Abstract: A fluorescence reader for an optical assay arrangement includes a polymeric sample substrate having a reaction site-surface and a substrate surface. A light source is arranged to illuminate the reaction site-surface through the substrate surface, and a detector device is arranged to detect fluorescent light emitted from the reaction site-surface and transmitted through the substrate surface, the substrate surface provided, for example, as a light-collecting body to allow fluorescent light rays exceeding a critical emission angle for total internal reflection to escape the substrate and enter the body.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer includes a reaction unit configured for holding a reaction container and carrying the reaction container to a determined operation position, the operation position including a detection operation position; a detection unit configured for detecting analyte in the reaction container of the reaction unit in the detection operation position; a bound-free (“B/F”) unit configured for removing unbound components of a reaction system; and a dispensing unit configured for dispensing reagent and/or a sample to the reaction container, wherein the reaction unit includes an incubation position for incubating a solution in the reaction container.

Abstract: A specimen analyzer comprises a measurement mechanism section configured to measure a specimen by using a first consumable and a second consumable having a shape different from a shape of the first consumable, a first inlet for loading the first consumable, a supplying section configured to supply the first consumable loaded through the first inlet, to the measurement mechanism section, a sorter configured to sort the first consumable and the second consumable from each other, and a storage for housing the second consumable sorted by the sorter.

Abstract: The invention relates to the test device for platelet aggregation detection comprising: —an element (1) for receiving a blood sample—a capillary tube (3) connected at a first end (31) to said element (1) and at a second end (32) to a pressure lowering device (5) to pump said blood sample through said capillary tube (3)—at least a pair of facing electrodes (8) on the capillary tube—a device for measuring an impedance between said pair of facing electrodes. The invention also relates to a process for using this device, comprising: a) receiving a blood sample and pumping it through the capillar tube (3) b) determining a dynamic change of the value of the impedance between at least one pair of electrodes (8).

Abstract: A method for analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents. Separately fluorescing visible molecules or nanoparticles are periodically formed in different object parts, the laser produces the oscillation thereof which is sufficient for recording the non-overlapping images of the molecules or nanoparticles and for decoloring already recorded fluorescent molecules, wherein tens of thousands of pictures of recorded individual molecule or nanoparticle images, in the form of stains having a diameter on the order of a fluorescent light wavelength multiplied by a microscope amplification, are processed by a computer for searching the coordinates of the stain centers and building the object image according to millions of calculated stain center co-ordinates corresponding to the co-ordinates of the individual fluorescent molecules or nanoparticles. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are provided for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids with different coloring agents.

Abstract: A photoluminescent oxygen probe including a tack with a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent element on the underside of the head. The probe is effective for sensing oxygen concentration within an enclosed space by puncturing the container defining the enclosed space the with the probe's shank and adhering the underside of the probe's head to the container so as to sealingly surround the puncture, thereby placing the oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye on the underside of the probe's head into sensible communication with the enclosed space through the puncture hole.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: An oxygen permeability measuring apparatus for measuring an oxygen permeation rate of oxygen barrier film in a dark room is provided. A container is charged with inert gas, and sealed hermetically by use of the oxygen barrier film at least partially. A chemiluminescent compound is contained in the container, for emitting light by oxidation with the oxygen. A photon detector detects photons emitted by the chemiluminescent compound so as to determine an amount of the oxygen permeated through the oxygen barrier film. Preferably, the container includes a container body. An opening is formed in the container body, and closed hermetically by the oxygen barrier film attached thereto. The photon detector is disposed inside or outside the container. The oxygen permeation rate is equal to or less than 10?2 cc/m2·day·atm. The chemiluminescent compound includes tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene.

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: Methods and compositions for developing a series of microfluidic, USB-enabled, wireless-enabled, lab-on-chip devices, designed to reduce the chain-of-custody handling of samples between sample acquisition and final reporting of data, to a single individual. These devices provide on-the-spot testing for micro- and nanoscale (molecular) analysis of blood, urine, infectious agents, toxins, measurement of therapeutic drug levels, purity-of-sample testing and presence of contaminants (toxic and non-toxic, volatile and non-volatile); and for the identification of individual components and formal compounds—elemental, biological, organic and inorganic—inclusive of foodstuffs, air, water, soil, oil and gas samples.

Abstract: A method for detecting human or animal blood traces on a surface is described. The method is fundamentally based on the reaction of luminol and includes the preliminary operation of atomizing an inorganic powder suspension, such as titania, silica, alumina, hydroxyapatite, or the like, onto the surface to be investigated, after which a composition of luminol, a peroxidic oxidizing agent and an alkaline agent in an amount providing a pH within the range of 10 to 14, is atomized on the surface. A kit for carrying out the detection method of the invention is also described.

Abstract: Photomultiplier tubes differ in performance between individual products, and deteriorate over time. To appropriately use a nonlinear calibration curve, it is desirable that changes in signal level be strictly equalized. This invention includes means for, prior to sensitivity adjustment of a photomultiplier tube by application of high voltages, measuring a same sample under a plurality of high-voltage conditions, determining, from linear relationships between logarithms of each high voltage and those of signal levels, an optimal voltage for a measuring operation of predetermined order of execution in the plurality of measuring operations, and recording identification information for identifying each linear relationship; the invention assessing a healthiness level of the photomultiplier tube by assessing the linear relationship.

Abstract: Three-dimensional microfluidic devices including by a plurality of patterned porous, hydrophilic layers and a fluid-impermeable layer disposed between every two adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layers are described. Each patterned porous, hydrophilic layer has a fluid-impermeable barrier which substantially permeates the thickness of the porous, hydrophilic layer and defines boundaries of one or more hydrophilic regions within the patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. The fluid-impermeable layer has openings which are aligned with at least part of the hydrophilic region within at least one adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. Microfluidic assay device, microfluidic mixer, microfluidic flow control device are also described.

Abstract: An analysis system is provided which comprises an integrated analysis device and a test strip magazine, for determining an analyte in a body fluid, wherein the analysis system comprises a first group comprising reusable components and a second group of components comprising a plurality of disposable articles. The second group includes non-electronic and electronic components, with critical interfaces configured between two or more such components, wherein non-electronic components can be disconnected from electronic components at a disconnection point. In one embodiment, critical interfaces are produced and tested during production of the analysis system.

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: Provided is a clinical diagnostic system that comprises a diagnostic instrument and a disposable cartridge. The diagnostic system can be used to measure assays in point of care clinical settings.

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: Device (1) for optoelectronically characterizing samples by means of electrochemiluminescence (ECL), in which an electric voltage applied across a counter electrode (6) and a working electrode (2) on which the sample spots are disposed excites the sample to luminescence and a reading of the luminescence is taken using an optoelectronic component, characterized in that the optoelectronic component comprises an image detection component (4) with a photoactive layer (10) made from organic semiconductors between two electrode layers (11,14).

Abstract: Endothelial cells are detected in a blood sample by enriching the endothelial cells from the blood sample followed by performing on the enriched endothelial cells an immunoassay capable of detecting antigens expressed by the endothelial cells. The immunoassay is capable of detecting antigen expressed from 300 endothelial cells per milliliter of blood. The method can be used for assaying mature circulating endothelial cells or circulating endothelial progenitor cells.

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 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 sensor comprising a substrate (100) having a first surface (105) and a second surface (110) is described. The first surface has at least one sensor site (115) provided thereon. The substrate is configured such that on excitation of a sample provided at the sensor site, luminescence originating from the sensor site propagates into the substrate, the second surface of the substrate being configured to selectively transmit the luminescence propagating within the substrates at angles greater than the critical angle out of the substrate where it may be detected by a detector (160) provided below the substrate.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a vascular access device, is disclosed for providing access to a medical fluid flow path for the introduction or withdrawal of medical fluids to and from the flow path. The access device includes an indicator for providing a visual indication when the access device has been exposed to an antiseptic agent. The indicator includes a substrate and a microporous layer disposed on the substrate. The microporous layer is made from a polymer material having an index of refraction from about 1.25 to about 1.6 and is configured to change from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state upon exposure to an antiseptic solution. The microporous layer resumes the substantially opaque state after a period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrode chip (EChip) cartridge devices which are used in hot electron -induced electro-chemiluminescence (HECL) and electroluminescence (EL) methods and instrumentation based on the electrical excitation of label molecules with subsequent measurement of the luminescence in order to quantitate analyte concentrations in bioaffinity assays, especially outside of central laboratories, but also in rapid screening tests.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of constructing liquid bridges and methods of forming predetermined combinations of samples using liquid bridges.

Abstract: A portable handheld medical diagnostic device includes a housing forming a protective enclosure. A main circuit board is located in the protective enclosure. The main circuit board includes a controller facilitating a physiologic measurement. A display device is connected to the main circuit board that displays information related to the physiologic measurement. An electronic skin is on the housing. The electronic skin comprises a liquid crystal material and is configured to display a color.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a luminescence method of detecting an analyte in a liquid sample comprising marking the analyte with a marker capable of effecting luminescence upon application of excitation energy, wherein reference data descriptive of the luminescence decay is stored in an electronic memory; applying the excitation energy for causing the luminescence; time-resolved measuring of the luminescence over a period of time for acquisition of a measurement signal; reading the reference data from the electronic memory; comparing the measurement signal with the luminescence decay described by the reference data; generating an output signal indicative of the presence of the analyte in the liquid sample using the measurement signal; in case of a mismatch of the measurement signal and the luminescence decay described by the reference data, generating an error signal.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent system includes a substrate comprising a solid chemiluminescent oxalate and a solution comprising an oxygen-providing compound. The chemiluminescent system provides improved light-output characteristics.

Abstract: A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a micropatterned surface that induces clot formation and an array of microfluidic channels though which blood flows. The micropatterned surface contains two clotting stimuli, one for inducing platelet adhesion and another for inducing the coagulation cascade.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention described herein is directed to a detection system utilizing at least one radiofrequency identification (RFID) sensor comprising: an RFID sensor comprising: a substrate; an antenna; a sensor material selected to be sensitive to one of chemical or biological environment; and a reader, wherein said reader is configured to measure a signal in the form of a complex impedance from said RFID tag wherein said signal comprises a plurality of frequencies and a frequency shift of the maximum of the imaginary part of the complex impedance, a frequency shift of the minimum of the imaginary part of the complex impedance, a frequency shift of the maximum of the real part of the complex impedance, and changes in magnitude of the real part of the complex impedance; and, wherein said complex impedance is related to a nature and a concentration of analyte species derived from multivariate analysis.

Abstract: A optical detection system for used as a bio sensor is disclosed, comprising a card or cartridge and a reader. The cartridge comprises at least a detection chamber and an optical detector, and the reader includes means to urge a fluid into the detection chamber to initiate the analysis. The optical coupling may be enhanced by including optical elements in the card; conversely the system may be simplified by reducing or eliminating the number of moving parts in the card. In embodiments, additional elements such as a light source which may be an LED, flow restrictors or mixers, and electronic elements such as NFC functionality, may be included on the card. The card may be compatible with smart-cards.

Abstract: An exhaust gas measurement device includes a pressure regulator for keeping a pressure of sample gas in a sensor flow line or a bypass flow line to be a set pressure value, a flow rate sensor provided on the bypass flow line for measuring a flow rate of the sample gas flowing through the bypass flow line, and an attention attracting part for displaying that the flow rate of the sample gas is reduced in the case where the flow rate measurement value measured by the flow rate sensor becomes equal to or smaller than an attention attracting flow rate value larger than a pressure controlling limit flow rate value by a predetermined value, the pressure controlling limit flow rate value being a lower limit flow rate value that is pressure-controllable by the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A sensor instrument system for detecting and identifying analytes in fluids of a region contains a local sensor instrument and remote central station. The instrument includes a core technology employing a single sensor having two electrodes operated by an electrical frequency sweeping to generate two sets of patterned electrical information from a single measurement, a data transmission module and a GPS receiver module. The central station connects to a network means connected to a plurality of local receiving sites equipped with including the respective transceivers, so that the local analyte electrical information and geographic position information transmitted by the instrument can be wirelessly and remotely received and processed by the central station.

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: The disclosure relates generally to a method for testing containers for foreign substances, wherein a standard gas is blown into a container to be tested, at least a part of the test gas escaping from the container is tested by a measuring device, and the part of the test gas remaining outside the measuring device is removed from the measuring area in a clocked manner, e.g. by blowing it away or sucking it off.

Abstract: The nitrogen oxide analyzer obtains the ozone concentration-luminescence response characteristics that show the relationship between the ozone concentration and the light intensity by chemiluminescent response obtained by varying the ozone concentration alone in a steady state, and sets the relationship of the parameter that determines an average period of the sample gas passing the reactor so that the luminescence response is generated in the reactor alone even though the ozone concentration of the ozone-containing gas changes within a predetermined range based on the ozone concentration-luminescence response characteristics.

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.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.

Abstract: A combined detector capable of simultaneously detecting both a value indicating a physical/chemical phenomenon such as a pH value and the intensity of an energy beam such as light. The combined detector comprises a physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) and an energy beam detecting system. The physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) has a sensing section (21) whose potential varies with a physical/chemical phenomenon, a charge supply section (22) for supplying first charge to the sensing section, a charge supply control section (23) provided between the sensing section (21) and the charge supply section (22), a first charge storage section (26) for storing the first charge transferred from the sensing section (21), and a charge transfer control section (27) provided between the sensing section (21) and the first charge storage section (26).

Abstract: The automatic analyzer detects a trace amount of reaction solution at a high S/N with stability. The analyzer allows a photomultiplier to detect light from the reaction solution containing a luminescent substance through an optical window. To process the output from the photomultiplier to analyze the amount of the luminescent substance contained in the reaction solution, an optical transmission system is interposed between the optical window and the photomultiplier. The optical transmission system includes a light inlet opposed to the optical window; a light outlet opposed to the light-receiving surface of the detector; and a reflector on which an incident beam of light from the light inlet is reflected to propagate to the light outlet. This configuration allows the effects of temperature-dependent noise from a flow cell to be reduced while preventing a drop in the amount of light from the luminescent substance, thereby implementing analysis at a high S/N.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: A calibration system characterizes luminescence measurement systems, in particular spectrally resolving, wide-field and/or confocal imaging systems. The calibration system has a baseplate with at least one flow-through channel, wherein the at least one channel is formed as a sample chamber for the luminescence measurement system, at least one reservoir in communication with the at least one channel and adapted to receive a liquid, and at least one focusing device integrated into a baseplate for setting a defined measurement beam focus of the luminescence measurement system to be calibrated by using a focusing surface.

Abstract: An approach is provided in detecting plated-through hole defects in printed circuit boards (PCBs). The printed circuit board is exposed to a modified-silane solution. The modified-silane solution has a luminescent moiety and the modified-silane solution binds to exposed glass within a glass fiber layer of the printed circuit board. Plated-through hole defects are identified in the printed circuit board by detecting a luminescence at a surface location of the printed circuit board. Each surface location where the luminescence is detected corresponds to one of the plated-through hole defects.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method that provides fast and reliable results for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample.

Abstract: A test module for concentrating pathogens in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, a dialysis device in fluid communication with the receptacle and configured to separate the pathogens from other constituents in the sample, and, a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device being in fluid communication with the dialysis device and configured to analyze the pathogens.

Abstract: The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples.