Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for performing biological assays by using indicators that modify one or more optical properties of the assayed biological samples. The subject methods include generating a reaction product by carrying out a biochemical reaction on the biological sample introduced into a device and reacting the reaction product with an indicator capable of generating a detectable change in an optical property of the biological sample to indicate the presence, absence, or amount of analyte suspected to be present in the sample.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: A flexible, integrated, urine-based diagnostic device designed such that one or more diagnostic channels are integrated into the body of the device. Each diagnostic channel is designed to contain an immunoassay to detect the presence of a selected analyte so that the device can return a visible readout indicating the presence of the analyte. The flexibility of the device aids the user in the sample collection process.

Abstract: An electron paramagnetic resonance device includes a crystalline, emission-sensitive mass and a housing containing the device. The mass includes structurally incorporated carbonate content in a range of about 3% by weight to about 10% by weight of the mass, one or more structurally incorporated non-calcium metallic cations, and one or more structurally incorporated phosphate anions. When irradiated with a known source, the EPR device may function as a reference. When unirradiated, the EPR may function as a dosimeter. As a dosimeter, the EPR device may be used as a personal dosimeter or as a monitor for inanimate objects being subjected to radiation sources. The EPR dosimeter may be used for both gamma radiation and neutron radiation measurements.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and kits are provided for automated mass spectrometric analysis of small volumes of liquid samples, such as biological samples. The systems, apparatus, and kits may be used in facilities where high throughput of samples, as well as reliable and repeatable assay results with little training of staff, are needed. Such facilities include hospital emergency wards.

Abstract: Microscale fluidic devices and components thereof having a fluid retention groove, as well as systems and methods related thereto. The fluid retention groove facilitates uniform bonding of microfluidic device components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel target analysis chip and analysis method for directly detecting a target such as a microRNA without performing PCR.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to an enhanced mobile health detection and monitoring system utilizing non-invasive saliva screening of real-time health metrics coupled with remote deep analysis of body characteristics. Health information is derived from a combination of local chemical markers which are optically collected, locally reported and broadcast over a ‘cloud based’ internet data distribution system. The disclosed system, method and related device derives personal health and wellness information by combining saliva with disposable wellness indicators which are subsequently analyzed for pharmaceutical indicators as well as DNA, RNA and protein biomarkers to provide comprehensive wellness information.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to mobile computing monitoring of health statistics using chemically synthesized conjugate markers providing highly specific details of personal health states. Using portable computing and communications devices, commonly known as ‘smartphones’, personal health and wellness information is gathered from chemical markers and reported to the user. Chemical markers include chemicals which undergo a measurable color change when combined with body fluids such as saliva. Health information derived from chemical markers may be optically collected, locally reported and widely broadcast over a ‘cloud based’ internet data distribution system.

Abstract: A dosimeter for EPR dosimetry systems includes a carbonated hydroxyapatite cement formed by mixing a cement powder and a cement liquid in a ratio of a range of about 0.5 to 5.0 powder-to-liquid ratio. The cement powder includes one or more calcium phosphate compounds and one or more carbonate compounds. The cement liquid includes a sodium phosphate solution. The cement, when irradiated by a radiation source, is capable of producing a measurable signal as a spectrally clean EPR spectrum. Furthermore, the measurable signal is proportional to the received radiation dose.

Abstract: A urine sample analyzer is disclosed. A measurement specimen containing a urine sample flows through flow cell, and light is applied to the measurement specimen flowing through flow cell. Then, a signal corresponding to light received from particles contained in the urine sample is acquired. Thereafter, presence of sperms in the urine sample is analyzed based on parameters reflecting the waveform of the acquired signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluidic system comprising at least one bead chamber (311) containing a lyophilized reagent (LB) and a reaction chamber in a cartridge. In one embodiment, a series of bead chambers with different lyophilized reagents may be provided such that sample fluid can sequentially pass through them. In another embodiment, bead chambers may be located on a movable carrier, for example a rotating carousel, from which they may selectively be connected to a reaction chamber in a cartridge. In still another embodiment, the bead chamber (311) may comprise at least one flexible wall (FW) allowing for a minimization of dead volume associated with the extraction of lyophilized reagent (LB).

Abstract: A pipetting device (100) for an apparatus for processing a sample or reagent is disclosed. The pipetting device (100) comprises a coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises at least a first coupling unit (104) adapted to be coupled to a first pipetting tip (108) and a second coupling unit (106) adapted to be coupled to a second pipetting tip (110), and a selection element (138) for selectively allowing a coupling of the first coupling unit (104) to or releasing the first coupling unit (104) from the first pipetting tip (108) and for selectively allowing a coupling of the second coupling unit to or releasing the second coupling unit (106) from the second pipetting tip (110). The selection element (138) is mechanically coupled to the first coupling unit (104) and the second coupling unit (106). Further, an apparatus (198) for processing a sample or reagent and a method for pipetting a sample or reagent are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the detection of proteins in biological fluids such as urine using a label-free assay is described. Specific proteins are detected by their binding to highly specific capture reagents such as SOMAmers that are attached to the surface of a substrate. Changes to these capture reagents and their local environment upon protein binding modify the behavior of color centers (e.g., fluorescence, ionization state, spin state, etc.) embedded in the substrate beneath the bound capture reagents. These changes can be read out, for example, optically or electrically, for an individual color center or as an average response of many color centers.

Abstract: Provided is a biosensor including a capillary unit having a capillary channel therein and a reagent disposed in the capillary channel, the reagent being configured to develop colors in a sample, and a measuring unit configured to measure a degree of color development of the sample in the capillary channel.

Abstract: Apparatuses for preparing a sample are disclosed herein. The apparatuses include a chamber, a first valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, a second valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, and a pump comprising an actuator and nozzle.

Abstract: To provide a solid-phase carrier to which impurities are hard to nonspecifically adsorb. A solid-phase carrier, formed by binding a chain polymer, wherein the chain polymer comprises a random polymer structure containing a first structural unit having a reactive functional group, and a second structural unit having no reactive functional group or having a reactive functional group having a reactivity lower than that of the reactive functional group of the first structural unit, and the content ratio of the number of moles “a” of the reactive functional group contained in the first structural unit to the number of moles “b” of the entire structural unit contained in the chain polymer, (a/b), is from 0.01 to 0.7.

Abstract: A smart microscope slide for concurrent storage of a specimen and associated digital data consists of a data storage device and a microscope slide which are connected adjacent to each other. The data storage device and the microscope slide are connected together through a structural body. Digital data associated with a specimen may be stored in the same physical object as the specimen mounted to the slide, thus consolidating the physical specimen and the digital information in one place for ease of access.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments are directed to a microfluidic chip that includes a plurality of openings to expose a microfluidic channel. The plurality of openings are within a recessed area of the microfluidics chip, the recess defining a surface onto which a sensor die can be clamped. The surface can include a clamping bump that contacts a membrane of a solid-state chemical sensor. The surface can also include a glue stop that, in some embodiments, can act as a spacer to prevent over-compression of the sensor die as it is clamped onto the microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip can include a rigid structure, such as a printed circuit board, that is affixed to a top surface of the microfluidic chip. The rigid structure can include contact pads that are electrically connected to sensor electrodes on the sensor die by a wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for substantially horizontally oscillating one or more multi-well plates containing a liquid, a solid, or a mixture thereof that operates to thoroughly disrupt solid substances in multi-well plates. The apparatus provides oscillation of plates in a horizontal direction through the use of springs and rotating mechanical components. The apparatus includes a circular rotating ring having a toothed circumference that rotates horizontally, plate holder, and a spring attached to the housing and in constant contact with the plate holder. The apparatus can be used in a cold room or placed in a refrigerator to keep the substances at low temperature and to eliminate noise when the disruptor operates.