Abstract: A number of new electronic training systems and methods are disclosed. In some exemplary embodiments, an instructor can control the environment of a student presented to the student via a student computer, while maintaining real life communication between the instructor and the student via audio and/or video communication(s).

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fixative composition, the use of the fixative composition in preparing cytological or histological specimens, and a method of preparing particulate matter, such as cytology, hematology and microbiology specimens, for examination by collecting the particulate matter in a uniform layer, preferably a monolayer, and fixing the particles in a composition according to the present invention. The cytological, hematological, microbiological and histological fixative composition of the present invention contains an aldehyde crosslinker, a polyol and a detergent. The method of the present invention for preserving the particulate or histological specimen uses the fixative composition containing an aldehyde crosslinker, a polyol and a detergent.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.

Abstract: An assay device and method are provided which allow the determination of the presence or absence of at least one analyte in a test sample, while providing specific identification of the test subject. The assay device includes a reaction medium having at least one reaction zone and at least one control zone, which is capable of providing a pattern suitable for identifying the test subject. The pattern suitable for identifying the test subject is preferably a fingerprint. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reaction zone and the control zone include at least one member of a ligand/receptor pair.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating particulate matter from a fluid, wherein the apparatus includes a specimen container, a porous arrangement positioned in a housing and suitable for collecting particulate matter in the liquid on a collection site, and a pump. The housing includes a first portion having elements that improve fluid flow through the housing and elements that decrease the porous arrangement retention characteristics of the portion. The housing also includes a portion having elements that increase the porous arrangement retention characteristics of the portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fixative composition, the use of the fixative composition in preparing cytological or histological specimens, and a method of preparing particulate matter, such as cytology, hematology and microbiology specimens, for examination by collecting the particulate matter in a uniform layer, preferably a monolayer, and fixing the particles in a composition according to the present invention. The cytological, hematological, microbiological and histological fixative composition of the present invention contains an aldehyde crosslinker, a polyol and a detergent. The method of the present invention for preserving the particulate or histological specimen uses the fixative composition containing an aldehyde crosslinker, a polyol and a detergent.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously processing a plural number of samples, each held in its own container and including a fluid containing particulate matter. Each of the containers with its respective sample therein is closed by a respective cover assembly comprising a pump, a filter interposed between the container and the pump, and an agitator projecting into its respective sample. Each container is engaged by a separate container receiver, each pump is engaged by a separate pump receiver, and the container receivers are moved relative to the pump receivers simultaneously to mix the samples. Thereafter all of the pump receivers are moved relative to the container receivers to operate all of the pumps simultaneously to move the fluid of each sample through its respective filter.

Abstract: An assay device and method are provided which allow the determination of the presence or absence of at least one analyte in a test sample, while providing specific identification of the test subject. The assay device includes a reaction medium having at least one reaction zone and at least one control zone, which is capable of providing a pattern suitable for identifying the test subject. The pattern suitable for identifying the test subject is preferably a fingerprint. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reaction zone and the control zone include at least one member of a ligand/receptor pair.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for batch processing a group of samples in respective containers. A monolayer of particulate matter is filtered from each sample and deposited on a corresponding slide for examination. A controller coordinates each mechanism and sub-assembly of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously processing a plural number of samples, each of the samples including a fluid containing particulate matter. The apparatus is useful in cytology to collect a uniform monolayer of cells from a biological fluid. Each of a plural number of processing assemblies (corresponding to the plural number of samples) comprises a container, an agitator rotatable relative to the container for contacting and dispersing particulate matter in the fluid, a filter assembly including a filter for collecting particulate matter, and a pump for moving the fluid through the filter. Each container is supported on a separate container receiver, and each pump is engaged by a separate pump engagement. A rotary driver effects relative rotation of the agitators and their respective containers simultaneously to mix the samples in the containers.

Abstract: A device is provided for both collecting and testing a fluid specimen. The device includes a specimen container having a collection chamber, an isolation chamber and a test chamber. The collection chamber is in fluid communication with the isolation chamber and sealed from the test chamber. The isolation chamber is also sealed from the test chamber. The fluid specimen is collected in the collection chamber and an aliquot is isolated in the isolation chamber. A fluid releasing element is provided to release fluid from the isolation chamber and establish a flow path to the test chamber while sealing the isolation chamber from the collection chamber. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the specimen container may include a tamper evident lid which provides an identification of whether or not the container has been opened which may indicate that the contents of the container have been compromised.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing multiple units of a particulate matter-containing fluid in independent source containers. Each source container has a separate filter assembly associated therewith near the top of the container, and the filter assemblies are in fluid communication with a manifold. Fluid is moved upwardly through the filter assemblies, out of the source containers and into a manifold assembly. Movable platforms, including a slide-carrying platform, support and manipulate the components such that the particulate matter samples are transferred from the filters to the slides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a cytology collection apparatus and a method for preparing a uniform monolayer of cells. The apparatus allows the rapid preparation from body fluids of a cytology monolayer with very few overlapping cells and with fewer contaminants than prior devices. The apparatus is in the form of an openable cell collection container which houses a filter for collection of cells when body fluid passes therethrough.

Abstract: A solid matter collection apparatus and a method for collecting solid matter in a fluid. The apparatus includes a collection site that collects the solid matter at a predetermined density and location that is suitable for exposing the solid matter to electromagnetic spectroscopy.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting fluids and holding samples taken from the fluid for qualitative and quantitative testing. The apparatus comprises a tubular container open at both ends with a quantitative test storage unit removably secured to one of said tubular container ends. The quantitative test storage unit has an open end, a cytology membrane mounted in the storage unit and a retaining rib. A shuttle assembly is slidably mounted in the tubular container comprising a cylindrical hollow piston defining a chamber, a thumb cover covering one end of the piston and a fluid flow aperture formed in the piston and a qualitative sample container assembly removably secured to the piston. The qualitative sample container assembly comprises a clip on membrane assembly including a membrane containing immobilized antibodies and a filter housing mounted to the clip on membrane assembly.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a cytology collection apparatus and a method for preparing a uniform monolayer of cells. The apparatus allows the rapid preparation from body fluids of a cytology monolayer with very few overlapping cells and with fewer contaminants than prior devices. The apparatus is in the form of an openable cell collection container which houses a filter for collection of cells when body fluid passes therethrough.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member having a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.