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. The device includes an actuator connected to a moving element comprising a shaft or a wheel. A first magnet is connected to the backing of the membrane. Second and third magnets are connected to the moving element. The actuator moves the moving element between first and second positions. In the first position, the opposite poles of the first and second magnets attract each other and maintain a gap between the membrane and the conjugate pad separate. In the second position, the similar poles of the first and third magnets repel each other and close the gap between membrane and the conjugate pad, allowing the fluid to flow from the conjugate pad into the membrane and the test line.

Abstract: A fluid sample extraction device is disclosed comprising a housing defining an internal fluid passage having a distal open end and a proximal open end and a porous medium within the fluid passage, between the distal open end and proximal open end. The porous medium, which may be glass, is configured to allow fluid flow in the fluid passage to flow around the porous medium, toward the proximal open end of the housing, when fluid is drawn from the distal open end toward the proximal open end, and to allow fluid in the fluid passage to flow toward the distal open end of the housing, through the porous medium when the fluid is forced toward the distal open end. The porous medium is also configured to capture nucleic acids in the porous medium from the fluid when fluid is forced through the porous medium. Devices and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include (i) a sample collection vessel having an opening for receiving a biological sample, (ii) a selectively movable valve comprising a core and a collar disposed about the core, and (iii) a sealing cap coupled to the collar and comprising a reagent chamber for storing a measure of sample preservation reagent. The sealing cap is configured to associate—and form a fluid tight connection—with the sample collection vessel such that associating the sealing cap with the sample collection vessel causes a physical rearrangement of the core relative to the collar such that a fluid vent associated with the core is moved into fluid communication with the reagent chamber, thereby permitting sample preservation reagent to pass from the regent chamber to the sample collection vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test cell for mixing a liquid. The test cell comprises an interior space for receiving the liquid and a running rail, which is formed in the interior space, for a ball, wherein the running rail is formed by two projections which project into the interior space from opposite side walls of the test cell. According to the invention, the running rail has a straight section and is deflected upward at both ends. In the test cell according to the invention, a high filling level can be achieved with a low quantity of liquid, this being advantageous for optical measurements. The invention also relates to a measuring method using the test cell.

Abstract: Metal oxide-based integrated chemical sensors using a hybrid polycrystalline gas-sensitive material to create a uniform and integrated sensory system. The sensor system provides the unique properties such as improved sensor sensitivity due to reduced thickness, improved selectivity for specific analyte detection in the ppb, faster time of response, decreased time of reset and decreased power consumption in comparison to existing sensor technologies. The present invention also provides novel, metal oxide-based chemical sensor platforms, a novel method of making metal oxide-based chemical sensors, platforms and/or integrated chemical sensors.

Abstract: A device and method for purification of information or particles from a sample and provides a device for performing washing steps in automated analyzer systems, the device comprising a multilayer unit with liquid channel and valves. The multilayer unit may comprise three layer.

Abstract: A novel in vitro system and method for predicting the in vivo behavior, such as absorption time or mechanical strength retention, of biodegradable polymeric implants and medical devices. Data from this in vitro method are correlated to in vivo absorption data, allowing for the prediction of accurate in vivo behaviors, such as absorption times. The system uses a novel bypass loop to maintain the integrity of pH measuring devices to improve the reproducibility of data collected during in vitro testing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extraction cassette, which includes an extraction module. The extraction module includes an extraction module body, an expansion compartment, a reaction compartment, a filter, a collection compartment, a first waste-liquid compartment and a second waste-liquid compartment. The expansion compartment is formed on the extraction module body. The reaction compartment includes a reaction compartment inlet, a reaction compartment outlet and a reaction compartment notch, the expansion compartment is connected to the reaction compartment notch, and the reaction compartment notch is located between the reaction compartment inlet and the reaction compartment outlet. The filter is disposed in the reaction compartment and corresponding to the reaction compartment outlet. The collection compartment communicates with the reaction compartment outlet. The first waste-liquid compartment communicates with the reaction compartment outlet.

Abstract: A method of obtaining and analyzing at least one tissue sample includes forming, in a tissue container, first tracking data associated with the at least one tissue sample. Second tracking data is formed, in a transport container. The second tracking data is associated with the at least one tissue sample. The at least one tissue sample is placed in the tissue container. The first and second tracking data from the tissue container and the transport container are scanned with an electronic scanning system to ensure that the first and second tracking data are both associated with the removed tissue sample.

Abstract: A sample analysis appliance for the analysis of a sample solution, in particular of contaminated water or of waste water, with a reaction vessel for the thermal digestion of a portioned sample of the sample solution to be analyzed. The reaction vessel has an injection port for the introduction of the sample into the reaction vessel, at least one sample solution storage vessel for the device-internal storage of sample solution, and an injection syringe device which is movable between the sample solution storage vessel and the reaction vessel and which can be controlled to collect the sample from the sample solution storage vessel and introduce the sample into the injection port of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A composite material for sensing a chemical species in a medium is provided. The composite material includes a polymer having a glass transition temperature, a porosity promoter dispersed in the polymer in an amount such that the chemical species is transportable from the medium into the composite material at a temperature below the glass transition temperature, and a chemical indicator dispersed in the composite material, the chemical indicator providing an optical response varying with a concentration of the chemical species in the composite material.

Abstract: Surface modifications and improvements to piezoelectric-based sensors, such as QCMs and other piezoelectric devices, that significantly increase the sensitivity and the specificity (selectivity). These modifications can comprise mechanical and chemical changes to the surfaces of the sensors, either individually or together. For example, nanosize structures may be provided on the surface to improve sensitivity. Additionally, chemical coatings may be tethered to the surfaces, walls, or crystal to provide targeted sensitivity. Additionally, porous, layered and multiple sensor arrays may be formed to enhance sensitivity and selectivity.

Abstract: A particle vapor reactor (PVR) includes a reactor body with a fluid flow conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end, the crossection of the conduit having a circular geometry at the inlet end, a rectangular geometry at its midsection, and a circular geometry at its outlet end. The PVR conduit defines a saturator section and a condenser section. A compact condensation particle counter (CPC) including the reactor is also disclosed. The CPC also includes a sample inlet, a fluid inlet section, a heater section, and a detector section.

Abstract: A particle dispersion method for dispersing particles (500) fixed on the inner surface of a container (12) into a liquid. The particle dispersion method includes a discharge step of discharging a liquid into the container (12). The container (12) has a cylindrical main body part (310), and an inclined part (311) having an inner diameter that decreases from the main body part (310) side to the bottom part side and having a constant angle relative to the central axis of the container. In the discharge step, the liquid is discharged from above the inclined part (311) toward the inclined part (311) on the side opposite the particles (500) fixed to the inner surface of the container (12) across the central axis (300) of the container (12).

Abstract: A dropper includes a bulb, a pipette coupled to the bulb, and a cap coupled to the bulb. The dropper is composed entirely of recyclable material having a same recycle code. The dropper has a length of greater than 2 inches. The dropper is recyclable as a single unit. In one embodiment, the pipette includes an undercut on an inside of the pipette nearest the bulb.

Abstract: A sterilization process challenge device configured to test the efficacy of a sterilization process includes a tubular body for containing at least one sterilization indicator and a filter assembly including at least one filter member. The only flow path into the interior of the tubular body containing at least one sterilization indicator is provided through the filter assembly to control and restrict flow of a gaseous sterilization medium from an external environment.

Abstract: An assay device for use with samples of biological fluid, the assay device comprising: a physical detection unit for measuring a viscosity of a biological fluid sample; and a biomarker detection unit for detecting and/or measuring a biomarker in the biological fluid sample, wherein the physical detection unit and the biomarker detection unit act together as part of an assay process.

Abstract: A specimen transfer device adapted to receive a blood sample is disclosed. The specimen transfer device includes a housing and an actuation member. A deformable material is disposed within the housing and is deformable from an initial position in which the material is adapted to hold the sample to a deformed position in which at least a portion of the sample is released from the material. A viscoelastic member is disposed within the housing between the material and the housing and between the material and the actuation member. The viscoelastic member is engaged with the actuation member and the material such that movement of the actuation member from a first position to a second position deforms the material from the initial position to the deformed position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preparing and delivering biological assay samples are provided herein. Components of such devices include a sample receiving module within which a biological assay sample can be prepared and a cap, which when operatively coupled with the sample receiving module, pressurizes the module. These devices can be employed for subsequently delivering a biological assay sample.

Abstract: A flow passage unit has a column for used in a liquid chromatograph and a support body that supports the column. The column has: a porous stationary phase; a porous pressure adjusting part disposed at least at the flow-in end of the stationary phase, a liquid entering the flow-in end, the pressure adjusting part being harder than the stationary phase; and a covering part that covers the stationary phase and pressure adjusting part. The support body has a first plate and a second plate that are mutually joined, the support body forming a column holding part and a liquid flow passage, the column holding part holding the column between the first plate and the second plate, the liquid flow passage communicating with the column holding part. Pressure applied from the first plate and second plate to the pressure adjusting part is higher than pressure applied to the stationary phase.