Abstract: Methods and devices for detection of micro-organisms present or suspected to be present within a mammalian blood sample are provided. A selective lysis is obtained by incubating the sample in a non-ionic detergent under alkaline conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detection of micro-organisms present or suspected to be present within a mammalian blood sample are provided. A selective lysis is obtained by incubating the sample in a non-ionic detergent under alkaline conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the selective lysis of cells in a sample comprising micro-organisms such as bacteria are provided. The selective lysis is obtained by incubating the sample in a non-ionic detergent under alkaline conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the selective lysis of cells in a sample comprising micro-organisms such as bacteria are provided. The selective lysis is obtained by incubating the sample in a non-ionic detergent under alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A spectroscopic apparatus for determining a concentration and/or spatial gradient of an analyte of a bodily fluid that provides determination of a position of a capillary vessel within a biological sample in order to focus spectroscopic excitation radiation to a volume that is in close proximity to the capillary vessel but does not overlap with the capillary vessel. The provided apparatus exploits the permeability of the vessel wall with respect to an analyte that is subject to analyte concentration determination. By means of biological transport processes, the concentration of an analyte of a bodily fluid located in the capillary vessel influences the concentration in the surrounding of the capillary vessel. Spectroscopic analysis of a volume outside the capillary vessel can therefore serve for a precise and reliable analyte concentration determination inside the capillary vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for quantitative measurement of glycated hemoglobin (HbAIc) in a blood sample containing hemoglobin molecules. In this method, the hemoglobin molecules are extracted from the blood sample, adsorbed onto a roughened metal surface and subjected to a Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) measurement. The invention provides a universal method for the measurement of the HbAIc concentration in blood.

Abstract: A detection method is described for detecting an analyte, in particular nucleic acids, in a sample using SE(R)RS, without the need for labeling of the analyte. The detection method is based on the displacement of a labeled surrogate target probe from a capture probe by the analyte in the sample. The present invention also provides a corresponding detection system, to a disposable cartridge for use in such a system, and to a combination of surrogate target probe and capture probe.

Abstract: A method of performing surface-enhanced resonant Raman spectroscopy (SERRS) in respect of a sample (100) provided on an aggregated colloid nano-particle having a plasmon absorption band similar to that of a target molecule. The sample is irradiated at a first wavelength (?1).coinciding with the absorption band of the plasma, to obtain (12) a SERRS spectra for deriving (10) a fingerprint of the target melecule, and at a second wavelength (?2), coinciding with the absorption band caused by aggregate of said nano- particles, to obtain (14) a SERS spectra for monitoring (16) said aggregation.

Abstract: The present invention describes the provision of an internal control in analytical techniques involving labeling of analytes, such as SERRS, for detection of an analyte, particularly a biomolecule in a sample, with improved accuracy.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described suitable to determine the effects of sample matrix on the detection of a label so as to allow correction for these sample matrix effects when using the label in an analytical detection technique. The method is particularly advantageous for use in a disposable molecular diagnosis cartridge.