Abstract: A structure for controlling fluid flow from a sample receiving pad into a lateral flow assay test strip, including: a lateral flow assay test strip; a sample pad abutting the lateral flow assay test strip; a pinch wall positioned to direct fluid flow from the sample pad to the lateral flow assay test strip; a top support structure positioned on top of the test strip; and a bottom support structure positioned underneath the test strip, wherein each of the top and bottom support structures comprise a plurality of separate spaced-apart support ribs positioned along the length of the test strip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pigment that changes color upon exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas. The pigment may be ground or otherwise reduced to small particles and used in coatings, dyes, paints or inks. Potential applications for paints and inks include the production of warning indicators for the presence of hydrogen gas in areas where such presence may pose a hazard. Warning decals may be printed with pigmented ink and posted in areas of potential hydrogen hazard. In the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, the decals can display a warning by causing a change in the color of a printed message. Objects may also be coated with pigmented paints so that if a hydrogen sulfide leak occurs from within or nearby the object, the color of the object changes to provide a warning of the presence of leaked hydrogen sulfide. Example applications of such painted objects include any industrial process containing hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed optoelectronic methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte. Such methods and devices may comprise at least one sensing element that is responsive to the presence of an analyte of interest and that may be interrogated optically by the use of at least one light source and at least one light detector.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a portable device that conveniently applies cancer patient blood sample into a test strip to determine the level of the patient's metastatic circulating tumor cells. Proper use of this device provides end users with the diagnostic and prognostic information of the cancer patient, and any effect of applied therapies. The device can also be used to screen effective drugs for any known metastatic phenotype disruption.

Abstract: An optical fiber polarimetric chemical sensor for capillary gas chromatography in which a sample fluid is injected into a capillary in the form of a periodic pulse train. Each individual pulse defines a moving polarization coupling zone that affects the polarization state of the light propagating in a birefringent optical waveguide that includes the capillary. The spacing between consecutive coupling zones can be made equal to the polarization beat length of the waveguide when the injection frequency of the pulses is properly selected, thus defining a resonance condition for a given analyte. The contributions of the successive coupling zones present along the length of the capillary then add up in phase, thus resulting in a detected optical signal having an enhanced amplitude peak at the injection frequency. In this manner, the sensitivity can be enhanced.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically detect the presence of a substance on a test swipe by capturing a background image of the test swipe; adjusting the temperature of the test swipe to a predetermined temperature range; capturing an in-situ image of the test swipe after the application of chemical at the predetermined temperature range; subtracting the background image from the in-situ image; generating a difference value from the two images; and searching a known database to identify the substance.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a serological agglutination assay in a liquid sample. The system provides a simple method for creating an in-situ sample/reagent admixture within a sample analysis chamber without the use of any precision fluid-handling components.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing and delivering samples for analyte testing. The system can include a sample preparation system and a sample delivery system coupled to the sample preparation system. The sample preparation system can include a deformable self-supporting receptacle comprising a reservoir adapted to contain a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent. The sample delivery system can include a valve positioned in fluid communication with the reservoir and adapted to control the removal of a sample from the sample preparation system. The method can include applying pressure to the deformable self-supporting receptacle to remove a sample from the sample preparation system via the sample delivery system.

Abstract: Methods comprising the use of photoactivated chemical bleaching for detecting multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a biological sample containing multiple targets, binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the probe. The method further includes the steps of contacting the sample comprising the bound probe with an electron transfer reagent and irradiating the sample, thereby initiating a photoreaction that substantially inactivates the probe by photoactivated chemical bleaching. The method further includes the steps of binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the probe. The process of binding, observing and bleaching may be iteratively repeated.

Abstract: A sorting methodology in which bulk analysis of samples that have a low probability of containing a rare particle is performed first. Only those samples in which the bulk analysis has detected one or more rare particles are subjected to a flow cytometry process to isolate the rare particle(s). In one embodiment, a microwell plate provides for high throughput sorting in an enclosed environment. The microwell plate includes a plurality of wells and a microfluidic layer adapted for flow cytometry wherein particles from a given well are interrogated and sorted into other wells. The microfluidic layer advantageously includes fluid switches to permit bi-directional flow cytometry.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring a light absorbance are provided. The method measures light absorbance of at least one detection chamber of a microfluidic device, including the detection chamber and at least one reference chamber. The detection chamber may accommodate a test subject. The method includes detecting a plurality of reference transmitted light intensities for the at least one reference chamber and estimating a value between the plurality of reference transmitted light intensities through nonlinear approximation. The estimated value is then applied to light absorbance measurement of the detection chamber to reduce a light absorbance error of the detection chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for the rapid identification of patients suspected of having thalassemia. The invention provides a test strip for the aqueous detection of thalassemia related proteins in whole blood. The test strip includes antibodies specific to the gamma 4, (?4) protein and provides easy visual discrimination between a positive result and a negative result. The invention can be used in remote or clinical settings.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.

Abstract: Modified branched polymers are combined with bioactive agents which are one member of a binding pair for use in an assay.

Abstract: This blood examination apparatus examines cancer cells mixed in an examination object which is flowing blood, and includes: a flow cell through which the examination object is made to flow; an imaging optical system which light output from the examination object in an examination region in the flow cell enters, the imaging optical system forming an image of the light on a first image plane; a first Fourier transformation optical system which optically two-dimensionally Fourier-transforms the image formed on the first image plane by the imaging optical system to form the Fourier-transformed image on a second image plane; a spatial light filter which selectively allows a portion in a certain range around an optical axis of the first Fourier transformation optical system of the image formed on the second image plane by the first Fourier transformation optical system to pass through; and a second Fourier transformation optical system which optically two-dimensionally Fourier-transforms the portion which has passe

Abstract: A sensor substrate includes a base and fibrous projections on an upper surface of the base. The fibrous projections have fixed ends fixed to the upper surface of the base and free ends opposite to the fixed ends, respectively. The fibrous projections provide a fixed end-side region including the fixed ends and a free end-side region including the free ends. The total surface area at which the fibrous projections in the fixed end-side region is larger than that in the free end-side region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring a blood sample comprising the steps of: communicating the inside of a sealed container with atmosphere by piercing a cap for sealing the sealed container; supplying a diluted solution from the base end side of the aspiration pipe to fill the aspiration pipe with the diluted solution; aspirating the blood sample in the sealed container; discharging the aspirated blood sample into a measurement sample preparing container; and measuring a measurement sample prepared in the measurement sample preparing container.

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: A method of determining a kind of a sample, in a method for analyzing a substance by the steps of supplying the sample to be analyzed to a reaction system by a supplying means comprising a transparent region composed of a transparent material, reacting a reagent for detecting the substance with the sample in the reaction system, and analyzing a signal derived from a product obtained by the reaction, characterized by irradiating the transparent region with light in the supplying step, and analyzing an optical intensity of the light.

Abstract: A method employing gel electrophoresis and optical imaging techniques to measure the amount of biomaterial that attaches to specified locations on a detector slide such as a bioarray or biochip.

Abstract: A specimen test strip is provided to detect a characteristic of an analyte in a specimen sample. The specimen test strip includes a reaction area to receive the specimen sample and a color calibration area to determine a color, or a color and a color intensity, of the reaction area after receiving the specimen sample. The specimen test strip may further include a temperature indication area to correct a measurement of the characteristic of analyte.

Abstract: A measuring method of an intermolecular interaction for optically measuring an intermolecular interaction between a plurality of substances on a thin film, the method comprising: detecting intensity at a first wavelength of reflected light or transmitted light before start of the intermolecular interaction with a detection unit which detects the reflected light from the thin film or the transmitted light transmitted through the thin film; detecting intensity at the first wavelength of the reflected light or the transmitted light after the start of the intermolecular interaction with the detection unit; and calculating a difference in intensity of the reflected light or the transmitted light at the first wavelength between before and after the start of the intermolecular interaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing fluorescent detection of target molecules in a test sample are for use with an irradiating device. First fluorophores are provided for absorption of EMF radiation, and emission of a first signal. Second fluorophores are provided for partial absorption of the first signal, and emission of a second signal distinguishable from the first signal. The fluorophores are combined with the test sample, and secured to the target molecules and relative to one another. After the first fluorophores receive the EMF radiation from the irradiating device, the first signal is detected, together with the second spectral signal if the target molecules are present in the test sample.

Abstract: A sensor comprising a membrane containing bacteriorhodopsin. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a layer of purple membrane between a first and a second electrode, wherein the electrodes are connected to a circuit such that a signal is produced when a charge is transferred across the membrane. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises a field effect transistor with a layer of purple membrane deposited on the gate. The layer of purple membrane may be further functionalized by adding fluorophores to the layer of purple membrane. The fluorophores may be deposited adjacent to the layer of purple membrane, or the fluorophores may be attached to the layer of purple membrane with linkages. The fluorophores or linkages between the fluorophores and the purple membrane may be functionalized with receptors to produce sensors for targeted chemical or biological species.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns, methods of screening many different antibodies in one receptacle, and methods of detecting specific binding of an antibody to a protein or cell, wherein the antibody is in a mixture of many different antibodies.

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

Abstract: Composite probes for super resolution optical techniques using super resolution via transiently activated quenchers (STAQ) include a donor moiety and an acceptor moiety joined by a linker, wherein the acceptor moiety, when excited by incident radiation, is excited to a state which, for example, absorbs in the donor emission region, such that the acceptor moiety in its excited state quenches at least a portion of the donor moiety emission. Other transiently activated quenching mechanisms and moieties could accomplish the same task by reducing donor population. Also disclosed are methods for irradiating a selected region of a target material including the composite probe, wherein the composite probe enables improved resolution by point spread function modification and/or nanoscale chemical reactions.

Abstract: A counterfeit currency detector including a tubular body having a forward end and a rearward end, a contact assembly mounted at the forward end of the tubular body, and a counterfeit solution applicator mounted at the rearward end of the tubular body. The contact assembly includes an ultraviolet light source.

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: The quality control of vaccines is an important step in the release of vaccines to patients. Problems when dealing with vaccines include stability, batch-to-batch consistency and contamination. The invention provides a method of analyzing the composition of a protein-containing sample by electromagnetic spectroscopy, and derivatizing the obtained spectrum to obtain a derivative spectrum of the sample. The derivative spectrum may optionally be compared to a reference spectrum, to assess stability, contamination etc. relative to the reference. The derivative analysis technique allows the separation and discrimination between the spectral contributions of different components, thereby allowing differences in the spectra to be assigned to particular groups of the protein, or particular contaminants etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a method for preserving an aqueous solution containing a leuco chromogen, comprising adding a compound having at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a nitroso group and an azo group and having an ability to coordinate a metal ion or a salt thereof to the aqueous solution containing a leuco chromogen; a method for stabilizing a leuco chromogen, comprising allowing the leuco chromogen to coexist in an aqueous solution comprising a compound having at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a nitroso group and an azo group and having an ability to coordinate a metal ion or a salt thereof; and a liquid reagent comprising a leuco chromogen and a compound having at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a nitroso group and an azo group and having an ability to coordinate a metal ion or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and devices for detection of substances in liquid samples. The assays and devices utilize passive diffusion between a porous material and a porous membrane containing a specific binding pair member to enable detection of the substance of interest.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fluoride receptor reagent compounds that are derived from one or more N-aryl or heteroaryl substituted 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide (NDI) units. The invention also relates to associated methods for the detection of fluoride in a composition. ?-electron orbitals present in the NDI unit of the reagents form a complex with fluoride anions. It is believed that the anion-? interaction results in a charge transfer process between the fluoride anion and the NDI unit, resulting in a number of measurable effects (e.g., colorimetric response).

Abstract: Provided is a water absorbing material having a granular core portion and a coating layer portion coating the granular core portion, which does not produce color before use and with which a test result can be determined only after use. In the water absorbing material, the coating layer portion is composed of 90 wt % to 96 wt % of a substrate and 10 wt % to 4 wt % of an excretion test material, the excretion test material contains a porous adsorbent having an adsorbance of 25 wt % or greater and including micropores, and an excretion test indicator adsorbed on the micropores of the porous adsorbent, and the excretion test indicator is added in an amount in the range of 0.015 wt % to 0.10 wt % relative to the total amount of the coating layer portion.

Abstract: A fluid specimen testing device having a removable lid which carries at least one testing strip behind a transparent top viewing window. Testing is initiated by tilting the device into a stable sideways orientation to allow the specimen to contact the sampling pad portion of the strip. The device is adapted to provide stability in the upright, tilted and inverted orientations. A roll-inhibiting feature also acts as an indicator for proper roll positioning in the tilted configuration. The strips are also oriented in the lid so that they are substantially vertical when the device is in the tilted position thereby enhancing a condition for proper capillarity. The strip is carried close to the upper surface which allows it to be copied on a flat glass copier providing for more objective recordation of the test results.

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

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system component and method for analysis of airborne analytes by absorbing the analytes into a liquid and interrogating the liquid with an analytical instrument. In some examples, a cartridge with a microfluidic chip contains a vessel of a colloidal solution of nanostructured particles in a liquid. The vessel is broken, releasing the solution into microfluidic containers on the chip. Air having analytes is passed over the chip leading to absorption of airborne analytes into the solution. The analytes bind with the nanostructures and are detected optically. Techniques are disclosed for filling the vessel in a way that maintains the efficacy of the solution until it is needed for measurement.

Abstract: A method for on-line monitoring of deprotection reaction in a peptide automated synthesizer comprising UV detector is disclosed. A UV source, detector, electronics, and housing are integrated with a line or tube through which liquid reactants flow for periodic measurements in the peptide synthesizer. The method includes determining the progression of the reaction, completion point of the reaction, and the modification of the reaction times and repetitions in real time.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for sorting a mixture of stained particles in a fluid flow path, including stained particles. The system can include a pulsed electromagnetic radiation source for exciting fluorescence emissions from the stained particles, a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emissions from the stained particles, a processor for classifying the stained particles; and a photo-damaging laser for damaging selected particles in the flow path.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reagent for detection of analyte in a sample and process of preparation of the reagent. The reagent comprises heparin and substrate coated with the analyte-counterpart. The analyte-counterpart of the reagent is capable of binding to said analyte. The present disclosure further provides a process for detection of an analyte in a sample by contacting said sample with said reagent and detecting formation of analyte-analyte counterpart complex. The present disclosure provides a kit for detection of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Light enhancement devices, applications for the light enhancement devices, and methods for making the light enhancement devices are provided. The light enhancement devices include a substrate and a film of metal disposed over the substrate, the film of metal including at least one cavity. The cavity may be of various shapes depending on the desired application.

Abstract: Ultrafine particles are provided having a core region that has a signal amplifying molecule and a shell region that surrounds the core region. The shell region has at least one antibody affixed to its surface that is specific for at least one antigen. Alternatively, the ultrafine particles may entrap the signal amplifying molecule within its matrix and may also have antibodies affixed to its surface for molecular recognition. Ultrafine particles are also provided having a matrix component that includes a signal amplifying molecule and at least one antibody specific for the antigen or biomaterial. The ultrafine particles of the present disclosure may be used in assays for the detection, including quantification, of one or more antigens present in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for monitoring leaks in a wafer process chamber. The method includes providing a wafer process chamber coupled to a gas supply by a gas supply line, wherein an indicator member is coupled to the gas supply line between the gas supply and the wafer process chamber, and a final valve is located on the gas supply line between the gas supply and the indicator member. A gas is supplied from the gas supply to the wafer process chamber through the gas supply line. A light is emitted and directed through the indicator member. The light that was directed through the indicator member is then reflected using a reflecting member. The reflected light is then received and compared to the light emitted in order to determine that the color of the indicator member has changed and a leak has been detected in the gas supply line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum-driven fluidic system for a flow-type particle analyzer. The system includes a vacuum pump which creates a pressure drop downstream of the flow cell, which pulls sheath fluid and sample fluid through the flow cell. A variable-resistance fluidic resistor is configured to control the ratio of sample fluid flow to sheath fluid flow. Dual feedback circuits, one configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop across the flow cell, referred to as the dynamic pressure drop, and a second configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop created by the vacuum pump relative to ambient pressure, referred to as the static pressure drop, are used to automatically control the system. The present invention enables adjustment of the sample fluid flow rate while maintaining a constant total fluid flow through the flow cell, and further, enables pausing the system without significant fluctuations in the vacuum.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting specific binding reactions using magnetic labels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for conducting multiplexed assays. The methods are particularly well suited for measuring a plurality of analytes that may be present in very different abundances. The invention also relates to systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods.

Abstract: A system for measuring an evanescent wave phenomenon at total internal reflection, the system comprising: a) a sensing surface comprising a plurality of areas of interest; b) an illumination sub-system comprising a light source, which illuminates each area of interest on the sensing surface over a range of angles of incidence; c) a detector which responds differently to an intensity of light received by it at different locations; and d) projection optics comprising primary optics and a plurality of secondary elements, the primary optics projecting an image of the illuminated sensing surface onto the secondary elements, which project their received light onto the detector in such a way that it is possible to determine, from the response of the detector, how much light is reflected from each area of interest, as a function of angle of incidence over the range of angles for that area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood analyzer and a blood analyzing method capable of obtaining information regarding B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes without using a fluorescence-labeled antibody. The blood analyzer of the present invention includes a blood specimen supplying portion, a sample preparation portion that prepares a measurement sample without using a fluorescence-labeled antibody by mixing a blood specimen supplied from the blood specimen supplying portion, a hemolyzing agent, and a fluorescent dye that stains nucleic acid, a light source, a first detector that detects fluorescence, a second detector that detects scattered light, and information processing portion that classifies lymphocytes based on the intensity of fluorescence and scattered light, and based on the fluorescence intensity of the classified lymphocytes, obtains information regarding B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes.