Abstract: A method and system for reporting medical data including both current and past medical results for medical tests performed on a patient is provided. The medical data is output in columns, and the current results and past results of the same medical test are presented in the same row. In this manner, the report is provided in a layout that has rows and columns, so that all current results are presented in one column, and all past results are presented in a separate column. In addition, graphs of the medical results can be displayed to illustrate current and past medical results in a view that allows for trend and comparative diagnosis.

Abstract: A flow cytometer of a blood analyzer including a transverse-electric (TE) laser diode, a flow cell, a quarter wave plate (QWP), a plurality of lenses, and a side scatter detector. The TE laser diode is configured to output a laser beam along an optical axis and has a fast axis full width at half maximum (FWHM) divergence of from about 16 degrees to about 25 degrees. The QWP is disposed along the optical axis between the TE laser diode and the flow cell and configured to circularly polarize the laser beam. The plurality of lenses is disposed between the TE laser diode and the flow cell and configured to focus the laser beam at the flow cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical diagnostic system. In various embodiments, the system includes a housing, a first receptacle in the housing for receiving a reagent container, a second receptacle in the housing for receiving a working fluid and waste container, where the second receptacle is larger than the first receptacle, two reagent access needles positioned and fixed within the first receptacle with each of the two reagent access needles being substantially horizontal to horizontally access the reagent container, and a working fluid access needle and a waste access needle positioned and fixed within the second receptacle with the working fluid access needle and the waste access needle being substantially horizontal to horizontally access the working fluid and waste container.

Abstract: The disclosure directed to methods for measuring an analyte alone or in combination with total protein in biological samples. More particularly, the disclosure relates to methods for measuring an analyte and/or total protein using one or more colorimetric reagents alone or in combination with protein precipitation reagents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to quality control for point-of-care medical diagnostic systems. In various embodiments, the system includes an on-board storage containing a synthetic quality control material, a plurality of sub-systems having a plurality of operating parameters and including a material analyzer, a database storing quality control results that include results of the material analyzer analyzing the synthetic quality control material over time, one or more processors, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to, automatically without user intervention: generate a control chart based on the quality control results, determine that a parameter of the plurality of operating parameters is out-of-tolerance based on the control chart, and adjust at least one of the plurality of sub-systems without user intervention to bring the out-of-tolerance parameter to within tolerance.

Abstract: This invention provides reagents and methods for diagnosing renal disease. Differential levels of inosine metabolite, and proteins: apolipoprotein C-I, apolipoprotein C-II, fibrinogen alpha chain, or fibrinogen A-alpha chain, kininogen, Inter-Alpha Inhibitor H4 (ITIH4), keratin Type I cytoskeletol 10 cystatin A, cystatin B and other polypeptides and fragments thereof provide biomarkers of renal disease and are described herein.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to the detection of symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA). More particularly, the disclosure relates to the detection of SDMA using a solid phase. The disclosure provides devices, reagents, kits and methods for detecting symmetrical dimethyl arginine (SDMA) in sample, such as a biological sample from an animal. The method includes detecting the presence or amount of SDMA in the sample by using an immunoassay format, such as a competitive immunoassay. The assay includes the use of antibodies to SDMA that are specific for SDMA and that have less affinity for other arginine derivatives.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for detection and treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (“RMSF”). The compositions specifically detect Rickettsia rickettsii and do not cross-react with other Rickettsia species providing rapid and accurate detection and diagnosis of RMSF.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical diagnostic system. In various embodiments, the system includes a housing, a first receptacle in the housing for receiving a reagent container, a second receptacle in the housing for receiving a working fluid and waste container, where the second receptacle is larger than the first receptacle, two reagent access needles positioned and fixed within the first receptacle with each of the two reagent access needles being positioned to access the reagent container, and a working fluid access needle and a waste access needle positioned and fixed within the second receptacle with the working fluid access needle and the waste access needle being positioned to access the working fluid and waste container.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of roundworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of hookworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: A hematology test slide has the same or similar dimensions as a chemical reagent test slide and an immunoassay test slide so that it may be used with these other slides on a single clinical instrument. The hematology slide includes, in order from top to bottom, a slide housing having a top housing member, a top cover slip, a U-shaped, transfer tape spacer, a bottom cover slip, a base gasket and a base plate. The U-shaped spacer has a curved end portion which defines a sample deposit area, where a blood sample is pipetted thereon, and a pair of straight, parallel, spaced apart legs extending from the curved end portion. The legs define a read area. A blood sample deposited on the hematology slide at the sample deposit area will flow by capillary action to the read area, where optical measurements are made on the sample.

Abstract: A sealed lateral flow device includes a test strip, a base structure, and a removable cover fixed to the base structure. The test strip includes one or more of a sample application zone, a detection zone, and a liquid collection zone. The test strip is disposed within a bottom section of the base structure. The removable cover fixed to the base structure sealingly encloses the test strip within the base structure and forms an airtight seal of the base structure.

Abstract: An immunoassay test slide for use in a dry chemistry analytical instrument includes a slide housing or case formed from two matable sections—a slide cover piece and a slide bottom piece. The slide housing defines an interior cavity in which is situated a sheet-like porous carrier matrix. The slide cover piece has an opening formed through the thickness thereof to expose a central portion of the fluid flow matrix so that a precise volume of fluid sample of blood, serum or the like, preferably pre-mixed with a conjugate reagent, and precise volumes of a wash reagent and a substrate (detector reagent), may be deposited on the matrix through the cover opening by a metering device of the analytical instrument. The bottom piece of the immunoassay test slide is transparent, and the slide is moved by a transport mechanism of the analytical instrument over a reflectometer or a fluorometer for performing reflectance or fluorescence measurements.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to methods and apparatus for the determination, diagnosis, progression and prognosis of kidney disease and mortality associated with kidney disease. The disclosure includes methods for determining renal function, in particular estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR), in an animal. GFR can be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease or dysfunction. In various aspects, the disclosure is directed to the use of free symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA) and creatinine in blood samples from animals, in particular cats and dogs, to determine glomerular filtration rate and kidney disease.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of one or more tapeworm coproantigens in a sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of tapeworm in a fecal sample from a mammal and may also be able to distinguish between different tapeworm species and in the presence of one or more infections with helminths (such as roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and heartworm), Giardia and parvovirus. Confirmation of the presence or absence of tapeworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of one or more helminthic coproantigens in a sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm, whipworm and/or hookworm in a fecal sample from a mammal and may also be able to distinguish between one or more helminth infections. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm, whipworm and/or hookworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: A method for detecting bacteria and determining the concentration thereof in a liquid sample includes the steps of taking an optical section through a container holding a volume of the liquid sample at a predetermined field of view and at a predetermined focal plane depth or angle and after a period of time has elapsed to allow non-bacteria in the sample to settle to the bottom of the container. Since bacteria auto arranges in the liquid sample, forming a lattice-like grid pattern, an optical section through the volume of auto-arranged bacteria may be used to measure the quantity of bacteria residing in that section. A container for holding the liquid sample has particular structure which aids in separating the non-bacteria from the bacteria.

Abstract: A flow cytometer, laser optics assembly thereof, and methods of assembling the same are provided. The flow cytometer is capable of yielding consistent and accurate results despite exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as, for example, temperature changes within a relatively wide temperature range and/or a relatively large amount of random-axis mechanical vibration. The flow cytometer of the present disclosure is additionally or alternatively relatively insensitive to real or apparent core stream shifts, employs a slowly converging beam along the axis perpendicular to core stream flow, and provides the ability to precisely measure time-of-flight.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for the detection of renal disease and periodontal disease in mammals.

Abstract: An instrument for reading a lateral flow assay device by detecting color changes based on human perception includes an optics module having a camera, a signal processor, a storage memory and a comparator circuit. The storage memory has stored therein a dataset of sample readings of reference assay devices similar in structure and function to that of the lateral flow assay device. The sample readings are based on human visual perceptions of colorimetric changes in the detection zones of the reference assay devices. The comparator circuit compares the measured colorimetric data relating to the assay device read by the instrument with the stored database of sample readings based on human visual perceptions of the colorimetric changes of the reference assay devices, and generates a comparison signal which is provided to the signal processor. The signal processor generates a determination signal indicative of the presence, absence or quantity of an analyte.