Abstract: Automated systems and methods for the quantitative collection and extraction of a fecal sample, the system including: a primary loading module configured to receive a plurality of primary stool specimen containers, and a secondary loading module configured to receive a plurality of secondary extraction tubes, each with a collection wand; a robotic arm for loading stool on the wand and inserting the stool-loaded wand into the extraction tube; a quality control module configured to assess and confirm whether loading of the collection wand meets a preset acceptable tolerance and if so, assisting with positioning of the robotic arm for accurate insertion of the stool loaded wand into the selected extraction tube; an exhaust module; and executable software loaded into the system and in communication with a database that pairs the primary stool specimen container with a corresponding secondary extraction tube(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and kits for rapid measurement of fecal NGal levels. The present invention provides a rapid measurement system with fecal sample collection, analyte extraction and immunochromatographic measurement of NGal levels, which can be used for diagnosing and monitoring gastrointestinal inflammation diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the present invention provide a rapid test system for measuring different species of NGal, including total NGal, full-length NGal, C-terminal NGal fragments, N-terminal NGal fragments, and NGal fragments containing a specific region of an NGal molecule.