Abstract: Methods for preparing a biological sample for testing by Maldi where such methods are selected based on sample parameters. Maldi scores are obtained for a range of sample parameters (e.g. McFarland, dispense volume and number of dispenses). From the data, sample preparation parameters can be selected for a biological sample being prepared for Maldi testing. One sample preparation strategy uses multiple dispenses of sample with an intervening drying step, which yields more accurate Maldi scores, particularly for samples at the low range of McFarland values (e.g. below about 2).

Abstract: A stabilization device for integrated catheters can include a platform, a pair of catheter fasteners on the platform, and a pair of stabilization wings extending from the platform. The platform can include a skin-facing side and catheter-securing side of the platform. The pair of catheter fasteners can be on the catheter-securing side of the platform. The catheter fasteners can be configured to secure a hub of an integrated catheter having an extension port. The pair of stabilization wings can extend from a transverse axis of the platform. The stabilization wings can be configured to mitigate rotation of the integrated catheter about a longitudinal axis thereof when the integrated catheter is secured by the catheter fasteners on the platform and the stabilization device is adhered to a patient. A method for stabilizing integrated catheters can include securing an integrated catheter and adhering the stabilization device to a patient's skin.

Abstract: An adaptor for connecting a drug delivery device to a connector provided with an external thread is disclosed. The adaptor includes a globally tubular body having a proximal region and a distal region, the proximal region being provided with an engagement element for mounting the adaptor on the drug delivery device. The distal region is provided on an inner wall of the distal region with an internal thread intended to cooperate with the external thread so as to connect the connector to the adaptor, the internal thread defining an internal thread crest. The internal thread crest is provided with at least one deformable radial end part configured so as to be radially deformed when the connector is screwed into the adaptor. Also disclosed is a drug delivery device including the adaptor and a method for connecting the connector to the adaptor.

Abstract: A surgical skin preparation device for applying an antiseptic composition to skin of a patient includes an applicator configured to absorb the antiseptic composition, the applicator having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface configured to apply the antiseptic composition to the skin of the patient, and an indicator. The indicator includes a first layer of a first material configured to wick the antiseptic composition, the first material being opaque in a first state and transparent or translucent in a second state, and a second layer of a non-wettable material, the second layer having at least one indicia that is visible to a user when the first layer is in the second state.

Abstract: A rotary pump for a fluid metering system is provided. The rotary pump reciprocates, and is reversed by a signal from a limit switch that is deflected by an actuator arm on a rotating sleeve of the pump system. The sleeve receives a gasket that forms a seal between the sleeve and the housing, the gasket having an opening surrounding a side hole of the sleeve to permit fluid to pass through the side hole between a pump volume and an inlet port or outlet port of the housing.

Abstract: A nest and tub arrangement for the storage of medical device components including a tub having a plurality of guide elements extending from at least one surface of the tub and into the interior of the tub, and at least one nest having a plurality of receptacles for the storage of a plurality of medical device components therein. The at least one nest is sized and configured for placement within the tub such that the plurality of guide elements align and removably retain the at least one nest within the tub.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter, and a needle hub coupled to the catheter adapter. The needle hub may be transparent, and a needle may be secured within the needle hub. The catheter system may also include a flow control plug coupled to the proximal end of the needle hub. In some embodiments, a flashback pathway may be disposed between an outer surface of the flow control plug and an inner surface of the needle hub. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an inner barrel and an outer barrel, and the inner barrel and the needle hub may be configured to move proximally within the outer barrel to retract the needle. The flashback pathway may be disposed between an outer surface of the needle hub and an inner surface of the inner barrel.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining baseline noise of a photodetector (e.g., in a light detection system of a particle analyzer). Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a sample having particles in a flow stream, detecting light with the photodetector from the irradiated flow stream, generating data signals from the detected light and calculating a moving average mean squared error of the generated data signals to determine the baseline of the photodetector. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having a light source and a light detection system that includes a photodetector for practicing the subject methods are also described. Integrated circuits and non-transitory computer readable storage medium are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, methods, systems and/or kits for detection of bacteria expressing enzymes that confer resistance to antimicrobial agents. Certain embodiments of the compositions, methods, systems and/or kits of the present disclosure are related to detection of carbapenemase-producing gram negative bacteria. Certain embodiments of the compositions, methods, systems and/or kits of the present disclosure are related to detection of Ambler Class A, B and/or D carbapenemase-producing enteric and non-fermenting gram negative rod bacteria.

Abstract: A pierceable cap may be used for containing sample specimens. The pierceable cap may prevent escape of sample specimens before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable cap may fit over a vessel. An access port in the shell of the pierceable cap may allow passage of a transfer device through the pierceable cap. The shell receives a septum that has four half dome indentations, each indentation defining a quadrant of the septum interior. The indentations are separated by the septum floor which extends along respective first and second diameters of the septum and intersect at approximately ninety degrees. The half dome indentations guide a transfer device to the partially slitted portion of the septum floor.

Abstract: A flush syringe with a syringe coupler facilitates twice dispensing of intravenous flushing solution to a patient's vascular access device (VAD), with reduced risk of VAD infection. The syringe coupler incorporates a female, first Luer connector on its proximal end that is removably coupled to the male, barrel Luer connector of the syringe, isolating the latter connector from external contamination. The syringe coupler also has a single-use, male, second Luer connector on its distal end of the housing that is adapted for coupled insertion into the patient's VAD, for delivery of at least a portion of the flushing solution retained within the syringe. After the first delivery, the syringe coupler is de-coupled from both the VAD and the syringe. Thereafter, the syringe's unused, sterile, male, barrel Luer connector is directly coupled to the VAD for dispensing the second portion of the flushing solution.

Abstract: A multi-chamber package is described including a first and second chamber, the first chamber having a bottom wall and sidewalls defining a cavity, the second chamber having a partially open bottom wall and sidewalls defining a cavity. A first removable seal is positioned over a top surface of the package, fully covering the first chamber and second chamber, and a second seal is positioned over a bottom surface of the partially open floor of the second chamber, fully sealing the second chamber. A method of packaging medical devices is also described.

Abstract: A flush syringe with a syringe coupler facilitates twice dispensing of intravenous flushing solution to a patient's vascular access device (VAD), with reduced risk of VAD infection. The syringe coupler incorporates a female, first Luer connector on its proximal end that is removably coupled to the male, barrel Luer connector of the syringe, isolating the latter connector from external contamination. The syringe coupler also has a single-use, male, second Luer connector on its distal end of the housing that is adapted for coupled insertion into the patient's VAD, for delivery of at least a portion of the flushing solution retained within the syringe. After the first delivery, the syringe coupler is de-coupled from both the VAD and the syringe. Thereafter, the syringe's unused, sterile, male, barrel Luer connector is directly coupled to the VAD for dispensing the second portion of the flushing solution.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering an instrument through an intravenous catheter may include a housing, a rotary element disposed within the housing, and an instrument. In some embodiments, the rotary element may include a groove, which may extend around at least a portion of the circumference of the rotary element. In some embodiments, the instrument may be disposed within the groove and/or between the rotary element and the housing. In some embodiments, in response to rotation of the rotary element with respect to the housing, the instrument may be advanced distally through an outlet of the housing. In some embodiments, the instrument may include a guidewire, a probe, blood draw tubing, or a light tube.

Abstract: A storage container for a storage and dispensing station for pharmaceuticals is provided. The storage container includes a housing, which encloses a receptacle chamber having a guide section, wherein an inner wall of the guide section defines a circular-cylindrical guide chamber. A singulating unit is arranged in the guide section of the housing having a central axis of rotation. The singulating unit has a main section and multiple projections, wherein each projection has two end sections and a middle section. One pharmaceutical duct is formed between each two end sections of adjacent projections, wherein the middle sections of the projections are recessed and one or both end sections of each projection bear on the wall of the guide section. Gaps between the singulating unit and the inner wall allow pharmaceutical dust to fall through to avoid pharmaceutical dust formed during singulation causing increased friction between the singulating unit and the wall of the storage container.

Abstract: A blood collection device to reduce hemolysis in a peripheral intravenous catheter system may include a distal end. The distal end of the blood collection device may include a male luer adapter, which may include a distal opening. The blood collection device may include a cannula in fluid communication with the male luer adapter. The cannula may include a distal end and a sharp proximal tip. The blood collection device may include an elongated neck disposed between the male luer adapter and the sharp proximal tip. The blood collection device may include a fluid pathway extending from the distal opening through the sharp proximal tip. A diameter of the fluid pathway may be constant. An entire length of the fluid pathway is represented by L, and the diameter of the fluid pathway is represented by D. D4/L may be equal to or less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of non-invasively determining a blood circulatory hemoglobin value for a subject using a near-infrared spectrophotometric (NIRS) sensing device is provided. The method includes: a) non-invasively sensing tissue of the subject using the NIRS sensing device at about a time T1, and determining at least one NIRS tissue totalHb value; b) acquiring at least one circulatory blood sample from the subject at about the time T1; c) determining at least one blood circulatory THb value; d) calibrating the NIRS sensing device using the at least one blood circulatory THb value and the at least one MRS tissue TotalHb value; and e) determining at least one blood circulatory hemoglobin value using the calibrated NIRS sensing device and the at least one NIRS tissue totalHb value.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting fluid low-volume and occlusion in a device using a sensor. One or more force sensing resistors are positioned in communication with a fluid channel at one or more of a pump intake and pump outlet to detect pressure in the fluid channel. The pressure is detected through communication with the force sensing resistor and indicates an irregular system condition including but not limited to, fluid low-volume level and occlusion. Also provided are a fluid flow sensor (e.g., FSR or MEMS sensor) disposed relative to an embedded fluid channel in the base of a wearable medicine delivery pump.