Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device.

Abstract: A device for analysis of a sample, the device comprising: a first layer having a network of passages and chambers through which fluid is caused to flow during analysis; a second layer in which a plurality of chambers are formed, the chambers containing fluids for use in the analysis; an inlet in either the first or the second layer into which a sample to be analysed can, in use, be placed, and a third layer providing a frangible fluid seal between the chambers of the second layer and the network of the first layer so that, in use, a break in the third layer permits fluid from a chamber in the second layer to pass into the network of the first layer to enable analysis of the sample to be carried out.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor array and a method of forming the same. The sensor array includes an array of apertures etched into a 3D patterned resist layer to expose areas of one or more agents and/or reagents deposited on a substrate. The sensor is formed using a Self-Aligned Imprint Lithography (“SAIL”) method, a process that allows for a one-time deposition of all required materials followed by a series of etching/cleaning steps. The location of reagents on the sensor template, as well as the concentration gradient of each reagent, may be controlled through the sensor manufacturing process. Bores of a single reagent, or bores containing two or more reagents, may be formed using the SAIL process.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing an array assay are provided. Embodiments of the subject array assay devices include (1) a base, (2) a cover, and (3) a clamping member for holding the cover to the base, wherein when the cover is operatively held to the base about a structure that includes an array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element, the array assembly and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature. Embodiments of the subject methods include contacting a sample with a backing element and placing the backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure that includes the backing element and array assembly. The structure is then held together using a subject array assay device and the array substrate and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for detecting at least one ligand contained in a sample that is to be analyzed. Said device comprises an optical waveguide, on the surface of which at least one ligand-specific receptor is directly or indirectly immobilized. The ligand bonds to said receptor during contact therewith. The inventive device comprises at least one optical source of radiation for injecting excitation radiation into the waveguide, the radiation being used for exciting emission of luminescence radiation in accordance with the bonding of the ligand to the receptor. At least one radiation receiver is integrated into the semiconductor substrate of a semiconductor chip so as to detect the luminescence radiation. The waveguide is integrated in a monolithic manner into the semiconductor substrate or is applied thereupon as a wave-guiding layer.

Abstract: A sample support, which is configured in the form of a titre plate or chip. has a plastic support plate and several recesses for receiving samples. Said recesses are sealed with a glass plate. According to the present disclosure, a support core surrounding the recesses is embedded in the support plate in order to prevent contraction during the process for producing the support plate. The support core is preferably a metal plate with areas which have not been extrusion-coated, for use as contact surfaces. Heat can be introduced into the titre plate through these contact surfaces.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to provide a method for analyzing a blood test sample containing blood platelet collected from a human body to detect presence of an analyte in the test sample, wherein fluctuations of measured results due to difference of processing mode of the test sample is eliminated, a dry analytical element and an analytical kit utilizing the method. The objects are achieved by a blood analytical method in which surfactant added to the blood test sample is at least one selected from surfactants that do not destroy blood platelet, a dry analytical element and an analytical kit utilizing the method.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a simple biochemical sensor making use of the light interference effect of an optical film which is capable of measuring binding of biochemical substances at a high throughput. In the present invention, a solution containing samples 18 is passed through the sensor having probes 17 provided on an optical film with a refractive index of not less than 1.8 and not greater than 3 on a substrate, and binding of the probes 17 and samples 18 is detected from the change of intensity of the reflected light. This makes it possible to measure binding of biochemical substances at a high throughput with high precision.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.

Abstract: Arrangements for the detection of the presence and/or concentration of an analyte in a sample of bodily fluid include diffuse transmission, diffuse reflection and edge or waveguide illumination arrangements. A vertical flow assay arrangement and/or technique is also disclosed, and includes a detection component that can be in the form of an array of optical detection elements. A number of assay pad constructions are described which may include at least one or more of the following components: a prefilter component, a reflective component, a membrane component, a reagent component, a mesh component, and a component to prevent lateral spreading.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring trace ingredients in water, which make it possible to perform detection and quantitative determination of silica, phosphorus or arsenic in a sample solution. The method includes adding a molybdate ion to a sample solution under an acidic condition, then adding a fluorescent counter cationic pigment thereto, and measuring the time required for the fluorescence emitted by the resultant solution to be attenuated to a prescribed intensity. The measuring apparatus includes an excitation light source which irradiates excitation light to the above-modified solution; a fluorescence detector which detects the fluorescence emitted by the solution; means for measuring the time required for the fluorescence detected by the fluorescence detector to be attenuated to a prescribed intensity; and control means for determining the concentration of silica, phosphorus or arsenic in the sample solution from the time measurement.

Abstract: A test device 1 for analyzing a specific component in a test solution with a reagent by allowing the solution introduced via a feed opening 4 to react with the reagent maintained in a predetermined position in a capillary tube 3 having the opening 4 and an air outlet 5. The tube is provided with two hydrophilic regions 31, 33 and a hydrophobic region 32. The region 31 transfers the solution from the opening 4 to the reagent. The region 33 is delimited to a predetermined area maintaining the reagent. The region 32 separates the region 31 from the region 33. The reagent and the solution are applied in predetermined amounts to the region 33. A measuring device need not previously measure the solution. The device is useful as an analytical device for rapid and easy analysis, and can be produced in a less number of steps because the reagent can be fixed by merely applying it onto a predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for detecting chemical, biological, biochemical or other environmental stimuli, and includes a plurality of colloidal particles having chemical receptors bound to each particle's surface, wherein when a target stimulus is directed to the bound chemical receptor, the gelled matrix contracts or expands, which changes the lattice constant, thereby changing the pattern of diffracted light in a measurable manner so that the target stimulus' presence can be detected by a spectrometer. The plurality of colloidal particles are composed of a material having a first dielectric constant, and the gel and surrounding medium have a second dielectric constant. The colloidal particles can be assembled using holographic optical tweezers and polymerized to create an integrated sensor array, which diffracts light in a detectable characteristic manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fluorimetrically or photometrically identifying gaseous substances or substances, which can be converted into a gaseous state, in samples. Decomposition reactions, optional purification steps, and detection can be carried out in a cell, which comprises one or more ion-permeable membranes, in a user-friendly and selective manner without losing any substances.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample are provided. Devices of the present invention comprise a means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface. In one embodiment, the means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface comprises a syringe that can be used to draw a sample from an opening to a test surface. In other embodiments, the device also provides means for diluting a sample. In yet other embodiments, the device also provides a means.

Abstract: A method to fabricate an optical scattering probe and the method includes the steps of a) depositing an conductive layer on a substrate followed by depositing a noble metal layer on top of the conductive layer and then an aluminum layer on top the noble metal layer; b) anodizing the aluminum layer to form a porous aluminum oxide layer having a plurality of pores; and c) etching the plurality of pores through the aluminum oxide layer and the noble metal layer for forming a nano-hole array. In a preferred embodiment, the step of etching the plurality of pores through the aluminum oxide layer and the noble metal layer further comprising a step of widening the pores followed by removing the aluminum oxide layer for forming a plurality of noble metal column on top of the conductive layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enhancement solution for an assay technology using lanthanide ions or their chelates as labels and dissociative fluorescence enhancement as a tool for detection, wherein said enhancement solution comprises a ?-diketone of formula I wherein R1 is an aryl, optionally mono- or multi-substituted, and R2 is a straight or branched alkyl chain with 2 to 9 carbon atoms substituted with four or more fluorine atoms. The invention further relates to a bioaffinity assay using lanthanide ions or their chelates as labels and dissociative fluorescence enhancement as a tool for detection comprising the use of said enhancement solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for removing gels plugs (47) from a gel(3) bonded to a surface (5) wherein means are provided for rotating the gel plug before lifting it from said surface. The rotation of the gel plug is intended to break the bond between said gel plug and said gel surface.

Abstract: A system and method for determining information about an assay. In one embodiment the method includes positioning a filter assembly, having an assay disposed on its surface, relative to a light source such that light from the light source is incident on the filter assembly and at least a portion of the light incident on the filter assembly is reflected from the filter assembly, illuminating the filter assembly with light from the light source, receiving light reflected from the filter assembly in an optical element, analyzing one or more characteristics of the light received in the optical element to determine information about a reaction in the assay, wherein a reaction in the assay results in a change of one or more characteristics of the light received from the filter assembly.

Abstract: A process for the on-line determination of the hydrogen peroxide content of a mixture obtained in a chemical reaction comprises at least the following steps: (1) admixing the mixture comprising hydrogen peroxide with at least one reagent which is capable of forming a substance which can be detected by optical methods on reaction with hydrogen peroxide, so as to form this substance, (2) determining the amount of the substance present by measuring its specific absorption in an appropriate wavelength range.