Abstract: The present invention relates to noninvasive transdermal systems comprised of a noninvasive transdermal patch and a reflectometer. The noninvasive transdermal patches are comprised of a wet chemistry component and a dry chemistry component. The wet chemistry component is a liquid transfer medium in the form of a gel layer for the extraction and liquid bridge transfer of the analyte of interest from the biological fluid within or beneath the skin to the dry chemistry component. The dry chemistry component is a reagent system for interacting with the analyte of interest (glucose) to generate a color change. The reflectometers include a modulated light source for emitting light to illuminate a target surface which possesses a certain color and shade of color for detection by an optical detector. The output signal is processed for determining a corresponding quantity of quality measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to noninvasive transdermal systems comprised of a noninvasive transdermal patch and a reflectometer. The noninvasive transdermal patches are comprised of a wet chemistry component and a dry chemistry component. The wet chemistry component is a liquid transfer medium in the form of a gel layer for the extraction and liquid bridge transfer of the analyte of interest from the biological fluid within or beneath the skin to the dry chemistry component. The dry chemistry component is a reagent system for interacting with the analyte of interest (glucose) to generate a color change. The reflectometers include a modulated light source for emitting light to illuminate a target surface which possesses a certain color and shade of color for detection by an optical detector. The output signal is processed for determining a corresponding quantity or quality measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to noninvasive transdermal systems and methods for analyte extraction from a biological fluid within or beneath the skin, such as interstitial fluid, and detection of the analyte. More particularly, the present invention relates to noninvasive transdermal patches comprised of a wet chemistry component and a dry chemistry component. The wet chemistry component is a liquid transfer medium in the form of a gel layer for the extraction and liquid bridge transfer of the analyte of interest from the biological fluid within or beneath the skin to the dry chemistry component. The dry chemistry component is a super sensitive or conditioned membrane carrying a reagent system for interacting with the analyte of interest to generate an indicator molecule, e.g., color change, to confirm detection of the analyte, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A relatively painless method of safely collecting and testing blood which comprises piercing a patient's skin and collecting any blood and other fluids on a test disk moistened with a vehicle liquid. Several embodiments of a novel disposable apparatus having a reservoir of vehicle liquid for use in practicing the method also are described.

Abstract: A relatively painless method of safely collecting and testing blood comprises piercing a patient's skin, bathing the pierced area with a vehicle liquid and collecting a sample of the vehicle liquid and any blood on a test disk in the apparatus. A novel disposable apparatus for practicing the method also is described.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for collecting tissue fluids from a human or an animal which comprises pretreating the external surface of an area of the skin of the human or the animal with a solution to clean off dead cells, forming a liquid coating over the skin, forming a superficial contusion on that area of the skin without nicking or piercing the skin, sealing that area of the skin and then collecting tissue fluid from the area of the contusion with the assistance of vacuum. The tissue fluid collected may be used for diagnostic purposes. A device for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing human hepatitis A virus in vitro employing tissue culture techniques. In particular, the present invention relates to an in vitro tissue culture procedure utilizing a persistently infected cell line that produces high titers of hepatitis A virus. The hepatitis A virus thus produced is a source of hepatitis A virus antigens.