Abstract: The presence of a nucleic acid target, molecule or ligand can be detected by hybridization, antigen-antibody reaction or receptor-ligand binding. This is reported by the strategic positioning of a first probe and a second probe attached to a small particle of electrical conductor, which closes an electrical circuit, thereby reporting the event. A myriad of potential applications of this technique include the identification and detection of small amounts of nucleic acids by hybridization, the detection of molecules such as toxins and carcinogens by antigen-antibody reaction and the detection of other molecules by receptor-ligand interaction. The method can also be adapted to assay the quantity of a given substance using the principle of competitive binding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of collecting nasopharyngeal specimens by introducing physiologic solution into the conjunctival sacs and collecting the irrigate that drains into the oroharynx. The invention further provides a kit to facilitate such a method. The present invention also provides a method of delivering a biological active to the eyes, nasal, nasopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing for the presence of infectious disease agents or host genetic markers comprising applying a device comprising an absorbent and porous material onto the introitus of a female patient; encouraging air drying of at least a portion of the collected vaginal discharge while the device is proximate to the introitus; and determining the presence of infectious disease agents or host genetic markers in the at least partially dried vaginal discharge.

Abstract: A method of detecting or quantifying a molecular target in a sample utilizing the molecular interaction between molecular targets, bead-bound probes, and support-bound probes. Laser light or a magnetic sensor may be used to detect the beads after the interaction. The detection of the beads indicates the presence of the molecular target in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing for the presence of infectious disease agents or host genetic markers comprising applying a device comprising an absorbent and porous material onto the introitus of a female patient; encouraging air drying of at least a portion of the collected vaginal discharge while the device is proximate to the introitus; and determining the presence of infectious disease agents or host genetic markers in the at least partially dried vaginal discharge.

Abstract: The presence of a nucleic acid target, molecule or ligand can be detected by hybridization, antigen-antibody reaction or receptor-ligand binding. This is reported by the strategic positioning of a first probe and a second probe attached to a small particle of electrical conductor, which closes an electrical circuit, thereby reporting the event. A myriad of potential applications of this technique include the identification and detection of small amounts of nucleic acids by hybridization, the detection of molecules such as toxins and carcinogens by antigen-antibody reaction and the detection of other molecules by receptor-ligand interaction. The method can also be adapted to assay the quantity of a given substance using the principle of competitive binding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of collecting nasopharyngeal specimens by introducing physiologic solution into the conjunctival sacs and collecting the irrigate that drains into the oroharynx. The invention further provides a kit to facilitate such a method. The present invention also provides a method of delivering a biological active to the eyes, nasal, nasopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining whether a facility can effectively prevent the spread of an infectious disease by a) releasing an effective amount of biological tracers in or near the facility, to mimic the spread of pathogens that cause the infectious disease; and b) detecting the presence or amount of the biological tracers to determine the spread of the biological tracers in the environment of the facility. The present invention further provides a method and apparatus to generate aerosol that mimic the human sneeze and cough so as to more realistically determine the spread of an infectious disease by such a source.

Abstract: A method of detecting or quantifying a molecular target in a sample utilizing the molecular interaction between molecular targets, bead-bound probes, and support-bound probes. Laser light or a magnetic sensor may be used to detect the beads after the interaction. The detection of the beads indicates the presence of the molecular target in the sample.