Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for treating and analyzing a biological specimen. The biological specimen is introduced into a processing device and treated thermally, mechanically, chemically or any combination thereof within the processing device to alter at least one constitutive characteristic of the biological specimen and to release or create one or more biological indicators from the biological specimen. The biological specimen is further contacted with a treated polymeric material so that at least a portion of the polymeric material binds to the one or more biological indicators.

Abstract: This invention relates to the collection and handling of biological or chemical specimens. The invention provides a device and a method for collecting and preparing patient samples, such as sputum, to be used in downstream diagnostics tests. The invention reduces the handling and exposure of healthcare workers to the sample by the use of a bag in which hermetic seals are utilized to separate sample aliquots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for collecting treating and analysis of biological or chemical material by introducing a source material into a specimen container, transferring the source material to a processing device and thermally, chemically and/or mechanically treating the source material to alter at least one constitutive characteristic of the source material and to release or create a target material from the source material.