Abstract: Methods of identifying a defect in a machine vision system. Embodiments of the method include providing a first imaging device having a first field of view; moving a reflective tool through the first field of view; capturing a plurality of images of the reflective tool at different locations in the first field of view using the first imaging device; and analyzing at least one of the plurality of images to identify one or more defects in the machine vision system. Systems and apparatus configured to carry out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A method for performing remote tissue assessment of a tissue region includes selecting imaging parameters, obtaining M image datasets of the tissue region when the tissue region is illuminated by a light signal having a unique discrete wavelength, obtaining a reference image dataset of the tissue region without illumination, processing the M+1 image datasets to obtain M marker maps where each marker map corresponds to a different physiological marker, and analyzing at least one of the marker maps to determine whether a physiological condition exists at the tissue region or to monitor the status of an existing physiological condition at the tissue region. In one or more embodiments, the method may be performed by a portable light source unit including a housing configured for use with a mobile device having a camera, or by a system including a light source unit, an optical sensor module, and a mobile device.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to methods and compositions for isothermal amplification of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunoassays for detecting an anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody in a biological sample from a subject and/or diagnosing a thyroid disease in a subject. The disclosed immunoassays employ a recombinant cynomolgus monkey thyroid peroxidase (rTPO) and assess the level of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody-induced formation or disruption of complexes comprising a solid support and the rTPO.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for minimizing retinal exposure to flash during image gathering for diagnosis. In an embodiment, a system captures a plurality of retinal images of different retinal regions. The system determines that a first portion of a first image does not meet a criterion while a second portion of the first image does meet the criterion, identifies a portion of the retina depicted in the first portion that does not meet the criterion, and determines whether the portion of the retina is depicted in a third portion of a second image and whether the third portion meets the criterion. Responsive to determining that the third portion meets the criterion, the system performs the diagnosis. Responsive to determining that the portion of the retina is not depicted in the second image, the system captures an additional image of the retinal region.

Abstract: Methods of troubleshooting non-event malfunctions include providing a database including pre-populated non-event issues and associated corrective actions, receiving search criteria regarding a particular non-event issue via entry of a search string at a user interface, parsing and normalizing the search string into a meta-data schema to produce a normalized search string, searching the database with the normalized search string to generate a listing of one or more particular corrective actions, and receiving the listing of one or more particular corrective actions that are associated with the normalized search string. Apparatus configured to carry out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for testing blood samples to determine the presence and type of a blood stream infection (BSI). In one embodiment, the composition is a lysis reagent or composition that comprises betaine hydrochloride, spermidine, saponin, and Triton® X-100. The methods include combining the lysis reagent with the blood sample, and at least one centrifuge step to isolate the micro-organisms that cause the BSI. The micro-organisms are kept viable so that diagnostic tests can be run on the blood samples after the various method steps are performed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the detection of silent carriers of chromosomal deletion alleles in a human subject using haploid cells (e.g., sperm cells or egg cells) derived from the subject. The methods provided herein allow for the detection of silent (2+0) carriers of SMA, where the individual has a deletion of the SMN1 gene on one chromosome 5 homolog and two or more copies of the SMN1 gene on the other chromosome 5 homolog.

Abstract: A method for analyzing an anatomical structure of a patient may include the steps of receiving volumetric scan data representative of one or more features of an anatomical structure; mapping the features to a node tree diagram; and displaying the node tree diagram. The features can comprise branching points, pathways connecting the branching points, and location data of the branching points and pathways. The node tree diagram may comprise a plurality of nodes and branches representing the branching points and pathways in the anatomical structure, respectively. The plurality of nodes may comprise a root node representing a root branching point as well as additional nodes representing additional branching points. Additionally, the node tree diagram may comprise a first set of one or more regions, wherein each region encompasses a respective portion of the node tree diagram and is representative of a defined portion of the anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient is undergoing a pre-flare event, the method comprising obtaining a blood, serum, plasma, or saliva sample from the SLE patient; assessing a level of expression for each of a plurality of biomarkers, the plurality of biomarkers comprising OPN, MCP-1/CCL2, MCP-3/CCL7, IL-17A, TNFRII, TNFRI, IL-4, IL-5, BLyS, TNF?, and IL-7; determining a Lupus Flare Risk Prediction Index (LFPI) for the patient based upon the level of expression for each of a plurality of biomarkers; and based upon the LFPI, determining whether the patient is undergoing a pre-flare event.

Abstract: Labels that include dibromopyridazinedione attached to signal molecules are disclosed, along with methods of producing and using same. Also disclosed are conjugates of the label attached to an analyte-specific binder, as well as methods of producing and using same. Kits containing the labels and/or conjugates are also disclosed, along with microfluidics devices containing same.

Abstract: A method for performing a diagnostic test comprises generating a first visual trigger on a display screen of a mobile device responsive to activation of an application on the mobile device. An image of a diagnostic test presently viewed by a camera incorporated with the mobile device is displayed on the display screen of the mobile device. The diagnostic test has a second visual trigger thereon. The image and the first visual trigger are displayed on the display screen at a same time. An image is captured by the application of the diagnostic test responsive to alignment of the first visual trigger with the second visual trigger on the display screen of the mobile device. The captured image is processed to provide test results for the diagnostic test.

Abstract: An improved system, method and interface for automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is disclosed which includes, in one aspect, a carrier population station comprising a workstation having a graphic user interface (GUI). The GUI accepts information from a lab technologist, including information related to a scope of testing to be performed on a patient sample. The GUI controls intelligent assignment of patient samples to test panels in a manner that maximize utilization of the test carrier by grouping together samples of similar tests scopes and advantageously testing those samples using one multiplexed test panel. Customizing workflow in accordance with test scope to facilitate parallel processing of multiple samples advantageously reduces laboratory waste, decreases test latencies, increases AST system throughput and efficiency, and thus lowers the costs to the AST lab.

Abstract: An infusion system may include a strontium-rubidium radioisotope generator that generates a radioactive eluate via elution, a beta detector, a gamma detector, and a controller. The beta detector and the gamma detector may be positioned to measure beta emissions and gamma emissions, respectively, emitted from the radioactive eluate. In some examples, the controller is configured to determine an activity of rubidium in the radioactive eluate based on the beta emissions measured by the beta detector and determine an activity of strontium in the radioactive eluate based on the gamma emissions measured by the gamma detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a thin-film element that enables analytes to be analyzed on separate surfaces. In an example, a thin-film element includes a first layer for processing a fluid sample to generate a first analyte and a second analyte. The thin-film element also includes a second layer configured to be impermeable to the first analyte to enable the first analyte to be retained by the first layer and permeable to the second analyte to enable the second analyte to pass through the second layer. The thin-film element further includes a third layer configured to retain the second analyte. The second layer includes a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface to provide reflectance signals indicative of analytes present in the first and third layers to sensors located on opposite sides of the thin-film element.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for use in detecting gabapentin in a sample suspected of containing gabapentin are disclosed. Gabapentin derivatives are used to produce gabapentin conjugates. A gabapentin-immunogenic carrier conjugate may be used as an immunogen for the preparation of an anti-gabapentin antibody. A gabapentin-detectable label may be used in a signal producing system in gabapentin assays.

Abstract: The invention provides analyzers that improve tests for detecting specific cellular, viral, and molecular targets in clinical, industrial, or environmental samples. The invention permits efficient and specific selection and sensitive imaging detection of individual microscopic targets at low magnification. Automated embodiments allow efficient walk-away, on-demand, random-access high-throughput testing. The analyzers perform tests without requiring wash steps thus streamlining engineering and lowering costs. Thus, the invention provides analyzers that can deliver rapid, accurate, and quantitative, easy-to-use, and cost-effective tests for analytes.

Abstract: A microfluidic device has a first substrate, a resilient diaphragm, an actuator, and a second substrate. The first substrate has an opening extending therethrough. The resilient diaphragm is secured to a second side and surrounds the opening. The actuator is secured to a first side and surrounds the opening. The first substrate, the resilient diaphragm, and the actuator cooperate to form a gas-tight chamber. The second substrate has a channel formed therein having a first end and a second end. The second substrate is secured to the first substrate. A volume of gas disposed in the gas-tight chamber pressurizes the gas-tight chamber and expands the resilient diaphragm such that the resilient diaphragm is disposed in the channel between the first end and the second end. The resilient diaphragm retracts from the channel to open the channel from the first end and the second when the gas-tight chamber is depressurized.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to detect the presence of bacteria and small microorganisms, and to identify various microbial attributes rapidly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods, compositions, and kits useful for detecting a multiplicity of bacterial genomes present in a sample (e.g., a biological sample obtained from a subject exhibiting one or more signs or symptoms of a bacterial infection). Specifically, the present disclosure relates to nucleic acid primers, primer sets, and multiplicities of primer sets that allow for broad (e.g., species non-specific) detection of bacterial genomes present in such a sample using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).