Abstract: A medical device having a housing (2) with a bore (3) and a lancet (1) slidably fitting in the bore. The lancet operates as a positive displacement piston. In a retracted position, in which the lancet is rearwardly displaced along the bore to define a fluid-containing space in the bore forwardly on the lancet tip, the fluid-containing space has a cross-section dimension to allow fluid to be retained therein by surface tension. The device has a seal (6) operable substantially to prevent flow of fluid from the fluid-containing space past the seal means on movement of the lancet. Displacement of the lancet between the puncture and retracted positions provides suction for drawing fluid into and along the fluid-containing space from the forward end of the bore, and/or pressure for expelling fluid from the fluid-containing space via the forward end of the bore. Also disclosed are methods for operating the device.

Abstract: The single use medical device includes a lancet piston slidingly and sealingly located in a bore of a lancet housing. The lancet piston operates as a positive displacement piston within the bore, allowing dispensing and/or aspiration of liquid into the bore. The lancet piston includes a sharp tip for pricking skin, and is particular applicability for allergen testing and blood or ISF sampling. The actuator device has an actuator member for releasable engagement with the lancet piston at a before-use position of the lancet piston via a clutch mechanism. The engagement of the actuator member with the lancet piston allows the actuator member to push/pull the lancet piston forwardly/rearwardly along the bore. At positions forward of the before-use position of the lancet piston, the engagement of the actuator member with the lancet piston is interlocked, assisting in the prevention of accidental needlestick injuries.

Abstract: A method of performing an assay to detect and quantify changes in morphology or intracellular events in living or dead cells. The method comprises the step of presenting the cells on a surface for analysis in a single sample or array of samples and providing a means of fluorescently labelling cell structures, engulfed or associated particles or molecules contained on or within the cells. The cells are scanned with a detection system to obtain a linearseries of intensity values at intervals of 10 microns or less across each cell to produce line amplitude data in at least one emission band. A threshold algorithm is applied to determine the beginning and end of each feature on the line amplitude data, whereina feature is any perturbation from a determined background signal.

Abstract: A cap (1) for a chemical storage or reaction vessel comprising a seat for attachment, in use, to an opening of the vessel. A membrane (6) formed from a resilient material and having a slit (11) formed therein allows a substance sampling or delivery apparatus to pass therethrough in use, the membrane being positioned to slide within the seat substantially in the direction of passage of the sampling or delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A surface for a metal implant has a coarse structure of elevations and depressions, with the surface being permeated by a network of protruding ribs which form nodes and interstices or meshes having an interstice width of 2 mm to 0.4 mm, while the depressions represent sections of spherical cavities. The nodes of the ribs can protrude the furthest like mountain peaks, whereas the ribs which connect two nodes each form a lower lying saddle if the spherical cavities penetrate one another slightly. Through coating with an electrochemically resistant protective lacquer, into which holes can be shot at a predetermined spacing without damaging the metal, with a laser for example, a coarsely structured intermediary surface can be economically provided by means of electrochemical erosion which receives a fine structure through sand blasting.

Abstract: The invention shows a surface (2) for a metal implant (1) which has a coarse structure of elevations (3) and depressions (4), with the surface (2) being permeated by a network (5) of protruding ribs which form nodes (7) and interstices or meshes (8) having an interstice width of 2 mm to 0.4 mm, while the depressions represent sections of spherical cavities (11). The nodes (7) of the ribs can protrude the furthest like mountain peaks, whereas the ribs (6) which connect two nodes (7) each form a lower lying saddle (10) if the spherical cavities penetrate one another slightly. Through coating with an electrochemically resistant protective lacquer, into which holes can be shot at a predetermined spacing without damaging the metal, with a laser for example, a coarsely structured intermediary surface can be economically provided by means of electrochemical erosion which receives a fine structure through sand blasting.

Abstract: A cooling and carbonation apparatus (1) is described which has a cell (2) through which fluid to be cooled and carbonated flows. The cell (2) has first and second sidewalls (9, 15), and an outer wall (13) at least partially enclosing the first sidewall (9) of the cell (2) to form a coolant chamber on a first side of the cell. A cooling device (21), such as a Peltier device, is disposed on one side of the cell (2) in thermal connection with the cell (2), so that heat can be withdrawn from the coolant and the fluid to be cooled in a direction generally across the flow path of the fluid. A body of refrigerated coolant is maintained adjacent to the first sidewall (9) of the cell (2) thereby enhancing the cooling of the fluid. Carbon dioxide can be fed to the cell (2) and the liquid to be cooled pumped out of and back to the cell (2) to improve carbonation.