Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (10) for processing of a liquid sample, for example for the detection of components in a sample of blood. The cartridge comprises a fluidic system with an intake port (12) leading via an intake capillary channel (13) to a storage chamber (14). Moreover, a feeding capillary channel (15) leads from the storage chamber (14) to a detection chamber (16). The design of the cartridge (10) is such that the intake capillary channel (13) that connects the intake port (12) to the storage chamber (14), has a capillary suction pressure sufficiently high to drive some sample from the intake port to the storage chamber without need of any additional pressure. Furthermore the cartridge a flow control element (18, 20) adapted to be externally controllable such that the sample can be drawn from the storage chamber (14) towards the processing chamber (16) without any active pumping.

Abstract: A device such as a disposable cartridge has an RFID tag (30) having an antenna (10), and a fluidic element (20, 160), the antenna having a shape to at least partly enclose an area, at least a part of the fluidic element being located in this area. By having such a structure, the device can be made more compact or the antenna can be made larger, and hence the costs for a given performance can be reduced, or the storage space for a given number of devices can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the detection of magnetic particles (1) in a sample chamber (112). After introduction of the sample into said sample chamber (112), the magnetic particles (1) are first retained within the sample chamber (112) and kept away from the sensing surface (111) by an appropriate magnetic field (B) to allow for an incubation of the sample with reagents. A reference measurement may be made during this incubation period (TI), preferably at the end thereof. After incubation, the magnetic particles (1) are allowed to contact the sensing surface (111) where a target measurement can be conducted.

Abstract: A sensor system (100) includes a reader (150) with a sensor unit (155, 156) and an accommodation Space (151) for an exchangeable cartridge (110). The cartridge (110) is held in the accommodation space (151) by at least one contact element (111) which has an increased thermal resistance and/or a contact area of reduced size. Thus a more homogenous temperature distribution can be achieved within the cartridge (110), reducing distortions which might adversely affect optical measurements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (10) for processing of a liquid sample, for example for the detection of components in a sample of blood. The cartridge comprises a fluidic system with an intake port (12) leading via an intake capillary channel (13) to a storage chamber (14). Moreover, a feeding capillary channel (15) leads from the storage chamber (14) to a detection chamber (16). The design of the cartridge (10) is such that the intake capillary channel (13) that connects the intake port (12) to the storage chamber (14), has a capillary suction pressure sufficiently high to drive some sample from the intake port to the storage chamber without need of any additional pressure. Furthermore the cartridge a flow control element (18, 20) adapted to be externally controllable such that the sample can be drawn from the storage chamber (14) towards the processing chamber (16) without any active pumping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the detection of magnetic particles (1) in a sample chamber (112). After introduction of the sample into said sample chamber (112), the magnetic particles (1) are first retained within the sample chamber (112) and kept away from the sensing surface (111) by an appropriate magnetic field (B) to allow for an incubation of the sample with reagents. A reference measurement may be made during this incubation period (TI), preferably at the end thereof. After incubation, the magnetic particles (1) are allowed to contact the sensing surface (111) where a target measurement can be conducted.

Abstract: A system for providing sensory feedback includes a garment (106) that is configured to flexibly and snuggly fit over a portion of a subject. The garment includes one or more sensors (104) disposed therein to monitor activity of the subject or monitor points of interest of the subject. An interpretation module (115) is coupled with the sensors to receive sensor signals and interpret the sensor signals to determine if conditions are met to provide feedback signals to the garment. A feedback modality (108) is incorporated into the garment and is responsive to the feedback signals such that the feedback modality emits energy from the garment to provide sensory information to assist a physician during a procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor system (100) comprising a reader (150) with a sensor unit (155, 156) and an accommodation Space (151) for an exchangeable cartridge (110). The cartridge (110) is held in said accommodation space (151) by at least one contact element (111) which has an increased thermal resistance and/or a contact area of reduced size. Thus a more homogenous temperature distribution can be achieved within the cartridge (110), reducing distortions which might adversely affect optical measurements.

Abstract: A device such as a disposable cartridge has an RFID tag (30) having an antenna (10), and a fluidic element (20, 160), the antenna having a shape to at least partly enclose an area, at least a part of the fluidic element being located in this area. By having such a structure, the device can be made more compact or the antenna can be made larger, and hence the costs for a given performance can be reduced, or the storage space for a given number of devices can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is related to devices for manipulating magnetic particles that are suspended in a fluid, possibly containing a biological entity of interest, the magnetic particles being able to bind the entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel constituted by a large upper compartment with a funnel shape, an elongate lower compartment with a substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The devices are especially useful in methods for the extraction of nucleic acid to enable them for further processing.

Abstract: The present invention is related to devices for manipulating magnetic particles that are suspended in a fluid, possibly containing a biological entity of interest, the magnetic particles being able to bind the entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel constituted by a large upper compartment with a funnel shape, an elongate lower compartment with a substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The devices are especially useful in methods for the extraction of nucleic acid to enable them for further processing.

Abstract: A process for manipulating magnetic particles suspended in a fluid that are able to bind to an entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel having a large funnel shaped upper compartment, an elongate lower compartment of substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The process consists of: a) subjecting the magnetic particles to two simultaneously applied magnetic fields to separate all said magnetic particles present in at least the upper compartment of the vessel from the fluid, b) transferring the separated magnetic particles from the upper compartment to the lower compartment, c) removing the fluid from the vessel, d) adding a washing liquid to the lower compartment, e) subjecting the magnetic particles to at least two magnetic fields applied successively with changing directions to wash all the magnetic particles present in the lower compartment, and concentrating said magnetic particles in said lower compartment.