Abstract: A modular testing device includes a base unit and an expansion unit that communicates with the base unit. The expansion unit includes a housing, a receptacle in which a sample holder containing a biological sample and reagent mixture can be placed, and an optical assembly positioned in the housing. The optical assembly is configured to amplify and detect a signal from the biological sample and reagent mixture. Data that is collected in the optical assembly is communicated to the base unit.

Abstract: A portable testing device includes a hosing with an integrated touchscreen display and a receptacle in which a sample holder containing a biological sample and reagent mixture can be placed. The portable testing device further includes an optical assembly positioned in the housing, an electronic assembly that is configured to receive data from the optical assembly and transmit it for display upon the touchscreen display, and a power supply in the housing to power the portable testing device. The optical assembly includes an excitation filter that extends across the entire optical assembly and an emission filter that extends across the entire optical assembly.

Abstract: A modular testing device includes a base unit and an expansion unit that communicates with the base unit. The expansion unit includes a housing, a receptacle in which a sample holder containing a biological sample and reagent mixture can be placed, and an optical assembly positioned in the housing. The optical assembly is configured to amplify and detect a signal from the biological sample and reagent mixture. Data that is collected in the optical assembly is communicated to the base unit.

Abstract: A portable testing device includes a housing with an integrated touchscreen display and a receptacle in which a sample holder containing a biological sample and reagent mixture can be placed. The portable testing device further includes an optical assembly positioned in the housing, an electronic assembly that is configured to receive data from the optical assembly and transmit it for display on the touchscreen display, and a power supply in the housing to power the portable testing device. The optical assembly includes an excitation filter that extends across the entire optical assembly and an emission filter that extends across the entire optical assembly.

Abstract: A method for performing an immunoassay is described. The method is particularly useful for detecting extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) producing microorganisms. The method is particularly useful for detecting microorganisms which produce extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) also known as exocellular polysaccharides, capsule, and/or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In a preferred method for detecting microorganisms which produce EPS, LPS, or both, the EPS and/or LPS is extracted from a sample with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to produce molecular aggregates which are then preferentially bound to colored polystyrene latex particles over other components in the sample, and the bound EPS and/or LPS detected using a lateral flow immunoassay apparatus which has immobilized thereon antibodies specific for the EPS and/or LPS. The method can also be used to detect particular viruses, for example viruses of the potyviridae or tobamoviridae group.

Abstract: A method for performing an immunoassay is described. The method is particularly useful for detecting extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) producing microorganisms. The method is particularly useful for detecting microorganisms which produce extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) also known as exocellular polysaccharides, capsule, and/or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In a preferred method for detecting microorganisms which produce EPS, LPS, or both, the EPS and/or LPS is extracted from a sample with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to produce molecular aggregates which are then preferentially bound to colored polystyrene latex particles over other components in the sample, and the bound EPS and/or LPS detected using a lateral flow immunoassay apparatus which has immobilized thereon antibodies specific for the EPS and/or LPS. The method can also be used to detect particular viruses, for example viruses of the potyviridae or tobamoviridae group.

Abstract: Controls and standards for assays and method for manufacturing the controls and standards is described. The controls or standards comprise a porous carrier material which has quantitatively reversibly absorbed and dried thereon an analyte for the control or standard wherein the analyte is not degraded over time while it is absorbed to the porous carrier material. Preferably, the controls and standards are provided as a control strip (10) in which the porous carrier material (20) is adhered to the distal end (16) of a support member (12). To quantitatively elute the analyte from the carrier to a solvent for an assay, the carrier is contacted to the same solvent used for the samples in the assay. After the analyte has been eluted, the carrier is discarded and the assay is performed. The controls and standards are useful for assays which detect bacteria, fungi, viruses, and proteins.

Abstract: A multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using chromogenic substrates for detecting multiple analytes is described.

Abstract: A method for performing an immunoassay is described. The method is particularly useful for detecting extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) producing microorganisms. The method is particularly useful for detecting microorganisms which produce extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) also known as exocellular polysaccharides, capsule, and/or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In a preferred method for detecting microorganisms which produce EPS, LPS, or both, the EPS and/or LPS is extracted from a sample with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to produce molecular aggregates which are then preferentially bound to colored polystyrene latex particles over other components in the sample, and the bound EPS and/or LPS detected using a lateral flow immunoassay apparatus which has immobilized thereon antibodies specific for the EPS and/or LPS. The method can also be used to detect particular viruses, for example viruses of the potyviridae or tobamoviridae group.

Abstract: Controls and standards for assays and method for manufacturing the controls and standards is described. The controls or standards comprise a porous carrier material which has quantitatively reversibly absorbed and dried thereon an analyte for the control or standard wherein the analyte is not degraded over time while it is absorbed to the porous carrier material. Preferably, the controls and standards are provided as a control strip (10) in which the porous carrier material (20) is adhered to the distal end (16) of a support member (12). To quantitatively elute the analyte from the carrier to a solvent for an assay, the carrier is contacted to the same solvent used for the samples in the assay. After the analyte has been eluted, the carrier is discarded and the assay is performed. The controls and standards are useful for assays which detect bacteria, fungi, viruses, and proteins.