Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of one aspect of the present invention provides a method of determining a penetration opportunity of a selected drug into a physician market. The method includes correlating data on laboratory tests ordered by a physician with data on drug prescriptions ordered by the physician. The method also includes determining a penetration opportunity of a selected drug based on the correlated data.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the detection of gene products resulting from chromosomal translocations, including fusion proteins comprising a first and second region. In particular, the fusion proteins are identified following subjecting a sample comprising the proteins to a bead comprising an antibody to a first region, followed by subjecting the bead-antibody-fusion complex to a second antibody directed against the second region, thereby detecting the fusion protein. In particular aspects, the invention is employed to provide prognosis for an individual with cancer, to identify suitability for a particular cancer therapy, and/or to monitor response of a patient to a therapy, for example.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting the presence of nucleotides or monitoring nucleotide amplification. It utilizes fluorescence energy transfer by competitive hybridization. Competitive hybridization is achieved by using unequal length complementary probes which have a fluorophore on one probe and a quencher on the other. The fluorophore and quencher are juxtaposed in a manner wherein the proximity of the quencher to the fluorophore produces quenching of the fluorescence of the fluorphore.

Abstract: A collection device for a testing system includes a central volume and a trough, adjacent the central volume. The trough is configured with a pour spout such that, as fluid is poured from the collection device, a controlled volume remains in the trough. The trough is configured to receive a portion of a test kit and to apply the controlled volume of the sample to test strips within the test kit. The trough can also include apertures in the wall between the trough and the central volume which allow excess sample to flow back into the cup when the cup is placed upright after pouring and when the test kit is inserted into the trough.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated device for loading a centrifuge where tubes are presented to the centrifuge via an automated routing system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated device for loading a centrifuge where tubes are presented to the centrifuge via an automated routing system.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for releasably locking together a first apparatus and a second apparatus is provided and having a first docking device on the first apparatus to which a second docking device on the second apparatus mates when the apparatuses are brought together, the first docking device having one or more engagement projections extending therefrom, the second docking device having a number of receiving cavities corresponding to the number of engagement projections into which the engagement projections are received when the first and second docking positions are brought together.