Abstract: A device for analysing a sample comprising a nucleic acid to be captured and detected using a test strip are described. The device comprises a resilient biasing member disposed in an analysis chamber containing the test strip. The resilient biasing member exerts a force against the test strip sufficient to urge it into the sample chamber when it is in communication with the analysis chamber. This ensures that the test strip is reliably introduced into the sample chamber when it is in communication with the analysis chamber. In one embodiment, the sample chamber comprises guide members for guiding the test strip into the sample chamber. A free end of each guide member is shaped to prevent significant rotation of the test strip, so that the test strip is in correct alignment in the sample chamber for automatic reading of the test result, for example by a camera or optical reader.

Abstract: A sample tracking card for attachment to a container containing a biological sample that has been obtained for testing is described. The card comprises an aperture for receiving an end of a sample collection container and a tab for engaging with another end of the sample collection container to attach the container to the card. The card allows the result of testing on the sample to be reliably matched with the subject without revealing the subject's identity on the container. Kits comprising the card and the container are also described.

Abstract: A device for analysing a sample comprising a nucleic acid to be captured and detected using a test strip are described. The device comprises a resilient biasing member disposed in an analysis chamber containing the test strip. The resilient biasing member exerts a force against the test strip sufficient to urge it into the sample chamber when it is in communication with the analysis chamber. This ensures that the test strip is reliably introduced into the sample chamber when it is in communication with the analysis chamber. In one embodiment, the sample chamber comprises guide members for guiding the test strip into the sample chamber. A free end of each guide member is shaped to prevent significant rotation of the test strip, so that the test strip is in correct alignment in the sample chamber for automatic reading of the test result, for example by a camera or optical reader.

Abstract: There is provided an automated biological-sample-processing system comprising a pipette, a column of solid-phase material to which nucleic acid binds, a transport apparatus, an air-piston apparatus and an adaptor for coupling the pipette to the transport apparatus and to the air-piston apparatus, in which the adaptor is removably engageable with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus for movement with the transport apparatus during processing of the sample, is couplable to the pipette so that the transport apparatus is controllable to position the pipette and so that the air-piston apparatus is controllable to draw a liquid into the pipette and to expel the liquid from the pipette, and is engageable with the column, in which the adaptor comprises a filter for preventing liquid or aerosol transfer between the pipette or column and the air-piston apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided an automated biological-sample-processing system comprising a pipette, a column of solid-phase material to which nucleic acid binds, a transport apparatus, an air-piston apparatus and an adaptor for coupling the pipette to the transport apparatus and to the air-piston apparatus, in which the adaptor is removably engageable with the transport apparatus and the air-piston apparatus for movement with the transport apparatus during processing of the sample, is couplable to the pipette so that the transport apparatus is controllable to position the pipette and so that the air-piston apparatus is controllable to draw a liquid into the pipette and to expel the liquid from the pipette, and is engageable with the column, in which the adaptor comprises a filter for preventing liquid or aerosol transfer between the pipette or column and the air-piston apparatus.

Abstract: An improved infusion package serves both for the storage of an infusion bag prior to use and for the reception and secure retention of both the infusion bag and surplus infusion liquid after use. The infusion package is of the kind having an infusion bag housed within a container formed from folded panels of flat sheet material, the container including first and second panels joined at respective opposite parallel edges and held in an outwardly bowed convex or pillow shape by overlapping margins that are folded about concave lines extending between the parallel edges, one of said opposed panels having an opening and a third panel located relatively to the one panel by a hinge and closing the opening.

Abstract: An improved infusion package serves both for the storage of an infusion bag prior to use and for the reception and secure retention of both the infusion bag and surplus infusion liquid after use. The infusion package is of the kind having an infusion bag housed within a container formed from folded panels of flat sheet material, the container including first and second panels joined at respective opposite parallel edges and held in an outwardly bowed convex or pillow shape by overlapping margins that are folded about concave lines extending between the parallel edges, one of said opposed panels having an opening and a third panel located relatively to the one panel by a hinge and closing the opening.

Abstract: A pill dispenser for dispensing pills is provided that has a container for holding the pills to be dispensed. The container is closed at one end and open at the opposite end. The container is slidably received in a sleeve. The dispenser has an outlet through which a pill can pass from the container and a gate for closing the outlet to prevent a pill from passing through the outlet. The arrangement is such that the gate is opened when the container is moved in the sleeve, so that a pill can pass through the open end of the container to the outlet to be dispensed from the dispenser. The dispenser may be arranged so that one and only one pill is dispensed at a time.