Abstract: A new device for therapeutic influence, change, decomposition of various biological structures in vivo or in vitro by means of an externally applied alternating magnetic gradient field is described.

Abstract: A disposable body fluid or tissue collection vial is disclosed. The vial has a sample accessing tool and a sample delivery member for dispensing a sample of body fluid or tissue into a reagent. The vial also has a base, a sample delivery sleeve, a sample accessing sleeve, and a cap. The sample delivery sleeve detachably attaches to the base, the sample accessing sleeve detachably attaches to the sample delivery sleeve, and the cap detachably attaches to the sample accessing sleeve. The base may contain one or more reagents suitable for diagnostic or other uses.

Abstract: A system for very sensitive detection and/or quantification of an analyte is disclosed. The system is based on an interaction, such as specific binding or competitive displacement from a ligand, between an analyte and a ferromagnetic marker. The great difference in magnetic permeability between the ferromagnetic marker and the background allows detection of very small quantities of analyte, based on the marker's induction of a changed magnetic permeability for the sample being measured.