Abstract: A collection container and method for collecting a predetermined volume of a biological sample, and particularly a whole blood sample, includes at least one gene induction blocking agent in an amount effective to stabilize and inhibit gene induction. The gene induction blocking agent is able to stabilize nucleic acids in the biological sample at the point of collection to block ex vivo gene induction in the sample when stored at room temperature. The stabilizing agents include cationic compounds, detergents, particularly cationic detergents, chaotropic salts, ribonuclease inhibitors, chelating agents, organic solvents, organic reducing reagents, and mixtures thereof. The biological sample is collected directly from the animal and immediately mixed with the gene induction blocking agent without any intermediate processing or handling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid transfer device including first and second sampling tube holders for accommodating sampling tubes therein, with the holders joined together through a coupler. The coupler includes a cannula having a first end extending into the first sampling tube holder and a second end extending into the second sampling tube holder, thereby establishing a path for fluid flow between a first sampling tube accommodated within the first holder and a second sampling tube accommodated within the second holder through the cannula. The coupler may be a two piece system including two hubs with separate cannulas extending from each hub, and each hub may be separately joined to the holders prior to joining the hubs to form the coupler. The coupler may further include a connector extending between the two hubs.

Abstract: A collection container and method for collecting a predetermined volume of a biological sample, and particularly a whole blood sample, includes an effective amount of at least one stabilizing agent. The stabilizing agent is able to stabilize nucleic acids in the biological sample at the point of collection to prevent enzymatic degradation of the nucleic acids. The stabilizing agents include cationic compounds, detergents, particularly cationic detergents, chaotropic salts, ribonuclease inhibitors, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A collection container and method for collecting a predetermined volume of a biological sample, and particularly a whole blood sample, includes at least one gene induction blocking agent in an amount effective to stabilize and inhibit gene induction. The gene induction blocking agent is able to stabilize nucleic acids in the biological sample at the point of collection to block ex vivo gene induction in the sample when stored at room temperature. The stabilizing agents include cationic compounds, detergents, particularly cationic detergents, chaotropic salts, ribonuclease inhibitors, chelating agents, organic solvents, organic reducing reagents, and mixtures thereof. The biological sample is collected directly from the animal and immediately mixed with the gene induction blocking agent without any intermediate processing or handling.

Abstract: A collection container and method for collecting a predetermined volume of a biological sample, and particularly a whole blood sample, includes at least one gene induction blocking agent in an amount effective to stabilize and inhibit gene induction. The gene induction blocking agent is able to stabilize nucleic acids in the biological sample at the point of collection to block ex vivo gene induction in the sample when stored at room temperature. The stabilizing agents include cationic compounds, detergents, particularly cationic detergents, chaotropic salts, ribonuclease inhibitors, chelating agents, organic solvents, organic reducing reagents, and mixtures thereof. The biological sample is collected directly from the animal and immediately mixed with the gene induction blocking agent without any intermediate processing or handling.

Abstract: A collection container and method for collecting a predetermined volume of a biological sample, and particularly a whole blood sample, includes an effective amount of at least one stabilizing agent. The stabilizing agent is able to stabilize nucleic acids in the biological sample at the point of collection to prevent enzymatic degradation of the nucleic acids. The stabilizing agents include cationic compounds, detergents, particularly cationic detergents, chaotropic salts, ribonuclease inhibitors, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A collection container and method for collecting a predetermined volume of a biological sample, and particularly a whole blood sample, includes at least one gene induction blocking agent in an amount effective to stabilize and inhibit gene induction. The gene induction blocking agent is able to stabilize nucleic acids in the biological sample at the point of collection to block ex vivo gene induction in the sample when stored at room temperature. The stabilizing agents include cationic compounds, detergents, particularly cationic detergents, chaotropic salts, ribonuclease inhibitors, chelating agents, organic solvents, organic reducing reagents, and mixtures thereof. The biological sample is collected directly from the animal and immediately mixed with the gene induction blocking agent without any intermediate processing or handling.

Abstract: A collection device for plasma preparation for diagnostic assays. The device comprises a spray-dried anticoagulant formulation on the interior surface of the device and a thixotropic polymeric gel. The device is an improvement over commercially available devices which contain liquid anticoagulant formulations, for use in nucleic acid testing that employ amplifications technologies including, but not limited to, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), branched DNA (bDNA) and nucleic acid sequenced based amplification (NASBA).

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing a cell product, such as endothelial cell product, in a graft and inserting the graft in a vessel is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a tunneler tube that has a hollow portion for supporting the graft therein, apertures to permit the flow of cell product, and a pointed end cap attached to a distal end of the tunneler tube. The apparatus also has a handle connected to the graft and releaseably connected to a proximal end of the tunneler tube that provides an inlet for cell product and outlet in fluid communication with the lumen of the graft. During deposition, the cell product thus flows through the handle, into the graft and exits through the apertures. During insertion, the tunneler tube is manipulated by the handle to enter a vessel, and is then released from the handle and removed to accommodate anastomoses.

Abstract: The invention is an endothelial cell procurement and deposition kit for collecting fat from a patient, processing said fat to produce an endothelial cell deposition product, and depositing said product on the surface of a graft, all under sterile conditions established and maintained within the components of said kit comprised of: fat collection means for collecting subcutaneous fat from a patient; digestion means connectable to said fat collection means to maintain sterility during reception of said fat and for retaining said fat under sterile conditions during rinsing and digestion to produce a digested product; endothelial cell isolation means connectable to said digestion means for maintaining sterile conditions during reception of said digested product and for separating and isolating microvessel endothelial cells from said digested product to produce an endothelial cell product; cell deposition means connectable to said isolation means for maintaining sterile conditions during reception of said endothel

Abstract: The invention is an endothelial cell procurement and deposition kit for collecting fat from a patient, processing said fat to produce an endothelial cell deposition product, and depositing said product on the surface of a graft, all under sterile conditions established and maintained within the components of said kit comprised of: fat collection means for collecting subcutaneous fat from a patient; digestion means connectable to said fat collection means to maintain sterility during reception of said fat and for retaining said fat under sterile conditions during rinsing and digestion to produce a digested product; endothelial cell isolation means connectable to said digestion means for maintaining sterile conditions during reception of said digested product and for separating and isolating microvessel endothelial cells from said digested product to produce an endothelial cell product; cell deposition means connectable to said isolation means for maintaining sterile conditions during reception of said endothel

Abstract: A package assembly for an article comprises first and second housing portions each having a flange around a periphery thereof. The flanges are positioned adjacent to and in engagement with each other. The housing portions together define a compartment. An article is included within the compartment. A removable securing tube is positioned on the flanges for causing positive engagement therebetween to thereby maintain the housing portions together. Retaining dimples or like detents are included on either flange for maintaining the securing tube in position over the flanges.