Abstract: A method and device are provided for stimulating and increasing the production of saliva during immunoassay tests for drugs or other analytes wherein a scent or odor capable of stimulating saliva production is incorporated into a device for obtaining an oral sample from a test subject. The scent or odor may be impregnated into the oral sample collection device or may be part of an attachment to such a device, and the scent or odor is disposed in such a manner so as to maximize the exposure of the scent to the test subject and thus stimulate the production of saliva. The method and device of the invention are advantageous because the increased production of saliva will facilitate the testing of an oral sample for drugs or other analytes and will increase the likelihood of obtaining a complete and accurate result.

Abstract: A method of clotting blood includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising zeolite as the active ingredient to a wound from which the blood emanates. A method of arresting blood flowing from a wound includes the steps of providing a patient being inflicted with a bleeding wound and administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising zeolite as the active ingredient to the bleeding wound. A method of facilitating the formation of blood clots includes the step of contacting blood with a negatively charged surface wherein upon contacting the blood with the negatively charged surface a clotting mechanism is initiated. In any of the foregoing methods, the blood has a compromised ability to form clots. The blood may be from a person diagnosed with hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.

Abstract: In a method of clotting blood in which the blood exhibits a reduced tendency to clot and may be from a person undergoing an anticoagulant therapy or having type A or B hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising clay as the active ingredient is administered to a wound from which the blood emanates. Upon contacting the blood, this clay, which may be kaolin, bentonite, or any type of layered clay, causes the blood to clot. In a method of arresting blood flowing from a wound, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising clay as the active ingredient is administered to the bleeding wound. In this method, the blood has a reduced tendency to clot and may be from a person undergoing an anticoagulant therapy or having at least one of hemophilia A or B or von Willebrand disease.

Abstract: A hemostatic agent applicable to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood comprises a first component and a second component, both components being in particle form and commingled with each other, and both components having hemostatic properties. A device incorporating such an agent comprises a receptacle for retaining the agent in particulate form therein. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh having openings therein through which the blood may flow to come into contact with the particles of the hemostatic agent. A pad for controlling the flow of blood from a bleeding wound comprises a mesh structure and the hemostatic agent retained therein. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound is defined by a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and the hemostatic agent retained in the mesh.

Abstract: A composition for promoting hemostasis is defined by a substrate in particle or pellet form and a hemostatic agent disposed on the substrate such that when using the composition to treat a bleeding wound, contacting the bleeding wound with the hemostatic agent causes blood to clot. The hemostatic agent may be a zeolite, bioactive glass, siliceous oxide, clay, biological hemostatic material, diatomaceous earth, or a combination of the foregoing. The substrate may be clay, glass, bioactive glass, diatomaceous earth, wax, polymer, plastic, metal, or a combination of the foregoing. A method of fabricating a hemostatic composition includes providing a substrate and a material having hemostatic characteristics. The hemostatic composition is fabricated by providing a material to operate as a carrier for the hemostatic material. The material is formed into particles or pellets. The material having hemostatic properties is applied or coated onto the particles of the carrier material.

Abstract: A device for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a clay material in particle form and a receptacle for containing the clay material. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh. Another device comprises a gauze substrate and a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate. Another device is a bandage comprising a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and particles of a clay material retained in the mesh. A hemostatic sponge comprises a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a release agent disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The release agent is disposed on the wound-contacting surface of the substrate. When treating a bleeding wound, application of the hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through the release agent and through the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a substrate and a zeolite in powder form deposited on the substrate. At least a portion of the substrate is selected from a group consisting of paper, polymer matrix, polyethylene sheet, hydrophilic macromolecules, and cloth. An agent for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a porous web structure and a compound capable of providing hemostasis incorporated into the porous web structure. The compound capable of providing hemostasis comprises at least one cationic species interspersed throughout and coulombically bound to the web structure such that the cationic species provides a positive charge to the web structure. A method of fabricating a blood clotting apparatus comprises the steps of providing a cellulose-based substrate; providing a zeolite; incorporating at least one cationic species into a structure of the zeolite to impart a positive charge thereto; and impregnating the cellulose-based substrate with the zeolite.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood and controlling bleeding comprises a receptacle for retaining blood clotting material in particulate form therein. A pad for controlling bleeding comprises a mesh structure and a support attached to the mesh structure to facilitate the application of pressure to the pad and the wound. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound comprises a mesh structure and a flexible substrate attached to the mesh structure, the substrate being a cloth or plastic member that may be adhesively attachable to cover a wound. In any embodiment, at least a portion of the receptacle or mesh structure is defined by a mesh having openings therein, and at least a portion of the particulate blood clotting material is in direct contact with blood. The mesh may include a zeolite powder impregnated or otherwise incorporated therein.

Abstract: A lateral flow immunoassay test device that includes a housing with an elongated slot for holding a test sample collector; an elongated holder member for securing at least one immunoassay test strip therein; a first chamber for storing a first, pre-treatment reagent; and a second chamber for storing a second reagent. The pre-treatment reagent is contained within a rupturable enclosure. A piercing member is located within the housing that is used to rupture the enclosure in order to release the pre-treatment reagent so that the sample and pre-treatment reagent form a mixture. The second reagent may then be introduced to the mixture which is allowed to react with the second reagent for a period of time. The mixture and second reagent combination is then contacted with the immunoassay test strip.

Abstract: A container for retaining a liquid sample to be tested is closed by a removable closure cap having a slot therein to receive a flat rectangular panel test card member inserted through the slot into the container. A flexible resilient member is mounted adjoining to the closure cap slot and has a slit therein with abutting edges through which the test card is passed. After the test card has been withdrawn, the abutting edges contract to their normally closed position to prevent the leakage of any liquid through the slot when the container is being handled. During withdrawal of the test card through the slot the abutting edges wipe excess liquid sample from the test card.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement, so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A test card for drugs of abuse has a thin flat member having the size and shape of a business card. A plurality of immunoassay test strips extend longitudinally from top to bottom at the card and are fastened side by side in parallel on one or both sides of the test card within the outline of the card. Each test strip is reactive to provide a visual indication in response to a particular drug of abuse. The test card thus provides for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. Processes are also disclosed for making the drug test card with test strips on one and both sides of the card.

Abstract: A drug abuse test kit has a transparent cup-like container for retaining a fluid sample to be tested and the open top end of the container is closed by a closure cap seated upon the open end. There is a slit in the closure cap to receive a multiple drug test card having a plurality of immunoassay test strips thereon with visual endpoints to indicate presence or absence of a particular drug. The container is provided with a second cover which is solid and unslit to close and seal the container when a sample therein is to be transported.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement, so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different tpes of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement. so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from a different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: An analyzer for measuring the ionic values of electrolytes in a sample solution having a fluid flow-through air segment detector (300) and a plurality of fluid flow-through ion selective electrodes (97,98) for measuring the ionic values of electrolytes and a fluid flow-through reference membrane assembly (96) connected in series. There is also a reference electrode (95). There is a reservoir (77) containing an internal filling solution. The reference membrane assembly and the reference electrode are located in the reservoir and exposed to the internal filling solution.A tubular fluid sampling probe (70) having a sampling port (63) aspirates air, sample and liquid reagents through the system.The probe cooperates with a slide valve (64) having a passageway (53) through which the probe reciprocates.

Abstract: A reagent and wash fluid supply system for a flow through analyzing system which includes a tubular fluid sampling probe (70), having a sampling port (63) which aspirates air, sample and liquid reagents through the analyzing system which cooperates with a slide valve (64) having a passageway (53) through which the probe reciprocates. The passageway contains a plurality of chamber ports (46, 47, 48) each of which is sealed from the other ports by the tube sampling probe when its sampling port is positioned within a chamber port. A reagent pouch having a plurality of chambers communicating with a separate chamber port in the slide valve (20, 21) contains liquid reagents and a wash solution. One chamber in the reagent pouch receives waste.