Abstract: A filter unit (20, 320, 420, 820, 1020) is provided that includes a filtration chamber (30, 330, 430, 830, 1030) and a filter assembly (32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832, 1032). A filter cartridge (28, 128, 328, 428, 528, 728, 828, 1028) of the filter assembly (32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832, 1032) includes a support shell (44, 144, 344, 444, 744, 844) and a filter (60, 860) coupled to a support-shell side wall (50, 350, 850) so as to cover support-shell side openings (52, 352, 852). A handle (62, 162, 262, 362, 662, 762, 862, 1062) of the filter assembly (32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832, 1032) is coupled to a proximal end of the support shell (44, 144, 344, 444, 744, 844).

Abstract: A testing device (20, 120, 220, 290, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1020, 1120) is provided for testing for the presence of particulate in a liquid (22). The testing device (20, 120, 220, 290, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1020, 1120) includes a liquid container (30, 730) for containing the liquid (22); a filter (32, 132, 732), disposed in or downstream of the liquid container (30, 730); a liquid-pressure source (34, 734), which is arranged to apply pressure to drive the liquid (22) contained in the liquid container (30, 730) through the filter (32, 132, 732); and a filter chamber (36, 136, 236, 336, 736) that is (a) disposed downstream of the liquid container (30, 730), (b) shaped so as to define an inlet (38, 138, 238, 738, 838), and (c) in fluid communication with the filter (32, 132, 732). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A testing device (20, 120, 220, 290, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1020, 1120) is provided for testing for the presence of particulate in a liquid (22). The testing device (20, 120, 220, 290, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1020, 1120) includes a liquid container (30, 730) for containing the liquid (22); a filter (32, 132, 732), disposed in or downstream of the liquid container (30, 730); a liquid-pressure source (34, 734), which is arranged to apply pressure to drive the liquid (22) contained in the liquid container (30, 730) through the filter (32, 132, 732); and a filter chamber (36, 136, 236, 336, 736) that is (a) disposed downstream of the liquid container (30, 730), (b) shaped so as to define an inlet (38, 138, 238, 738, 838), and (c) in fluid communication with the filter (32, 132, 732). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for testing a non-centrifuged oronasopharyngeal fluid sample (22) taken from a human or non-human animal for the presence of a virus, the method including passing the non-centrifuged oronasopharyngeal fluid sample (22) through one or more porous filters (32, 1932) to separate epithelial cells from the non-centrifuged oronasopharyngeal fluid sample by size-based filtration. Thereafter, an extraction liquid is prepared by extracting cellular components of the epithelial cells separated from the non-centrifuged oronasopharyngeal fluid sample (22). Thereafter, the extraction liquid is tested for the presence of the virus. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for isolating bacterial cells, fungal cells, and single-celled parasites present in a blood sample containing higher eukaryotic cells; particularly wherein the microorganisms are present at a concentration significantly lower than the eukaryotic cells in the sample.

Abstract: A testing device (20, 120, 220, 290, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1020, 1120) is provided for testing for the presence of particulate in a liquid (22). The testing device (20, 120, 220, 290, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1020, 1120) includes a liquid container (30, 730) for containing the liquid (22); a filter (32, 132, 732), disposed in or downstream of the liquid container (30, 730); a liquid-pressure source (34, 734), which is arranged to apply pressure to drive the liquid (22) contained in the liquid container (30, 730) through the filter (32, 132, 732); and a filter chamber (36, 136, 236, 336, 736) that is (a) disposed downstream of the liquid container (30, 730), (b) shaped so as to define an inlet (38, 138, 238, 738, 838), and (c) in fluid communication with the filter (32, 132, 732). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes collecting, from a patient, gargled fluid that potentially contains a particulate selected from the group consisting of: a bacterium and a virus; passing the gargled fluid through a filter; and subsequently, testing for the presence of the particulate trapped by the filter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for isolating bacterial cells, fungal cells, and single-celled parasites present in a blood sample containing higher eukaryotic cells; particularly wherein the microorganisms are present at a concentration significantly lower than the eukaryotic cells in the sample.

Abstract: A method for processing DNA polymerase and/or dNTPs for use in an amplification procedure, includes providing a solution mixture, the solution mixture including a DNA polymerase and/or dNTPs, a buffer solution and at least one stabilizing agent and hydration reducing the solution mixture. The solution mixture is hydration reduced at a temperature between 0° C. and about 100° C.

Abstract: The present invention concerns in general PCR reaction mixtures comprising a mixture of hot-start primers and non-hot-start primers for a given target sequence, including multiplex PCR reaction mixtures; methods utilizing same for detection of one or more target polynucleotide sequences; and kits comprising same.

Abstract: A method for processing DNA polymerase and/or dNTPs for use in an amplification procedure, includes providing a solution mixture, the solution mixture including a DNA polymerase and/or dNTPs, a buffer solution and at least one stabilizing agent and hydration reducing the solution mixture. The solution mixture is hydration reduced at a temperature between 0° C. and about 100° C.

Abstract: A method for processing DNA polymerase and/or dNTPs for use in an amplification procedure, includes providing a solution mixture, the solution mixture including a DNA polymerase and/or dNTPs, a buffer solution and at least one stabilizing agent and hydration reducing the solution mixture. The solution mixture is hydration reduced at a temperature between 0 °C. and about 100 ° C.