Abstract: Method for obtaining a fluid from a collection device assembled to isolate a specimen retrieval device from the pathway of a fluid transfer device used to penetrate a cap of the collection device and to draw and remove the fluid from the collection device for analysis.

Abstract: A cap for use in forming a sealed container with a fluid-holding vessel. The cap includes a downwardly tapered inner wall having a plurality of radially extending striations for improving the penetrability of the cap and for facilitating the formation of air passageways.

Abstract: An improved synthetic, polymer hydrogel permeation layer for use with an active electronic matrix device for biological assays. The permeation layer includes a dried coating of raffinose or a combination of raffinose and stachyose to protect the permeation layer from degradation during shipping and storage.

Abstract: A method for removing a fluid substance from a sealed collection device comprising a cap and a fluid-holding vessel, where the method aids in venting air from the collection device when the cap is penetrated by a fluid transfer device used to withdraw a fluid substance from the vessel. Venting is aided by incorporating a pause step between penetrating the cap and contacting the fluid substance held by the vessel with the fluid transfer device or by contacting the cap at a slower speed than the fluid transfer device enters the collection device after the cap has been penetrated.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: A cap for use in forming a sealed container with a fluid-holding vessel. The cap includes a downwardly tapered inner wall having a plurality of radially extending striations for improving the penetrability of the cap and for facilitating the formation of air passageways.

Abstract: A cap comprising a generally conical wall positioned beneath an opening in the cap and having a plurality of striations formed therein to facilitate penetration of the cap by a fluid transfer device.

Abstract: An assembly that includes a specimen-containing vessel and a cap in sealing engagement. The assembly contains a specimen retrieval device having a handle, an end of which is positioned between a depending inner wall of the cap and a closed side wall of the vessel. The inner wall of the cap is adapted to be penetrated by a plastic pipette tip.

Abstract: A plastic cap having multiple wedge-shaped sections that are structurally interrelated to a closed side wall and adapted to be moveably engaged by a fluid transfer device penetrating the cap. A seal fixed to the cap covers the wedge-shaped sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotides useful for determining the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and/or Mycoplasma genitalium in a test sample. The oligonucleotides of the present invention may be incorporated into hybridization assay probes, capture probes and amplification primers, and used in various combinations thereof.

Abstract: An optically clear, fluorescent acrylic adapted for use as a calibration material. In particular, the fluorescent acrylic cartridge may used as a calibration tool for a microarray reader, such as, the Nanogen NC400® microarray system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotides useful for determining the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and/or Mycoplasma genitalium in a test sample. The oligonucleotides of the present invention may be incorporated into hybridization assay probes, capture probes and amplification primers, and used in various combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.

Abstract: A cap comprising a generally conical wall positioned beneath an opening in the cap and having a plurality of striations formed therein to facilitate penetration of the cap by a fluid transfer device.

Abstract: A method for removing a fluid substance from a closed collection device comprising a cap and a fluid-holding vessel, where the method aids in venting air from the collection device when a surface of the cap is punctured by a fluid transfer device used to withdraw a fluid substance from the vessel. Venting is aided by incorporating a pause step between puncturing the cap surface and contacting the fluid substance held by the vessel with the fluid transfer device or by contacting the surface of the cap at a slower speed than the fluid transfer device enters the collection device after the cap surface has been punctured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotides useful for determining the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and/or Mycoplasma genitalium in a test sample. The oligonucleotides of the present invention may be incorporated into hybridization assay probes, capture probes and amplification primers, and used in various combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotides useful for determining the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and/or Mycoplasma genitalium in a test sample. The oligonucleotides of the present invention may be incorporated into hybridization assay probes, capture probes and amplification primers, and used in various combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.