Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining biometric indicators such as plasma volume, hematocrit and glomerular filtration rate, in mammalian subjects such as humans. The methods utilize a plurality of fluorescent tags having distinct fluorescent characteristics, which may be associated with a single static molecule, or wherein the static molecule is labeled with a fluorescent tag and a dynamic molecule is labeled with another fluorescent tag. One or more measurements of the intensities of the fluorescent emissions are taken subsequent to introduction of an injectate which contains the fluorescent tags, which can be taken using a probe or via a blood or plasma sample. Compositions and apparatuses for practicing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting a treatment for a subject based on a value for the interstitial space volume of the subject utilizes plurality of sample data values representing concentrations of small and large markers in plurality of blood samples over time. The sample concentrations are utilized to predict a hypothetical peak concentration of the small marker prior to the dissipation of the markers during the test period. This hypothetical peak concentration and other sample values are utilized with either a bi-exponential or tri-exponential decay curve fitting algorithm to define a decay curve, the curve characteristics of which are then utilized to calculate values for glomerular filtration rate, a leakage rate of the small marker into interstitial space, and finally a value for the interstitial volume. The determined value for the interstitial volume can then be compared with number thresholds and decisions made for recommended therapy for the subject, if desired.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining biometric indicators such as plasma volume, hematocrit and glomerular filtration rate, in mammalian subjects such as humans. The methods utilize a plurality of fluorescent tags having distinct fluorescent characteristics, which may be associated with a single static molecule, or wherein the static molecule is labeled with a fluorescent tag and a dynamic molecule is labeled with another fluorescent tag. One or more measurements of the intensities of the fluorescent emissions are taken subsequent to introduction of an injectate which contains the fluorescent tags, which can be taken using a probe or via a blood or plasma sample. Compositions and apparatuses for practicing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-penetrating percutaneous optical sensing device for obtaining and transmitting optical signal from intravascular fluid in a blood vessel, the device comprising: (a) an elongated hollow rigid sensor sheath 20 having a proximal end 21, a distal end 22 and a central channel extending along the sensor sheath, wherein the distal end 22 of the sensor sheath 20 is sufficiently sharpened to puncture a cutaneous barrier and the sensor sheath 20 has a sufficient length to allow the sensor sheath 20 to penetrate into intravascular space of a blood vessel; (b) a flexible optical fiber 30 having a proximal end and a distal end situated coherently within the central channel of the sensor sheath 20 wherein the sensor sheath 20 covers a portion of the distal end of the flexible optical fiber 30 and wherein the distal end of the flexible optical fiber 30 aligns with the distal end 22 of the sensor sheath 20; and (c) an optical sensor 40 connected to the distal end of the flexible op

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: An automated chemistry-testing system for analyzing serum samples in which a controlled intensity, monochromatic light beam of substantially any desired wavelength can be selectively directed through any one of a plurality of test solutions in a spectrophotometer. The system operates at very high speed, permitting serum test solutions to be scanned with a multiplicity of wavelengths of light to provide extensive data on the characteristics of the serum. The invention also provides substantial flexibility and permits a wide variety of test to be more reliably performed.