Abstract: A sampling apparatus (100) employs a cell-positioning system to move a sample capture cell (138) relative to a specimen positioning system (124). The cell-positioning system may be controlled to move sample capture cell (138) opposite to movement of the specimen positioning system (124) to maintain alignment of the sample capture cell (138) with an optical path of a laser beam of a sample generator (108). Alternatively or additionally, the cell-positioning system may be controlled to move sample capture cell (138) in response to alignment deviation of a reference beam on a quadrant detector (404).

Abstract: A method for testing a partially fabricated bio-sensor device wafer includes aligning the partially fabricated bio-sensor device wafer on a wafer stage of a wafer-level bio-sensor processing tool. The method further includes mounting an integrated electro-microfluidic probe card to a device area on the partially fabricated bio-sensor device wafer, wherein the electro-microfluidic probe card has a first major surface. The method further includes electrically connecting one or more electronic probe tips disposed on the first major surface of the integrated electro-microfluidic probe card to conductive areas of the device area. The method further includes flowing a test fluid from a fluid supply to the integrated electro-microfluidic probe card. The method further includes electrically measuring via the one or more electronic probe tips a first electrical property of one or more bio-FETs of the device area based on the test fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D metabolites. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods for determining the amount of vitamin D compounds in a sample are provided. The methods can employ LC-MS/MS techniques and optionally the use of deuterated internal standards. Methods for diagnosing vitamin D deficiencies are also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing substances included in a liquid. The apparatus includes an absorber for absorbing the liquid and a testing device separate from the absorber. The absorber includes a main body and a detachable strip embedded in the main body, and both the main body and the detachable strip absorb the liquid. The testing device includes one or more sensors positioned on a top surface of the testing device to provide information associated with the substances included in the liquid in response to the detachable strip being placed on the top surface of the testing device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices include the use of a RBC flocculant, such as polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit for the type of animal, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal type hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “?” value for the collection device. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a respiratory stream can be provided by monitoring color change of a color change material to determine a CO2 level of the respiratory stream in contact with the color change material by emitting visible light onto the color change material. Related devices, systems, and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique relates to a fluidic cell configured to hold a nanofluidic chip. A first plate is configured to hold the nanofluidic chip. A second plate is configured to fit on top of the first plate, such that the nanofluidic chip is held in place. The second plate has at least one first port and at least one second port. The second plate has an entrance hole configured to communicate with an inlet hole of the nanofluidic chip. The second port is angled above the first port, such that the first port and second port intersect to form a junction. The second port is formed to have a line-of-sight to the entrance hole, such that the second port is configured to receive input for extracting air trapped at a vicinity of the entrance hole.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of identifying a biomarker of renal failure, said biomarker being available from urine or blood, and fluctuating from an early stage than glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine level, and thus developing a technique for diagnosing early stage kidney failure. A method for analyzing the blood, plasma, serum or urine of a renal failure suspected subject comprises a step of measuring the concentration of a pair of D-form and L-form of at least one amino acid selected from the amino acid group consisting of [D-serine] and [L-serine], etc., contained in the blood, plasma, serum or urine of the subject, and calculating, as an pathological index of the subject, the ratio of the D-form concentration to the L-form concentration or the percentage of the D-form concentration relative to the total concentration of the D-form and L-form.

Abstract: A photodetecting device and method of using the same are provided. The photodetecting device includes a transistor, a silicon nano-channel and a filter dye layer. The transistor includes a source, a drain and a gate. The silicon nano-channel connects the source and the drain, and is configured to receive light. The filter dye layer is over a light-receiving surface of the silicon nano-channel.

Abstract: A detection device for molten metal is provided. The detection device includes a sample cup having a cavity configured to receive a sample of molten metal and a blob arranged in the cavity. The blob includes a carbide stabilizing element and a hydrogen releasing material including a hydroxide of an alkaline earth metal. The blob is provided for use in detecting phase change temperatures during solidification of a sample of molten cast iron. The blob is also resistant to moisture gain and moisture loss during transport and storage. A method of detecting phase change temperatures of the molten iron or molten cast iron sample using the blob and a method of manufacturing the blob are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reagent station (1) for an automated analysis device, comprising a first and a second reagent container storage (2, 10) and a transfer apparatus (20) which transfers reagent containers (16) between the first and the second reagent container storage (2, 10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for loading an automated analysis device with reagent containers.

Abstract: An extraction method for preparing samples for analytical analysis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a sample matrix containing one or more analytes in a heat conductive sample cup, positioning the heat conductive sample cup in a pressure-resistant reaction chamber, dispensing solvent into the heat conductive sample cup, dispersing the solvent and the sample matrix in the sample cup in the reaction chamber, heating the sample matrix and the extraction solvent in the heat conductive sample cup in the reaction chamber to a temperature at which the dispensed solvent generates an above-atmospheric pressure, and releasing the extraction solvent extract from the sample cup at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The method for analyzing an ozone concentration comprising the steps of: providing at least one catalytic chamber having an ozone decomposition path between an inlet portion and an outlet portion thereof; receiving a sample flow of gas containing ozone by the inlet portion of the at least one catalytic chamber and along the ozone decomposition path; decomposing a totality of the ozone of the sample flow of gas into oxygen in an exothermic reaction along the ozone decomposition path of the catalytic chamber; measuring a first temperature value at a first position and measuring a second temperature value at a second position, the first and second positions being associated with the inlet and outlet portions; evaluating the ozone concentration of the sample flow of gas based on the temperature difference between the second temperature value and the first temperature value and calibration data; and generating a signal indicating the evaluated ozone concentration.

Abstract: An energized dispersive extraction method for sample preparation for analysis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing an extraction solvent, sorbent particles, and a sample matrix containing an analyte in a heat conductive sample cup; positioning the sample cup in a pressure-resistant reaction chamber; dispersing the solvent and the sample matrix in the sample cup in the reaction chamber; heating the sample matrix and the solvent in the sample cup in the reaction chamber to a temperature that generates an above-atmospheric pressure; draining the solvent extract from the sample cup at atmospheric pressure; and collecting the solvent extract for analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for predicting the likelihood of acute kidney injury. An input interface is configured to receive a plurality of features derived from the results of a post-surgical metabolic blood panel and either a pre-surgical metabolic blood panel or a perisurgical metabolic blood panel. A predictive model is configured to calculate a parameter representing a likelihood of acute kidney injury from the plurality of features. A user interface is configured to provide the calculated parameter to a user in a human comprehensible form.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: Coating compositions are described that include one or more rare metal components, such as rare alkali metal components, as well as diagnostics test elements that incorporate the same. Methods also are described for determining an amount of a dried coating composition in a coat based upon the rare metal components.

Abstract: A micro heater includes a substrate formed of an anodized film and a heater electrode formed on the substrate and provided with a heat generation wiring line. The heat generation wiring line is formed in a laminated state. Also disclosed are a micro sensor and a micro sensor manufacturing method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a particle/fluid mixture are provided. The method can include flowing a mixture comprising charged particles and a fluid past a particle accumulation probe. The method can also include measuring electrical signals detected by the probe as some charged particles pass the probe without contacting the probe while other charged particles contact the probe. The measured electrical signals can be manipulated to provide an output. The method can also include determining from the output if the charged particles contacting the probe have, on average, a different charge than the charged particles that pass the probe without contacting the probe.