Abstract: An asthma management system and method are disclosed for collecting environmental and individual health data to predict the onset of asthma symptoms to allow for preventative therapy tailored on an individual basis. In one embodiment a computer system is in electrical communication with an individual user interface and one or more environmental factor collection points via a communications network. The user interface is adapted to send and receive asthma-related data including asthma profile and real-time asthma status data to the computer system via the communication network, and the environmental factor collection points are adapted to send and receive data to the computer system via the communications network.

Abstract: A breath collection and storage apparatus is disclosed for collecting and storing samples of exhaled breath for later analysis of nitric oxide contained in collected breath samples. The described apparatus provides for inhaling air into the lungs via a one-way air inflow portal through an airflow chamber via an inhalation/exhalation portal. Air inhaled into the lungs is then expelled back into the airflow chamber via the inhalation/exhalation portal and flowed into a breath storage vessel. A flow meter monitor, such as a flow meter or pressure gauge can be employed to monitor and control the rate of flow of the exhaled breath. A three-way valve can be incorporated into the air outflow portal to selectively permit discharge of exhaled breath to the outside or into the breath storage vessel.

Abstract: A gas detection apparatus for detecting the concentration of a first gas component contained in a gas under measurement includes a gas conversion section for convening the first gas component to a second gas component, a gas detection section whose electrical characteristics change with a change in the concentration of the second gas component when the gas detection section is in an activated state, and a detection state setting section. During a detection period, the detection state setting section sets the state of gas detection by the gas detection section to a detection executed state in which the gas detection section can detect the second gas component. During periods which are not the detection period, the detection state setting section sets the state of gas detection by the gas detection section to a detection suspended state in which the gas detection section does not detect the second gas component.

Abstract: A device for use with a respiratory monitor is disclosed that includes features for collecting and guiding a breath gas sample from a user. The device includes a breath intake structure connected to a handheld body structure. The breath intake structure may include one or more permeable membranes to filter particular substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and microbes, from the breath gas sample before it proceeds through the body structure. The device further includes one or more pre-conditioning elements that pretreats the breath gas sample before it enters a respiratory monitor. In some embodiments, the device may include a mouthpiece and body that are used to collect and guide a breath gas sample to a nitric oxide detection device. Moisture is removed from the breath gas sample using a desiccant loaded into a pre-conditioning cartridge. The mouthpiece may be removably connected to the body and disposable.

Abstract: A method for concentrating and isolating nucleated cells, such as maternal and fetal nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs), in a maternal whole blood sample. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for preparing to analyze and analyzing the sample for identification of fetal genetic material as part of prenatal genetic testing. The invention also pertains to methods and apparatus for discriminating fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal nucleated red blood cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman.

Abstract: A method for concentrating and isolating nucleated cells, such as maternal and fetal nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs), in a maternal whole blood sample. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for preparing to analyze and analyzing the sample for identification of fetal genetic material as part of prenatal genetic testing. The invention also pertains to methods and apparatus for discriminating fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal nucleated red blood cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman.

Abstract: A method for concentrating and isolating nucleated cells, such as maternal and fetal nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs), in a maternal whole blood sample. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for preparing to analyze and analyzing the sample for identification of fetal genetic material as part of prenatal genetic testing. The invention also pertains to methods and apparatus for discriminating fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal nucleated red blood cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx -free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx-free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx-free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.