Abstract: Articles and methods for preparing a surface for obtaining a patient sample, such as blood, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping a surface of skin of a patient in preparation for obtaining a sample (e.g., a blood sample) from the patient. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping the surface of the skin with two or more wipes. For instance, the surface of the skin may be wiped with a first wipe comprising a surfactant and a second wipe comprising an antiseptic solution. Advantageously, the use of a first wipe including a surfactant followed by a second wipe may remove a higher amount of certain contaminants (e.g., proteins, bacteria, viruses) from the surface of the skin as compared to the use of a single wipe or by hand-washing alone.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods involving incubation and/or mixing of assay components are provided. In some embodiments, a biological and/or chemical assay may be performed in a fluidic device. The fluidic device may be designed to allow for controlled incubation and/or mixing of two or more assay components. In some such embodiments, the fluidic device may comprise an incubation channel having a relatively large cross-sectional dimension in fluid communication with a detection channel. The incubation channel may allow for adequate mixing and/or incubation of two or more assay components prior to analysis of the assay. In some embodiments, fluidic devices for performing a vitamin D assay are provided.

Abstract: Articles and methods for preparing a surface for obtaining a patient sample, such as blood, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping a surface of skin of a patient in preparation for obtaining a sample (e.g., a blood sample) from the patient. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping the surface of the skin with two or more wipes. For instance, the surface of the skin may be wiped with a first wipe comprising a surfactant and a second wipe comprising an antiseptic solution. Advantageously, the use of a first wipe including a surfactant followed by a second wipe may remove a higher amount of certain contaminants (e.g., proteins, bacteria, viruses) from the surface of the skin as compared to the use of a single wipe or by hand-washing alone.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods involving incubation and/or mixing of assay components are provided. In some embodiments, a biological and/or chemical assay may be performed in a fluidic device. The fluidic device may be designed to allow for controlled incubation and/or mixing of two or more assay components. In some such embodiments, the fluidic device may comprise an incubation channel having a relatively large cross-sectional dimension in fluid communication with a detection channel. The incubation channel may allow for adequate mixing and/or incubation of two or more assay components prior to analysis of the assay. In some embodiments, fluidic devices for performing a vitamin D assay are provided.