Abstract: A cartridge for testing a biological sample. The cartridge has a closure element that is fastened to the cartridge in a form-fit or interlocking manner and is a multi-component injection molded closure part having an integrated seal so as to be able to fluidically close a receiving cavity having an integrated vent. The cartridge also has a film cover and an additional aluminum cover in the region of storage cavities for liquid reagents.

Abstract: A system, including method and apparatus, for generating droplets suitable for droplet-based assays. The disclosed systems may include either one-piece or multi-piece droplet generation components configured to form sample-containing droplets by merging aqueous, sample-containing fluid with a background emulsion fluid such as oil, to form an emulsion of sample-containing droplets suspended in the background fluid. In some cases, the disclosed systems may include channels or other suitable mechanisms configured to transport the sample-containing droplets to an outlet region, so that subsequent assay steps may be performed.

Abstract: A medical instrument (300, 700, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600) for performing a measurement (1513) on a biological sample using a test strip (310), wherein the medical instrument comprises: a housing (302) and an analytical unit (1508) for analyzing the test strip, wherein the analytical unit is within an interior volume (308). The analytical unit comprises a test strip mount (1510) configured for receiving the test strip to perform the measurement. The instrument further comprises a test strip port (312) between an exterior surface (304) and an interior surface (306). The test strip port is aligned with the test strip mount along an insertion direction (328). The medical instrument further comprises a shutter (100) for sealing the test port. The shutter is configured for being in a open position and a closed position. The shutter is within the interior volume. The shutter is configured for sealing the test port when in the closed position. The shutter comprises a test strip opening (106).

Abstract: An analysis device and a method for testing a biological sample uses a cartridge that is received in the analysis device and valves of the cartridge being opened automatically.

Abstract: In the various illustrative embodiments herein, test devices are described with opposing sensor arrays and same side contacts.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device comprising a conjugate pad for receiving a quantity of fluid; and a membrane comprising a test line for determining whether the fluid comprises a target analyte. In a first state of the lateral flow assay device, the lateral flow assay device is configured with a removable gap between the conjugate pad and the membrane which is substantially filled with air and prevents the fluid from flowing from the conjugate pad into the membrane. In a second state of the lateral flow assay device, the removable gap is removed from between the conjugate pad and the membrane causing the conjugate pad to come in contact with the membrane, allowing the fluid to flow from the conjugate pad into the membrane and the test line by capillary action.

Abstract: Provided herein is a single-walled pipette tip rack comprising buttresses for use in automated systems, in some embodiments. Also provided herein is a partial single-walled pipette tip rack comprising posts.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides real-time and subsequent analysis personalized user based health, wellness and pharmaceutical and illicit drug detection information. Non-invasive techniques utilize saliva for body levels of wellness indicators and pharmaceutical and illicit drug ingestion which are coordinated over time. Saliva captured on sample strips are real-time indicator reviewed and subsequently analyzed using traditional analytical chemistry techniques including liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and coordinated with time of administration with optional genetic sequence analysis to confirm related disease conditions. By using P4 (Participatory, Personalized, Predictive, and Preventive) health management techniques the patient determines if the pharmaceutical is having the correct and desired effect for maximum therapeutic benefit. While illustrative embodiments detecting Metformin and Keppra are provided the system has broad pharmaceutical and illicit drug monitoring applicability.

Abstract: A multisite sensing system including two or more analyte sensors, an interface device, and a shared bus. The interface device may be configured to receive a power signal and generate power for powering the analyte sensors and to convey data signals generated by the analyte sensors. The shared bus connected to the interface device and each of the analyte sensors and configured to provide the power generated by the interface device to the analyte sensors and to provide the data signals generated by the analyte sensors to the interface device. The interface device may be an inductive element. The shared bus may be a two wire, multiplexed bus. The analyte sensors may be spatially separated for analyte sensing at least two different locations. The analyte sensors may generate data signals indicative of the presence and/or amount of the same analyte or of one or more different analytes.

Abstract: A portable data-management system based on an analyte testing device which communicates wirelessly with a mobile device. The mobile device runs an application to manage and analyze data obtained by the analyte testing device. The mobile device may assist the user in displaying testing data, identifying patterns to assist healthy behavior or issue warnings based on the collected data. The mobile device may be connected to a network to store user health data for use by other parties.

Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator for indicating acceptability of a sterilization cycle includes a temperature indicator for indicating the temperature used in the sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A medical instrument/analyzer for measuring a biological sample using a test strip. The instrument comprises: a housing with an exterior surface, an internal surface, and an interior volume; an analytical unit within the interior volume with a test strip mount; a test strip port between the exterior and the interior surfaces; a shutter configured for sealing the test strip port when closed, wherein the shutter comprises a test strip support aligned with the test strip port and mount when the shutter is in the open position, wherein the shutter has a first sealing surface, the test strip port has a second sealing surface, and the first sealing and second sealing surfaces are configured to mate in the closed position, wherein the shutter comprises a mechanism for moving between the open and the closed position; and an actuator configured for moving the shutter between the open and closed position.

Abstract: This liquid-sealed cartridge includes: a cartridge body including a plurality of liquid storage portions; a seal body configured to seal an opening of each of the plurality of liquid storage portions; and an elastic body disposed so as to be opposed to the plurality of liquid storage portions, the elastic body being configured to form a passage adjacent to the plurality of liquid storage portions. Each of the plurality of liquid storage portions and the passage are configured to be communicated with each other by the corresponding seal body being pushed to be opened through the elastic body.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a portable measurement device for measuring acetone in a breath sample of a user. The measurement device comprises a housing, a user-direct breath input device for engaging in direct fluid communication with a respiratory tract of the user and receiving the breath sample from the respiratory tract, a flow path disposed within the housing, a nanoparticle-based sensor disposed in the housing in fluid communication with the flow path and at an intermediate location between the upstream end and the downstream end, and a flow control device disposed in the housing and in the flow path between the upstream end and the nanoparticle-based sensor that prevents flow of the breath sample in an upstream direction opposite the downstream direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a specimen collection device comprising ventilation means for drying a collected specimen. The device further comprises a cassette into which the specimen collected is secured to maintain evidentiary chain of custody requirements while providing unobstructed access to a collected specimen for automated analysis. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: A particle focusing system includes an inlet; an inertial focusing microchannel disposed in a substrate and connected to the inlet; and a pressure/flow source configured to drive a particle-containing fluid through the inertial focusing microchannel, where the inertial focusing microchannel includes a side wall having an irregular surface. The side wall includes a first irregularity protruding from a baseline surface away from a longitudinal axis of the inertial focusing microchannel. Alternatively or additionally, the first irregularity and the baseline surface form an angle more than or equal to 135 degrees. The inertial focusing microchannel may have a substantially rectangular cross-section having a height and a width, and a ratio of height to width is approximately 5:4 to 4:1. The system may also include a downstream expanding region having a side wall, where the side wall has a stepped surface.

Abstract: Optically-actuated microfluidic devices permit the use of spatially-modulated light to manipulate micro-objects such as biological cells. Systems and methods are described for providing sequences of light patterns to move and direct a plurality of micro-objects within the environment of a microfluidic device. The sequenced light patterns provide improved efficiency in directing the transport of the plurality of micro-objects. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: There is provided a serum- or plasma-separating composition less likely to cause separation between a liquid organic compound and a thixotropy imparting component and capable of maintaining a homogeneous blended state for a prolonged period. The serum- or plasma-separating composition comprises a liquid organic compound, a thixotropy imparting component, and a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide improved methods and compositions for manufacture and use of lateral flow test devices. In particular, the present invention provides a molding method which provides one or more features in the housing base configured to retain the test strip within the base. These features are provided as undercuts in the housing base. The test strip is configured as a bibulous lateral flow material disposed on a substantially non-compressible base layer, and the base layer is positioned within the undercut in order to retain the test strip in the housing base. Optionally, one or more features in the housing base which create the undercut are configured to engage the bibulous lateral flow material by compression and/or friction, thereby increasing the ability of the base to maintaining the test strip in its proper position within the device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sampling, processing and identifying acute use of a substance or substances of abuse are provided. Systems and kits for sampling, processing and identifying acute use of a substance of abuse is also provided.