Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.

Abstract: A handheld diabetes management device for providing enhanced illumination includes a housing with an access port and a light aperture. The housing further includes a coupling member on an inner surface thereof. Furthermore, the device includes a measurement engine housed within the housing and communicating with the access port for analyzing body fluid disposed on a dosing area of a diabetes test element. Also, the device includes a circuit board communicating with the measurement engine. The device further includes a light source mounted to the circuit board and a light pipe coupled to the housing via the coupling member. The light pipe is disposed adjacent the light source to receive light from the light source travelling in a first direction. The light pipe redirects the light along a second direction to be emitted out of the housing through the light aperture toward the dosing area of the diabetes test element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.

Abstract: A sample processing vessel may include a branch segment and at least two tracks. The at least two tracks may be fluidly isolated from one another by a permanent seal. The tracks may be segmented by breakable seals. The branch segment may be temporarily isolated from the tracks by breakable seal(s) and put in fluid communication with the tracks once those seal(s) are broken, such that fluid received by the branch segment is divided into portions that pass into both tracks.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the amount of two or more analytes of interest in a fluid sample, and kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods involve determining a ratio of a detected amount of a single analyte of interest, to the sum of a detected amount of each of the analytes of interest plus a detected amount of a control, wherein the amount of each analyte of interest is directly or inversely related to the ratio for each analyte of interest.

Abstract: A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. A wide variety of shapes of fibers and other materials can be produced from this system through the use of polymerizable material.

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 system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a test on a sample applied to a test media and a selectively closable container configured to house test media compatible with the meter. The system may also provide mechanisms for removing a meter from a test container and reattaching it to a new one using one of several coding methods that recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips. Alternatively, the system may include an auto-calibration system where data is provided individually on each individual test medium in a form readable by the test meter. The carried data may include an embedded code relating to data particular to that individual strip. The data is presented so as to be read by a meter associated with the diagnostic test strip in order to avoid manually inputting the information. In addition, the system may further provide mechanisms to reconfigure the meter to perform a new function when it has been determined that a triggering event has occurred.

Abstract: A biochemical assay is provided comprising a substrate being capable of binding at least a target analyte and eventually other constituents contained in a biological sample, a test zone on the substrate for sample application, a non-immobilized conjugate reagent provided in the test zone for labeling the analyte, the conjugate reagent being capable of specific binding to the analyte but remaining unbound to the substrate, and a flow path for transporting a washing liquid through the test zone and washing an excess of unbound conjugate reagent away from the test zone. The test zone is also a detection area for detecting the labeled analyte.

Abstract: A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter. The meter may include a closure portion for selectively closing the opening of the container. The system may further provide a sampling device, such as a lancet, operable connected to the container such that that a user may use the sampling device to obtain a sample without disconnecting the sampling device from the container. The system may also provide mechanisms for removing a meter from a test container and reattaching it to a new one using one of several coding methods that recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips. In addition, the system may further provide mechanisms to reconfigure the meter to perform a new function when it has been determined that the triggering event has occurred.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for performing a high throughput assay. The device includes a plate structure having a plate and a plurality of microfluidic structures positioned thereon. Each microfluidic structure defines a channel having an input and an output. At least one of the input and the output of the channel of each of the plurality of mircofluidic structures includes a first plurality of ports. In operation, the channels are filled with fluid and pressure gradients are generated between the fluids at the inputs and the fluids at the outputs of the channels. As a result, fluid flows through the channels toward the outputs.

Abstract: A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media, the meter having a housing and an interface for receiving a signal representing coding information, and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having a coding element associated therewith. Additionally, the system may provide a mechanisms for removing the meter from an interconnected test container and reattaching it to a new container using on-container coding methods that can recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips. The system may further provide a sampling device, such as a lancet, operably connected to the container such that that a user may use the sampling device to obtain a sample without disconnecting the sampling device from the container.

Abstract: A container for a diagnostic testing system consists essentially of a media dispenser embedded in the container and configured to house a plurality of test media; a first positioning device arranged on or near a first surface of the media dispenser and configured to push the plurality of test media toward a second surface of the media dispenser; and a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to one of the plurality of test media, the meter including a closure portion configured to close the container.

Abstract: A probe array substrate suitable for forming a probe array that has high packing density, that can hold sufficient amounts of probe molecules, and that has little variation in the amounts of probe molecules. A plurality of arrayed probe-holding portions are defined by recesses, and isolating grooves are formed between the adjacent probe-holding portions to prevent probe solutions introduced into the probe-holding portions from spreading to adjacent probe-holding portions. Inner surfaces of the probe-holding portions are made hydrophilic, whereas inner surfaces of the isolating grooves are made hydrophobic. Liquid-introducing protrusions are formed in the probe-holding portions.

Abstract: A blood glucose test instrument kit having modular component parts capable of being assembled into a plurality of different handheld blood glucose test instruments is disclosed. The kit comprises the combination of an interconnection platform adapted to connect to a collection of interoperable modules. The collection of interoperable modules including: a plurality of different measurement engine modules, at least one user interface module, at least one power supply module. A handheld blood glucose test instrument is assembled by the interconnection to the interconnection platform of at least one measurement engine module, at least one user interface module, and at least one power supply module. The inter-module communication among the modules connected thereto to achieve enhanced glucose test instrument reliability by effecting at least one reliability protocol selected from a group of reliability protocols.

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: An optic light guide test sensor comprises a light guide, a reagent-coated membrane, and a mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and the mesh layer are attached to the light guide at an output end of the light guide. The light guide test sensor is adapted to be used to test the level of an analyte in a biological fluid sample when used with a readhead. A method of manufacturing the light guide test sensor involves providing a plurality of light guides, providing a strip of reagent-coated membrane, and providing a strip of mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer are attached to the light guides by ultrasonic welding. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer may also be attached to the light guides by adhesive.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides test strip carriers for insertion into test strip vials and methods of making the same. Also provided are test strip vials including test strip carriers, and systems including test strip vials, test strip carriers and analytical test strips. The test strip carriers of the present disclosure are capable of engaging with the caps of test strip vials and thereby facilitating the retrieval of one or more test strips from the test strip vials upon opening of the test strip vials.

Abstract: This invention discloses an analyzing method for detecting a specific analyte in a fluid sample. The method comprises the following steps. First, a substrate is provided. The substrate has a channel provided concavely on an upper surface thereof. The channel comprises a first area, a second area and a third area, and these three areas are connected sequentially. Each of the second and the third areas comprises a nitrocellulose layers containing a reaction material and formed at the bottom thereof. The nitrocellulose layer of the third area can absorb a fixed volume of the fluid sample. Second, the fluid sample is applied to the first area and delivered by the second area and then to the third area. Finally, the reaction material reacts with the specific analyte in the fluid sample to produce a signal for detection.

Abstract: A container for holding a biologic fluid sample for analysis is provided which includes a chamber and a label. The chamber includes a first wall, a transparent second wall, and a plurality of features including features spatially located within the chamber. The transparent second wall permits a fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber to be imaged through the second wall. The plurality of features, including those spatially located within the chamber, are operable to enable the analysis of the biologic fluid. The label directly or indirectly contains information regarding the features and the spatial location of the features within the chamber. The sample is analyzed by an analytical device that utilizes the information communicated through the label.

Abstract: An optical reflectance kit including a reading device and membrane test strip is disclosed for conducting a lateral flow assay. The reading device is portable. Assays may be conducted on bodily fluids to detect with high sensitivity the presence of certain hormones, glucose, or other bodily fluids of interest. Membrane test strips may receive a test fluid or test sample containing an analyte to be detected. The membrane test strips may be inserted directly into a receiving port of a reading device. Shielding stray light from the receiving port improves sensitivity and reduces the entry of stray or ambient light into the reading device. The reading device also includes one or more sensors capable of detecting the intensity of reflected electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A tool for a sensor includes a first portion having an elongated channel that extends therealong for accommodating the sensor, and a second portion with an end slot that accommodates an end portion of the sensor, the sensor having one or more wire electrodes embedded between two substrates. One or both of the substrates has transaxial scoring for facilitating the snapping off of segments to expose a clean portions of the wire electrodes. One or both of the tool portions has a rounded end portion. The end slot of the second portion is dimensioned to correspond to an axial dimension of a segment that is to be snapped off from the sensor. The first tool portion has a shoulder and handle portions, the shoulder portion having a greater thickness than the handle portion, and the handle portion having a thickness that is less than the width of the sensor.

Abstract: An assay for screening potential hydrolysis enhancing agents capable of facilitating the hydrolysis of a substantially water insoluble halogenated compound such as mustard gas (HD) in an aqueous reaction mixture is disclosed. The assay includes at least one chamber adapted for receiving and retaining the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound and a potential hydrolysis agent in an aqueous reaction mixture, and a pH indicating agent adapted to produce a visible color change corresponding to the amount of the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound hydrolyzed in the aqueous reaction mixture wherein the rate of hydrolysis can be established by measuring the change in the detectable signal over time.

Abstract: A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient's level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensors for detecting chemical and biological material and for chemical actuation. In particular, the sensors of the present invention incorporates membranes or beams that are deformable in the presence of chemical adsorption on its surface. The sensor of the present invention contains a polymeric membrane or beam (102) that is clamped at least at two opposing ends (104) and (106).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process challenge device for a high-pressure steam sterilizer capable of reuse with little trouble. A process challenge device 1 for a high-pressure steam sterilizer, includes a plurality of stacked steam permeable bodies 7, 8, and 9 formed by a material capable of permeating of steam 11 and an indicator 10. The steam permeable bodies 8 (except the steam permeable bodies 7 and 9 arranged at both sides among the stacked steam permeable bodies 7, 8, and 9) each have an opening 8a for accommodating the indicator 10. The steam permeable bodies 7, 8, and 9 are stacked, so that the indicator 10 is surrounded by the inner wall of a cavity 24 formed by the openings 8a of the intermediate steam permeable bodies communicated with one another and the steam permeable bodies 7 and 9 arranged at both sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the cross-referencing of identification (1) of tissue slice supports (2), for microtomised analytical samples still to be mounted thereon, with identification information (3) of a tissue sample holder (4) of a tissue sample (5) which is not yet microtomised. The conventional problem of cross-referencing is improved in a simple manner, whereby the identification information (3) for the tissue sample holder (4) is automatically detected when positioned in the microtome (6) and an identification (1) corresponding thereto is automatically transferred to at least one tissue slice support (2) and that tissue slice support (2), provided with the identification (1), is dispensed for application of the tissue sample slice at the moment when a tissue sample slice must be applied to a tissue slice support (2).

Abstract: A handheld apparatus for preparing a specimen slide includes a handle, a filter holder assembly coupled to and extending from the handle; and a slide holder assembly coupled to and extending from the handle spaced apart from the filter holder assembly, wherein the slide holder assembly comprises a plurality of positioning members movably coupled to one another, and a slide holder movably coupled to one of the positioning members to allow a slide mounted on the slide holder to make rolling contact with an outward facing surface of a filter mounted on the filter holder assembly.

Abstract: A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient's level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis system for analyzing a sample on a test element. The system has an analysis unit for generating a signal as a function of an analyte contained in a sample, and a detection unit for detecting the signal. The analysis system further includes a test element holder into which the test element can be reversibly introduced and in which it can be positioned relative to the analysis unit and the detection unit. The test element contains at least one guide element, which is suitable for laterally guiding the test element, so that the test element in the test element holder is held and guided only on an outer region of the test element, and an inner region of the test element introduced into the test element holder remains free. The test element contains a sample application site in the inner region.

Abstract: A self-contained, remotely interrogatable, autonomously positionable, pressure probe and methods of manufacturing and using. The probe (10) includes (i) a hermetically sealed, flexible, gas impermeable sachet (50) capable of equilibriating to a surrounding pressure, (ii) an optically-active, target-analyte partial pressure sensitive material (20) within the sachet, and (iii) a gaseous headspace (58) within the sachet containing a known concentration of the target-analyte (A).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge 1 including a plurality of analyzing tools 3 arranged lined in a plane direction and a case 2 for accommodating the plurality of analyzing tools 3, and being configured to take out the analyzing tool 3 one at a time from the case 2. The plurality of analyzing tools 3 further include engagement means 32, 33 for restricting the analyzing tools 3 adjacent to each other in the plane direction and allowing removable attachment in a thickness direction D1, D2 of the analyzing tool 3. The present invention further relates to an analyzer and an analyzing system for analyzing a sample using the cartridge 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilization testing device comprised of a housing with a test chamber, an indicator placed therein, and with a supply for supplying the sterilization medium. According to the invention, the sterilization testing device consists of at least two housing parts that are matched to one another. A supply channel is made inside the housing part and serves to supply the sterilization medium. The supply channel is configured in such a manner that it forms the base body of the test chamber. The test chamber accommodates the indicator that indicates the completion of the sterilization process. Alternatively to this solution, the invention provides a variant, which is very effective with regard to manufacturing and which permits a quantitative statement regarding the sterilization. Webs are formed inside the housing in the at least partially meandering and/or spiral configuration of the supply channel.

Abstract: A multilayered optical sensing patch, for the measurement of conditions, such as pH, oxygen level, etc, within containers, is provided. The multilayered optical sensing patch of the present invention is comprised of a heat sealable polymer substrate layer, and a polymeric sensing membrane later attached thereto. The polymer sensing membrane layer is formed of a porous polymer support membrane, and an optical sensing composition (comprising a reactive indicator) covalently bonded thereto. The heat sealable polymer substrate layer is capable of being securely bonded to the inner layer of bioreactor bags, as well as the porous polymer support substrate layer. Further, the porous polymer support membrane layer provides a firm supporting structure for the polymeric sensing layer, thereby protecting the optical sensing composition disposed therein from degradation/damage.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapid lateral flow immunoassays to detect specific antibodies within a liquid sample while also validating the adequacy of the liquid sample for the presence of immunoglobulin and the integrity and immunoreactivity of the test reagents that detect the antibodies of interest, without requiring instrumentation. The methods and devices provide for delivery of a diluted liquid sample to a single location that simultaneously directs the liquid flow along two or more separate flow paths, one that serves as a positive control to confirm that all critical reagents of the test are immunoreactive, and that the sample being tested is adequate, and the other to detect specific antibodies if present.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive determination of the degree of fluorination in carbon monofluoride (CFx) during the process of CFx synthesis is described. The system includes a measuring generator containing a capacitive sensor for measuring a respective capacitance, a base generator containing a capacitive sensor for measuring a base capacitance, and a processor for determining a difference between the respective capacitance and the base capacitance. The system is configured to determine the degree of fluorination based on the difference between the respective capacitance and the base capacitance.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held electro-optical reader and specimen sample collector is provided, including an absorbent pad, one or more test strips contained in the collector handle to provide observable results through a window, the handle insertable into the reader for immediate recording and analysis. The system includes means to automatically provide subject and test specific data with the test results and retain samples for later verification analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed immunoassay cuvettes that comprise diffusely bound and non-diffusely bound reagents for carrying out an immunoassay. The reaction and detection are carried out in the immunoassay cuvette. The immunoassay cuvette comprises a transparent front wall, a back wall, side walls, a bottom, and a top opening. The back wall of the cuvette has a substantially planar surface made of a non-porous material and comprises a capture zone having reagents non-diffusedly bound and a signal reagent zone having reagents diffusedly bound.

Abstract: An analytical test element for determining an analyte in a body fluid comprises a detection area in which the analyte is detected and an application site at which the body fluid can be applied to the test element. The application site is spaced apart from the detection area, wherein at least some of the body fluid applied to the application site moves from the application site to the detection area. The test element also comprises a contamination area which at least partially adjoins the application site, wherein an adhesive substance is applied to at least part of the contamination area of the test element. The adhesive substance adheres to the contamination area of the test element and is able to interact with an excess amount of applied body fluid such that at least some of the body fluid adheres to the test element and thereby an excess amount of body fluid remains in the contamination area. An additional embodiment provides for test elements which, after use, can be stored in a storage container.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a reaction mixture contained in a chamber of a reaction vessel comprises a thermal surface for contacting a flexible wall of the chamber and an automated machine for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressure increase in the chamber is sufficient to force the flexible wall to conform to the thermal surface for good thermal conductance. The apparatus also includes at least one thermal element for heating or cooling the surface to induce a temperature change within the chamber.

Abstract: A fluidic configuration, both structural and methodological, for the injection of sample greatly reduces dead volume allowing rapid transition to 100% sample in a flow cell. For a continuous flow injection analysis system the structure and method provide counter flows to remove in one direction the dispersed region of the sample to waste before injecting non-dispersed sample into the flow cell by reversing the effective flow direction. The injection point itself is directly adjacent to the flow cell where all channels are microfluidic channels. Therefore, only the flow cell volume needs to be displaced during injection of sample in order to achieve 100% transition to sample within the flow cell. This greatly accelerates the rise and fall times thereby extending the kinetic range of the real-time interaction analysis instrument. In addition such rapid transition to sample improves overall data quality thereby improving kinetic model fitting.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: A reaction vessel having a reaction chamber for holding a sample is fabricated by producing a housing having a rigid frame defining the minor walls of the chamber. The housing also defines a port for introducing fluid into the chamber. At least one sheet or film is attached to the rigid frame to form at least one major wall of the chamber. In preferred embodiments, two sheets or films are attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form two opposing major walls of the chamber, the major walls being connected to each other by the minor walls.

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 rapid diagnostic device, assay and multifunctional buffer reagent are provided for the detection of a target analyte in a fluid test sample. The 2-step assay utilizes a dual component flow-through device comprising a test unit and a dried indicator reagent delivery unit for receiving the fluid sample and multifunctional buffer, respectively. The test unit comprises a reaction zone containing immobilized capture reagent that can bind to the target analyte, an absorbent zone supporting the reaction zone, and optionally, a blood separation zone in lateral fluid communication with the reaction zone. The delivery unit comprises a label zone permeated with a dried indicator reagent which can be placed in transient fluid communication with the reaction zone of the test unit during the assay procedure. The rapid diagnostic assay system reduces the number of assay reagents, method steps and time required for performance compared to other conventional assays.

Abstract: An analyte treatment apparatus comprising liquid chemical tanks storing liquid chemicals; and a treatment unit carrying out a treatment by supplying the liquid chemicals, so as to facilitate observation. The liquid chemical tanks are made of resin and housed inside a housing unit. Openings are formed in the housing unit. Light projecting means is provided outside of the treatment unit and projects light into each liquid chemical tank through the opening of the housing unit. A colored transparent door is provided to the housing unit and located at the other side with respect to a specific side of the liquid chemical tanks from which light diffusely reflected at the one side and the opposite side of the liquid chemical tank or in the liquid chemical tank can be visually checked, so as to visually check the reflected light. A control unit controls ON-OFF switching of the light projecting means.

Abstract: Methods for using a centrifuge are presented. A vessel containing a sample and a separator substance is placed within a centrifuge. Upon sufficient centrifugation, the sample separates into two or more fractions separated by the separator substance. The centrifuge exposes the separator substance to a sufficient energy to polymerize the separator substance to produce a hardened barrier between the fractions.