Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the rapid and sensitive detection of a carbapenemase in a sample are provided. The compositions include novel primer and probe compositions for use in detecting the presence of this enzyme in a sample, particularly using PCR methods. These primers and probe sets can be used in amplification methods (such as PCR, particularly quantitative PCR) and packaged into kits for use in amplification methods for the purpose of detecting carbapenemase in a test sample, particularly a patient sample, particularly a direct sample. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides for novel oligonucleotide primers set forth in SEQ ID NOs:1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 17, 18, and 20, and the novel oligonucleotide probe sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 9, 16, and 19. These sequences can be used in a method of detecting carbapenemase in a sample.

Abstract: An improved endotracheal tube is disclosed which provides for a more reliable and safer airway to a patient's lungs for the purpose of administering anesthesia, supplying oxygen and assisting a patient in breathing, and the like. The new and improved features of the tube make it easier for a health care professional to secure the tube to a patient's face, monitor its depth of insertion into the throat and assure its easy connection an disconnection from a medical or surgical apparatus. These improved features include flexible flanges molded to the tube, each of said flanges including a plurality of radially opposite slots to which adhesive tape is attached for securing said tube to a patient's face. The tube is also provided with colored rings, located between the upper and lower edges of each set of slots for monitoring the depth of insertion of the tube into the throat of a patient.