Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the presence or amount of analyte in a fecal sample. The method comprises the steps of (A) contacting the fecal sample with an extraction reagent comprised of at least one detergent and at least one buffer to form a mixture, (B) applying the mixture to an absorbent filter that is in proximity to or in contact with an immunoassay such that analyte present in the sample is transferred to the immunoassay, and (C) detecting the presence of analyte by said immunoassay. In a preferred embodiment, the immunoassay comprises a porous strip containing immunoreagents for detecting analyte.

Abstract: A combined sample-assay device allows sampling and detection within an integrated device. The device is a flat plate-like body with a collection arm. The collection arm optionally folds to enter a recess that flatly supports and seats the arm. The arm may be friction held in this recess and completely enters the recess. Within the recess is a second recess that contains a reading portion and transport portion. Chemiluminescent or other light emitting chemical reagent is placed within the device and light is detected in response to the presence of a sample analyte in a fluid sample.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an assay for target analytes includes a sampling-device holder interface and a quantifier. The sampling device has a sampling portion and a reading portion containing a chemiluminescent reagent. The interface has a sampling-device holder and a light detector. The holder has a housing having an enclosure with a channel and a base plate with an opening. The base plate and the enclosure houses a slidable tray. The tray has a compartment adapted to seat the sampling device and an opening extending through the compartment. The reading portion is aligned with the tray opening. When the tray is closed, the tray opening is also aligned with the base plate opening, exposing the reading portion. Once the sampling portion is exposed to a sample suspected of containing the target analyte, at least one carrier liquid is introduced, if needed, to the sampling portion to transport any target analyte to the reading portion by dispersion.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a target analyte includes a sampling device, a holder, a light source, a light detector, and a quantifier (ammeter). The device has reading and sampling portions connected by a transfer portion. The holder has a housing, including a tray, which has a compartment adapted to seat the sampling device and an opening extending therethrough, slidable therein. The sampling portion is aligned with the tray opening when it is seated. When the tray is closed, the tray opening is aligned with the light detector and the light source. Once the sampling portion is exposed to a sample, carrier liquid is introduced to the sampling portion. While the carrier travel to the reading portion, the target analyte picks-up a labeling luminescent agent contained in the transfer portion. The reading portion captures the labeled target analyte. The non-captured elements exits the reading portion, leaving only the target analyte bound to the luminescent agent, which glows when exposed to light.

Abstract: A method which utilize chemiluminescence for analyte detection and the detection of bacteria on surfaces. The method uses a device comprising a sampling portion made of a first adsorbent material, a container, and a second adsorbent material located within the container. The sampling portion collects analytes from a test sample which includes a surface or volume of a liquid. The second adsorbent material holds one or more chemiluminescent components including luciferase enzyme and cofactors in a dry state. In a preferred embodiment, the sampling portion is swabbed over a suspected contaminated surface. A bacteriolytic solution is then added to the adsorbent and releases ATP from any bacteria present. The ATP diffuses into the second adsorbent and mixes with the reagents therein to produce detectable light.

Abstract: Improved devices for collecting and analyzing samples of aqueous solutions, body fluids, sewage or fecal matter to be used in detecting microbes and microbial byproducts. A device in accordance with the invention comprises a body including an internal channel having an entryway, a solute chamber connected to the entryway, a solute-adding mechanism operatively connected to the solute chamber, a window in the body that allows viewing of a portion of the channel, and an aperture in the body that opens to the channel; a bendable tang connected to the body; and a sample collection unit attached to the tang.

Abstract: A manual sample rotator and method provides a mechanical orbital motion, which is useful in medical industries. The rotator has a substantially rectangular orbiting member with four guiding wells, complementary to four guiding posts provided on a fixed member, such as a housing. Each guiding post is inserted into one of the guiding wells. The guiding wells are larger than the counterpart guiding posts so that when the guiding posts are seated into the wells, the clearance therebetween allows the orbiting member to move in the horizontal plane in all directions within the bounds of the guiding wells. The guiding post and well arrangement thus restrains the orbiting member from rotating about the orbital axis, but permits the member to orbit thereabout. The orbiting member is orbited around a main orbital axis using an offset crank (output shaft end), which rotates about the main orbital axis and is rotatable about an axis offset from the main axis relative to the orbiting member.