Abstract: Disclosed is a station, for testing an analyte in a sample, enabling accurate and quick reaction and analysis of the sample and a reagent in one apparatus. To this end, the present disclosure provides a station, which is for testing a sample by means of inserting a cuvette, having a standby chamber on which a collecting member is placed, a sample chamber, a reagent chamber and a detection unit. The station comprises: a housing which has an input/output part into which a cuvette is inserted; a driving unit which is provided inside the housing, horizontally moves the cuvette, vertically moves a collecting member, reacts a sample in a sample chamber and a reagent in a reagent chamber, and injects a reaction result thereof into a detection unit; and an optical reader which is provided on the horizontal movement path of the cuvette and is for analyzing the reaction result.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for interrogating a liquid in a container. In one embodiment, a method is provided to interrogate and identify a liquid in a medical container.

Abstract: A portable rapid diagnostic test reader system includes a mobile phone having a camera and one or more processors contained within the mobile phone and a modular housing configured to mount to the mobile phone. The modular housing including a receptacle configured to receive a sample tray holding a rapid diagnostic test. At least one illumination source is disposed in the modular housing and located on one side of the rapid diagnostic test. An optical demagnifier is disposed in the modular housing interposed between the rapid diagnostic test and the mobile phone camera.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe an infrared (IR) imaging system for detecting a gas. The imaging system can include an optical filter that selectively passes light having a wavelength in a range of 1585 nm to 1595 nm while attenuating light at wavelengths above 1600 nm and below 1580 nm. The system can include an optical detector array sensitive to light having a wavelength of 1590 that is positioned rear of the optical filter.

Abstract: A method of using an exchange-induced remnant magnetization (EXIRM) technique for label free detection of short strands of nucleotides and cancer biomarkers, such as DNA and microRNA strands, DNA/RNA-binding biomarkers, and cancer-specific antigens, with high sensitivity, high specificity, and broad dynamic range. The method may provide a label-free approach aimed to facilitate high reliability, and to require a minimum amount of biochemical reagents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for determining a wavefront position of a liquid on a surface of an assay test strip placing a liquid on the surface of the test strip; and acquiring one or more signals from the surface of the test strip at one or more times, comparing the one or more acquired signals to a threshold, wherein the wavefront position is a position on the surface of the test strip where a signal is greater than or less than a threshold (e.g., fixed or dynamic threshold). Such methods may be used to determine the wavefront velocity of a liquid on a surface of an assay test strip and the transit time of a liquid sample to traverse the one or more positions on the surface of the assay test strip.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting the presence of lead in a solid sample is disclosed. The solid sample is brought into contact with a nonaqueous solution of a dithiocarbamate capable of forming a gel upon contact with lead, with the formation of a gel showing that lead is present in the solid sample.

Abstract: It is provide a method for determining at least one of physical, chemical and biological properties of a medium with the aid of at least two transmitter-receiver pairs and on the basis of at least one first and one second acoustic wave. The first acoustic wave has propagated at least in part between a first transmitter-receiver pair through the medium and the second acoustic wave has propagated at least in part between a second transmitter-receiver pair through the medium, wherein the medium adjoins an inner lateral surface of an elongate conduction element that is arched transversely to its direction of longitudinal extent.

Abstract: Provided is a testing device including: a porous flow path member in which a flow path for flowing a sample is formed; and a resin layer provided at at least one position over the flow path member, wherein the resin layer is a porous body formed of a hydrophobic material, and wherein a reagent reactive with the sample is formed as a solid phase over a surface of the resin layer facing the flow path member and inside voids of the resin layer.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a confidence test in one embodiment includes determining a first quality metric based upon a first and a second test environment wherein the second test environment is different from the first test environment, exposing a sample to a plurality of test sites, establishing the first test environment at a first of the plurality of test sites, establishing the second test environment at a second test site, obtaining a first detection signal associated with the first of the plurality of test sites exposed to the sample and at the first test environment, obtaining a second detection signal associated with the second of the plurality of test sites exposed to the sample and at the second test environment, determining a second quality metric based upon the first detection signal and the second detection signal, and comparing the second quality metric with the first quality metric.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus includes: a probe including a transmissive optical member having a reference surface, the probe being configured to irradiate a sample with light through the reference surface, and receive a first reflected light from the reference surface, a second reflected light from a front side of the sample, and a third reflected light from a back side of the sample; and a calculator configured to calculate a first distance from the reference surface to the front side of the sample with use of a first reflection interference light to be generated by the first reflected light and the second reflected light, and to calculate a thickness of the sample with use of a second reflection interference light to be generated by the second reflected light and the third reflected light.

Abstract: A method for determining emissions in an exhaust plume (11) produced by a combustion engine of a vessel (10) during cruise of the vessel (10), said emissions including the presence or concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or sulphur dioxide (SO2) and/or the count and size of particles. The position and distribution of the exhaust plume (11) is determined or estimated on the basis of the position, bearing and speed of the vessel (10) and further on the basis of meteorological data, such as wind direction and speed. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (12), i.e. a so-called drone, is controlled to fly through the 10 plume (11) to make measurements of exhaust emissions of the vessel (10).

Abstract: The method describes rapid screening of whole blood samples, pin prick and blood spot cards, subjected to MALDI-ToF Mass spectrometry. The spectra is generated and compared to those from normal healthy controls. Characteristic spectra are indicative of the presence of a hemoglobinopathy and the method can be used to screen/diagnose all sickle cell diseases, alpha and beta Thalassemias.

Abstract: Devices for the propagation or storage of microorganisms are provided including a first layer that has a first portion of a surface of the first layer, to which a first water-swellable gelling agent comprising a first clay is affixed. The devices further include a second layer that is separable from the first layer and has a first portion of a surface of the second layer, to which a second water-swellable gelling agent is affixed. Methods for detecting and enumerating at least one microorganism in a sample are provided. The methods include providing a device, separating the first layer from the second layer, adding an aliquot of a sample containing at least one microorganism onto the first or second water-swellable gelling agent to form an inoculated device, laminating the first layer back to the second layer, and incubating the inoculated device. Kits and methods of making the devices are also provided.

Abstract: An automatic analyzing apparatus 10 includes a chip rack 11 that stores a pipette chip, a pipette 12 into which a specimen is injected, a conveyance unit that conveys the pipette 12 by parallel translation, a reagent rack 14, a reaction unit 15, a detection unit 16, and a detection block unit 17. The pipette chip stored by the chip rack 11 has a planar structure to directly and optically detect the specimen. The chip rack 11 includes, in a hole that receives the pipette chip, a guide corresponding to the structure of the pipette chip. The pipette 12 sucks or discharges the specimen via the pipette chip mounted onto the tip thereof by a drive of a pump. In the detection unit 16, a measurement is carried out with the pipette chip arranged so that the plane that receives light is vertical to an optical axis.

Abstract: Provided is a thermal transfer medium for a testing device, the thermal transfer medium including a support, a solid-phase reagent layer provided over the support and containing a reagent over a surface of the solid-phase reagent layer; and a protective layer provided over the solid-phase reagent layer in a manner to cover the reagent, wherein an average thickness of the protective layer is 0.5 ?m or greater but 30 ?m or less.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which comprises causing a determination to be made that a body fluid sample is from a patient with cancer. The determination can be made via analyzing the body fluid sample by sub-THz resonance spectroscopy with absorption determinations being made at a plurality of frequencies between 0.05 and 1.0 THz to show a presence of specific Micro-RNAs as cancer related molecules in the body fluid.

Abstract: Color quantification of chemical test pads and titration of analytes can be performed under different lighting conditions. In one embodiment, the lighting condition is estimated under which a digital image is captured and utilized to select a set of reference colors from which the quantified color is compared to determine the titration. In another embodiment, a plurality of comparisons are made with different lighting conditions with the result having the highest confidence level being selected to determine the titration.

Abstract: A device for detecting analytes in a sample includes (a) n light source units generating light; (b) a reaction strip including (i) a test area illuminated with light from the light source unit and including a material reacting to the analytes, (ii) a control area illuminated with the light from the light source unit and including a control material, and (iii) a background area illuminated with the light from the light source unit; and (c) at least n+1 light receiving units detecting light emitted from the test area, the control area, and the background area of the reaction strip, respectively.

Abstract: A hand-held microfluidic testing device is provided that includes a housing having a cartridge receiving port, a cartridge for input to the cartridge receiving port having a sample input and a channel, where the channel includes a mixture of Raman-scattering nanoparticles and a calibration solution, where the calibration solution includes chemical compounds capable of interacting with a sample under test input to the cartridge and the Raman-scattering nanoparticles, and an optical detection system in the housing, where the optical detection system is capable of providing an illuminated electric field, where the illuminating electric field is capable of being used for Raman spectroscopy with the Raman-scattering nanoparticles and the calibration solution to analyze the sample under test input to the cartridge.

Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for the physical separation of plankton into its component parts utilizing phototactic behavior are described. The methods utilize positive phototactic behavior and negative contrast orientation of the zooplankton for maximal in situ separation of phytoplankton and zooplankton for use in further studies and evaluation of separation efficiency. The devices provide effective conditions for use in the separation of plankton into component parts.

Abstract: A Raman scattering probe, and a method of making such a probe, uses a capsule of nanometric size, such as a nanotube, to which is coupled at least one Raman-active molecule. The Raman-active molecule may be encapsulated in, or attached on the exterior of, the capsule, and exhibits a Raman scattering response when the probe is illuminated by an excitation light beam. A functionalization chemical group that is attached to an exterior of the capsule provides a connection between the capsule and a target material. This functionalization may include a generic chemical functionalization that bonds with any of a plurality of secondary chemical groups each of which bonds directly with a different target. A method of using the probe for Raman spectroscopy or Raman imaging is also provided.

Abstract: A biochip device comprising a substrate constituted by at least one plate of material forming a multimode planar waveguide and carrying chromophore elements suitable for emitting fluorescence in response to excitation by guided waves having an evanescent portion, the device being characterized in that it includes coupling means for coupling excitation light with the waveguide in the form of guided waves, the coupling means being substantially non-directional.

Abstract: A device for performing biological sample reactions may include a plurality of flow cells configured to be mounted to a common microscope translation stage, wherein each flow cell is configured to receive at least one sample holder containing biological sample. Each flow cell also may be configured to be selectively placed in an open position for positioning the at least one sample holder into the flow cell and a closed position for reacting biological sample contained in the at least one sample holder. The plurality of flow cells may be configured to be selectively placed in the open position and the closed position independently of each other.

Abstract: A nanofluidic biosensor system (200) comprising a bottom substrate (120) and a top substrate (110) between which are defined an input lateral aperture (210), a nanoslit (230) which contains at least one functionalized area (231) and an output lateral aperture (220) or an internal reservoir (221), said biosensor system (200) being adapted to let a solution containing biomolecules (320) enter the input lateral aperture (210) and successively pass through said nanoslit (230) and said output lateral aperture (220) or internal reservoir (221); said biosensor system (200) furthermore comprising a gas evacuation subsystem (150-155) which is located between said nanoslit (230) and the biosensor external environment.

Abstract: A luminescent Ir(III) complex is used to develop a label-free G-quadruplex-based assay for lead ions in liquid or solution. In particular, the present invention describes method for monitoring lead ion concentration in water.

Abstract: The universal one-pot and up-scalable synthesis of SERS encoded nanoparticles relies on the controlled co-absorption of mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) and the Raman code on the metallic surfaces of the nanoparticles. In contrast to most of the reported procedures which typically involve complex steps, the present method has demonstrated to be an easy and fast one-pot approach for the production of SERS-encoded nanoparticles. This versatile strategy allows for the SERS codification of particles with every molecule with affinity toward the metal surface, independently of its chemical nature, as exemplified here in the fabrication of 31 different encoded particles using the same standard procedure. In addition to the easiness of preparation, scalability to the liter regime, stability in aqueous solutions including PBS and chemical diversity, our SERS-encoded particles show considerably higher optical efficiency than those fabricated by using PEG or PVP polymers.

Abstract: A luminescent Ir(III) complex it used to develop a label-free G-quadruplex-based assay for lead ions in a liquid or aqueous solution. In particular, the present invention describes method for monitoring lead ion concentration in water.

Abstract: To be adapted to various types of latex reagents for detecting scattered light and thereby measuring agglutination reactions with high sensitivity while sufficiently ensuring integration time. To be adapted to various types of latex particles of different particle sizes, a plurality of light receivers are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of cell movement by rotation of a cell disk. To ensure sufficient integration time, the angle between the optical axis of the irradiation light and each of a plurality of optical axes of scattered light viewed from above the cell is made equal to or less than 17.7° including a mounting error.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selectively eliminating triglycerides in lipoproteins other than low density lipoprotein, which method allows one to provide a method for directly and differentially quantifying LDL-TG in a sample with excellent simplicity, specificity and accuracy using an automated analyzer or the like without performing a laborious operation of pretreatment such as centrifugation or electrophoresis. The method for eliminating triglycerides in lipoproteins other than low density lipoproteins includes allowing lipoprotein lipase, cholesterol esterase, glycerol kinase and glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase to act on a sample in the presence of a surfactant that acts on lipoproteins other than low density lipoprotein and/or a surfactant having LDL-protecting action, and eliminating hydrogen peroxide produced thereby.

Abstract: A blood coagulation analyzer comprises: a light irradiation unit configured to apply light onto a container configured to store a measurement specimen containing a sample and a reagent, and comprising: light sources including a first light source configured to generate light of a first wavelength for blood coagulation time measurement, a second light source configured to generate light of a second wavelength for synthetic substrate measurement, and a third light source configured to generate light of a third wavelength for immunonephelometry measurement; and optical fiber parts facing the respective light sources; a light reception part configured to receive light transmitted through the container; and an analysis unit configured to analyze the sample using an electric signal outputted from the light reception part.

Abstract: Disclosed are in vitro methods for predicting the relative irritancy of a test substance. The disclosed methods include a first assay for water insoluble test substances and a second assay for water soluble test substances. The combined results of both assays provide greater sensitivity and accuracy in predicting relative irritancy than tests for water soluble irritants alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalytic nucleic acid molecule signal amplification combined with surface plasmon properties of gold nanoparticles to achieve simple and sensitive colorimetric detection of biological targets. The assays of the present invention have about 50 pM sensitivity without the need for purification steps, can detect multiple targets in parallel, and is easily adaptable to new targets. The methods of the present invention are capable of rapid detection of genetic targets for gonorrhea, syphilis, malaria, and hepatitis B infections.

Abstract: A heat source-free fiber positioning and orienting system for seepage of submerged or partially submerged structures and monitoring method thereof includes a plurality of seepage monitoring devices connected through rotary supports. The seepage monitoring devices include first seepage monitoring units symmetrically distributed on the front and back and second seepage monitoring units symmetrically distributed on left and right. Seepage monitoring fibers are distributed in the first seepage monitoring units and the second seepage monitoring units, and the seepage conditions of the submerged or partially submerged structures are monitored through the seepage monitoring fibers. The heat source-free fiber positioning and orienting system for the seepage of submerged or partially submerged structures has the characteristics of no heating, distribution manner, multiple orientations and synchronicity or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining a material characteristic of a sample material are disclosed. A sample material is loaded to a plurality of cells. An interference material is disposed relative to the sample material such that the interference material at least retards the transport of the sample material from a one of the cells to at least another one of the cells. For each one of the cells, independently: a stimulus is applied to the sample material in the cell such that a conditioned sample material is obtained; and a material characteristic of the conditioned sample material is sensed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions, tools, methods and devices to culture microorganisms and, in particular, to compositions, tools, methods and devices for the detection of microorganisms in biological samples.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and systems for the sensitive detection of cardiac troponin, Such methods, compositions, kits, and systems are useful in diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of methods of treatment in conditions that involve release of cardiac troponin.

Abstract: A method is described for mass spectrometric analysis, detection and quantification of catecholamines. The methods can comprise reacting the catecholamines with a 4-aminoantipyrine reagent and detecting and/or quantifying the adduct produced by the reaction. The methods can also allow for multiplexing. Compounds formed by the reactions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of identifying a characteristic of a clinical analysis specimen or a sample container containing the specimen are disclosed. The methods include moving the sample container along a track while causing translation and rotation of the sample container, and capturing two or more images of the sample container during the translation and rotation. The track may have one or more moveable belts contacting a carrier to rotate and translate the carrier holding the sample container. Image analysis may be used to read a barcode label of the sample container, determine HIL, and/or physical characteristics of the sample container. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A test strip device exhibits visual changes, such as color changes, when there is a only slight difference in the composition of liquids such as gasoline, oil, ethanol and water. Such a slight liquid composition difference usually requires a sophisticated and expensive instrument to differentiate. The test strip consists of one and more than one inverse opal films deposited on a substrate and achieves this goal of differentiation in a simple, fast and energy-free manner.

Abstract: An apparatus including an array of wells including a number of well channels, each well channel including a plurality of wells in the well channel, the wells containing a substance in use, one or more inlets for receiving respective fluids and channels coupled to the one or more inlets for selectively supplying one or more fluids to each well channel to thereby expose the substance to different conditions allowing a response of the substance to the conditions to be determined.

Abstract: A system for identifying and authenticating an object includes an indicium having randomly applied fluorophores that emit light when excited. The fluorophores produce a unique, random pattern that uniquely identifies any object to which the indicium is attached. The indicium may also include an identification code. An imaging unit with a flash excites and captures the photo-luminescence of the indicium in the form of a random image. The identification and authentication of the object is done by sending the image captured via a mobile phone or other device such as a laptop or notepad to a server of an authentication unit via the Internet or other communication media to correlate with a reference image of the indicium captured at the time of manufacture. This assures the authenticity of the product with a high degree of confidence.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a testing portion, the testing portion includes receiving space, a bottom surface defining an opening, an opposite top surface, and a first side surface defining a slot. A white light source is received in the receiving space. A wearable portion of the device is secured to the testing portion and the wearable portion can be placed around a terminal device comprising a camera. The opening faces the camera when the wearable portion is around the terminal device, allowing the camera to capture a standard image of the white light, and capture a wet image of a test paper imbued with user bio-matter when the test paper is inserted into the slot. A biological information of the user, as an indicator of health, is calculated according to a color comparison between the wet image and the standard image.

Abstract: A method for assaying a sample for each of multiple analytes is described. The method includes contacting an array of spaced-apart test zones with a liquid sample (e.g., whole blood). The test zones disposed within a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel is defined by at least one flexible wall and a second wall which may or may not be flexible. Each test zone comprising a probe compound specific for a respective target analyte. The microfluidic device is compressed to reduce the thickness of the channel, which is the distance between the inner surfaces of the walls within the channel. The presence of each analyte is determined by optically detecting an interaction at each of multiple test zones for which the distance between the inner surfaces at the corresponding location is reduced. The interaction at each test zone is indicative of the presence in the sample of a target analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.

Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and devices relating to optical fiber scanners are provided. In one aspect, a scanning apparatus includes an optical fiber and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the optical fiber to deflect a distal end of the optical fiber in a scanning pattern. The apparatus can include drive circuitry coupled to the piezoelectric actuator, sense circuitry electrically coupled to the piezoelectric actuator and the drive circuitry to determine displacement of the piezoelectric actuator, and a processor coupled to the drive circuitry and the sense circuitry to drive the piezoelectric actuator in response to the displacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of chemical and biological sensors and in particular to micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors for measuring fluid viscosity and detection of minute amounts of chemicals and biological agents in fluids. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor that will work in disposable cartridges with remote sensing that can measure dynamic changes of the functionalized cantilevers in liquid and gas environment.

Abstract: An analytical device for automated determining of a measured variable of a liquid sample, includes: a base module; a replaceable cassette connectable with the base module and having at least one liquid container connectable via a fluid line with a measuring cell and containing a reagent to be added to the liquid sample for forming a measured liquid; and a measuring transducer for registering measured values correlated with the measured variable for the measured liquid accommodated in the measuring cell. The cassette has, associated with the at least one liquid container, a fluid coupling apparatus having a primary component and a secondary component and serving for producing a connection of the fluid line with the liquid container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for colorimetrically analyzing a liquid medium by analyzing chemical test strip images are provided. The liquid medium can be industrial water in an industrial water system. Image analyzing software carries out the analysis. The results of the analysis can be used to diagnosing a chemical treatment regimen of the industrial water system. A chemical test strip holder can be used to enhance reliability and repeatability of the imaging process and/or subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Described herein are three-dimensional (3-D) paper fluidic devices. The entire 3-D device is fabricated on a support layer formed from a single sheet of material and assembled by folding the support layer. The folded structure may be enclosed in an impermeable cover or package. Chemically sensitive particles may be disposed in the support layer for use in detecting analytes.