Abstract: A sampling device is provided for concentrating a liquid specimen sample. The sampling device includes a filtration assembly and a filter-collection receptacle disengageably coupled to the filtration assembly. The filtration assembly includes a tubular container and a plunger, which is insertable into the tubular container via a proximal container opening. The filtration assembly is configured such that movement of the plunger within the tubular container, when a liquid specimen sample is contained in the tubular container and a filter is disposed in the tubular container, pushes at least a portion of the liquid specimen sample through the filter. The sampling device is configured such that the filter is advanceable into the filter-collection receptacle while the filter-collection receptacle is disengageably coupled to the filtration assembly. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for calculating information on urination. The method includes the steps of acquiring a sound signal related to urination of a user, calculating a urination parameter related to an effective value (or urination parameters related to an effective value and a spectral centroid) from the acquired sound signal, and estimating a urine flow rate of the user with reference to the calculated urination parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods described provide dynamic and intelligent ways to change the required level of user interaction during use of a monitoring device. The systems and methods generally relate to real time switching between a first or initial mode of user interaction and a second or new mode of user interaction. In some cases, the switching will be automatic and transparent to the user, and in other cases user notification may occur. The mode switching generally affects the user's interaction with the device, and not just internal processing. The mode switching may relate to calibration modes, data transmission modes, control modes, or the like.

Abstract: A method for non-invasive detecting and tracing cancer.

Abstract: A vial sleeve for a cryogenic vial includes a cover portion including a side wall defining a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the vial, and a locking feature configured to operatively engage at least a portion of the vial for resisting movement of the vial relative to the vial sleeve. The vial sleeve may include a first label adhered to an exterior surface of the side wall and including a first set of indicia. The first set of indicia may be different from a second set of indicia included on a second label adhered to an exterior surface of the vial.

Abstract: An apparatus for procuring bodily fluid samples with reduced contamination includes a housing having a sequestration chamber, an inlet, and an outlet. A flow controller defines a portion of the sequestration chamber and can transition—in response to a suction force exerted by a fluid collection device fluidically coupled to the outlet—from a first state in which the sequestration chamber has a first volume to a second state in which the sequestration chamber has a second volume greater than the first volume, to draw an initial volume of bodily fluid into the sequestration chamber. An actuator is coupled to the housing and is in fluid communication with the inlet and the sequestration chamber in a first configuration, and is transitioned to a second configuration to sequester the sequestration chamber from the inlet, and allow a subsequent volume of bodily fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A dressing apparatus and methods for facilitating healing, the apparatus and methods involving a dressing member, an electromagnetically conductive element mechanically coupled with the dressing member, and a primary RFID device configured to transmit at least one output signal to the electromagnetically conductive element, to receive at least one return signal from the electromagnetically conductive element, and to provide an alert if the at least one return signal has a strength corresponding to at least approximately a threshold amount of fluid present in the dressing member, whereby healing is facilitated.

Abstract: A urodynamic investigation apparatus for receipt of urine from a bladder is provided. The apparatus is characterized by a tubular element, first and second fittings, and a sleeve element, for select passage of urine there through, within the tubular element. The tubular element is characterized by opposing first and second end portions, and a port. The fittings are adapted to be received by the opposing end portions of the tubular element so as to delimit an apparatus chamber. The sleeve element, suspended between the fittings within the chamber, has collapsed and open configurations. The collapsed configuration is indicative of a no urine flow condition, and the open configuration indicative of a urine flow condition, with the sleeve element urine flow condition being a function of pressure applied to the chamber via the port of the tubular element.

Abstract: A urodynamic investigation apparatus for receipt of urine from a bladder is provided. The apparatus is characterized by a tubular element, first and second fittings, and a sleeve element, for select passage of urine there through, within the tubular element. The tubular element is characterized by opposing first and second end portions, and a port. The fittings are adapted to be received by the opposing end portions of the tubular element so as to delimit an apparatus chamber. The sleeve element, suspended between the fittings within the chamber, has collapsed and open configurations. The collapsed configuration is indicative of a no urine flow condition, and the open configuration indicative of a urine flow condition, with the sleeve element urine flow condition being a function of pressure applied to the chamber via the port of the tubular element.

Abstract: A liquid collecting mechanism that includes a liquid collection tube arm and a liquid collection tube head fixed at a front end of the tube arm. A sealing spacer is arranged at a joint connecting the liquid collection tube head and the liquid collection tube arm, and the liquid collection tube head is internally provided with a liquid collection cavity. An area of the liquid collection tube head located above the liquid collection cavity is a mesh collection area, and a plurality of collecting holes is provided in the mesh collection area. The mechanism includes a liquid suction tube passing through the tube arm and tube head, and the liquid suction tube has an open first end located in the liquid collection cavity and an open second end configured to connect with a pump body mechanism.

Abstract: An innovative medical device that permits rapid, minimally invasive restoration of blood flow across a vascular blockage. A method employing said device, allowing for lysis or removal of said blockage. Said device creates a temporary bypass using longitudinal structure configured for insertion into the blood vessel and adapted to deliver a side hole to a target area. The side hole defines a distal first segment and a proximal second segment with a lumen to allow blood flow therethrough to the distal end hole. In an alternate embodiment, a slidable outer sheath can cover the side hole to permit reversal of blood flow from the distal end hole to a proximal end hole located outside a patient's body by means of an aspiration controller. Alternate embodiments include an optional anchoring balloon, a macerating stent or wires, perforations for fluid delivery, and a backflow valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dialysis device (1), more particularly a microdialysis device for the sampling of substances from the surface of a body organ. The device is particularly useful in the context of the monitoring of a moving organ, such as a beating heart, as the device comprises attachment means (2) allowing for a flexible and reliable attachment thereto. Furthermore, the microdialysis device provides for an efficient exchange of substances, such as metabolic substances, between the organ and the dialysis fluid through a semi-permeable material forming part of the device. There is also provided a method encompassing the device of the disclosure.

Abstract: A device for preventing contamination of a positive-pressure connector (6) of an indwelling needle and a method based on same. The device comprises a shell (1), a connecting port (3) fixedly connected to the shell (1) and used for connecting to the positive-pressure connector (6), an air pressure balance hole (5) disposed opposite to the connecting port (3) and provided on the shell (1), and a filtering membrane (2) provided between the air pressure balance hole (5) and the connecting port (3). The device is simple in structure, adopts a structural design of the filtering membrane (2), can filter microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, dusts, and particulate pollution sources, and is used during indwelling of infusion intervals to prevent the positive-pressure connector (6) from being exposed to the air and maintain the aseptic state and positive-pressure condition of the positive-pressure connector (6) during indwelling.

Abstract: An analytic device comprising a device housing, a dock to receive a camera enabled mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone and other smart devices, and a processing device to communicate with the mobile electronic device and to control a condition of the assay tube, such as temperature. In another example, the analytic device comprises a device housing and a circuit board. A processing device, a heating block defining a recess to support assay tube, and a resistive heater are surface mounted to the circuit board. A light source and a fan are also provided. A dock may be provided to support a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device communicates with the processing device to cause the application of reaction conditions to the assay tube, to perform a PCR procedure, for example. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An injection device is disclosed herein. The injection device is utilized to inject a liquid onto a test area of a semiconductor element. The injection device includes a base, a reservoir, a first testing pipe, a cleaning pipe and a liquid-draining pipe. The reservoir set on the base is provided with at least one connecting port and a dropping port, wherein the dropping port is against the test area of the semiconductor element. The first testing pipe, the cleaning pipe and the liquid-draining pipe are connected to at least one connecting port, wherein a first liquid is injected from the first testing pipe into the reservoir, and wherein the a cleaning liquid is injected from the cleaning pipe into the reservoir to clean the reservoir and the test area. The dropping port is utilized to drain off the first testing liquid and the cleaning liquid in the reservoir. A semiconductor testing system utilizing the injection device and its testing method are also provided herein.

Abstract: A method of immunological evaluation includes cleaning a skin surface area of a patient. A controlled amount of heat is then applied to the skin surface area. The controlled amount of heat is removed after the skin surface area reaches a predetermined temperature. An amount of antigen is deposited onto the skin surface area and incubated for a predetermined amount of time on the skin surface area. The antigen is removed from the skin surface area and an immunological response at the skin surface area is evaluated. Apparatus for administering heat and memorializing the evaluation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device, configured to contain a liquid medicine to be dispensed by the medicine dispensing device and having a plurality of dosing indicia spaced apart from each other around and in relation to a circumference of a surface of the medicine dispensing device, each dosing indicia being of a different height relative to a reference level and corresponding to different dose of the liquid medicine.

Abstract: An electrical information device configured to communicate information related to a medicament delivery performed by a medicament delivery device is presented. The device includes at least one information communication unit configured to communicate the information, and at least one power providing arrangement including at least one power source, at least one electrical switch and at least one switch lock member. The at least one switch lock member being configured to be movable in an axial direction from a first position to a second position by an axial movement of at least one triggering member of the medicament delivery device, to cause a change of state of the at least one electrical switch in the second position, thereby providing electrical power to the at least one information communication unit from the at least one power source, and to be locked in the second position, such that the change of state of the electrical switch is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection apparatus and a method for detecting and manipulating a blood vessel under the skin of part of the body of a patient, which comprises a treatment chamber for accommodating the body part, a data processing control device, a vascular structure measuring device for detecting the position and/or dimensions of vascular structure data of the blood vessel in the treatment chamber by measurement, a vascular manipulation device for changing the position and/or dimension of the blood vessel, wherein the control device is designed to control the vascular manipulation device as a function of the vascular structure data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device may include an intraventricular access device and an infusion device. The intraventricular access device may include more than one catheter and a container. In some embodiments, the catheter may include an aspiration lumen and an infusion lumen. A distal end of the intraventricular portion of the catheter may be positionable, during use, in a subject's brain fluid. In some embodiments, the container may be coupled to a proximal end of the aspiration lumen. The proximal end of the aspiration lumen may be in fluid communication with the container. In some embodiments, the container may include a barrier positioned between a proximal opening of the aspiration lumen and at least a portion of the infusion lumen adjacent to and/or associated with the container. The barrier may inhibit penetration of a surgical instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having a suction channel and a suction connector in communication with said suction channel, and a working channel through which a liquid may pass. A valve for diverting the suction through the sampling device through a sample container is provided. The endoscope (1) further includes an actuator (7) for propelling the liquid through said working channel.

Abstract: A menstrual cup is provided whose body can expand to reveal an interior cavity in an open position configured to receive menstrual fluids and that can retract to a closed position such that the interior cavity of the menstrual cup is contained by the sides and body of the menstrual cup and any contained fluids are prevented from leaking out. A hook is coupled to a bottom surface of the body of the menstrual cup and can be pulled upon to close the menstrual cup and pushed upwards to open the menstrual cup. The retractability of the menstrual cup facilitates insertion into the vaginal cavity and removal without spillage of menstrual fluids. The menstrual cup includes a body with retractable sides that can close inwardly. A user can grasp the hook to manipulate the body of the menstrual cup from either a closed position or an open position.

Abstract: A printed circuit board device includes: a first capacitive sensor configured to measure a first capacitance within a contained volume having known dimensions, wherein the first capacitance changes as a substance is received into the contained volume; a second capacitive sensor having a plurality of trigger points at a plurality of corresponding known heights within the contained volume, the second capacitive sensor configured to detect when the substance received into the contained volume has reached each of the corresponding known heights within the contained volume; and wherein at least one of a level of the substance within the contained volume, a volume of the substance within the contained volume, or a flow rate of the substance into the contained volume is determined based on data from the first capacitive sensor and the second capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgical procedures is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive element and pads disposed on opposing sides of the conductive element. The conductive element, optionally in combination with the pads, is configured to limit the density of electrical current that passes from a patient to the return electrode. The conductive element and the pads can cooperate to define two separate working surfaces on opposing sides of the return electrode. The return electrode can also be safely used with patients of substantially any size and without requiring adjustments to the power settings of an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: The present device is a specimen containment unit comprising; a container, wherein the container has a first portion of a locking mechanism positioned distal to an opening, and a funnel having a base and a plurality of segments attached to the base and a second portion of a locking mechanism integrated into the base, wherein the segments protrude a predetermined distance and angle from the base, wherein the first portion of the locking mechanism is designed to mate with the second portion of the locking mechanism to secure the funnel to the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to using detected bladder events for the diagnosis of urinary incontinence or the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. A system includes a sensing device comprising a pressure sensor to directly detect a pressure within a bladder. The sensing device is adapted to be located within the bladder. The system also includes a signal processing device to: receive a signal indicating the detected pressure within the bladder; detect a bladder event based the detected pressure within the signal; and characterize the bladder event as a bladder contraction event or a non-contraction event. The characterization of the bladder event can be used in the diagnosis of urinary incontinence or the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for measuring a fluid parameter. The sensor comprises a sensing part for supplying a measurement data signal and a processing part releasably connected to the sensing part. The processing part comprises an identification recognition means capable of recognizing a presence of an identification means in the sensing part. Accordingly in the sensor a particular sensing part used may be recognized so that full functionality can be maintained when exchanging a recognized sensing part and more limited functionality is available when the sensing part is not recognized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a medication to a person experiencing an emergency medical event without requiring intervention or action on the part of the person. A device encases a reservoir of medication and a delivery mechanism. Sensors in the housing sense a physical attribute of the person and circuitry monitors information collected by the sensors to determine if the person is experiencing a severe medical condition or event based on the information. An input device on or in the housing, such as a button, may be used or activated by the person if the detected condition or event is a false positive to cancel further action. If the system does not include the button or if the user does not press it in time, the system activates the delivery device and injects the medication into the person.

Abstract: A blood sample collection and/or storage device includes a two-piece housing that encompasses a port at which a fingertip blood sample is collected. After the sample is taken, the two-piece housing is moved to a closed position to protect the sample for storage and optionally process the sample within the housing. The housing may also be opened to access the stored sample for further processing.

Abstract: A band of stretchable material has dimensions suitable to be stretched over the neck of a urinal bottle. The neck has exposed edges that can come into contact with a user's hand, arms, male member, and/or any other portions of a user's anatomy, and the band is sized so that it covers those edges of the bottle neck. The band has a length and a diameter, and that diameter is smaller than the diameter of the neck in a urinal bottle. That way, when stretched over the neck, the bank will cover the edges of the neck of the bottle. In use, the band will also cover at least some portion of the opening in the neck of the urinal bottle.

Abstract: A fecal management device, and methods for applying a fecal management device to a patient, are described herein. In some embodiments, the fecal management device comprises a sheath having a first end and a second end, a first connector at the first end of the sheath, said first connector comprising a substrate that includes a first adhesive and a second adhesive, the second adhesive disposed relatively outwardly with respect to the first adhesive, the substrate having a multi-lobed contour with two opposing concave regions, a sheath port located at the second end of the sheath, the sheath port configured to removably mate with a collection bag port, and a collection bag, wherein the collection bag includes the collection bag port.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also can include a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. One or more sensors can be positioned under the cover to provide feedback to a suction pump controller. The apparatus can have a miniature and portable vacuum source connected to the wound cover.

Abstract: A blood collection device including a flow path to flow blood by capillary action capable of collecting a large amount of blood is provided. The blood collection device includes an introduction inlet 23 for introducing the blood of the subject M, a substrate 20 connected to the introduction inlet 23 and including a flow path 25 to flow the blood by capillary action, and a cooling body 30 for cooling the flow path 25.

Abstract: A pen format liquid collection device includes an elongate generally tubular housing (12, 112, 212, 312) able to be held by hand and having an opening at one end, and at least one liquid take-up element (30, 130, 230, 330) mounted in the housing so as to be positioned or positionable to project at the opening, the at least one liquid take-up element then further postionable by hand manipulation of the housing to contact a volume of liquid to thereby take-up a sample of the liquid to be analysed. At least one retention element (230a, 330a) is supported in the housing. The at least one liquid take-up element and the at least one retention element are arranged whereby they are relatively movable into contact, and the at least one retention element is adapted on contact to in turn take-up the sample and retain the sample or a component thereof for in situ analysis or later recovery while protected within the housing. The liquid take-up element is preferably a capillary.

Abstract: Devices for collecting and analyzing a fluid sample comprise a fluid-collecting porous material comprising at least one hydrophilic porous layer and one or more sensors adapted to provide a response to the presence of an analyte. The detectors are useful for collecting and analyzing a very small volume of sample and may include features that facilitate and direct flow of the sample through porous material.

Abstract: A composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a micropump system housed within or above a wound dressing member. The micropump system includes a miniature pump that applies a subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed without the need for a cumbersome external vacuum source. Hence, the wound dressing and micropump system is portable which allows the patient mobility that is unavailable when an external vacuum source is used. The patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in general to a malleable and non-absorbent pessary having a solid cylindrical body formed of wax for use in improving symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse.

Abstract: Surgical access stabilization devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. For example, the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be used during a surgical procedure to selectively establish, stabilize, and maintain a desired trajectory and/or positioning of a surgical access device. An exemplary surgical access stabilization device can include a pad with an adhesive distal facing surface to adhere to an anchor surface, a surgical access device coupled to the pad, and a locking mechanism to selectively lock a position of the surgical access device relative to the pad. In one embodiment, the anchor surface can be the skin of a patient. An exemplary surgical access device stabilization method can include making an incision in a patient at a surgical site, inserting a surgical access device through the incision, adhering a pad to an anchor surface, e.g.

Abstract: A wearable monitoring system includes a first flexible substrate encapsulating a current ramping system to provide a current to an electrode in direct contact with a predetermined location of skin of a user to promote bodily fluid secretion, and a second flexible substrate placed over the predetermined location, the second flexible substrate having an integrated electrochemical sensor to determine bodily fluid concentration levels secreted through the skin.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, defining an inner volume, and an actuator mechanism movably disposed therein. The actuator mechanism is configured to be transitioned from a first configuration to a second configuration to define a pre-sample reservoir fluidically couplable to receive a pre-sample volume of bodily-fluid via an inlet port of the housing. The actuator mechanism is movable from a first position to a second position within the housing after the pre-sample reservoir receives the pre-sample volume such that the housing and the actuator mechanism collectively define a sample reservoir to receive a sample volume of bodily-fluid via the inlet port. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the sample reservoir and is configured to be fluidically coupled to an external fluid reservoir after the sample volume is disposed in the sample reservoir to transfer at least a portion of the sample volume into the external fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A method of ablating tissue comprising adjusting a set of dosing parameters for an ablation catheter based on a set of optical image-derived parameters generated from optical image-derived information obtained from direct optical imaging of the tissue while the ablation catheter is in contact with the tissue. The set of optical image-derived parameters may include a color profile, a blanching parameter, or a contact angle of a distal tip of the ablation catheter. The method may further comprise comparing the color profile to a signature profile and adjusting the set of dosing parameters based on the comparison between the color profile and the signature profile.

Abstract: A 3D printed biocompatible drug delivery device is provided having a fluid delivery channel distinguishing three segments and a receiving chamber with an array of microneedles. The three segments of the delivery channel are stagnation zones before a drug is extruded and whereby an inverted funnel provides an increasing extrusion surface servicing the drug to the array of microneedles. The design of the device with its flow-related components circumvents the challenge of colloidal stability associated with multi-phase formulations leading to nozzle blockage. Qualitative screening cytotoxicity tests pre and post-extrusion through the drug delivery device using mammalian cells rule out cytotoxicity and outline equivalent viability to control treatments. The biocompatibility results suggest that the fluid delivery design, the photoresin selected as well as the fabrication and sterilization may be extended over a range of regenerative medicine and drug delivery applications.

Abstract: The design and structure of a physiological fluid collection bag with instant data transmission capabilities, utilizing a micromachined thermal time-of-flight flow sensor as well as integrated pH and calorimetric mass flow sensors for simultaneous and continuous measurement of the instant volumetric flow rate, accumulated total volume, pH and density of data of a collected fluid is disclosed in embodiments. The fluid collection bag includes a collection chamber and storage chamber wherein the sensors are installed inside the storage chamber of the bag and the bag is fully disposable. The fluid collection bag is able to measure the flow rate and instantly relay the data to a reusable data processing unit that can transmit the data to a designated data center or to medical staff.

Abstract: A toothbrush device having a body defining a cavity and an input port disposed on the body in fluid communication with the cavity. The input port permits brushing by-products to pass through the input port and into the cavity while restricting passage of the brushing by-products outward from the cavity. In one form, the toothbrush device includes an elongated handle with a reservoir having at least a portion disposed within the handle. The reservoir is sized to hold a predetermined amount of oral care product, and a mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the reservoir to discharge the oral care product from the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for uroflowmetry is disclosed. The system can include an audio device configured to obtain audio data of urination. The system can include a machine learning module with at least one processor and associated memory, wherein the system is configured to: process the audio data of urination via a machine learning model that is trained based on simulated urine flow data and associated audio data received from a urine flow simulator, and real urine flow data and associated audio data received from a urine flow measuring device, and output the processed audio data of urination to be used in uroflowmetry.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein combine both moisture and electromyograph (EMG) sensors in a single wearable garment, along with a suitable output device such as a “smart” mobile device or computer, to provide users with new and useful feedback that can significantly improve incontinence symptoms. The EMG provides feedback to the user specifically regarding the quality of pelvic floor muscle contractions, while the moisture sensor provides feedback about the “end result” of the subjects' incontinence. Each measurement device alone can also provide useful information and feedback to different population groups. Combining these two measurements provides unprecedented data to enhance the subjects' therapy in managing urinary incontinence.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for drawing blood from a user by skin puncture instead of venous puncture and storing it for analysis. The system includes a receptacle configured to engage an area of skin of the user at a blood draw location and store blood drawn from the user; a lancet device disposed within the receptacle configured to puncture the skin of the user at the blood draw location; a vacuum device configured to reduce a pressure within the receptacle such that the skin at the blood draw location is drawn into the receptacle before the lancet device punctures the skin, and to enhance blood flow while blood is drawn from the user; and a housing configured to house the receptacle, the lancet device, and the vacuum device. The receptacle, the lancet device, and the vacuum device may be modular and removably coupled with the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for testing a liquid specimen, which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) a container (4) for the liquid specimen; (ii) a lid (6) for closing the container (4) after the liquid specimen has been provided in the container (4); (iii) first securing means (8) by which the lid (6) is secured to the container (4); (iv) a test capsule (10) for securing to the lid (6) when the lid (6) is on the container (4); (v) second securing means (12) by which the test capsule (10) is secured to the lid (6); and (vi) a response chart (14) which is operable in response to contact with the liquid specimen, and the apparatus (2) being such that: (vii) the lid has an openable portion (18) which when opened permits a liquid specimen in the container (4) to enter the test capsule (10); (viii) the test capsule (10) has opener means (20) for opening the openable portion on the lid (6) when the test capsule (10) is secured to the lid (6); and (ix) the response chart (14) is inside the test capsule (10) and is contacted by the liqu

Abstract: A specimen transfer device adapted to receive a blood sample is disclosed. The specimen transfer device includes a housing and an actuation member. A deformable material is disposed within the housing and is deformable from an initial position in which the material is adapted to hold the sample to a deformed position in which at least a portion of the sample is released from the material. A viscoelastic member is disposed within the housing between the material and the housing and between the material and the actuation member. The viscoelastic member is engaged with the actuation member and the material such that movement of the actuation member from a first position to a second position deforms the material from the initial position to the deformed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a bodily emission of a subject that is disposed within a toilet bowl. While the bodily emission is disposed within the toilet bowl, light is received from the toilet bowl using one or more light sensors. Using a computer processor, one or more spectral components within the received light that are indicative of light absorption by a component of erythrocytes are detected, by analyzing the received light. In response thereto, the computer processor determines that there is a presence of blood within the bodily emission. The computer processor generates an output on an output device, at least partially in response thereto. Other applications are also described.