Abstract: A test apparatus is provided for rapidly detecting abnormal loading of a microfluidic device, and unloading the abnormally-loaded microfluidic device, thereby preventing contamination of the test apparatus by a sample and degradation in reliability of test results. A test system including the test apparatus and a control method for the test apparatus are also provided. The test apparatus includes an optical sensor to photograph an image at a position corresponding to the microfluidic device, and a controller to detect a pattern formed on a surface of the microfluidic device based on the photographed image to determine whether characteristics of the detected pattern are identical to characteristics of a pre-stored pattern, and to determine whether the microfluidic device has not been normally loaded, when the characteristics of the detected pattern are different from the characteristics of the pre-stored pattern.

Abstract: A test strip analyser is provided. The test strip analyser includes a frame, a test control module and an optical system. The test control module is disposed in the frame and includes a test strip carrier of a plurality of test strip carriers and a sample container of a plurality of sample containers. The test strip carrier is disposed on the frame and adapted to hold a test strip. The sample container is adapted to contain a sample. The optical system is disposed above the frame and the test control module and includes a light sensor and controller. The light sensor is configured to capture an image of the test strip. The controller is connected to the light sensor to control the light sensor, and the light sensor feedbacks the image to the controller. In addition, an analysing method using the same is also provided.

Abstract: An analyzer for measuring a sample includes a display, measurement hardware configured to perform a quality control measurement on a vial containing a quality control (QC) sample, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the display and the measurement hardware and is configured to communicate, via the display, instructions to implement a QC measurement on a first vial containing a first QC sample. If a result of the QC measurement is within a pre-determined range the first vial passes the QC measurement. If the result of the QC measurement is not within the pre-determined range the first vial fails the QC measurement. If the first vial fails the QC measurement and if a number of times the first vial fails the QC measurement is less than a predetermined number, the controller is configured to communicate, via the display, instructions to repeat the QC measurement on the first vial.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantifying haloether contamination in aqueous samples. A flow state is artificially induced upon an aqueous sample and a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber, upon which an electric potential is applied, is exposed to the flowing aqueous sample in direct immersion mode. Halide ions liberated from electrophoretically dehalogenated haloether compounds contained in the aqueous sample are absorbed upon the SPME fiber, then later desorbed at a gas chromatograph, separated into individual halide ions and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Effects of various parameters such as absorption time, sample pH, salt content, applied voltage, SPME fiber type, flow rate and background matrix are also described.

Abstract: A pipette tip includes a main body section; and a straight pipe section disposed at the leading end of the main body section, in which the inner diameter of the straight pipe section is 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm inclusive, and the length of the straight pipe section is 5 mm to 15 mm inclusive.

Abstract: An Fe(II) ion detection agent, and related method, capable of fluorescently detecting Fe(II) ions quickly with high sensitivity is disclosed. The Fe(II) ion detection agent can be a compound represented by formula (I) (fluorescence probe): wherein R1 and R2 represent lower alkyl; R3 and R4 represent hydrogen; R5 represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, or a group represented by formula (A): —NR51R52 wherein R51 and R52 represent lower alkyl; R6 and R7 represent hydrogen; ring A represents an aromatic ring; V represents O or SiR10R11 wherein R10 and R11 are the same or different and represent, hydrogen or lower alkyl; W represents CH2, CO; Z represents O; m and n are the same or different and represent 0 or 1. The agent can be combined with a compound having at least three coordinating positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluorescent compound represented by the following general formula and having fluorescence characteristics that vary in the presence of a subject substance, wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a carboxyl group, or a substituent containing a carboxyl group, and R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, or a substituent containing a carboxyl group.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for reagent cards having a leading end, a trailing end and a length between the leading end and the trailing end comprises a travel surface assembly having a card travel surface and an edge. A test analyzing mechanism is adjacent to the travel surface, and a waste receptacle is adjacent to the edge below the travel surface. The waste receptacle has a side and a waste cavity. A ramp member positioned below the travel surface has an end and a sloped surface, and is movable between an extended position where the sloped surface extends into the waste cavity, and a retracted position where the end is spaced from the side a distance greater than the length of the reagent card. A moving mechanism operably coupled with the ramp member is configured to move the ramp member between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantifying haloether contamination in aqueous samples. A flow state is artificially induced upon an aqueous sample and a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber, upon which an electric potential is applied, is exposed to the flowing aqueous sample in direct immersion mode. Halide ions liberated from electrophoretically dehalogenated haloether compounds contained in the aqueous sample are absorbed upon the SPME fiber, then later desorbed at a gas chromatograph, separated into individual halide ions and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Effects of various parameters such as absorption time, sample pH, salt content, applied voltage, SPME fiber type, flow rate and background matrix are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an amino acid-based compound for detecting carbon dioxide, and to a carbon dioxide chemical sensor and a carbon dioxide detection method using the compound, wherein the compound having selectivity with respect to carbon dioxide exhibits a high selectivity to carbon dioxide and thus may detect carbon dioxide of a very low concentration, exhibits excellent light-absorbing or fluorescent characteristics, and, in particular, may achieve an effect of detecting carbon dioxide in real time.

Abstract: According to the present teachings, systems, compositions, kits and methods for protein melt analysis are provided that utilizing a dye that is a dipyrrometheneboron difluoride compound. In some embodiments, a method comprises preparing a sample by mixing at least one protein with a dye, and applying a controlled heating, while recording the fluorescence emission of the sample.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer includes sample vessels containing samples to be measured and; reaction vessels in which to mix a sample and a reagent. A sample dispenser 5 dispenses a sample from any of the sample vessels to any of the reaction vessels. A reagent dispenser dispenses a reagent from a reagent vessel to a reaction vessel, and a stirrer stirs the sample-reagent mix contained in the reaction vessel. A photometric measurement unit is provided for obtaining multiple measurement data points during the progress of reaction of a mixed solution. At least one approximation formula is performed and an approximation curve from the measurement data points is generated. A shape descriptor is calculated from the approximation curve and abnormalities based on the shape descriptor are determined. This not only allows abnormalities to be detected accurately from each measurement result, but also allows the causes of the abnormalities to be identified.

Abstract: An improved qualitative or semi-quantitative diagnostic test for low levels of any analyte, such as hCG, in a biological sample, such as urine. The test comprises of a test device containing reagents for the detection of the monitored analyte and an electronic reader that measures color development at a detection area of the device. The color development is converted to an electronic or digital signal. Improvements were made to the detection process to optimize the detection of a valid fluid front, increase the detection limit without compromising the reliability and accuracy of the test system, and improve the determination of test result validity.

Abstract: A gas transport system includes at least one chemical reactor having at least one inlet and at least one gas outlet and at least one sample introduction unit for delivering the sample into the chemical reactor. The gas transport system at least one carrier gas line fluidly coupled to the chemical reactor inlet for introducing into the chemical reactor carrier gas from a carrier gas source, at least one gas outlet line from the chemical reactor gas outlet, and at least one gas recycling line connected to the gas outlet and/or the gas outlet line by a first gas line junction that is arranged between the chemical reactor and a downstream detection unit on the gas outlet line. The gas transport system is adapted to allow recycling of at least a portion of gas emerging from the chemical reactor outlet back to the chemical reactor via the gas recycling line.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantifying haloether contamination in aqueous samples. A flow state is artificially induced upon an aqueous sample and a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber, upon which an electric potential is applied, is exposed to the flowing aqueous sample in direct immersion mode. Halide ions liberated from electrophoretically dehalogenated haloether compounds contained in the aqueous sample are absorbed upon the SPME fiber, then later desorbed at a gas chromatograph, separated into individual halide ions and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Effects of various parameters such as absorption time, sample pH, salt content, applied voltage, SPME fiber type, flow rate and background matrix are also described.

Abstract: Methods of assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease in a subject by detecting the level of at least one metabolite in a sample from the subject are disclosed herein. The level of the metabolite is indicative of the risk of cardiovascular disease in the subject. The metabolites may be acylcarnitines, amino acids, ketones, free fatty acids or hydroxybutyrate. The cardiovascular disease may be risk of a cardiovascular event, presence of coronary artery disease or risk of development of coronary artery disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatography column assembly that offers an affordable self-packed column for performing chromatographic separation. The chromatography column assembly comprises a column tube having a first and a second opening at substantially opposite ends, and an end cap of either a snap fit design or a bolted design. The column assembly may further include an adaptor shaft inserted into the column through the end cap for achieving a desired bed volume. The column assembly may also include a second end cap enclosing the second opening, and an optional adaptor shaft may be inserted into the column through the second end cap, enabling further adjustment of the bed volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and risk assessment of plasmalogen deficiency mediated diseases of aging. The present invention describes the relationship between plasmalogen biosynthesis dysfunction and the biochemical and clinical manifestations of age related disorders. Specifically the present invention describes an increased prevalence of colon cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, ovary cancer, kidney cancer, cognitive impairment and dementia in subjects suffering from adult onset plasmalogen biosynthesis disorder (AO-PBD).

Abstract: A reagent card analyzer comprises an optical signal source configured to transmit an optical signal and an optical signal detector spaced a distance from the optical signal source to define an optical signal path into which the optical signal is transmitted, the optical signal detector configured to detect the optical signal and to output an electrical signal indicative of the optical signal. A reader is configured to read a reagent pad of a reagent card. A reagent card moving mechanism is configured to move the reagent card having the reagent pad including a leading and trailing end through the optical signal path. An optical detector interface is electrically coupled with the optical signal detector and configured to receive electrical signals and to output a pad detect signal indicative of at least one of the leading and the trailing end as the reagent card is moved through the optical signal path.

Abstract: A Method for the detection of the conformational state of a protein contained in a complex mixture of further proteins and/or other biomolecules, is proposed as well as assays for such a method. The method comprises the following steps: (1) Limited proteolysis of the complex mixture under a condition where the protein is in the conformational state to be detected leading to a first fragment sample; (2) Denaturation of the first fragment sample to a denaturated first fragment sample; (3) Complete fragmentation of the denaturated first fragment sample in a digestion step to a completely fragmented sample; and (4) Analytical analysis of the completely fragmented sample for the determination of fragments characteristic of having been the result both the limited proteolysis of step 1 as well as of the complete fragmentation in the digestion step 3. for the determination of the conformational state.