned with the passage outlet having a burstable membrane. The device includes a pressure actuator formed as a blister between the sheets and a piercing element having a bow-shaped actuator portion and a shaft which pierces the pierceable closure upon actuation of the pressure actuator, delivering fluid under pressure to the cartridge passage, rupturing the membrane and expressing the medicament.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing formed of opposed thermoformed polymeric sheets bonded together having formed therebetween a chamber having a medicament cartridge encapsulated between the sheets, an inlet aligned with a passage through the cartridge having a pierceable closure and an outlet aligned with the passage outlet having a burstable membrane. The device includes a pressure actuator formed as a blister between the sheets and a piercing element having a bow-shaped actuator portion and a shaft which pierces the pierceable closure upon actuation of the pressure actuator, delivering fluid under pressure to the cartridge passage, rupturing the membrane and expressing the medicament.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing formed of opposed thermoformed polymeric sheets bonded together having formed therebetween a chamber having a medicament cartridge encapsulated between the sheets, an inlet aligned with a passage through the cartridge having a pierceable closure and an outlet aligned with the passage outlet having a burstable membrane. The device includes a pressure actuator formed as a blister between the sheets and a piercing element having a bow-shaped actuator portion and a shaft which pierces the pierceable closure upon actuation of the pressure actuator, delivering fluid under pressure to the cartridge passage, rupturing the membrane and expressing the medicament.