Abstract: The invention describes methods that use nanostructures and quantum confinement to detect and manipulate chemical and biochemical molecules. To increase selectivity and sensitivity nanostructures are built to have the density of states similar to that in analyte that will be detected and operated. Using device that incorporates such nanostructures, measuring electrical and optical properties of nanostructures and analyte or charge and energy transfer between the nanostructures and analyte a rapid and sensitive continuous detection in fluids can be achieved. Detection can be further enhanced by controlling external environmental parameters and applying external fields. In addition to be detected analyte can be positioned, moved, separated, extracted, and controlled.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides in vitro analyte meters that include a meter portion that is moveable relative to at least one other meter portion. Embodiments include moveable meters that are integrated with in vivo analyte systems. Also provided are methods, systems and kits.

Abstract: An analyzer of the present invention for analyzing a glycan or a complex glycan includes a substrate, a fluorescent labeling excitation means and a fluorescent intensity measurement means. The substrate comprises a rectangle photoconductive base plate coated by a compound containing an active group to fix protein by an amino group thereof, one and more open-topped reaction vessel formed on a surface of the base plate, and plural spots of glycan binding proteins arranged in a matrix and immobilized on the surface of the base plate in the reaction vessel. The fluorescent labeling excitation means which excites fluorescent label by generating evanescent-waves on the surface of the substrate comprises a pair of optical fibers arranged toward the both side end faces of the right and left of the substrate to introduce a light thereinto.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.

Abstract: A field colorimetric test device includes a housing having at least one interior compartment. A sampling device is configured to be associated with a distal end of the housing. A selection device is attached to a proximal end of the housing.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a composition for a humidity indicating device comprising (a) an organic pH indicator dye compound, (b) a Bronsted acid or base, and (c) a polyol having the general formula HOCH2—(CHOH)n—CH2OH, wherein n can be 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said components (a), (b), and (c) do not contain halogen and/or heavy metals. Furthermore, the invention relates to a humidity indicator device comprising a sheet substrate and the composition for a humidity indicating device containing no heavy metals or halogen compounds, and to a process for preparing said humidity indicator device.

Abstract: A sensor device includes an optical limiting structure including a metal layer with at least one metal particle having a size no greater than about 1500 nanometers, and a phase-change material layer disposed adjacent at least a portion of the metal layer, the phase-change material layer including a phase-change material, and a dendritic-metal layer disposed over at least a portion of the phase-change material layer of the optical limiting structure, the dendritic-metal layer including an organic compound including branching chain amino acid groups attached to a metal structure. The optical limiting structure is configured to transition from a first optical state to a second optical state when the phase-change material is heated above a critical temperature, with transmittance of light at a predetermined wavelength through the optical limiting structure being lower at the second optical state of the optical limiting structure in relation to the first optical state of the optical limiting structure.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for simultaneously conducting multiple assays on a liquid sample for the presence of, and/or quantification of, analytes in the liquid sample. The device, which is referred to herein as a multi-assay cartridge or multi-strip assay cartridge (MSC), may be used in a system comprised of the cartridge and a reading device or reader for reading the assays in the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a centrifugal rotor for delivering and analyzing biological sample. Chambers within the centrifugal rotor is used to split a biological sample, which comprises biological cellular components and biological fluids, into separate parts under centrifugal force after the biological sample being diluted, metered and distributed by the centrifugal rotor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for analyzing a sample liquid comprising a test tape having a plurality of test elements, a tape transport device which successively transports the test elements to a sample application site while advancing the tape, and a measuring device which scans the test elements loaded with sample liquid at a measuring site. The measuring site is located at a distance from the sample application site in the direction of tape movement. The tape transport is interrupted in order to exactly position a wetted area of the test elements carrying a sample liquid at the measuring site by means of a positioning device that responds to the presence of sample liquid on the test element.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor may include a first sensor member coupled to a base, wherein the first sensor member includes a semiconductor material, a second sensor member coupled to the base; and an active region in contact with at least the first sensor member. In some aspects, the first sensor member may be a fiber, and may have a conductive core and a semiconducting cladding surrounding the core. Manufacturing methods and apparatus utilizing the sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a test strip and a meter. The test strip is capable of being inoculated by the fluid sample. The test strip includes a test element, which contains at least one reagent adapted to cause a reaction when brought into contact with the analyte. The meter includes a read-head, a repositioning device, and a display. The read-head is capable of producing a signal indicative of the reaction between the analyte and the at least one reagent. The display is capable of displaying the analyte concentration. The repositioning device is adapted to move the test strip from a loading position to a testing position. The testing position positions the test element proximate to the read-head.

Abstract: A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe are installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A carrier tape (20) wound on and extending between first and second spools (40) rotatably mounted to a read head (12) is submerged with a detector (44) mounted on a guide mechanism (42) into a fluid thermal media in the form of water or air contained in tanks (76-79). While submerged, the carrier tape (20) can be wound from one spool (40) to another. Further, the read head (12) can be plunged multiple times in opposite directions in the fluid thermal media. The detector (44) allows readings while the carrier tape (20) and the contents carried thereby are submerged in the fluid thermal media and can be a multi-channel, time-resolving photometer measuring fluorescence with at least one channel per row of wells (30) arranged in an array.

Abstract: A method for managing treatment of a particular health condition afflicting a patient through connection of a patient local processing device with a remote web server system. The patient local processing device receives patient health condition data, such as subjective patient symptoms and analyte levels, compiles the data into summaries to correlate subjective symptoms to analyte levels. The web server automatically provides patient reports to a healthcare provider.

Abstract: A device for holding a medical test strip is provided. The device comprises a receiving casing having an opening for receiving the medical test strip and a first stopping portion protruding from an upper surface of the receiving casing; an ejection base having a cover and a pusher beneath the cover, the cover downwardly extending a second stopping portion for sliding against the upper surface of the receiving casing; and an elastic member located between the receiving casing and the ejection base. When the pusher moves toward the opening by an external force to eject the test strip from the opening, the elastic member is compressed and the second stopping portion slides away from the first stopping portion. When the external force disappears, the second stopping portion slides toward the first stopping portion by a resilient force of the elastic member until the first stopping portion and the second stopping portion are engaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads dispersed in a liquid sample. Also provided is a method and microfluidic immunoassay pScreen™ device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of an analyte in a sample medium by using antigen-specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads. The methods and devices of the present invention have broad applications for point-of-care diagnostics by allowing quantification of a large variety of analytes, such as proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, functionalized magnetic micro-beads specific to CD4+, CD8+ cells, malaria-infected red blood cells, cancer cells, cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen and other cancer biomarkers, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic agents, with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of bench-top laboratory-based assays.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a humidity indicating composition comprising (a) an organic pH indicator dye compound, (b) a Bronsted acid or base, (c) a polyol having the general formula HOCH2—(CHOH)n—CH2OH, wherein n can be 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and (d) a solvent; wherein said components (a), (b), (c) and (d) do not contain halogen and/or heavy metals. Furthermore, the invention relates to a humidity indicator card comprising a sheet substrate and the humidity indicating composition from which the solvent has been allowed to evaporate, and to a process for preparing said humidity indicator card.

Abstract: A biosensor system incorporating CMOS integrated circuits. In one type of biosensor system, the biosensor system includes a silicon substrate. The biosensor system further includes active devices fabricated on the silicon substrate. Additionally, the biosensor system includes a plurality of metal layers stacked on top of the active devices. Furthermore, the biosensor system includes a passivation layer covering a top metal layer, where the passivation layer includes an opening configured to expose the top metal layer, where the opening is used as a sensing electrode. Additionally, the biosensor system includes a plurality of probes attached to the sensing electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sampling a sulphur-containing solid product including supplying a gas flow comprising hydrogen sulphide, bringing the gas flow into contact with a solid reagent and reacting the solid reagent with the hydrogen sulphide contained in the gas flow, the reaction fixing the sulphur of the hydrogen sulphide by forming a sulphur-containing solid product which is different in color from the solid reagent, and recovering the sulphur-containing solid product. The invention also relates to a device suitable for the implementation of this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test strip for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved test strip and scale for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen.

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: 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: A detection system in a portable assay reader device is enabled or activated after a user applies a manual force to a portion of the reader device, to an object supporting the assay test strip, or to the assay test strip itself. The movement moves a switch from an open state to a closed state. The closed state enables a detection system to monitor one or more test regions in the assay test strip for a reaction. The detection system can include one or more imagers, one or more electrical detectors, one or more magnetic detectors, or one or more optical detectors that monitor the one or more test regions for applicable visible, electrical, magnetic, or optical reactions, respectively. The one or more imagers or detectors transmit data to a processing device to determine the results of a test.

Abstract: A diagnostic test reader includes an assay interface, a locking mechanism, and a test unit. The assay interface is configured to receive a diagnostic assay. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a first push in a first direction toward the other of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader. The locking mechanism is also configured to unlock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to the one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a second push in the first direction. The test unit is configured to analyze the diagnostic assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel lateral flow devices using two dimensional features, preferably, uniform two dimensional test and control features, and the methods for detecting an analyte using the lateral flow devices, and processes for making the lateral flow devices.

Abstract: A device and method for extending the useful life of a bulk liquid used in an automated clinical analyzer. Air from the atmosphere surrounding the automated clinical analyzer that displaces the bulk liquid consumed from a container is routed through a gas scrubber in order to remove or at least reduce the quantity of at least one contaminant present in that air. The gas scrubber is positioned between the bulk liquid in the container and the atmosphere surrounding the container. The gas scrubber contains a reagent that is capable of reacting with a contaminant in the atmosphere, whereby a required characteristic(s) of the bulk liquid does (do) not change excessively prior to the date that the bulk liquid is consumed. For example, if the contaminant is carbon dioxide, and the required characteristic of the bulk liquid is the level of pH of the bulk liquid, the reagent in the gas scrubber prevents the level of pH of the bulk liquid from changing excessively prior to the date that the bulk liquid is consumed.

Abstract: An assay reader system incorporating a conventional assay reader, for example a lateral flow reader, and an insert aligned with the reader's sensor to detect an assay result. The insert may include a housing which defines a cavity to receive a removable barrier, wherein the removable barrier can be aligned between the sensor and the test strip. The barrier may include an optical window, and may be cleanable and/or disposable to maintain the accuracy of the reader. Test strips are introduced into the reader through a receiving port within the insert's housing. An air inlet on the insert further maintains the reader's accuracy by allowing air to be tunneled over the housing to remove excess dust, debris, or the like.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of target molecules are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method and device for particle removal and droplet preparation for qualitative and quantitative bioanalysis. In one embodiment, the disclosed device includes a lateral flow filter through which the sample is filtered such that the filtrate fluid is collected in the distal end of the filter matrix. The filtered fluid is made to eject from the matrix to form a droplet by pressing/squeezing the distal end of the filter only, with the help of a suitably shaped plunger means.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate a surface-structured device for life-sciences and a life-science method applying the surface-structured device. The surface-structured device has a substrate with a frontside surface corresponding to a first surface; and a plurality of protrusions arranged on the frontside surface. A shortest dimension of the protrusions at the junction from the protrusion to the front-side surface is smaller than 250 nm and at least a first group of the plurality of protrusions is arranged on a first planar area of the frontside surface in a first regular pattern in a plane of the first planar area of the frontside surface. Further embodiments relate to a stamper which may be used in the manufacturing method of the surface-structured device and a manufacturing method for surface-structured device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a luminometer and methods which provides simple and effective measurement of a plurality of wells in a plurality of strips in an automatic fashion. The luminometer may be used in CLIA (Chemi Luminescent Immuno Assays). The luminometer allows for CLIA micro strip reading, and reads break-apart wells, with a plurality of wells per strip, and calculates results instantly and automatically. The luminometer has an automatic carrier positioning system which selectively positions the plurality of wells in the plurality of strips at a measuring position, wherein the drive system associated with the positioning system drives the carrier along a single axis of movement. An optical track system automatically provides Y axis movement of the carrier. The luminometer may have a calibration system for maintaining proper operation of the system in measurements therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device comprising liquid transport means adapted to take up a liquid sample and conduct the liquid to an analyte detection region operable to provide a test signal indicative of the presence and/or amount of an analyte in the liquid sample; the assay device further comprising a sample presence signal generation means, which is not generated by means of an immunoreaction. This sample presence signal generation means can comprise a colored portion, which is overlaid by a material (e.g. nitrocellulose) that is opaque, when dry, and translucent or transparent, when wet, to allow the colored portion to become visible to the user. In another embodiment the signal generation means comprises a color changing material which under-goes a change in its visible properties upon wetting (eg. pH indication). A third embodiment uses a mobilisable detectable which, when wetted by the sample, is carried along resulting in a streaked line parallel with the flow direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor cartridge (11) comprising a bottom portion (1) with a well (2) adapted to accommodate a liquid sample and a cover portion (3) for closing said well (2). The well (2) has a sensor surface (4). The bottom portion (1) is adapted for allowing light to enter along a first optical path (5), to be reflected at the sensor surface (4) and to exit along a second optical path (6). The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a cartridge (11).

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for removably interfacing with a removable-member for performing a reaction therebetween. The microfluidic flow cell device comprises at least one reaction portion defining with the removable-member a reaction chamber when in an interfaced position thereof. The microfluidic flow cell comprises at least one fluid-receiving portion for receiving a fluid therein and being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. When the microfluidic flow cell and the removable-member are in the interfaced position, the cell is adapted to allow for the fluid in the fluid-receiving portion to flow to the reaction chamber. Devices, systems and methods comprising this microfluidic flow cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a microfluidic device and a microfluidic analysis equipment. The microfluidic device includes guides disposed along both edges, a lower plate including a flow path defined between the guides, and a movable upper plate moved along the guides on the lower plate and having a length less than that the flow path. A fluid flow can be simply accurately controlled by adjusting a position of the movable upper plate. As a result, the fluid can sufficiently react in the detection part and the reaction part. Therefore, effective reaction and detection can be realized using only a small amount of fluid, thereby improving sensitivity. In addition, due to the improved sensitivity, a washing process for removing materials that are not consumed in the reaction can be omitted. Also, the movable upper plate can be manually moved using a user's finger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test strip for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved test strip and scale for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen.

Abstract: Fluid flow devices include a small plate (2), at least one flow channel (20) formed into this small plate, at least one storage channel (221-226) extending from this connection channel, and a set of valves (V1-V6), each of which is suitable for allowing or stopping the flow of fluid in a corresponding storage channel.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for testing a liquid specimen, which apparatus (2) comprises a container (4) for the liquid specimen, a response chart (6) which is operable in response to contact with the liquid specimen, and a result chart (8) for use with the response chart (6), and the apparatus (2) being such that: (i) the container (4) comprises a body portion (10), a lid (12), a test chamber (14), and openable means (16) which is adapted to be broken in order to allow the liquid specimen to pass from the body portion (10) into the test chamber (14); (ii) the response chart (6) comprises response portions (18) which are contacted by the liquid specimen, which become differently coloured to indicate different characteristics present in the liquid specimen, and which are read at predetermined time intervals; (iii) the result chart (8) comprises result sectors (22), each result sector (22) is for indicating the result of a different test for the liquid specimen, and each result sector (22) has a plurality of differently colo

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: This invention relates to a technique for adjusting the temperature of a liquid held on an analyzing instrument (1) to a target value. The invention provides a temperature control method wherein thermal energy is supplied to liquid (10) by passing a magnetic flux across an analyzing instrument (1) for raising the temperature of the liquid. The invention also provides an analyzing instrument (1) and analyzing apparatus (X) which are suited to raising the temperature of a liquid (10) using a magnetic flux.

Abstract: A system for warning of corrosion, chemical, or radiological substances. The system comprises painting a surface with a paint or coating that includes an indicator material and monitoring the surface for indications of the corrosion, chemical, or radiological substances.

Abstract: An analysis device having at least one sample addition zone, at least one sink, and at least one flow path connecting the at least one sample addition zone and the at least one sink. The at least one flow path includes projections substantially vertical to the surface of the substrate and having a height (H), diameter (D) and reciprocal spacing (t1, t2) such that lateral capillary flow of a liquid sample is achieved. The device includes at least two reaction zones in series, wherein each reaction zone is adapted to facilitating measurement of a response originating from one and the same analyte, and wherein the reaction zones are positioned to allow calculation of the concentration of at least one analyte. Advantages include that a more accurate value can be calculated, variations are reduced, and an estimation of the uncertainty of the response can be calculated.

Abstract: A paint that warns of radiological or chemical substances comprising a paint operatively connected to the surface, an indicator material carried by the paint that provides an indication of the radiological or chemical substances, and a thermo-activation material carried by the paint. In one embodiment, a method of warning of radiological or chemical substances comprising the steps of painting a surface with an indicator material, and monitoring the surface for indications of the radiological or chemical substances. In another embodiment, a paint is operatively connected to a vehicle and an indicator material is carried by the paint that provides an indication of the radiological or chemical substances.

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: 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: 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.