Abstract: A device for determining the amount or concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample and a flow rate of the fluid sample in a channel is provided. The device includes a chamber including a channel and an opening the channel in fluid communication with the opening. The device further includes a wicking component positioned adjacent to the opening configured to receive an amount of fluid from the channel. The device may further include an analyte sensor positioned on the wicking component, the analyte sensor configured to detect an analyte in fluid in contact with the analyte sensor, wherein the wicking component is configured to contact the amount of fluid with the analyte sensor. Alternatively the device may include at least one pair of electrodes configured to determine a flow rate of the fluid in the channel.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor chip for detecting a target molecule in a sample. The sensor chip includes a substrate having a surface and a layer of hydrogel particles immobilized on the substrate surface at two or more locations on the surface, wherein the hydrogel particles at a first location comprise a plurality of first probe molecules bound to the particles and the hydrogel particles at a second location comprise a plurality of second probe molecules bound to the particles. Systems that include the sensor chip, as well as methods of preparing and using the sensor chip, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for determining the proper positioning of a test strip includes a test strip having a first reading window and a strip holder. The system further includes a meter, the meter receiving and configured to receive the test strip, the meter having a first light source of a first color and a second light source of a second color and a first read window. The meter is configured to illuminate the first light source; detect a first reflectance with the meter through the first read window; and determine if the first reflectance is greater than a no-strip value.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for analysing properties of an analyte in a sample liquid including: a distribution zone having at least two hydrophilic layers placed one on top of the other, wherein one layer is a top layer (12) and the other is a bottom layer (13); and a detection zone located under the distribution zone, the detection zone having a detection layer (14), wherein: the top layer has one or more openings (15) through which the sample liquid is introduced into the device; the bottom layer having one or more openings (16) connecting the distribution zone to the detection zone; the bottom layer also having a means by which the sample liquid is distributed from the top layer's opening to the detection layer through the bottom layer's opening; and a visual indication results on the detection layer when the sample liquid comes into contact with the detection layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manufacturing a continuous web of polymeric membrane and for continuous downstream processing of said web. The apparatus (10) comprises: a casting station (20) for casting the continuous web (M); a carrier (24) for carrying the web downstream; a membrane drier (30) downstream of the carrier, for drying the web; and a brushing station (40) downstream of the drier for brushing the web. Said drier is located immediately downstream of the carrier, and upstream of said brushing station. The apparatus (10) further includes an additional drying station (50) downstream of the brushing station (40). Brushing after drying retains more surfactant in the membrane which is useful for certain applications. In addition, initial drying eliminates virtually all solvents from the membrane, but leaves some non-solvent (e.g. water) within it, which in turn fixes the surfactant on the nitrocellulose fibers, which improves significantly the consistency and reproducibility of the membrane.

Abstract: A dry reagent composition that includes an active redox enzyme that oxidizes an analyte as a specific substrate to produce an inactive reduced form of the enzyme; and a salt of ferricyanide provides improved performance in electrochemical test strips such as those used for detection of glucose. The salt of ferricyanide consists of ferricyanide and positively-charged counter ions, and the positively charged counter ions are selected such that the salt of ferricyanide is soluble in water, and such that the salt of ferricyanide or the crystalline phase of the salt of ferricyanide has a solubility in water and/or a lower E0eff at a concentration of 100 mM than potassium ferricyanide. For example, the salt of ferricyanide may be tetramethylammonium ferricyanide.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to record consent between two or more sexual partners. If both partners cannot prove certain information, including but not limited to their respective ages and respective levels of intoxication, a consent record will not be generated or a negative consent record will be generated. A “no” or negative record consent cannot be overridden by either of the two partners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for introducing two or more 2?-modifications into an RNA, wherein the RNA has a 2?-O substituent containing an alkyl ester functional group on one or more ribose rings of a strand and a 2?-O substituent containing an alkyne functional groups on one or more ribose rings on the same strand. The process comprises a) adding an amine compound to the RNA to form amidation reactions with the alkyl ester functional groups; b) dissolving the modified RNA from step (a) in a solvent to form a solution; and c) adding an organic azide and a copper or ruthenium catalyst to the solution obtained in step (b) to form 2?-azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction products with the alkyne functional groups.

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

Abstract: A progressive compression driven flow cartridge for analyzing liquids is coupled with convenient sampling methods for different applications. A one-step device provides for direct sample collection upon a sample pad annexed to the cartridge. The sample pad can deliver sample to the test strips, while saving a portion of the sample pad for further laboratory confirmation use. If the sample collecting pad is not suitable to collect the sample, such as the case of biological substances inside the human body, such as within the nose or throat, a two-step device can include a long-arm swab applicator and a specialized chamber in which some amount of liquid can dissolve biological substances as specimen. The specimen can then be transferred onto the cartridge, either by application to the sample pad, or into the device through a sample window. Each method provides a qualitative analysis much faster than traditional rapid diagnostic devices.

Abstract: A colorimetric dry-reagent test strip for direct detection of the presence of hydrogen peroxide in strongly acidic solutions without the necessity of a pH neutralization step comprises a chromogen responsive to hydrogen peroxide, an enzyme peroxidase catalyst and at least one complexing agent chosen to protect an active site of the catalyst for an amount of time sufficient to allow for the catalytic oxidation of the chromogen. The test strip has particular value in the determination of peroxide-based explosive compounds, such as hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) or triacetone triperoxide (TATP), which require a treatment with a strong organic acid to release the hydrogen peroxide to be detected, and typically requires neutralization of the acid before a conventional test strip can be employed. The invention dispenses with the need for such a neutralization step.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for conducting a non-invasive analysis of a bodily fluid to determine the presence and level of a certain constituent carried by the bodily fluid. An indicator formulation of the device changes color in response to exposure to the constituent to provide a visible indication of the presence and level of the constituent carried by the bodily fluid. A carrier substrate of the device is constructed of a material having voids providing a high void volume within the substrate. The device is made by applying a chromagen to the carrier substrate to create a chromagen-laden carrier member. Then, a selected reagent having a particular constituent-specific formulation is applied to the chromagen-laden member. The selected reagent then combines with the chromagen thereby establishing the indicator formulation within the carrier substrate in place for reception of a sample of the bodily fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are a blood sugar detecting method and a cartridge using same. A cartridge according to the present invention comprises: a blood receiving unit for receiving blood injected therein; a separation unit for separating the received blood into glucose and hemoglobin; a first measuring unit for measuring the concentration of the separated glucose; a second measuring unit for measuring the concentration of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in the hemoglobin; and a third measuring unit connected to a second channel, for measuring the total concentration of hemoglobin. According to the present invention, both glucose providing short-term information on blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c providing long-term information on blood sugar can be detected by a single cartridge, thus increasing the efficiency of diabetes management.

Abstract: Systems and methods of making a diagnostic test strip, the method including marking a machine-readable pattern onto the diagnostic test strip which contains information that allows a meter designed to work with the test strip to convert raw signal data from the diagnostic test strip into a meaningful concentration value for an analyte of interest. The method further includes printing the machine-readable pattern having a modified based code that is different from a base code of the diagnostic test strip being produced, wherein the modified based code is based on a strip geometry parameter, a chemistry parameter or both the strip geometry and chemistry parameters that are measured for the diagnostic test strip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath capillary flow matrix and a plurality of reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix. The device includes one or more pressure delivery systems configured to urge capillary flow matrix toward a portion of the housing in which it resides, such that a substantially uniform pressure is applied over a portion of the capillary flow matrix.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for determining concentration of at least one analyte in a body fluid sample such as blood, especially a blood glucose concentration. In the methods, a test element is provided that has at least one reagent element configured so as to carry out at least one optically detectable detection reaction in the presence of the analyte. The body fluid sample is applied to the test element and a time course of at least one optical measurement variable of the reagent element is detected. At least one first time interval of the time course of the optical measurement variable is used to determine at least one disturbance variable value in the body fluid sample, in particular a concentration of a disturbance variable such as hematocrit. At least one second time interval of the time course is used to determine analyte concentration. The at least one disturbance variable value can be used to correct/compensate the analyte concentration.

Abstract: A method of quantifying an amount of Brønsted acid sites in an acidic ionic liquid is described. The method involves adding a known amount of at least one silane or borane compound to the acidic ionic liquid being analyzed. The Brønsted acid sites in the acidic ionic liquid react with the silane or borane compound to form a silyl or boryl compound, resulting in an ionic liquid phase and a hydrocarbon phase which contains the silyl or boryl compound. The amount of silyl or boryl compound in the hydrocarbon phase is measured. From the measured amount of silyl or boryl compound formed, the amount of Brønsted acid sites can be determined.

Abstract: A method of quantifying an amount of Brønsted acid sites in an aluminum chloride-containing catalyst is described. The method involves adding a known amount of at least one silane or borane compound to the aluminum chloride-containing catalyst being analyzed. The Brønsted acid sites in the aluminum chloride-containing catalyst react with the silane or borane compound to form a silyl boryl compound, resulting in a catalyst phase and a hydrocarbon phase which contains the silyl or boryl compound. The amount of silyl or boryl compound in the hydrocarbon phase is measured. From the measured amount of silyl or boryl compound formed, the amount of Brønsted acid sites can be determined.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified form of saturation assay, which is based on the measurement of a free or unbound labelled reagent fraction (such that there is an increase in signal in the presence of analyte) and employs trapping zones to concentrate said unbound or free labelled fraction to avoid loss of sensitivity. Preferably, the assay is a membrane assay.

Abstract: A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.

Abstract: 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: A production process of a poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS), including a polymerization step of forming a PAS from a sulfur source that is an alkali metal (hydro)sulfides and a dihalo-aromatic compound in an organic amide solvent; a separation step of PAS particles; a countercurrent washing step that is a step of washing the PAS particles with water and/or an organic solvent, wherein a downward current of a PAS particle-containing aqueous slurry is continuously brought into countercurrent contact with an upward current of a washing liquid; a PAS particle re-separation step of capturing a washing waste liquid by a PAS particle re-separating unit, in which a micro-slit filter has been installed, and then re-separating the PAS particles from the micro-slit filter, preferably using a backwashing unit, to discharge them; and a collecting step of the PAS particles discharged, and a production apparatus of a poly(arylene sulfide).

Abstract: A method for generating and localizing a signal in a solid phase substrate detection system comprises applying a solution of target material to a substrate; binding the target with a specific affinity molecule having an attached label, the label comprising multiple signal precursor molecules; applying a carrier to the substrate, and treating the label to convert the signal precursor molecules to signal generating molecules. The carrier comprises solvent for the label and thickener for localizing the signal. The carrier may include developer that converts signal precursor molecules to signal generating molecules. Developer is not necessary if the signal precursor molecules are converted to signal generating molecules by e.g. temperature change, pH change, sonication, light irradiation, microwave heating. A test device for detecting target in a fluid sample, and a kit of parts for determining the presence of target in a fluid sample are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for the training of athletes in the skills, shooting, dribbling and throwing of ball sports with an elastic material in the form of a pull-up sleeve, a sleeve that is pulled up and worn above and below the elbow with the restraining tubes on the top and bottom of the inside of the elbow joint, a sleeve that has 2 (two) flexible, semi-rigid restraining tubes above and below the elbow, the restraining mechanism will only allow the elbow joint to close to 90 degrees, a sleeve that remains in place during extensive use with the sleeve construction of and in elastic or stretchable material and foams, and the sleeve can be turned to the back of the elbow to protect the elbow joint.

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

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

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

Abstract: A chemical sensor comprising: a hydrogel layer, comprising one or more molecular recognition agents and a 2DPC self-assembling array; and a mirror layer. A method for analyzing a sample or bodily fluid, comprising: obtaining a sample or bodily fluid; placing an amount of the sample or bodily fluid onto a chemical sensor, comprising: a hydrogel layer, comprising a molecular recognition agent and a 2DPC self-assembling array; a tethering hydrogel layer; a mirror layer; and a membrane filter layer, allowing the bodily fluid to interact with the hydrogel layer; and allowing ambient or artificial light to pass through the hydrogel layer onto the mirror layer and observing a change in diffraction versus a control.

Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, cartridges, methods, and kits for detecting or quantifying at least two different analytes using at least two different techniques, in a single sample. The cartridges typically comprise at least two test sites and the location of at least one test site is not dependent on a corresponding measurement device. The systems generally comprise a device, memory, and a processing module. The device comprises a light source, an array detector, and a port configured to accept at least a portion of a cartridge. The processing module is configured to perform an image analysis of the cartridge. The methods comprise the steps of acquiring calibration information, acquiring an image of the cartridge, performing an image analysis, and cycling through specific detection or quantification techniques corresponding to the techniques required by the test sites. Computer readable media are also described.

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

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel section extending along an axis, a throat section extending taperingly from the barrel section along the axis, an upper handle section extending along the axis and connected to the throat section, and a lower handle section abutting against an end of the upper handle section. The ball bat further includes a connecting unit including a connecting rod that extends from the upper handle section and a retaining space that is formed in the lower handle section for being engaged fittingly and separably with the connecting rod, and a securing unit having a securing member for securing separably the lower handle section to the connecting rod of the connecting unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a TLC plate which allows separation and detection of target substances on one plate. Provided is a TLC plate comprising a substrate, a separating medium layer stacked on the substrate, and a permeation layer stacked on the separating medium layer and allowing permeation of a target substance separated in the separating medium layer, wherein the separating medium layer has separating property for the target substance and optical responsiveness for ultraviolet rays, and the permeation layer has optical responsiveness different from that of the separating medium layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical H+-sensor, comprising an H+-indicator material, wherein the H+-indicator material is present between a support material and a H+-permeable layered structure, the layered structure comprising an H+-permeable hydrophilic layer and an H+-permeable cation exchange layer. Further, the invention relates to a method for determining the H+-concentration, e.g. expressed as pH, in a product or sample thereof, the method comprising contacting the product or sample with an optical H+-sensor according to the invention, measuring an optical property of the indicator material, and determining the H+-concentration of the product or sample based on said optical property.

Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.

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

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

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

Abstract: A reagent or particles having reagent supported thereon are applied to a matrix material by a contact printing process for example in which the matrix material is brought into contact with a rotating contact roll having the reagent or particles having reagent supported thereon disposed thereon so as to transfer the reagent or particles having reagent supported thereon to the matrix material. Such a contact printing processes allow high speed and high volume production of an assay device.

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: A blood glucose meter includes a front attachment part to which a test piece is attached, a measurement part for measuring a component of blood collected via a blood guide passage in the test piece, and a monitor for displaying the measurement results obtained by the measurement part. When the device is placed on a horizontal plane by referring to the display face of the monitor as the upper side and the opposite side as the lower side and placing the display face of the monitor upward, the central axis of the test piece extends obliquely downward toward the front side. The blood glucose meter comprises a main part provided with the monitor and a linking part between the main part and the front attachment part. The top face of the linking part is placed roughly parallel to the central axis line and is provided with an ejector lever.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide various flow cells and a method for manufacturing the same, in which formation of a groove on a substrate and formation of components such as an electrode, auxiliary parts such as a pump are not necessary. The inventive flow cells are capable of realize complicated chemical analysis or synthesis or the like. A channel of a porous member provided on a sample-incompatible substrate is formed; the porous member is composed of an air non-contact region having a network structure and an air contact region covering the air non-contact region and having a lower pore density than the air non-contact region; in which a capillary force to be generated within the porous member is a drive force for pumping a liquid.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: In a general aspect, an apparatus for washing biological material is provided which includes an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve disposed within the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has an open end for receiving the biological material, and an opposed closed end. The inner sleeve is detachably and slidably positioned within the outer sleeve, and includes a first port for receiving and dispensing washing liquid, a second port defining a liquid flow path between an interior of the inner sleeve and an interior of the outer sleeve, and a filter disposed in the second port. The filter allows passage of washing liquid but not passage of the biological material therethrough. A chamber, formed between the filter and the closed end of the outer sleeve, is configured to permit flow of washing liquid via the filter while retaining the biological material therein.

Abstract: A method for collecting and processing biological samples (e.g., fecal samples) is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a system comprising a container, a collector, and a lid. Using the collector, a user may collect a sample. The sample may be inserted within the container. The lid may be secured and the container and sample contained therewithin may be transported to a testing facility. At the testing facility, the container may be used throughout the processing of the sample. Accordingly, the risk of cross-contamination may be reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include processing steps and subsystems, within automated-biopolymer-synthesis systems and within other automated systems for organic-chemistry-based processing, for removing reagent solutions and solvents from reaction chambers following various synthetic reaction steps and washing steps undertaken during biopolymer synthesis. Embodiments of the present invention employ any of various different types of liquid-absorbing materials to wick, or remove by capillary action, liquids from reaction chambers. Wicking-based methods and subcomponents of the present invention remove significantly greater fractions of solutions from reaction chambers than conventional methods and subsystems and, in addition, are mechanically simpler and produce fewer deleterious side effects than currently used methods and subsystems.