Abstract: The method and system of the invention provide especially for continuously obtaining and analyzing, on a real time basis, sweat from a selected area of skin on the body of a person, especially a neonate, being diagnosed for cystic fibrosis, by causing sweating of the selected area of skin, by placing an electrically positive iontophoretic electrode device of a set of said devices over the selected area of skin preferably within a previously placed receiving and holding device which, following the induction of sweat and removal of the electrically positive iontophoretic electrode device, receives a sweat-sensing electrode device that continuously sends electrical signals to sweat analysis circuitry for providing a digital readout of the ionic composition of the sweat. The receiving and holding device insures recovery and utilization of essentially all of the sweat being produced by the selected area of skin.

Abstract: In accordance with the apparatus of the invention, a preferably vertically upstanding housing is provided, internally thereof, with a rack structure having an upstanding series of shelves, or other microscope-slide-supporting members, spaced one above another providing multiple, substantially horizontal slots arranged alternatively with the shelves and leading into corresponding compartments between the shelves for receiving microscope slides to be heated, which preferably lie flatwise on and against the shelves so as to be heated by conduction from the shelves.The method of the invention constitutes the placing of the slides in the heating compartments, preferably with corresponding ends projecting therefrom so as to remain relatively cool for grasping during removal, and turning on the heat.

Abstract: A cytocentrifugation device of the type disclosed by the copending Stokes-Quirante U.S. application Ser. No. 07/788,310 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,228 on Oct. 12, 1993) is improved by the provision of elongate, rounded projections on and protruding from the clamping face of the delivery conduit flange at the delivery end of such conduit and the flattening of the otherwise rounded and flange contacting end faces of the clamping arms. Further improvements include a floating mounting for the clamping arms so as to ensure even clamping of the annular area of the absorption pad marginal to the absorption pad opening confronting the cell deposition area of the microscope slide that is otherwise covered by the absorption pad, and the provision for positively, properly aligning the several items to be clamped together during operation of the cytocentrifuge apparatus.

Abstract: A cytocentrifugation device, rotor, and apparatus are improved by providing the device with a plurality of liquid-receiving chambers arranged serially along and opening into an elongate conduit leading to and terminating within a filter-pad-holder so that a filter-pad-prewetting liquid can be passed along such conduit and into a liquid-flow opening of a filter pad held by such holder in advance of passage along said conduit and through such liquid-flow opening in the filter pad of a cell-carrying liquid sample during a centrifugation run of the apparatus. Retention of prewetting liquid in the filter pad around the sample liquid flow helps to prevent loss of cells to the filter pad. Various other structural modifications of the cytocentrifugation device and filter pads used therewith also help to prevent loss of cells to the filter pad.

Abstract: A cytocentrifugation device, rotor, and apparatus are improved by providing the device with a plurality of liquid-receiving chambers arranged serially along and opening into an elongate conduit leading to and terminating within a filter-pad-holder so that a filter-pad-prewetting liquid can be passed along such conduit and into a liquid-flow opening of a filter pad held by such holder in advance of passage along said conduit and through such liquid-flow opening in the filter pad of a cell-carrying liquid sample during a centrifugation run of the apparatus. Retention of prewetting liquid in the filter pad around the sample liquid flow helps to prevent loss of cells to the filter pad. Various other structural modifications of the cytocentrifugation device and filter pads used therewith also help to prevent loss of cells to the filter pad.

Abstract: Cytocentrifugation apparatus is improved by providing centrifuging devices with a plurality of liquid-receiving chambers arranged serially along and opening into an elongate conduit leading to and terminating within a filter-pad-holder so that a filter-pad-prewetting liquid can be passed along such conduit and into a liquid-flow opening of a filter pad held by such holder in advance of passage along said conduit and through such liquid-flow opening in the filter pad of a cell-carrying liquid sample during a centrifugation run of the apparatus. Retention of prewetting liquid in the filter pad around the sample liquid flow helps to prevent loss of cells to the filter pad. Various other structural modifications of the cytocentrifugation device and filter pads used therewith also help to prevent loss of cells to the filter pad.

Abstract: A disposable vacuum assisted filter funnel for filtering fluids into bottles. The bottle top filter forms a vacuum dependent seal with the mouth of the bottle. When fluid is introduced into the bottle top filter, the evacuated bottle draws the fluid through the filter into the bottle. The bottle top filter lacks a vacuum plenum between the vacuum source and the bottle. The bottle top filter may be manufactured from one molded piece.