Abstract: A fluidic assay system assembly comprising: (a) a disposable fluidic cartridge (1) comprising at least one reaction chamber (3) connected to a network of fluidic channels (2) with at least one inlet channel and one outlet channel. The said inlet and outlet channels end at the down side of the fluidic cartridge with at least two connecting pores (4), (4?); (b) a disposable vessel (5) comprising a connection tube (22) immersed in a sample container (6) and ended at the cap of the vessel with an external connection pore (7); (c) a fluidic manifold (8) that is interdependent with the bulk system (12) comprising a fluidic network connected (9) to active fluidic parts (10), (11). The said channel network ends at the top side of the fluidic manifold with at least one connecting pore (13). Wherein the first and the second pores of the fluidic cartridge are interfaced by direct physical contact with the sample container and the manifold pores, respectively.

Abstract: A main object of the invention is to provide a taggant particle group that has a plurality of authentication steps and an excellent anti-counterfeit effect and can be applied to various anti-counterfeit media.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter having a compact housing, a display unit disposed on the housing, the display unit including a display light source to illuminate the display unit, an input unit disposed on the housing, the input unit configured to provide input functions for the blood glucose meter, and a power source provided within the housing for providing power to the blood glucose meter, where the housing includes a port integrated on said housing configured to receive a blood glucose test strip, and corresponding methods of measuring blood glucose meter is provided.

Abstract: A kit for demonstrating or explaining the action of a mineral ion scavenger in an oral care composition. A method for demonstrating or explaining the action of a mineral ion scavenger in an oral care composition. A kit and/or method for providing perceptible confirmation of the action and/or effectiveness of an oral care composition comprising a mineral ion scavenger.

Abstract: The present invention can be described as an apparatus and cartridge for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid. The invention can also be described as a method of detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid using the apparatus and cartridge. The method comprises the steps of clamping a sensor cartridge into a cartridge receiver of the apparatus, providing fluid to a fluid flow-path of the cartridge, illuminating at least a portion of a sensor, and using a photodetector to detect a change in the optical property of the sensor, wherein the change is caused by the presence or absence of an analyte in the fluid.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a housing, a reader, and a data analyzer. The housing includes a port for receiving a test strip. The reader obtains separable light intensity measurements from localized regions of an area of the detection zone exposed for optical inspection, wherein each of the localized regions is characterized by at least one surface dimension smaller than the first dimension. The data analyzer identifies ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the at least one test region and computes at least one parameter from the identified ones of the light intensity measurements. In another aspect, the reader obtains a respective set of light intensity measurements from each of multiple corresponding regions of the exposed surface area of the detection zone, and the data analyzer computes at least one parameter from at least one of the sets of light intensity measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting light emanating from chemical or biochemical reactions occurring in at least one reaction vessel of a plurality of reaction vessels is disclosed. Each reaction vessel has a receptacle portion having an emitting area from which light can emanate. A plurality of light waveguides are arranged to guide light from apertures in a masking element to a light dispersing device for dispersing the light from each waveguide into a dispersed spectrum. A light detecting device detects specific spectra in the dispersed spectra of light substantially simultaneously In one embodiment, the light waveguides have a diameter that tapers from a first end substantially similar in diameter to the area of the top of the reaction vessel to a second end that is substantially smaller in diameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing multiple components of a fluid sample are provided. In certain embodiments, a system can include an analyte detection system configured to measure first analyte data in a first component of a fluid sample received from a patient and measure second analyte data in a second component of a fluid sample. In some embodiments, one or more portions of an optical system is movable with respect to other portions of the system in order to optically and/or electrochemically analyze multiple components of a fluid sample. In other embodiments, optical and/or electrochemical analysis can be performed simultaneously on multiple components of a fluid sample. In some embodiments, a first analyte can be measured in a sample (e.g., whole blood) before the sample is separated into its components (e.g., plasma, red blood cells, etc.), and a second analyte can be measured in a component of the sample after separation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sample receiving device for releasably storing a substance. The sample receiving device includes a lid having a reservoir for retaining the substance, and a pierceable barrier sealing the substance within the reservoir; and b) a funnel for receiving a sample and configured for closure by the lid. The funnel is configured for releasable attachment to a sample receptacle such that a sample can be provided to the funnel and travel through the channel in the funnel into the sample receptacle. Further, the funnel includes one or more cutting ribs for cutting the pierceable barrier such that upon cutting of the pierceable barrier the substance is released from the reservoir, flows through the channel in the funnel and into the sample receptacle to be mixed with the sample. The present invention also provides a kit for collecting and storing biomolecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates an optical sensor. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical sensor for detecting chemical components in a fluid. The present invention comprises two or more sensors, each being configured to detect one or more chemicals in a fluid, or one or more properties of the fluid, and two or more light sources. Each sensor is associated with one light source, and each sensor is configured to emit or reflect light in response to light from the light source incident on the sensor. The emitted or reflected light is dependent upon the presence of a chemical or a property of the fluid. The two or more light sources and two or more sensors are arranged around a single light detector, which detects the color and/or intensity of the light being emitted or reflected by the sensor. Data from the light detector is passed to a remote processor for processing.

Abstract: A microarray-based sample analysis (MBSA) system includes a cartridge holder adapted to receive a replaceable cartridge that is configured to receive a detachable, replaceable sample analysis unit containing one or more reaction chambers for sample analysis; a fluid control subsystem that controls fluid flow; and an optical subsystem configured to capture an image of the microarray.

Abstract: A combination of an on-site drug testing protocol and effective secure evidentiary procedure to ensure veracity and chain of possession for prosecution purposes is provided. Additionally, the procedural method includes a combined secure adhesive attachment to a drug test that serves as both an information collector and preservation device. The overall method thus includes steps of having a test subject apply oral fluids to a test device, covering and sealing the device, and taking real-time information and photographs into a time-stamp system and supplying such information and photographs instantly to a secure database. The oral fluids are thus preserved by the information-providing seal under a proper cover component to ensure DNA material is permitted for authenticity purposes as well. The overall protocol thus accords an all-encompassing evidentiary chain model at a highly trustworthy level if needed in a courtroom setting.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in an excised specimen includes a radio-opaque marker including an energy beacon that can be embedded in the specimen, an energy beacon controller, at least three detectors, a signal processing component, and a display device. An associated method is disclosed. A method for evaluating a radiographically labeled excised specimen involves determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in the excised specimen, anatomically sectioning the excised specimen, macro-optically segmenting the sectioned specimen into an adipose tissue component, a fibrous tissue component, and an epithelial tissue component, and microscopically examining at least one of the tissue components. An associated apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A specimen cup system includes a cup defining first and second reservoirs in fluid communication with one another. The first reservoir has an open top with spaced-apart upper and lower annular flanges defined at the open top's external periphery. A test card is permanently disposed in the second reservoir. A base, rotatably coupled to the cup, defines a chamber having an opening therein. The opening of the chamber is in fluid communication only with the first reservoir when the base is in a first position, and is in fluid communication only with the second reservoir when the base is in a second position. A seal, rim, and lid cooperate with the upper and lower annular flanges of the open top of the first reservoir to seal the first reservoir after a specimen has been deposited therein.

Abstract: A container, comprising: a body; and, a closure; wherein the closure has a lid hinged to a ring mounted on the body, the lid moveable from an open position to a closed position; wherein the lid has a tab hinged thereto for: inserting into and engaging a slot formed in the ring as the lid is moved to the closed position from the open position to thereby lock the lid in the closed position; or, receiving and engaging a pin head of a pin mounted on the ring in a hole formed in the tab to thereby hold the lid in the closed position, the pin configured to detach from the ring when the tab and lid are returned to the opened position.

Abstract: A method for determining an analyte in a water sample with a mobile water analyzing system having a basic unit and a test element insertable in the basic unit, the method comprising providing the test element and the basic unit. The test element is inserted into a test element receptacle of the basic unit. The water sample is transported forward from an inlet opening to a measuring section of the test element. A first analyzing of the water sample is performed in the measuring section with an analyzer of the basic unit. The water sample is transported forward from the measuring section to the first reagent section of the test element. The water sample is transported backward from the first reagent section to the measuring section of the test element. A second analyzing of the water sample is performed in the measuring section with the analyzer of the basic unit.

Abstract: A cartridge capable of storing a chemical solution includes a first container, a second container installed within the first container and configured to store the chemical solution, and an exhaust path configured to exhaust a gas generated by the chemical solution stored in the second container, wherein the exhaust path is disposed between the first container and the second container.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided. The biosensor is used to sense a biological sample and has a code representing features of the biosensor. The biosensor includes a substrate and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is disposed on a first side of the substrate and includes a first conductive loop and a second conductive loop. The first conductive loop is formed between a first node and a second node and has a first impedance. The second conductive loop is formed between the second node and a third node and has a second impedance. The code is determined according to a comparison result between the second impedance and the first impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring thrombus formation wherein anticoagulated blood is flown through a channel simulating a blood vessel while releasing the anticoagulant treatment or promoting blood coagulation to thereby monitor thrombus formation. This apparatus for monitoring thrombus formation comprises: a thrombus formation chamber in at least a part of which a thrombus formation inducer inducing thrombus formation is provided; an inlet tube which is connected to the thrombus formation chamber and through which blood is flown into the thrombus formation chamber; and a drug tube which is connected to the inlet tube and through which a drug releasing the anticoagulant treatment or a drug promoting blood coagulation is supplied.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. In one example, a microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals.