Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device and microfluidic system with the device. The microfluidic device includes a substrate; a channel formed in the substrate and in which a fluid can move; a valve controlling flow of a fluid flowing along the channel and including a phase transition material which can be melted by energy such as electromagnetic wave energy; and a lens disposed on the substrate and adjusting an irradiating region of the valve, onto which the energy is applied.

Abstract: A culture flask 10 comprises two or more internal chambers 18-21 defining a plurality of parallel surfaces of different sizes and means for fluid communication 24 between the chambers 18-20.

Abstract: Device for the measurement of biological activities and/or physiological magnitudes, includes a measuring cell, equipped with a chamber suitable to receive micro-organisms to be analyzed, and one or more probes opening into the chamber. The probes are connected to measuring resources and resources for processing the electrical signals emitted by the probes. The measuring cell includes a vertical well, equipped in its lateral wall with holes uniformly distributed around the well in order to allow the probes to open into the well. The probes are sealingly attached to the well, and rest in the support resources, and suitable to receive a cup whose cross section is homothetic to the section of the well. The cup is equipped on its lateral wall with holes which are located opposite to the holes of the well when the cup is positioned in the well.

Abstract: A cover for a biological sample well tray, comprising a cap for sealing a sample well. The cap comprises a well lens for focusing light into the sample well and collecting light from the sample. In another aspect, the cap comprises an elongate portion configured to permit incoming light to pass into the sample well and out of the sample well. Various other aspects comprise a microcard for biological material, and an apparatus for a plurality of sample well strips. A method for testing a biological sample is also provided.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains to an apparatus and methods for testing cell-based products, and more particularly to automated machinery that integrates various functions to determine cell viability at point of care locations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.

Abstract: Reaction vessel 1 for assaying of a subject substrate molecule comprises a translucent narrow tube 2 which has a liquid feed port 4 at one end, and which is intended to be packed with microparticles 5 as solid phase support on which a reagent molecule is bound thereto, in which said reagent is capable of binding to, adsorbing, or showing affinity with the subject substrate molecule, and a effluent collecting tube 3 in which a liquid absorbing member 13 is provided inside for absorbing the liquid poured into the narrow tube, and which is connected to the narrow tube 2 at its downstream via a communicating passage 11, and a current-controlling mechanism for controlling liquid current in the narrow tube so as to hold the liquid in the narrow tube 2 during a predetermined time.

Abstract: New devices and methods for diagnosis and compositions and methods for treatment of cancers use combinations of antimicrobial agents and agents that can reverse dormancy and hibernation pathways. We unexpectedly found that surprisingly low doses of anti-hibernation compounds can substantially inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro and can successfully treat cancers, including metastatic cancer. We also unexpectedly found that antimicrobial agents and anti-HDS compounds together can increase the degree of inhibition of cancer cell growth in a synergistic fashion. We conclude that combination therapy with antimicrobial agents and anti-HDS compounds can be effective in treating human patients with cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit employed for polymerase chain reaction. The kit has a cavity and a flow channel on a substrate. The flow channel is separated from the cavity by at least a barrier formed along the cavity. Such a structure allows the cavity to be filled with a sample solution even in minute quantities. At the same time, the structure can provide a sample solution with a rapid temperature-control. The structure can therefore contribute to accelerated polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor for cultivating microorganisms, as well as a method for its production. The invention is characterized in that the bioreactor (1) comprises two identically constructed base elements (2,3) that are constructed in trough shape and consist of a bottom part (4) and four side parts (5) arranged on a bottom part (4) and having an inside depth T1. The base element (2,3) consists of a light permeable material. The identically constructed base elements (2,3) are arranged on each other so as to exactly cover each other. A flow guide device is arranged inside the identically constructed base elements (2,3).

Abstract: A device and method simultaneously detects and enumerates two groups of microorganisms in a test sample, utilizing a single test container. In the container liquid growth media, a chromogenic substrate and a fluorogenic substrate are mixed with the test sample. The test container is incubated to allow bacterial growth and metabolism. Spectral changes of the substrates are dynamically detected using two external light sources aimed at a transparent section of the test container, and a single external photo detector. One light source operates in the visible band and the second in the long ultraviolet band. The two dynamic time patterns generated by the two substrates are analyzed in real time to determine the presence or absence of each microorganisms group and to enumerate their original concentrations in the test sample.

Abstract: A chromatographic lateral-flow assay system for rapid, high sensitivity method of detecting low levels of ligands in body fluids, with few false positives and few false negatives. The lateral-flow assay may have a membrane strip in ribbon form, which increases detection on the order of 2 to 10 fold over the conventional chromatographic specific binding assay techniques by placing a dried or lyophilized conjugate in colloidal spheres opposite side of the lateral flow membrane strip. A chromatographic specific binding assay strip device, comprising: a laminate strip having a first side and an opposite second side; a conjugate pad or membrane disposed on said first side of said laminate; a sample receiving pad or membrane strip and reservoir pad or membrane disposed on said second side of said laminate; and a detection pad or membrane strip disposed between the sample pad or membrane and the reservoir pad or membrane on said second side of said laminate.

Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat is provided. The system includes a transparent, or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The sample tube has an elongated sidewall having a first cross-sectional inner diameter. The float consists of a main body portion and one or more support members protruding from the main body portion to engage and support the sidewall of the sample tube. The main body portion and the support members of the float have a cross-sectional diameter less than that of the first cross-sectional inner diameter of the tube when the sample tube is expanded, such as by centrifugation. The main body portion of the float together with an axially aligned portion of the sidewall define an annular volume therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid volumetric device comprising a metering tube, a start sensor, an end sensor, a bath for storage of a sample to be metered, a vacuum chamber and a pump for pumping out air inside the vacuum chamber to form a negative pressure inside the vacuum chamber. The start sensor and the end sensor are provided respectively at the bottom and the top of the metering tube, the top of the metering tube is in communication respectively with the vacuum chamber and the outside atmosphere via pipelines, the bottom of the metering tube is in communication respectively with the bath and the vacuum chamber via pipelines, and control parts are provided in each of the pipelines for controlling connection/disconnection thereof.

Abstract: A fertilization and culture container, e.g. for intravaginal use, comprises a container body having an orifice for introducing a culture medium, one or more oocytes and sperm, resealable closure means for selectively opening and closing the container body orifice, the container body having a main chamber for receiving the culture medium, oocytes and sperm and a microchamber for collecting for retrieval of one or more embryos. The container body has elements for restricting access of retrieval catheter or pipette relative to the microchamber. At least a portion of a sidewall of the container body defining said microchamber is transparent and of optical quality for microscopic inspection of embryos prior to and/or during retrieval with a catheter or a pipette.

Abstract: An optical resonance analysis system comprising a sensor means (60) and an illumination means (400) for generating non-monochromatic illumination. The illumination means (400) further comprises a means for generating illumination at a plurality of angles, a lens system for projecting said illumination at said plurality of angles (390) and a dispersive device (380) for dispersing said illumination at each of said plurality of angles so that there is a correlation between said plurality of angles and the wavelengths of said illumination such that a resonance condition is generated on said sensor mean (60) for all wavelengths generated by said non-monochromatic source simultaneously. The analysis system also comprises a detection means (90) for detecting the reflected or transmitted illumination. Another embodiment comprises an anamorphic imaging means (120).

Abstract: A roller bottle is provided with a bottom wall, a top wall and a cylindrical side wall extending between the bottom and top walls. The top wall includes an opening to provide access to the interior of the roller bottle. The cylindrical side wall of the roller bottle is formed with at least one spiral pleat extending substantially from the bottom to the top for increasing cell growth surface area and for facilitating the flow of liquid to all interior surface areas of the bottle as the bottle is rolled about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A simplified Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) sample preparation apparatus and method of using a PCR sample preparation for both liquid and dry samples. A portable apparatus comprising a handle removably attached to a wand assembly. The handle includes a cover and a swab with an absorbent material. The wand assembly includes a buffer container for a buffer that is ruptured by a spike when the holder is inserted into the wand assembly. The apparatus may include a waste container removably attached to a tube comprising a plunger, a safety clip to prevent the plunger from depressing, and a port for introduction of a liquid sample. A filter on the waste container collects a specimen of the liquid sample for preparation as described above.

Abstract: Rare cells are separated from a sample fluid by a positive selection or negative selection antibody by centrifuging in a tube containing a harvesting float. The harvesting float has an axial passage and a density to settle in the sample fluid and expand the layer of the target component. The antibody is preferably coupled to a particulate carrier, such as a microbead, to attach either the target component or a contaminating component to the particulate carrier. In the positive separation, the particulate carrier is recovered in the axial passage of the float.

Abstract: Protected stopper for test-tubes, including a substantially cylindrically extending elastomer inner body arrangeable to close a test-tube including a sealing portion formed to be inserted inside the mouth of the test-tube and a collar piece connected above the sealing portion and projecting radially with respect to the latter to receive, in bearing contact therewith, the mouth of said test-tube. The stopper includes a substantially cylindrical cover, closed at the top and mounted to cover the inner body. An engaging mechanism for simultaneously securing the inner body to the cover and the stopper to the test-tube are included, consisting of a plurality of projections extending on the inside of the side wall of the cover, coming into contact with the outer wall of the test-tube and spaced from the closing wall of the cover to form a contact step capable of constraining the projecting collar piece of the inner body.

Abstract: An apparatus for culture is provided, which apparatus enables to increase the ratio of a culture medium solution to the number of cells while keeping the density of the cells at a high level and diminishing the absolute number of the cells. The apparatus comprises a container having at least one concave part and at least one member (x) selected from the group consisting of a gelatinous material, a sponge material, and a mesh material, wherein the member (x) is placed within the concave part of the container, has at least one hollow by which a part or parts of a surface of the container in the concave part is bared, and holds a solution containing culture medium components. Further, processes for preparing the apparatus, culturing methods that use the apparatus, a method for studying or observing an influence of a substance to be examined on cells or a piece of a tissue, a kit for making the apparatus, and a flat substrate for culture are provided.

Abstract: The sample temperature regulator is provided with a heating block (3) having a sample container holder (6) and a temperature-controllable heater (7) and with a cooling block (4) having a cooling mechanism (11). These two blocks are combined with each other through a connecting plate (15) made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than those of these blocks. This constitution can reduce heat transfer between the heating block and the cooling block and allows them to have wide temperature regulating ranges, as well as increased heating capacity and cooling capacity, respectively. Further, this constitution makes the structure of the temperature regulator simple and compact, so that the regulator has increased durability and can be offered at a low price.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for isolating and culturing microorganisms from a bulk fluid sample. The device comprises a container having therein a polymeric immobilization layer having interstitial spaces between polymer chains such as a gel matrix. The interstitial spaces are of an average size less than an average size of microorganisms to be separated from the sample and cultured. A bulk fluid sample is applied to the immobilization layer where fluid is absorbed by the layer and microorganisms remain on the surface of the layer. After culturing, microorganism colonies are readily accessible on the surface of the layer for harvest and testing. The immobilization layer may contain one or more of nutrients for microorganisms growth, lytic agents, lytic enzymes, antibiotics, antibiotic neutralizers, indicators, detergents and selective agents. An adjacent support layer may be above and/or below the immobilization layer.

Abstract: In a pretreatment instrument and a pretreatment method of saliva, used for identification and quantitation of Streptococcus mutans in saliva by the immunochromatographic method utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction, the instrument includes a swab and a mixing container for saliva and a treatment liquid, the swab having a stick and a soft synthetic resin-made sponge capable of absorbing a predetermined amount or more of saliva, and the mixing container being made of a transparent or translucent soft synthetic resin and comprising a bag-like portion formed integrally with and continuously to a constricted portion as the end of a tapering introduction portion having an opening thoroughly larger than the sponge, wherein the constricted portion and the bag-like portion have elasticity such that the sponge can be squashed by a finger pressure in a state that the sponge is inserted therein; the constricted portion has a width such that a pressure can be applied by fingers and has a shape such that when the sponge i

Abstract: A container assembly and method for storing, treating, transporting and stabilizing a biological sample includes a container, a closure member and a sample holder removably received in the container. The sample holder can be a platform-like device dimensioned to be supported on a ledge formed in the side wall of the container. The sample holder includes a central cavity for receiving the sample and immersing the sample in the stabilizing agent in the container. The closure member includes a body member to close the top end of the central cavity of the sample holder and to limit movement of the sample holder in the container. In another embodiment, the sample holder has a closure cap for closing the open top end of the cavity. The container includes a liquid reagent in an amount sufficient to treat the biological sample.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting biopolymers (DNA) capable of total analysis including non-reacted samples without complicated operations such as washing. A DNA probe is fixed to one of electrodes and direct current voltage is placed between the electrodes, so that it becomes possible to separate complementary strand sample DNA and non-complementary strand sample DNA. By analyzing from a ratio in the whole reaction system, it is possible to obtain clearer results. Further, by using electrophoresis by gel together, it is possible to separate reacted samples and non-reacted samples to perform measurements therefor in the same reaction field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating cells using immunorosettes. The method involves contacting a sample containing nucleated cells and red blood cells with an antibody composition which allows immunorosettes of the nucleated cells and the red blood cells to form. The antibody composition preferably contains bifunctional antibodies or tetrameric antibody complexes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring, analyzing, and/or discriminating molecular species, preferably a biomolecule, within a medium using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Biological compounds such as nucleotides and polynucleotides can be detected and analyzed. A reaction process such as an accumulation cycle of nucleic acids can be monitored, analyzed, and controlled using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Monitoring a biomolecule includes interrogating the medium, and preferably its gas phase, by coupling a sensor responsive to any changes of the medium and or biomolecule and its secondary products when, for example, an amplification reaction is proceeded. It is also a scope of the present invention to use direct detection and monitoring of biomolecular reactions in real-time without radioactive or fluorescent labeling. A preferred application is real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection.

Abstract: A diagnostic test unit is provided. The test unit comprises a stem having a first end and a second end, the stem defining at least one flow channel extending between the first end and the second end. A swab is disposed at the first end of the stem, the swab being configured to collect a test sample derived from a biological source that is suspected of containing an analyte. The test unit also comprises a fluid chamber configured to contain a fluid, wherein the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the swab via the flow channel. The test unit also comprises a rupturable seal that inhibits leakage of the fluid from the fluid chamber prior to use, and an assay for detecting the presence or absence of the analyte. The assay is in fluid communication with the swab, the flow channel, and the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A stackable flask for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture chamber is defined by a top plate and a rigid bottom tray of substantially rectangular shape connected by side and end walls, the body of the flask has imparted therein a gas permeable membrane that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chamber and the external environment. The flask body also includes a sealed septum that will allow access to the cell growth chamber by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the flask and location of an optional neck and cap section allows for flask manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, making the flask ideal for high throughput applications.

Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat is provided. The system includes a transparent, or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The sample tube has an elongated sidewall having a first cross-sectional inner diameter. The float consists of a main body portion and one or more support members protruding from the main body portion to engage and support the sidewall of the sample tube. The main body portion and the support members of the float have a cross-sectional diameter less than that of the first cross-sectional inner diameter of the tube when the sample tube is expanded, such as by centrifugation. The main body portion of the float together with an axially aligned portion of the sidewall define an annular volume therebetween.

Abstract: The inventive bioprocessing system (and technique) relies on non-invasive optical chemical sensing technology wherein an optical excitation source excites an optical chemical sensor. The optical chemical sensor then emits luminescence or absorbs light which is measured by a detector. The luminescence emitted from the chemical sensor or the amount of light absorbed by the chemical sensor is related to the concentration of an analyte, such as oxygen. If the luminescence emitted changes, or if the amount of light absorbed changes, then the concentration of the analyte has changed. Using such a system to measure and adjust multiple parameters at one time allows one to efficiently and cost-effectively determine optimal conditions for a given cell type and/or cell environment, for example.

Abstract: An improved cartridge for holding a fluid sample with a small volume is disclosed herein. The cartridge has a test chamber and a vestibule through which the test fluids are inserted into the test chamber. Improved grips are flared-out to aid manipulation. The handle portion is reinforced to prevent flexing, and a prefabricated trough along the edge of the land surface prevents introduction of the adhesive into the region for analysis. The cartridge has a stopper having a dual sealing mechanism, which seals the test chamber inlet between the vestibule and the test chamber, and the mouth of the vestibule so that when the stopper is in place, the test chamber is closed to the admission of air or other contaminants. The vestibule is similarly closed against escape of the overflow from the test chamber. The stopper is composed of a single elastomer. An improved locking mechanism has two flexible walls on either side of the handhold that locks into their respective keepers on the cartridge to provide a secure lock.

Abstract: To measure or exert optically-induced forces on at least one particle in the focus of an optical cage, the following steps are taken: a) the focus is positioned in a microelectrode arrangement with a three-dimensional electrical field that has a field gradient which forms an electrical capture area, and the focus is at a distance from the capture are and b) the amplitude of the electrical field, the light power of the light beam forming the optical cage, and/or the distance of the capture area from the focus are varied to detect which varied field property moves the particle from the focus to the capture area or vice versa, or at least to temporarily move the particle into the capture area.

Abstract: The sample temperature regulator is provided with a heating block (3) having a sample container holder (6) and a temperature-controllable heater (7) and with a cooling block (4) having a cooling mechanism (11). These two blocks are combined with each other through a connecting plate (15) made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than those of these blocks. This constitution can reduce heat transfer between the heating block and the cooling block and allows them to have wide temperature regulating ranges, as well as increased heating capacity and cooling capacity, respectively. Further, this constitution makes the structure of the temperature regulator simple and compact, so that the regulator has increased durability and can be offered at a low price.

Abstract: An electroporation chamber is provided wherein cells are borne by a fluid medium through a conductive mesh receiving electrode (with the mesh size being such that it allows passage of cells of the desired size/type) and into the chamber. The cells are then captured on a conductive mesh capturing electrode having a mesh size which retains the desired cells. The electrodes are then charged to effect electroporation or other operations within the captured cells between the electrodes. If desired, different fluid media may flow through the electrodes and chamber (and over the cells) during such activities. When operations are completed, fluid flow may be reversed to carry the treated cells back out of the chamber through the receiving electrode.

Abstract: Simultaneous forward and reverse blood group testing is described using both a visual detection system and a fluorescent based labeling and detection system. Forward and reverse tests could be performed separately, but A and B agglutinates can be detected and discriminated simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides polyol (allyl carbonate) polymer solid supports. The supports can be modified for attachment of a chemical moiety or ligand. A solid support comprising one or more ligands immobilized to a polyol (allyl carbonate) polymer solid support. The solid support can be in the form of a bead, fiber, flat surface, microfluidic device, molded device, machined device, container, multi-well container such as a multi-well plate, and mass spectrometry sample holder. The solid supports can be used for a variety of applications, including chemical storage, chemical synthesis, combinatorial library synthesis, analytical devices, diagnostic devices, and tissue culture applications. The invention also provides methods of using the polyol (allyl carbonate) polymer solid supports.

Abstract: A container assembly for storing and stabilizing a biological sample includes a container, a closure cap and a sample holder coupled to the closure cap and removably received in the container. The sample holder can be a basket-like device coupled to an inner face of the cap and includes a central cavity for receiving the sample and immersing the sample in the reagent in the container. The closure cap includes a body member with a dimension to displace a volume of air and reduce the head space to ensure that the sample holder is completely immersed in the reagent. The sample holder has a closure member for closing the open top end of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device that utilizes capillarity-mediated, chromatographic transport, for the qualitative or semi-quantitative analysis of selected analytes in liquid samples. The device utilizes an applicator/collection device for collecting and administering the sample to the flow path such that reagent(s) flow through the applicator/collection device, washing the sample into the reaction pathway. The device further utilizes an air gap between the initial location of the reagent and the reaction pathway to funnel the reagent efficiently through the sample so as to collect all or substantially all of the sample and make it available for the reaction(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system.

Abstract: A cup-like broth container comprising four mutually opposed pairs of connected sidewalls with a protruding rib formed on each of four perpendicularly opposed single sidewalls and four Y-shaped clamping ridges attached to and extending outwardly from a single one of the four sidewalls located between the four sidewalls having a protruding rib.

Abstract: The invention provides an advanced roller bottle system for cell culture that efficiently, continually, and automatically replenishes spent media with fresh media. The roller bottle system optimizes media use by removing spent media in response to a predetermined condition change and replenishing the spent media with fresh.

Abstract: a method for separating particulate matter from a fluid, using apparatus which includes a container and cover, a filter assembly positioned in a housing atop the cover and suitable for collecting particulate matter in the fluid on a collection surface, and a dispersing element fixed relative to the cover. The cover has a portion that is fixed in a first position and freely rotatable in a second position. The specimen is placed in the container, and a mixer apparatus rotates the container in relation to the cover to disperse the particulate matter throughout the fluid. Upon deactivation of the mixer apparatus, a fluid sample including dispersed particulate matter is drawn through the filter assembly to capture a substantially uniform layer of particulate matter on the collection surface. The housing is then opened to expose the layer of particulate matter, which is then transferred to a microscope slide.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: Displacement assays, under non-equilibrium conditions, are performed by flowing a liquid sample through a membrane having binding elements with binding sites saturated with a labelled form of the analyte. Analyte in the sample displaces, under non-equilibrium conditions, the labelled form of the analyte from the membrane. The displaced labelled form of the analyte may then be detected.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a sampling and inoculating device detachably mounted in a container; having a suction portion formed on the sampling and inoculating device for sucking a liquid specimen which is then discharged into the container for storage or transport, a swabbing head detachably secured to a lower portion of the sampling and inoculating device for picking up the specimen and also for primarily inoculating the specimen onto a culture dish for a streak procedure, and an inoculating head formed on the lower portion of the sampling and inoculating device for subsequently diluting and separating the bacteria from the zone as streaked by the swabbing head for well inoculating and culturing the bacteria in order to identify the bacteria for a reliable medical treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detection of volatile products from a sample using a transducer which changes voltage as a function of contact of the volatile products with the transducer to produce a gas signature of the volatile products and a spectrophotometer to analyze the volatile products to produce a spectral footprint of the volatile products. The apparatus and method are used to detect spoilage of a biological material, such as a food. The apparatus is also used to detect microorganisms and by comparing the gas signature and spectral footprint to a library of gas signatures and spectral footprints, the apparatus enables identification of the microorganisms and in particular identification of pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.