Abstract: A vial and particles for distributing reagent bound particles in a fluid, a kit, and methods for distributing particles in a fluid.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an element for SPR measurement without the need of a mechanical solution-sending mechanism.

Abstract: A device and a process are proposed for separating constituents of a sample fluid, wherein the sample fluid is supplied by capillary force to a receiving region (7) for metering, stopping or delaying the sample fluid and the sample fluid is pre-treated with a soluble chemical (13) in the receiving region (7) before the sample fluid is supplied to a separating device (5) for separating off constituents of the sample fluid.

Abstract: An interfacing cap for a reagent storage vessel is provided. The interfacing cap comprises a partitioning element having a structure corresponding to an opening of the reagent storage vessel, a projection fitting disposed on the partitioning element, a holder element, and a puncturing element coupled to the projection fitting.

Abstract: A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.

Abstract: A wetness indicator material may be used on a substrate to form a wetness sensor. The sensor may show either the presence or absence of an aqueous-based fluid or water-containing medium, such as vaginal fluid or urine in a personal hygiene article. The wetness sensor may be incorporated into the article. The wetness indicator material includes a standard colorant that does not change color when wetted. The standard colorant increases the range of hues exhibited by the wetness indicator material.

Abstract: The invention discloses a blood analyzing device (100) comprising a holder (110) arranged for carrying a container (10) having a cuvette (20) containing a blood sample (30). The container (10) is positioned in the holder (110) so that a longitudinal axis (60) of the cuvette (20) is angled relative a horizontal axis (70). A light source (120) provides light (40) into the sample (30) and a detector (130) detects the output light (50) from a sub-portion of the blood sample (30). Kinetic information indicative of the change in hemoglobin concentration in a measuring volume (32, 34) is determined by a Hb processor (145) from the detected output light (50). An ESR processor (140) determines the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the sample (30) based on the kinetic information.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for counting biomolecules or cells. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a cell counting or biomolecule counting system including: a covered chamber having a known height and configured to hold a suspension of biomolecules or cells in a sample; at least one fluorescent light source connected to at least one fluorescent light beam narrowing device; a bright-field light source connected to a bright-field light beam narrowing device; a microscope objective; a detection device; a fluorescent filter assembly to allow only excitation light to illuminate the sample and allow only emission light from the sample to be imaged by the detection device; and a movable light shutter to block bright-field light during fluorescent detection.

Abstract: A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a fluid sample and method thereof, comprises a sample collector and a receiving cup for receiving and holding the sample collector within the receiving cup. The sample collector contains a compressible absorbent member for collecting the fluid sample, and has a first position and a second, locked position within the receiving cup. The absorbent member is uncompressed in the first position and is compressed in the second, locked position. The sample collector or the receiving cup has at least one test element having reagents for detecting the presence or amount of the analyte in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device for use in the determination of the presence of at least one analyte of interest in a liquid sample; the device comprising a reaction zone in which a reagent reacts with the analyte of interest and a bibulous member which, when contacted with the liquid sample, draws liquid therefrom towards the reaction zone; the bibulous member comprising means to change color when wetted by the sample.

Abstract: A test tape device is disclosed herein for use with a replaceable analytical tape cassette, where the device includes a housing having a cassette compartment covered by a cassette door and a housing opening for sample application, a protective cover that can be moved between a closed position covering the housing opening and a release position allowing access to the housing opening and a door lock for retaining the cassette door in the closed position, wherein the protective cover is coupled with the door lock via an interlocking mechanism, such that the door lock can only be unlocked in the release position of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator system and method of using the system to determine efficacy of a sterilization process. The system includes a vial having a first compartment containing spores of one or more species of microorganism; a second compartment containing a growth medium with a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide in which the vial is free of monosaccharide; an enzyme, capable of acting upon the monosaccharide to yield reaction products and electron transfer, disposed on two or more electrodes adapted to carry an electrical signal resulting from the electron transfer, the pair of electrodes positioned to contact the combined contents of the first compartment and the second compartment during incubation; and an apparatus linked or linkable to the electrodes and adapted to detect and measure the electrical signal resulting from electron transfer when the enzyme acts upon the monosaccharide.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of any specified substance in any medium. A sample of the medium is placed in a capsule, along with a solvent and a sensor configured to test for a target analyte. The solvent comes into contact with the medium in the capsule, and the capsule is agitated to create a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium. A release mechanism configured to cause conduction of the dispersion to the sensor, so that the sensor produces an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium. The apparatus uses a disposable capsule where the medium in question is placed and the disposable capsule is placed inside a reader and analyzed for presence of the harmful substance.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a slide for analyzing target analytes of a suspension. The slide can be used to collect and hold the target analyte for imaging or further processing. The slide comprises a well section, including wells into which the target analyte can be stored. The wells may be removable and sized to fit into a second apparatus, such as a PCR thermocycler, for additional processing. Alternatively, the wells may hold processing vessels, such as PCR tubes, the processing vessels being used for downstream processing and/or analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunochromatographic device, which contains the following (a) and (b): (a) a first device part holding a first insoluble carrier used for developing a complex formed with an analyte and a labeling substance comprising a metal labeled with a first binding substance that can bind to the analyte and capturing the analyte and the labeling substance at a reaction portion containing a second binding substance that can bind to the analyte, and (b) a second device part holding a second insoluble carrier used for developing a liquid and a third insoluble carrier used for absorbing a liquid, in such a way that the first insoluble carrier does not come into contact with the second insoluble carrier and the third insoluble carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. The whole blood sample may be applied forthwith, without prior processing. The blood cells and blood plasma in the whole blood sample are separated by (lateral) flow migration. Also disclosed is an assembly of a sample support and a device dedicated to measure thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. Advantageously, the sample support comprises a separator medium allowing separation of whole blood into blood cells and blood plasma by means of (lateral) flow migration.

Abstract: An improved electronic diagnostic device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a casing having a display, a test strip mounted in the casing, a processor mounted in the casing, and a first sensor mounted in the casing and operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to receive a signal from the first sensor when the device is exposed to ambient light thereby causing the device to become activated. The device includes a light shield that exerts pressure across a width of the test strip to prevent fluid channeling along the length of the test strip. The processor is configured to present an early positive test result reading when a measured value exceeds a predetermined early reading threshold value at any time after a predetermined early testing time period.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sensor port configured to receive a plurality of analyte sensors having different sizes, shapes and/or electrode configurations. Also provided are analyte meters, analyte monitoring devices and/or systems and drug delivery devices and/or systems utilizing the disclosed sensor ports.

Abstract: Contact lens testing apparatuses and method for testing contact lenses for analytes are presented. In an aspect, a device is provided that includes a housing configured to hold one or more contact lenses, and a testing compartment provided within the housing and comprising a reagent, the reagent configured to facilitate a chemical reaction in response to the existence of a predetermined biomarker disposed on or within a contact lens placed in the testing compartment, wherein the chemical reaction produces a known result related to state information of an individual from which the biomarker was generated.

Abstract: A lateral flow device includes a sample compressor and a test strip comprising a diverting zone. The diverting zone, which may include a barrier and/or a gap or ditch, stops or impedes flow. Flow is reinitiated and diverted into an alternate plane by compression of a sample compressor. Flow returns to the original, lateral plane, at the end of the diverting zone.

Abstract: A test strip to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a base, at least one tab and a break line. The base includes a capillary channel and a test element. The capillary channel is in fluid communication with the test element. The test element is adapted to receive the fluid sample. The at least one tab is removably attached to the base. The capillary channel extends from the base into a portion of the tab. The break line intersects the capillary channel in which an inlet to the capillary channel is exposed along the break line when the tab is separated from the base.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for determining the concentration of calprotectin in a sample. A lateral flow test kit and test element using said method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system for efficiently and accurately performing immunoassays, such as ELISAs. The invention provides an immunoassay assembly which includes a flow-through unit and an aspiration pump. The immunoassay flow-through unit includes an outer seal; at least one bed support; an inner seal; and a packed non-porous bed. The unit is releasably attached to an aspiration pump which enables the controlled flow rate of liquid passing through the packed bed of the flow-through unit. The invention also provides a method of using the immunoassay assembly to identify analytical targets of interest.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a diagnostic test kit that assesses ovarian reserve by measuring Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in a liquid sample. The sample can be deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device. The device can include a release medium formed of a first material and including a detectable label thereon and a capture medium, including a test site, in fluid communication with the release medium and formed of a second, different material.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus may include a substrate having a first side for a sensing element and a second side for electronics, the substrate may have a at least one via from the first side of the substrate to the second side of the substrate, the at least one via may be hermetically sealed with an optically transmissive material.

Abstract: An in vitro sensor for point-of-care detection of at least one analyte or reaction product includes an inert, impermeable substrate, a sensing system, and a reference system. The substrate includes a first transparent surface oppositely disposed from a second surface and first and second cavities. Each of the first and second cavities defines an opening at the second surface. The sensing system is disposed in at least a portion of the first cavity and includes an analyte-detection optode membrane, an analyte-permeable membrane, and a plurality of non-transparent microbeads associated with at least one of the analyte-detection optode membrane and the analyte-permeable membrane. The analyte-permeable membrane is layered upon the analyte-detection optode membrane and covers the opening of the first cavity. The reference system is disposed in at least a portion of the second cavity.

Abstract: An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A subsea monitoring device comprises a metal part (12) disposed in a polymeric sheath (11,14), and means (10) for providing a sensible indication of pH at an interface between the part and the sheath. The part may be the metal shell of a connector. When a cable (13) extends from the connector, adjacent the connector the cable would be covered by the polymeric sheath. The said means (10) may comprise a chemical indicator and the sheath is preferably sufficiently translucent to allow visual observation of the indicator. The chemical indicator may comprise phenolphthalein.

Abstract: An apparatus for using sensors having test strip with sheaths surrounding sensitive area configured to detect certain substance in a liquid test specimen includes a carrier having spaced-apart openings to frictionally hold the sensors, a loading portion to insert the sensors through the openings and to displace the sheaths thereby exposing predetermined lengths of the sensitive areas of the sensors, a testing portion including a container for containing a test specimen as only specified lengths of the predetermined lengths of the sensitive areas of the sensors are submerged in the test specimen, and an extracting portion structured and configured to receive the carrier with the plurality of said sensors inserted therethrough, the extracting portion having a comb-like structure for displacing the sheaths to return them to their stowed configurations and to eject the sensors from the carrier.

Abstract: The invention provides environmental packages, instruments, and methods for sealing, protecting, and providing analysis chips for processing and analysis. The analysis chips are bonded directly or indirectly to chip carriers which are held within the chambers of an environmental packaging strip. The chambers are sealed with a sealing film such that the chip carriers can be extracted using a piercing tool and an extraction tool.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies generally include at least one assay bar that includes a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar. Each well includes a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end, and at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom surface of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a dispenser bar that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the top side of the assay bar, which includes one or more reservoirs that are configured to provide one or more reagents to the at least one secondary container located in each well of the assay bar.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagent reservoir system and disposable reaction cassettes using the same. In one aspect, such system comprises a chamber in which dried reagent, particularly lyophilized reagent, is constrained to remain in a defined region of the chamber by a retaining member that obstructs passage of such reagents to other regions of the chamber where they may escape hydration or activation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to portable detection apparatus, comprising one or more detector regions adapted to visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a beverage. The detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same as a consumer product.

Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.

Abstract: A specimen holding and positioning apparatus operable to substantially non-movably maintain a specimen (e.g., an excised tissue specimen) in a fixed or stable orientation with respect to the apparatus during imaging operations (e.g., x-ray imaging), transport (e.g., from a surgery room to a pathologist's laboratory), and the like for use in facilitating accurate detection and diagnosis of cancers and/or other abnormalities of the specimen.

Abstract: A hydration sensor or sensing element configured to measure the hydration level of a user is disclosed. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.

Abstract: The present invention related to an electronic assay apparatus and a testing method thereof. The electronic assay apparatus for determining a result of an assay performed using a test strip comprises three light sources, only one detector and a microprocessor. The three light sources respectively illuminate light incident upon three different zones of the test strip. The detector detects light from the three zones alternately and the distances between the only one detector and the three light sources respectively are almost the same. Further, multiple openings corresponding to the three light sources respectively have the same size and/or shape. The microprocessor compares a calculating result value to only one threshold for showing a result.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device for the determination of the presence and/or extent if an analyte in a liquid sample over an extended concentration range comprising a first assay and a second assay, wherein the first assay for an analyte comprises a first flow-path having a sole detection zone capable of immobilizing a labelled binding reagent and the second assay for said analyte comprises a second flow-path having a sole detection zone capable of immobilizing a labelled binding reagent, wherein the presence of labelled binding reagent at the detection zones provides an indication of the presence and/or extent of analyte in said liquid sample.

Abstract: In a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus, a beam applied from a light source to a chromatography test strip is formed into an elliptical shape by an optical means such as a cylindrical lens, a variation in absorbance that accompanies elution of a marker regent is detected while the elliptical beam is applied between a marker reagent hold part and a detection part, and a measurement is automatically started in a prescribed period of time since the detection of variation. According to the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus so configured, non-uniform coloration is reduced by shaping the beam elliptically with the optical means, whereby the accuracy of quantitative analysis is enhanced, and the apparatus can be operated easily.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring blood oxygen saturation, comprising a housing (1), a sensor (2), a connecting cable (3) and a plug (4), wherein the housing (1) has a cavity (5) for accepting a patient's tissue which is supplied with blood; the sensor (2) which is arranged on the housing and has at least one light source (21) for the emission of light which passes through the tissue which is supplied with blood and a detector (22) for receiving the light passing through the tissue which is supplied with blood; and the apparatus can be connected to an evaluation unit via the plug (4).

Abstract: The invention provides a device including a chamber wherein the chamber including a rigid enclosure; a rigid lid for the enclosure; a gasket between the lid and the enclosure to allow for an airtight seal between the enclosure and the gasket upon closure of a latch connecting the enclosure and the lid; a port for airtight attachment of a syringe, and a port for airtight insertion of a gas sensor. The device can further include a gas sensor and one or more syringes for attachment to the device by a three-way stopcocks. The device is appropriately sized for use with the subject of interest. The invention also provides methods for use of the device.

Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a formed plastic body and a reagent. The body has a top face with an integral first surface. The body also has a bottom face opposed to the first surface and a sidewall that extends from the periphery of the top face. The first surface is adapted to accept a fluid sample. The reagent is disposed on the integral first surface and causes a color change detectable on the bottom face when the reagent reacts with an analyte in the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of hydrofluoric acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of hydrofluoric acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of hydrofluoric acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the hydrofluoric acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: A container having a radio frequency identification tag attached thereto by means of a stud or a radio frequency identification tag retainer projecting from the exterior surface of the container. The container can be used to contain medical products, and the container can be of various types, such as, for example, a bottle, a micro-well plate, a cartridge, a tube. In one embodiment, the container has a radio frequency identification tag affixed thereto. The container comprises a mouth, a neck, a body, and a bottom. The container can also have a closure, a septum, or an adapter for other components of an automated clinical analyzer. The neck is capable of receiving a closure. A stud or a radio frequency identification tag retainer projecting from the bottom of the container, preferably the center of the bottom of the container, serves to retain the radio frequency identification during the attachment of the radio frequency identification tag to the container.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include at least one assay bar that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar, with each well including a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end. Each well also includes at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom side of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a guiding track, which includes a set of two rails, with each rail having its own separate groove. Such grooves are configured to run parallel to each other with a distance between such grooves, with a first groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a first side of the assay bar, and a second groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a second side of the assay bar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of anything to which an antibody can be raised, or to which a chemical receptor can be fashioned, based on surface plasmon resonance. The apparatus and method have the capability to detect proteins, viruses, bacteria, toxins, pathogens, contaminants, chemical compounds, or nucleic acids based on surface plasmon resonance and surface receptor technologies which may include antibodies or chemical receptors. The device is field deployable and utilizes a single use sample holder card which includes the sample to be tested, test channels, waste reservoir and a functionalized test surface.