Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and apparatuses are provided for the image analysis of measurement of biological samples. Specifically, methods are provided for detecting and measuring, in a sample, cell morphology; measurement of cell numbers; detection of particles; measurement of particle numbers; and other properties and quantities of or in a sample. Some embodiments may use a sample holder comprising a sample chamber configured to hold said sample, at least a portion of said sample holder comprising an optically transmissive material, said optically transmissive material comprising an optically transmissive surface and a reflective surface.

Abstract: Improved methods for amplifying target nucleic acid sequences are provided by 1) first amplifying the number of copies of target nucleic acid sequences in a sample by a first nucleic acid amplification method, and then 2) applying a second nucleic amplification method to the amplified sample, or aliquot thereof, further amplifying the number of copies of target sequences. In embodiments, a first nucleic acid amplification method is a thermocycling method, and a second nucleic acid amplification method is an isothermal method.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cytometric analysis are provided. A cytometry apparatus is provided which may be used with a stationary sample cuvette for analysis of a stationary sample or with a flow sample cuvette for analysis of a flowing sample. The methods and devices provided herein may be used to perform cytometric analysis of samples under a wide range of experimental and environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for the secure transport of material are provided. A transported material may be a biological material, such as a biological sample. Material is only transferred to a courier having a unique, single-use authorization code. Authorization codes are provided to a courier only upon arrival at a proper location and at a designated time. Courier identification or code confirmation or authorization may also be required. Identification or other confirmation regarding a custodian, material to be transferred, or both, may be required. Courier images, custodian images, or both, may be required. An authorization code may include a bar code, a number, a letter, or other symbol or code. An authorization code, an image, route information, and other information may be communicated by cell-phone, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other link. Transport containers with temperature sensors and communication links, and storage containers with light sensors, memory, and communication links are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for measuring formed blood component sedimentation rate. Some of the methods may use (1) centrifugal techniques for separating red blood cells from plasma and (2) video and/or still imaging capability. Both may be used alone or in combination to accelerate formed blood component sedimentation and to measure its rate. In one example, the method may advantageously enable rapid measurement of sedimentation rate using small blood sample volumes. Automated image analysis can be used to determine both sedimentation rate and hematocrit. Automated techniques may be used to compensate for effects of hematocrit on uncorrected sedimentation rate data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a femtowatt sensitivity optical detector is provided using one or more photodiodes, intended as a replacement for the photomultiplier based photon counting unit.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, and systems are provided for image analysis. Methods of image analysis may include observation, measurement, and analysis of images of biological and other samples; devices, apparatus, and systems provided herein are useful for observation, measurement, and analysis of images of such samples. The methods, devices, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein provide advantages over other methods, devices, apparatus, and systems.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for optical analysis of cells in microgravity are disclosed. Effective cellular microscopic and image analysis requires placement of cells into a proper focal plane, region, or volume. Such placement often requires immobilization of the cells. Cell settling onto a substrate is often sufficient for cell immobilization; however, no significant settling occurs in microgravity. Cell immobilization in microgravity may be accomplished by treatment of a substrate, the cells, or both effective that the substrate captures and immobilizes the cells for inspection. Cells may be immobilized in microgravity by adhering magnetic particles to the cells and applying a magnetic field. Cells may be placed in a proper location for viewing in microgravity by placing the cells into a small chamber or narrow channel. Centrifugal force may effect cell settling and aid cell immobilization. Proper placement or immobilization of cells aids cellular microscopic and image analysis in microgravity.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods, systems, and computer readable media for calibrating user responses to questions. The method may comprise presenting, with the aid of a computer system and an interactive display operatively coupled to the computer system, a query to a user. The query may relate to the user's dietary consumption, exercise, health condition or mental condition. The system may receive from the user a response to the query. The system may interpret a user's response to a query based on a set of reference information. The set of reference information may comprise a pictorial depiction of portion size of the dietary consumption, exertion level of the exercise, existing state of the health condition or existing state of the mental condition.

Abstract: Applicant discloses herein kits for identifying the presence of Zika virus in a sample. In embodiments, these kits comprise reagents disclosed herein. Applicant further provides kits for use in detecting ZIKV in a sample, the kits comprising reagents disclosed herein. In embodiments, kits include primers directed to Zika virus (ZIKV) nucleic acid sequences, the primers capable of hybridizing to ZIKV nucleic acids and to copies of ZIKV nucleic acids (including to cDNA copies of ZIKV nucleic acids). Applicant discloses herein reagents for detecting Zika virus (ZIKV) in a sample, the reagents including one or more nucleic acid primers that are capable of hybridizing to a ZIKV nucleic acid (including to cDNA copies of ZIKV nucleic acids).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the amplification of nucleic acids and generation of concatemers are disclosed. Amplification methods provided herein may be performed under isothermal conditions. Methods and compositions may include reagents such nucleic acid polymerases and primers.

Abstract: In one embodiment described herein, a bodily fluid separation material is provided comprising a formed component capture region and a bodily fluid pass-through region. The pass-through region has structures with a reduced liquid leaching quality relative to than the capture region, wherein during separation material use, bodily fluid enters the capture region prior to entering the pass-through region. Optionally, a bodily fluid pass-through region has a reduced amount of liquid leaching material relative to than the capture region.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and kits for obtaining blood samples are provided. Devices include a cuff, a pressure source, and a timing mechanism. Devices may further include one or more of a: warming mechanism, lancing mechanism; automated sample collection device, automated sample analysis device, and communication unit. Systems include such a device, and may include sample collection, sample analysis, or communication devices. Methods include placing a cuff on a digit of a subject, inflating the cuff, and obtaining a small volume blood sample. Methods may further include warming a digit; lancing a digit; pulsing the cuff; and providing a signal indicating the end of the sample collection time period. Kits may include a device, a sample collection vessel, and may include a disposable for use in sample collection. These methods, devices, systems and kits for obtaining blood samples may be used to easily, reliably, and consistently obtain blood samples from subjects.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.