Abstract: A sample capture unit comprising a housing defining an enclosed substrate chamber containing a substantially planar sample-capture substrate extending in a plane for receiving a skin-print thereon. The housing comprises: a first part having an aperture providing access to the substrate chamber for depositing a skin-print on the sample-capture substrate; and a second part movable relative to the first part, from a first position in which the aperture is uncovered so as to allow receipt of a sample on the sample-capture substrate, and into a second position in which the aperture is covered, thereby preventing access to the substrate chamber; the housing further comprises a retaining mechanism configured to retain the second part in the second position; and an element having a perimeter defined by a line of frangibility, which enables irreversible detachment of at least a part of the element so as to create an access port dimensioned to allow removal of the sample-capture substrate.

Abstract: A device for receiving and analysing a sample, wherein the analysing involves use of a solution. The device comprises: a sample receiving portion for receiving a sample to be analysed; and a solution capsule having a sealed configuration in which the solution capsule is sealed and a release configuration in which contents of the solution capsule are released via a flow path that provides fluid communication between the solution capsule and the sample receiving portion. The device further comprises a bistable release mechanism comprising an actuator wherein the bistable release mechanism releases only in the event that a force applied to the actuator reaches a threshold force and wherein actuation of the actuator results in one-way conversion of the solution capsule from the sealed configuration into the release configuration.

Abstract: A drug dispenser assembly comprising: a drug dispenser for dispensing a drug in a dispense event; and a skinprint analyser configured to receive a skinprint, preferably a fingerprint, of a user. The skinprint analyser is further configured: to perform a verification test regarding the identity of the skinprint; to conduct a chemical analysis for the presence of a metabolite in the skinprint; and to produce data indicative of results of the verification test and the chemical analysis. The drug dispenser assembly further comprises an actuator configured to actuate a dispense event in the event that the results of one or both of the verification test and the chemical analysis meet one or more predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A sample capture and transport unit comprises a housing defining a substrate chamber for containing a sample-capture substrate. The housing comprises at least a first part and a second part which are movable relative to one another ? i) from a first closed configuration in which the substrate chamber is inaccessible; ? ii) to a first open configuration in which access to the substrate chamber is enabled to allow capturing of a skin-print on a sample-capture substrate contained within the substrate chamber; and subsequently ? iii) into a second closed configuration in which the substrate chamber is again inaccessible. The unit further comprises a retaining mechanism for retaining it in the second closed configuration. The retaining mechanism is disablable to permit movement of the unit out of the second closed configuration. A sample can be obtained at a first location, secured for transport and analysed at a second location.

Abstract: A method of determining presence of a skinprint uses an apparatus comprising: a primary electromagnetic radiation source; an electromagnetic radiation detector; and a translucent waveguide comprising a first surface providing a waveguide interface coincident with a skinprint receiving region.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a skin-print provided on a first surface of an optically transparent substrate. The method comprises the steps of exposing the skin-print on the first surface of the optically transparent substrate to one or more reagents selected to bind with one or more metabolites present in the skin-print; transmitting electromagnetic radiation onto the skin-print through the optically transparent substrate using a radiation source to thereby produce an optical signal of said one or more reagents and/or said one or more metabolites; and detecting an optical image of the optical signal through the optically transparent substrate using a sensor. Also a skin-print analysis apparatus and a reagent cartridge for use in carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method for the fluorescent detection of a substance, the method comprising providing particles comprising a metal or a metal oxide core, wherein one or more optionally fluorescently tagged antibodies or human specific peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers for binding to a substance is/are bound, directly or indirectly, to the surface of the metal or metal oxide; contacting a substrate, which may or may not have the substance on its surface, with the particles for a time sufficient to allow the antibody/PNA oligomer to bind with the substance; removing those particles which have not bound to the substrate; if the antibodies or PNA oligomers are not fluorescently tagged, contacting the substrate with one or more fluorophores that selectively bind with the antibody and/or substance, then optionally washing the substrate to remove unbound fluorophores; and illuminating the substrate with appropriate radiation to show the fluorophores on the substrate.