Abstract: Particle entrapment device for the capture of particles in an inhaled, or an exhaled air stream, including a body having a portion adapted to fit within the mouth or at least one nostril of a human, or other mammalian animal, in sealing engagement with the edges of that orifice, and a passage through the body to allow air to be inhaled by, or to be exhaled by the animal through the particle entrapment device. The passage has a non-linear path and includes a collector means so placed in the passage that, during inhalation, air is drawn firstly towards and then secondly around the collector to that particulate matter in the air inhaled by the animal will be caused to impact against the collector due to the non-linearity of the passage and to be retained on the collector such that the particulate matter retained on the collector is prevented from entering the airways of the animal. The collector is removable from the particle entrapment device to allow analysis of the particles impacted thereon.

Abstract: A method for detecting macromolecular species present on or in particles wherein particles are collected onto a surface, and the macromolecular species are allowed to diffuse from the particles. The diffused macromolecular species in close proximity to the particles are immobilized nonspecifically, wherein an immobilized macromolecular species is sufficiently close to a particle so as to be indicative of being diffused from the particle. The presence of the macromolecular species is detected while maintaining the close proximity of the immobilized macromolecular species to the particles from which the macromolecular species diffused.

Abstract: A nasal device for sampling inhaled particulate matter in the nose of a person to allow identification of aeroallergens in the inhaled matter or to prevent disease states mediated by such aeroallergens. The nasal device has a body adapted to fit within a person's nostril and to resiliently engage its inside wall. A passage extends through the body to allow air to be inhaled by the person through the nasal device. The passage has a non-linear path and includes a sample collection zone placed in the passage so that, during inhalation, air is drawn firstly towards and then secondly around the collection zone so that a sample of any particulate matter in the inhaled air will be caused to impact against the collection zone due to the non-linearity of the passage and to be retained on the collection zone, the sample collection zone being removable from the nasal device to allow analysis of the matter impacted thereon.

Abstract: A disposable medical testing device (17) adapted to be held against the skin of a patient, which enables the performance of skin testing for the diagnosis of both immediate hypersensitivity and delayed hypersensitivity immune reactions. The device is comprised of a hollow body with a sealed chamber in which is mounted a movable needle (3) capable of penetrating a patient's skin to a predetermined depth and a test reagent container (2). The device (17) is manipulable by a user to reduce the volume of the chamber and moving the needle thus releasing the reagent and causing penetration of the skin. The released reagent is delivered to the skin penetration site, and any resulting skin reaction is observed and recorded. Embodiments of the invention marked with a calibrated scale on a releasable transparent layer and details of patient and test date which allow multiple antigen tests to be performed are also disclosed. A method of testing for immune response using the device (17) is also disclosed.