Abstract: A method of determining a component of a medium comprises illuminating the medium to excite a marker associated with the component. Detected photoluminescent emission from the marker in response to the excitation is compared with one or more emission profiles. The component is identified based on a match between the detected photoluminescent emission and at least one of the emission profiles.

Abstract: A blister pack which confines the movement a dosage form in order to resist damage thereto during handling and transportation while permitting removal of the intact dosage form, and apparatus and methods for the same. In particular, the invention provides a blister pack wherein the blister includes a protruding region between the opening and the base, thereby producing a constricted area or “neck” in the blister. In a preferred embodiment, the protruding region comprises an inwardly directed annulus formed in the blister wall. Accordingly, vertical movement of the dosage form is confined as a result of the protruding region, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the dosage form caused by agitation of the blister pack. The invention is particularly useful in packaging frangible pharmaceutical dosage forms formed in situ within the blister, such as freeze dried dosage forms and rapidly dissolving oral dosage forms.

Abstract: The invention herein provides for a blister pack which confines the movement a dosage form in order to resist damage thereto during handling and transportation while permitting removal of the intact dosage form, and apparatus and methods for the same. In particular, the invention provides a blister pack wherein the blister includes a protruding region between the opening and the base, thereby producing a constricted area or “neck” in the blister. In a preferred embodiment, the protruding region comprises an inwardly directed annulus formed in the blister wall. Accordingly, vertical movement of the dosage form is confined as a result of the protruding region, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the dosage form caused by agitation of the blister pack. The invention is particularly useful in packaging frangible pharmaceutical dosage forms formed in situ within in the blister, such as freeze dried dosage forms and rapidly dissolving oral dosage forms.