Abstract: A test strip construction includes a test strip having a testing region bearing a chromogenic reagent to detect the presence of a substance in a fluid test sample. A supporting member is attached to one end of the test strip in a manner such that the testing region is remote form the attachment point and is free from any contact with supporting member. When dipped into the test sample the test strip can flutter away from the supporting member to allow for full contact between that the testing region and the test sample. When removed from the test sample the supporting member provides a consistent background for observation of color changes of the reagent.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus is provided for conducting a test by efficiently reading color development of a reagent after reaction by optical measurement. To the above end, an optical measurement apparatus is provided which is to be used with at least one test instrument mounted to the apparatus. The test instrument includes a carrier provided with at least one reagent retaining portion which retains a reagent, and a sample is applied to the carrier. The optical measurement apparatus includes a reader for reading color development of the reagent retaining portion, and a controller for performing driving control of the reader and determination. The controller performs the determination by utilizing data obtained by a reading operation P to read the color development of the reagent performed after the lapse of a reaction completion period Tr1-Tr6 from the mounting of the test instrument, and the reaction completion period depends on the reagent.

Abstract: Provided is an assay device and kit for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue paper with pH-indicator function, specifically a toilet paper that can be used to diagnose abnormal pH changes of the human urine as accompanying for instance acetonemic vomiting or diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location while the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

Abstract: A measurement module for glucose testing includes a glucose testing measurement module housing, a test strip receptacle formed in the housing, and a connector portion formed in the housing and shaped to permit mechanical removable attachment of the housing to a hand-held computer. Electronics determine the amount of glucose present in a sample of body fluid, when the test strip is positioned in the receptacle and the body fluid is placed on a test strip, and communicate the glucose amount to the hand-held computer via the connector portion.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device that is in fluid contact with the first portion. In specific embodiments, the device comprises a labeled conjugate comprising a binding member reactive with a first epitope of the analyte and a label comprising a gold colloid, preferably having a mean particle size of 50 nm to 100 nm. In further embodiments, the device comprises a capture component comprising polymerized streptavidin. The diagnostic device is particularly useful in the preparation of pregnancy test kits.

Abstract: The invention describes a detection device that comprise nanostructures and which detection mechanism is based on the quantum confinement effects. The analyte species are sensed by measuring charge or/and energy transfer between the species and the nanostructures, which will be proportional to the overlap between the density of states distribution in the nanostructures and the density of states distribution in the targeted analyte species.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided which comprises an analysis device with at least one of a measurement function and a sample collection function, and also at least one magazine configured to receive at least one consumer element therein. The magazine comprises a magazine housing having a pair of openings. The magazine is designed as an exchangeable magazine that can be selectively operatively connected to the analysis device. The analysis device further comprises a closure mechanism having at least one sealing element which is designed to convey at least one consumer element from one of the openings. The sealing element is further configured to sealingly close the openings of the magazine when the sealing element is disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for detecting the presence or absence of a target molecule or substance, compounds which may be employed in such devices and methods of using such compounds. In some embodiments, the compounds are conjugated polyenes.

Abstract: A measurement module for glucose testing includes a glucose testing measurement module housing, a test strip receptacle formed in the housing, and a connector portion formed in the housing and shaped to permit mechanical removable attachment of the housing to a hand-held computer. Electronics determine the amount of glucose present in a sample of body fluid, when the test strip is positioned in the receptacle and the body fluid is placed on a test strip, and communicate the glucose amount to the hand-held computer via the connector portion.

Abstract: A measurement module for glucose testing includes a glucose testing measurement module housing, a test strip receptacle formed in the housing, and a connector portion formed in the housing and shaped to permit mechanical removable attachment of the housing to a hand-held computer. Electronics determine the amount of glucose present in a sample of body fluid, when the test strip is positioned in the receptacle and the body fluid is placed on a test strip, and communicate the glucose amount to the hand-held computer via the connector portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction kit for preventing the entry of foreign matter into a reaction plate from the outside and the pollution of a surrounding environment. The reaction kit includes: a reaction plate (2) having, on the top surface side thereof, a reaction container (4) for carrying out the reaction of a sample and a reagent container (12) containing a reagent used for the reaction of a sample and sealed with a film (14); a dispensation tip (20) arranged on the top surface side of the reaction plate (2); a cover (24) covering a space above the top surface of the reaction plate (2) and movably supporting the dispensation tip (20) so that a distal end thereof is located inside the space covered with the cover (4) and a proximal end thereof is located outside the space; and a sample container (32) for introducing a sample into the space covered with the cover (24) from the outside through a sealable opening (31) provided in a part of the cover (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to an analytical test element for analysis of a liquid sample. The analytical test element may contain a channel which is suitable for capillary transport of the liquid sample and which is provided with an inlet opening for the liquid sample and with an air outlet opening. At least one test field may be arranged in the channel, spaced apart from the inlet opening. The test element comprises a sample application site which is closed with a seal and which is designed in such a way that, when the seal is opened, the sample application site and the inlet opening of the channel are simultaneously open to the outside environment of the test element. The test element can then receive the liquid sample inside the channel via the sample application site and inlet opening, for analysis in the test field. The invention also relates to a test element magazine and to a system for analysis of liquid samples with at least one test element.

Abstract: The system and method for explosives detection may be used for detecting the presence of explosive elements. A testing device may have a case with a cover. A sample holder may be disposed in the case for receipt of a sample element and may have a sample retainer. The sample element may have a swipe pad attached to a backing element a heater may be disposed in the sample holder wherein the heater may be below the swipe pad adjacent the backing element when the sample element may be positioned in the sample holder. The heater may be in communication with an electric power source. The case may have a plurality of cavities formed therein for receipt of a plurality of fluid containers. The plurality of fluid containers may have at least a first reagent fluid and a second reagent fluid.

Abstract: A method of making a fluid sample collection card includes providing a support layer, forming an upper layer with a card stock, the upper layer including a sample window and a viewing window, supporting an absorbent layer with the support layer, and positioning the upper layer on the absorbent layer, wherein the upper layer is configured such that as a fluid is being absorbed by the first absorbent layer portion, presence of a portion of the fluid within the second absorbent layer portion indicates that a first volume of the fluid absorbed by the absorbent layer is a minimum necessary volume of the fluid sufficient to perform at least one test on at least one component in the fluid.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device for detecting the presence of a taggant molecular structure in a fluid is disclosed. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device comprises a molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer having a crosslinked core and a plurality of polymer arms attached to the core, wherein the core has molecular sized cavities adapted to selectively receive and bind displacement molecules having the taggant molecular structure and a colorimetric indicator, said displacement molecule being selectively removed from the molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer and replaced with the taggant molecular structure upon exposure to the fluid containing the taggant molecular structure therein, thereby indicating the presence of the taggant molecular structure in the fluid.

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: The present invention provides a colorimetric gas detector comprising a substrate bearing a material that can react with a gas in an atmosphere being monitored and wherein the reaction causes the material to change the radiation at which the material absorbs or radiates radiation (the color-change material). The material is located in at least one discrete area of the substrate. By providing the color change material in discrete areas, the amount of such material can be reduced and different types of color-change material can be included on a common substrate to detect two or more gases simultaneously.

Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus is provided for depositing liquid materials onto prescribed areas. The apparatus includes a sensing and delivery pin and a photo sensor. The apparatus is sized to deliver a droplet of liquid material to the surface of a target area without coming into contact with the target surface. The apparatus is also capable of drawing geometric features, such as lines and grids of liquid material. The photo sensor measures the intensity of light during a processing cycle. Measured reflected-light intensity can be compared in real-time to a reference curve which is based on test process cycles representing the light intensity expected when the process proceeds in the preferred fashion to produce a normal spot having an expected droplet size. The light intensity measurements can also be fitted with a mathematical function such as an asymmetric double sigmoidal curve.

Abstract: A test strip with a sample receiving chamber having a novel flared portion that terminates in a sample receiving opening. The flared portion provides a reservoir from which sample fluid can be drawn into the capillary or sample receiving chamber. The wider opening provided by the present invention is easier to “target” with a sample fluid. In preferred embodiments, the hydrophilic reagent layer extends to the dosing end or side of the test strip and further promotes wicking of the sample into the sample receiving chamber and thus reduces dose hesitation. In other preferred embodiments, a tapered dosing end is provided on the test strip in combination with the flared portion, and this combination create a test strip that will draw sample fluid into the sample receiving chamber regardless of where along the dosing edge of the test strip the fluid sample makes contact.

Abstract: A blood test apparatus has a housing with an opening, and a plunger that moves back and forth inside the housing, the plunger having a projecting member. A fixing member fixes the plunger, which is provided in the housing. A blood sampling cartridge, in which a blood sensor, a puncturer, and a holder that holds the blood sensor and the puncturer, are integrated. The blood sampling cartridge is removably attached to the opening. The puncturer includes a lancet, one end of which is held by the plunger, and a blood collection needle attached to an other end of the lancet. A measuring circuit measures a signal obtained from the blood sensor to analyze components in the blood.

Abstract: A liquid applicator for applying a liquid sample to a liquid receiving surface is disclosed. The liquid applicator comprises a bibulous line to hold a first predetermined volume of liquid for application to a liquid receiving surface. A second predetermined volume less than or equal to the first predetermined volume is applied to the liquid receiving surface in a substantially uniform and consistent pattern. Systems and methods for using embodiments of the liquid applicators are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to immunoassays for detecting one or more target analytes in a fluid sample wherein the detection reaction occurs on a solid support and involves an amplification system. In particular, the invention is directed to making and using a test device having at least one site for detecting the presence of at least one target analyte, wherein a conjugate comprising dextran-polystreptavidin is immobilized at the test site(s) as a capture reagent for a complex containing the target analyze.

Abstract: A testing device for testing or analysing fluids comprises a separately produced holder (10) and a sheet-or plate-like test member (11) including analysis reagent. The holder defines an abutment surface (13) for engaging with a side surface of the test member. Projections (15) formed on the holder are positioned and shaped so as to allow insertion of the test member into the holder by moving the test member into engagement with said abutment surface while engaging with opposite edge portions thereof. The projections may, for example, be tooth-shaped and have pointed ends, and at least some of the projections may have a leading edge (16) forming a ramp sloping towards a plane defined by the abutment surface so as to facilitate insertion of the test member into the holder. A stack of such testing devices may be arranged within a cassette from which they may be fed successively into an automatic analyser. The holder of the testing device may be re-used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a fluid sample collection device, comprising: loading a fluid sample collection device with a fluid sample, said device comprising a housing having at least one substantially planar surface that includes an orifice in fluid communication with an internal fluid sample holding chamber which terminates at an internal capillary stop; and slidably moving a sealing element over at least a portion of said substantially planar surface in a way that displaces any excess fluid sample away from the orifice, seals the fluid sample within said holding chamber, and inhibits the fluid sample from prematurely breaking through the internal capillary stop.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device that is in fluid contact with the first portion. In specific embodiments, the device comprises a labeled conjugate comprising a binding member reactive with a first epitope of the analyte and a label comprising a gold colloid, preferably having a mean particle size of 50 nm to 100 nm. In further embodiments, the device comprises a capture component comprising polymerized streptavidin. The diagnostic device is particularly useful in the preparation of pregnancy test kits.

Abstract: A bioassay substrate high in integration amount, free in grouping of substances, low in cost, and the like are provided. Specifically, a bioassay substrate includes detection surfaces S on which detection substances can be solidified, the detection surfaces S is provided on a surface of a disk form substrate capable of reading out record information optically, and the detection surfaces S is provided in groove structures (pits) provided in the surface of the substrate radially as viewed on the upper side at predetermined intervals. A bioassay system using the bioassay substrate and a readout system are also provided.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing test strips are disclosed. Embodiments include laminating a two piece covering layer over a substrate with a series of cavities, wherein the two pieces are separated by a gap, the gap forming a vent opening for the cavities. Other embodiments include covering the sample receiving chamber with a cover thinner than the cover covering the body of the test strip, the thicker body cover absorbing more force than the chamber cover to reduce the possibility of adhesives squeezing out from under the chamber cover. The present invention also provides an advantageous method of mass-producing the inventive test strips without having to align the slot or vent opening laterally with respect to the test strips and without having to punch a vent opening. The method is also well suited to mass production by roll processing techniques.

Abstract: A component measuring apparatus is provided with a case having a cylindrical case main body and a cover arranged to cover the base end opening section of the case main body; a chip mounting section for mounting a chip; a light measuring section for detecting a prescribed component; a printed board whereupon a control section having a function of controlling the operation of the light measuring section is arranged; a liquid crystal display device; a battery arranging section for arranging a battery provided on the cover; an O-ring arranged between the case main body and the light measuring section on the leading end section of the case main body; and an O-ring arranged between the case main body and the cover on the base end opening section of the case main body. Sealing of inside the case is ensured by the O-ring.

Abstract: An assay device for testing of liquid samples for drugs of abuse has a transparent container for retaining a liquid sample. A backing member is within the container and is curved so that its front surface corresponds to the curvature of the container wall. Immunoassay test strips are on the front face of the backing and are visible through the container wall. Each test strip is enclosed in a transparent pocket which has a bottom opening through which the bottom portion of the test strip protrudes to contact the liquid sample within the container. The liquid then flows upwardly through the test strip to react with reagents within the test strip.

Abstract: Hydrophilic threads as platforms for inexpensive, low volume, portable diagnostic systems, and methods of making the same are described. A diagnostic system includes a hydrophilic loading thread having an inlet zone at a proximal end; a testing zone at a distal end; and an intermediate zone located between the inlet zone and the testing zone, wherein the testing zone does not directly contact the inlet zone. In another aspect, a diagnostic system includes (i) a hydrophilic loading thread that includes an inlet zone at a proximal end and an intermediate zone at a distal end; and (ii) one or more additional hydrophilic threads that contact the intermediate zone of the loading thread.

Abstract: An assay device allowing for the testing for multiple analytes in a liquid sample simultaneously by employing a multiplicity of analyte testing strips which protrude from a housing containing slots for each assay test strip and wherein the flow of sample of the test strip is controlled by a cover over the sample contact pad which is inserted into the sample.

Abstract: An assay test device, suitable for use as a home pregnancy test kit, comprises a casing and two test panels mounted to an elongate arm. The test panels are held within the casing for storage. Manual operation of a slider causes the test panels to project outwardly from an end of the casing, so that a liquid test sample may be administered to the panels. The panels are then withdrawn into the casing, which has a window allowing the test panels to be observed while the test reaction (typically an ELISA test) takes place. Indicia may be applied to reveal messages when a test panel changes color. The casing and other components comprise a polyolefin treated to be oxo-biodegradable or biodegradable, so that they may rapidly break down in aerobic conditions on disposal.

Abstract: Rapid lateral flow immunoassays have an extensive history of use in both the clinical and home settings. These devices are used to test for a variety of analytes, such as drugs of abuse, hormones, proteins, urine or plasma components and the like. The present invention provides an improved procedural control that indicates to the test user that at least a portion of the applied sample has passed through the test result zone of the test strip, and optionally that the test is complete and the test results may be read.

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: It is an object to provide a test instrument and an optical measurement apparatus which enable easy matching of test results when tests by optical measurement are performed with respect to a large number of patients. To the above end, a test instrument B is provided, which includes reagent retaining portions 8A, 8B, 8C retaining a reagent which reacts with a sample to produce a color reaction. The test instrument B includes a patient information entry section 64 as an example of patient identifying information region in which patient identifying information is to be written.

Abstract: A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.

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 apparatus and method for sealing a fluid sample collection device, comprising: loading a fluid sample collection device with a fluid sample, said device comprising a housing having at least one substantially planar surface that includes an orifice in fluid communication with an internal fluid sample holding chamber which terminates at an internal capillary stop; and slidably moving a sealing element over at least a portion of said substantially planar surface in a way that displaces any excess fluid sample away from the orifice, seals the fluid sample within said holding chamber, and inhibits the fluid sample from prematurely breaking through the internal capillary stop.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating biological content within a container is provided. The apparatus includes a medical sterilization container having a cover removably attached to the medical sterilization container. An enclosable, sterilizable interior compartment is formed by the medical sterilization container and the cover, wherein the interior compartment is sized to house at least one medical instrument. A biological indicator is located at least partially in communication with the interior compartment, wherein the biological indicator provides at least one indication of biological content within the interior compartment after the medical sterilization container and cover are subjected to a sterilization process.

Abstract: In the present invention cells are placed in a multiwell plate and grown. When the assay is to be performed, one uses gravity to wash away any unbound ligands rather than vacuum or centrifugation. The cells are then examined to detect the bound ligand. To perform the washing step(s) the plate is placed into a carrier plate having open wells in register with the wells of the filter plate or one may use a wicking device or an underdrain attached to the bottom of the filter plate. Sufficient wash liquid is added to allow for filtration by the effect of gravity to occur. Cells are retained within the wells at a rate of 4 times that of other rapid methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modular test tube rack. The rack contains multiple sub-racks that can be coupled together to form the test tube rack. The sub-rack can be designed to fit into a variety of scientific instrumentation including a fixed rotor centrifuge. The assembled test tube rack can be of a format and size that allows use of standard array pipetters. Thus, a system is provided allowing use of standard array pipetters and high g centrifugation.

Abstract: A container with a rotatable lid for reading and handling diagnostic reagents in tape form comprising a body portion, a lid portion, a continuous tape, a reagent-sensing device, and a storage device. The body portion includes an inner and outer surface. The lid portion is attached to the body portion and is adapted to rotate from a closed position to an open position. The continuous tape includes a diagnostic reagent. The reagent-sensing device is attached to either the body portion or the lid portion and adapted to read the diagnostic reagent. The storage device is attached to the body portion that is adapted to hold and dispense an unused portion of the continuous tape. During the rotation of the lid portion, the continuous tape is advanced from the first storage device and is extended over the reagent-sensing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for activating a self-contained biological indicator. The biological indicator includes a casing, an ampule having a growth-promoting medium disposed therein and microorganisms. The ampule and microorganisms are disposed within the casing. The device is comprised of a first lever arm having a cavity formed therein. The cavity is dimensioned to receive a biological indicator. A second lever arm has a protrusion extending from a surface thereof and is moveable relative to the first lever arm to deform a casing of the biological indicator thereby fracturing an ampule in the casing and exposing microorganisms in the casing to a growth-promoting medium in the ampule of the biological indicator.

Abstract: A food quality indicator includes a bio-indicator insert interposed between a gas-permeable, waterproof base and an impervious transparent cover, the base and the cover being sealed together about their peripheries to completely enclose the bio-indicator insert therebetween. The bio-indicator insert includes a porous substrate onto which a biosensor solution is applied, the biosensor solution being at least partially externally visible through the transparent cover. In use, the biosensor solution is adapted to change color within a defined color range that is dependent upon the concentration of amines detected. In this manner, the food quality indicator provides a visual indication of the state of microbial spoilage experienced by a food product in close proximity thereto. Due to its unitary, compact, durable and waterproof design, the food quality indicator can be used in a variety of potential applications and integrated into an array of different products, such as food storage containers.

Abstract: A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.

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.