Abstract: A pipette is described having a tube, a pressure mechanism, and at least one reagent pad. The tube has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, with the sidewall defining an interior cavity. The pressure mechanism is operably connected to the first end of the tube and is configured to enable a sample to be drawn into the interior cavity of the tube through the second end of the tube. The at least one reagent pad is positioned in the interior cavity of the tube and within a predefined liquid path whereby the sample contacts at least a portion of the at least one reagent pad when drawn into the interior cavity. In another embodiment, a pipette is described having a tube, a pressure mechanism, and a capillary positioned within the tube.

Abstract: A pipette is described having a tube, a pressure mechanism, and at least one reagent pad. The tube has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, with the sidewall defining an interior cavity. The pressure mechanism is operably connected to the first end of the tube and is configured to enable a sample to be drawn into the interior cavity of the tube through the second end of the tube. The at least one reagent pad is positioned in the interior cavity of the tube and within a predefined liquid path whereby the sample contacts at least a portion of the at least one reagent pad when drawn into the interior cavity. In another embodiment, a pipette is described having a tube, a pressure mechanism, and a capillary positioned within the tube.

Abstract: A pipette is described having a tube, a pressure mechanism, and at least one reagent pad. The tube has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, with the sidewall defining an interior cavity. The pressure mechanism is operably connected to the first end of the tube and is configured to enable a sample to be drawn into the interior cavity of the tube through the second end of the tube. The at least one reagent pad is positioned in the interior cavity of the tube and within a predefined liquid path whereby the sample contacts at least a portion of the at least one reagent pad when drawn into the interior cavity. In another embodiment, a pipette is described having a tube, a pressure mechanism, and a capillary positioned within the tube.

Abstract: Sample media for the analysis of analytes in a fluid test sample includes a carrier, at least one test field on the surface of the carrier including at least one reagent reactive with the analytes and capable of providing a detectable response. A non-visible bar code formed by at least two distinct non-visible marker fields is located on the carrier. The marker fields are configured to reflect electro-magnetic (EM) radiation within one or more ranges of non-visible wavelengths to form a coded sequence of reflectances correlated to identification of the sample media.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a first light source producing a first light beam and a second light source producing a second light beam into a detection area; the first light beam overlapping the second light beam at a predetermined distance above the inspection base; at least one image processing system comprising one or more light detectors adapted to remotely sense the first and second light beam and generate one or more output signals indicative of one or more patterns produced on a top of an object by the first and second light beam; and one or more processors running computer executable instructions that when executed by the processor causes the image processing system to receive the output signal and determine height of the object by analyzing location of the first light beam relative to the second light beam in the one or more pattern.

Abstract: Biological fluid samples are deposited by methods that produce a uniform layer of the sample over a reagent-containing surface. In one embodiment, a nozzle having multiple openings is used to deposit a sample over the reagent-containing surface simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, single droplets of the sample are deposited in a pattern on the surface, preferably in a sequence of parallel lines. The reaction between the biological sample and the reagents is read from a spectrographic image of the reagent-containing surface obtained by optical methods.

Abstract: Assays in which samples of biological fluids are dispensed into the inlet port of a microfluidic device are improved in the accuracy and repeatability by dispensing the biological sample and/or associated liquids in small droplets and at timed intervals to control the operation of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Biological fluid samples are deposited by methods that produce a uniform layer of the sample over a reagent-containing surface. In one embodiment, a nozzle having multiple openings is used to deposit a sample over the reagent-containing surface simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, single droplets of the sample are deposited in a pattern on the surface, preferably in a sequence of parallel lines. The reaction between the biological sample and the reagents is read from a spectrographic image of the reagent-containing surface obtained by optical methods.

Abstract: Assays in which samples of biological fluids are dispensed onto reagent-containing porous substrates are improved in the accuracy and repeatability by dispensing the biological fluids in two or more fractions thereof, separated by intervals in which the biological fluid is not dispensed. Reagents and other fluids may be dispensed during the intervals when the biological fluid is not dispensed. Alternatively, reagents and other fluids may be dispensed in a similar manner onto substrates already containing biological fluids.

Abstract: Biological fluid samples are deposited by methods that produce a uniform layer of the sample over a reagent-containing surface. In one embodiment, a nozzle having multiple openings is used to deposit a sample over the reagent-containing surface simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, single droplets of the sample are deposited in a pattern on the surface, preferably in a sequence of parallel lines. The reaction between the biological sample and the reagents is read from a spectrographic image of the reagent-containing surface obtained by optical methods.

Abstract: Migration of liquid samples on diagnostic test strips is prevented by dividing the test strips into reagent-containing pads spaced about 0.3 to 3 mm apart with a laser.

Abstract: A readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument includes a holder configured for receiving reagent sample media therein. The sample media has a plurality of test areas configured to react with, and change color, according to an amount of an analyte in a sample. The holder is sized and shaped for forming an indexed fit with the sample media. One or more light sources are configured to emit light onto the test areas. First and second polarized light filters are respectively disposed between the light sources and the test areas, and between the test areas and one or more light detectors, so that the light detectors receive diffuse, non-specular reflections of the light from the test areas, while substantially preventing the light detectors from receiving specular reflections of the light.

Abstract: Sample media for the analysis of analytes in a fluid test sample includes a carrier, at least one test field on the surface of the carrier including at least one reagent reactive with the analytes and capable of providing a detectable response. A non-visible bar code formed by at least two distinct non-visible marker fields is located on the carrier. The marker fields are configured to reflect electro-magnetic (EM) radiation within one or more ranges of non-visible wavelengths to form a coded sequence of reflectances correlated to identification of the sample media.

Abstract: Assays in which samples of biological fluids are dispensed onto reagent-containing porous substrates are improved in the accuracy and repeatability by dispensing the biological fluids in two or more fractions thereof, separated by intervals in which the biological fluid is not dispensed. Reagents and other fluids may be dispensed during the intervals when the biological fluid is not dispensed. Alternatively, reagents and other fluids may be dispensed in a similar manner onto substrates already containing biological fluids.

Abstract: A system for reading an assay includes a camera and a processor. The assay is used as a test for the presence or absence of a reaction between a sample and a reagent. The assay is defined by a test area and a background area. The test area is, preferably, substantially circular with a diameter between about 0.1 mm and about 5 mm. The camera simultaneously captures a two-dimensional image of the test area and the background area. The processor determines a first color response from the background area and a second color response from the test area. The processor then calibrates the second color response according to the first color response and generates a result of the test according to the second color response. The system may also include a uniform field illuminator that provides a substantially uniform level of illumination across the assay.

Abstract: Analytical results obtained with microfluidic devices are improved by providing structural features in areas containing dry supported reagents, the structural features directing the flow of a sample over the area in a predetermined uniform manner and facilitating the purging of air.

Abstract: Assays in which samples of biological fluids are dispensed into the inlet port of a microfluidic device are improved in the accuracy and repeatability by dispensing the biological sample and/or associated liquids in small droplets and at timed intervals to control the operation of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A method of applying an organic acid reagent having limited transolubility in organic solvents, aqueous solvents, and mixtures thereof to a component of a diagnostic test device by mixing an organic acid reagent and an amine to form a salt complex, dissolving the salt complex in a solvent to release the organic acid reagent into the solvent, and applying the solvent to the component of the diagnostic test device such that the organic acid reagent present in the solvent becomes integrated into the diagnostic test device. The amine is represented by the formula HmNRn wherein m is 0, 1, or 2; n is 1, 2, or 3; the sum of m and n is 3; and R is an independently selected group which renders the salt complex soluble in aqueous solvents, organic solvents, or mixtures thereof. The amine is also represented by the formula NR4+ wherein R is an independently selected group which renders the salt complex soluble in aqueous solvents, organic solvents, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A microfluidic device containing liquid reagents having an extended shelf life contains the liquid reagents in micro-reservoirs that limit the escape of moisture to less than 10% over the shelf life of the device. The micro-reservoir preferably is made of polypropylene and covered with a metallized plastic film.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analyzing biological samples is provided with a sample inlet section including an inlet port, a capillary passageway communication with the inlet port and with an inlet chamber. The inlet chamber includes means for uniformly distributing the sample liquid across the inlet chamber and purging the air initially contained therein.