Abstract: A mask for performing an eye exam of a subject includes one or more optically transparent sections for transmitting an incident light beam therethrough and incident on the subject's eye. In some embodiments, the one or more optically transparent sections are coated with an anti-reflective coating configured to reduce reflection of the incident light beam by the one or more optically transparent sections. In some embodiments, the one or more optically transparent sections may have a portion thereof that is tilted with respect to the incident light beam when the mask is optically interfaced with the docking portion of an ophthalmic instrument, such that the incident light beam forms a finite angle of incidence with respect to the corresponding portion of the optically transparent sections.

Abstract: A point of care system may comprise a plurality of diagnostic engines and an IDM in electronic communication with each of the plurality of diagnostic engines. Each of the plurality of diagnostic engines may perform testing on a sample inserted into the diagnostic engine. The IDM may be configured to communicate with each of the plurality of diagnostic engines to enable a plurality of tests to be performed on multiple different samples substantially simultaneously by a plurality of users using the plurality of diagnostic engines and to present a single user interface for managing testing by the plurality of diagnostic engines and for receiving the results of tests performed by each of the plurality of diagnostic engines.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method in which a sample is passed through a fluid flow path of a sensor assembly such that the sample intersects at least one sensor comprising at least three electrodes arranged such that two or more electrodes are opposing and two or more electrodes are beside one another. The sensor is read by a reader monitoring changes to the sensor due to the presence of the sample. The reader measures the presence and/or concentration of one or more analytes within the sample based upon data obtained by the reader.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide a test tube vacuum retainer system, comprising an outer body comprising a midline plate; one or more side walls, a bottom wall, and a top plate comprising an access hole; a test tube holder comprising a sealant ring; a base; and a vacuum tube comprising an external outlet; wherein the test tube holder is secured within the outer body to the base, which in turn is secured to the midline plate; wherein the vacuum tube is connected to the test tube holder at a first end, and the external outlet is configured to be connected to a vacuum pump configured to apply a vacuum force to the test tube holder when a test tube is inserted into the access hole and placed onto the test tube holder.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for transferring graphene from the surface of one substrate to another. In one particular embodiment, the graphene layer is grown on a surface of a first substrate, where the bottom of the first substrate is then affixed to the surface of a second substrate. The second substrate may include material made of a rigid or semi-rigid composition to provide structural support and backing to the first substrate. The graphene layer may then be delaminated from the first substrate and transferred to a target surface, such as the surface of an electronic device or biosensor.

Abstract: A shielding assembly may be used in a nuclear medicine infusion system that generates and infuse radioactive liquid into a patient undergoing a diagnostic imaging procedure. In some examples, the shielding assembly has multiple compartments each formed of a shielding material providing a barrier to radioactive radiation. For example, the shielding assembly may have a first compartment configured to receive a radioisotope generator that generates a radioactive eluate via elution, a second compartment configured to receive a beta detector, and a third compartment configured to receive a gamma detector. In some examples, the compartments are arranged to minimize background radiation emitted by the radioisotope generator and detected by the gamma detector to enhance the quality of the measurements made by the gamma detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems for transferring graphene from the surface of one substrate to another. In one particular embodiment, the graphene layer is grown on a surface of a first substrate, where the bottom of the first substrate is then affixed to the surface of a second substrate. The second substrate may include material made of a rigid or semi-rigid composition to provide structural support and backing to the first substrate. The graphene layer may then be delaminated from the first substrate and transferred to a target surface, such as the surface of an electronic device or biosensor.

Abstract: A neural network-based method for quantifying a volume of a specimen. The method includes providing a specimen, capturing images of the specimen, and directly classifying to one of a plurality of volume classes or volumes using a trained neural network. Quality check modules and specimen testing apparatus adapted to carry out the volume quantification method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: The inventive concepts herein relate to performing block retrieval on a block to be processed of a urine sediment image. The method comprises: using a plurality of decision trees to perform block retrieval on the block to be processed, wherein each of the plurality of decision trees comprises a judgment node and a leaf node, and the judgment node judges the block to be processed to make it reach the leaf node by using a block retrieval feature in a block retrieval feature set to form a block retrieval result at the leaf node, and at least two decision trees in the plurality of decision trees are different in structures thereof and/or judgments performed by the judgment nodes thereof by using the block retrieval feature; and integrating the block retrieval results of the plurality of decision trees so as to form a final block retrieval result.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies and antigen-binding antibody fragments that bind to human soluble Growth Stimulation-Expressed Gene 2 (ST2) protein, kits containing these antibodies and antibody fragments, and methods of using these antibodies and antibody fragments.

Abstract: A model-based method of classifying a specimen in a specimen container. The method includes capturing images of the specimen and container at multiple different exposures times, at multiple different spectra having different nominal wavelengths, and at different viewpoints by using multiple cameras. From the captured images, 2D data sets are generated. The 2D data sets are based upon selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the multiple different exposure images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra. Based upon these 2D data sets, various components are classified using a multi-class classifier, such as serum or plasma portion, settled blood portion, gel separator (if present), tube, air, or label. From the classification data and 2D data sets, a 3D model can be generated. Specimen testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A model-based method of inspecting a specimen for presence of one or more artifacts (e.g., a clot, bubble, and/or foam). The method includes capturing multiple images of the specimen at multiple different exposures and at multiple spectra having different nominal wavelengths, selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the captured images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra, computing statistics of the optimally-exposed pixels to generate statistical data, identifying a serum or plasma portion of the specimen, and classifying, based on the statistical data, whether an artifact is present or absent within the serum or plasma portion. Testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antibody which binds to a symmetrically dimethylated arginine analyte that can be used to detect a symmetrically dimethylated arginine analyte in a sample, such as in a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay method.

Abstract: In the various illustrative embodiments herein, test devices are described with opposing sensor arrays and same side contacts.

Abstract: An optical characterization apparatus for imaging a specimen container containing a specimen. The optical characterization apparatus includes a moveable hood configured to move between an open state and a closed state relative to a specimen container imaging location and having an interior, wherein when the moveable hood is in the closed state, a specimen container positioned at the specimen container imaging location is at least partially located within the interior of the moveable hood. One or more optical devices coupled to or within the interior of the moveable hood are positioned, when the moveable hood is in the closed state, to allow imaging of a specimen container positioned at the specimen container imaging location. Automated specimen testing systems, optical characterization apparatus, and methods of measuring characteristics of specimen containers are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A method of imaging a sample container and/or a specimen in a sample container. The method includes enclosing at least a portion of a sample container with a moveable hood, the moveable hood having a wall with one or more openings extending between an interior of the moveable hood and an exterior of the moveable hood. Image data of the sample container is generated using one or more imaging devices positioned exterior to the moveable hood. The one or more imaging devices have a line of sight to the sample container through the one or more openings. Automated specimen testing systems, optical characterization apparatus, and methods of measuring characteristics of sample containers are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Disclosed are mixing apparatus adapted to provide mixing of components in an automated analyzer. The mixing apparatus includes a reservoir configured to contain a coupling liquid, a transducer configured to be driven at a frequency and communicate with the coupling liquid, and a signal generation unit configured to provide a phase modulatable drive signal to the transducer. In some embodiments, improved patient sample and reagent mixing may be provided. Systems and methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Measurement of circulating ST2 and natriuretic peptide (e.g., NT-proBNP) concentrations is useful for the prognostic evaluation of subjects, in particular for the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes, e.g., mortality, transplantation, and heart failure.

Abstract: A method for the prediction and/or prognosis of survival time of a patient suffering from cancer, comprising the steps of: a) measuring a RDA score in a tumor tissue sample comprising cellular RNA from said patient after said patient has received one or more doses of a cancer treatment; b) comparing said RDA score to one or more predetermined RNA disruption reference values; and c) providing a favorable prediction and/or prognosis of survival time for said patient when said RDA score is higher than said predetermined RNA disruption reference value; or providing an unfavorable prediction and/or prognosis of survival time for said patient when said RDA score is lower than said predetermined RNA disruption reference value, wherein the RDA score is proportional to the degree of RNA disruption.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and methods for dispensing fluids into microplates utilizing microwell covers, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the fluids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.