Abstract: A biological sample collection system and dispensing system is described. The biological sample collection system provides for collection and processing of a biological sample (i.e. bodily fluids collected from nose, throat, or other mucosal membrane of an animal or human). The biological sample collection system includes a sample collector and a collection tube. The sample collector provides a structure for sealing the biological sample in the collection tube for further processing without opening the collection tube, and may provide a structure for collecting the biological sample. When the sample collector and collection tube are removably attached the dispensing system is formed. The dispensing system provides for further processing of the biological sample without opening the collection tube (i.e. without un-securing or removing the plug from the collection tube). The dispensing system further provides dispensing of the processed biological sample without opening the collection tube).

Abstract: A method of detection of nucleic acids from a biological sample (molecular diagnostics) using a sample extraction tube without isolation or purification of the nucleic acids or the use of specialized equipment in the preparation of the biological sample is described. The method may include direct detection of nucleic acids from a biological sample without isolating or purifying nucleic acids (i.e. without isolation or purification of nucleic acids from other cellular components through centrifuges or magnetic beads) prior to analysis or the use of specialized equipment in the sample preparation and the PCR amplification (i.e. pipettes, PCR cartridges, or centrifuges).

Abstract: A limited well thermal cycling device for sample preparation and real-time fluorescence detection is described. The limited well thermal cycling device includes a heating block having a sample well and at least one reaction well and an optical block including a corresponding means for measuring real time fluorescence in each reaction well. The limited well thermal cycling device includes a means for efficient heating and cooling of reaction and sample wells for real-time fluorescence detection. The structure of the heating block provides the means for efficient heating and cooling by having each of the sample well and at least one reaction wells rising above the heating block base, such that the sample well and at least one reaction well are not surrounded by the metal heating block.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system and dispensing system is described. The biological sample collection system provides for collection and processing of a biological sample (i.e. bodily fluids collected from nose, throat, or other mucosal membrane of an animal or human). The biological sample collection system includes a sample collector and a collection tube. The sample collector provides a structure for sealing the biological sample in the collection tube for further processing without opening the collection tube, and may provide a structure for collecting the biological sample. When the sample collector and collection tube are removably attached the dispensing system is formed. The dispensing system provides for further processing of the biological sample without opening the collection tube (i.e. without un-securing or removing the plug from the collection tube). The dispensing system further provides dispensing of the processed biological sample without opening the collection tube).

Abstract: A continuous flow nucleic acid extraction apparatus comprising a piston column apparatus for the extraction of nucleic acids from a nucleic acid sample. The disclosure also includes a method of using the continuous flow nucleic acid extraction apparatus.

Abstract: A wavelength scanning apparatus that detects at least four different fluorescent emission wavelengths simultaneously or nearly simultaneously is described. The wavelength scanning apparatus includes a heating block having at least four sample wells, each sample well configured for receiving a sample, at least four excitation activation apertures, and at least four fluorescence emission discharge apertures. The wavelength scanning apparatus also includes an analysis scanner having at least four light sources, where the at least four light sources excite at least four fluorophores, at least four excitation light filters that filter out light except that of the desired excitation wavelength/s, at least four fluorescence emission light filters that filter out light except that of the desired fluorescent emission wavelengths, and at least four photodetectors to detect light of the desired fluorescent emission wavelengths.

Abstract: A wavelength scanning apparatus that detects at least four different fluorescent emission wavelengths simultaneously or nearly simultaneously is described. The wavelength scanning apparatus includes a heating block having at least four sample wells, each sample well configured for receiving a sample, at least four excitation activation apertures, and at least four fluorescence emission discharge apertures. The wavelength scanning apparatus also includes an analysis scanner having at least four light sources, where the at least four light sources excite at least four fluorophores, at least four excitation light filters that filter out light except that of the desired excitation wavelength/s, at least four fluorescence emission light filters that filter out light except that of the desired fluorescent emission wavelengths, and at least four photodetectors to detect light of the desired fluorescent emission wavelengths.

Abstract: A wavelength scanning apparatus that detects at least four different florescent emission wavelengths simultaneously or nearly simultaneously is described. The wavelength scanning apparatus includes a heating block having at least four sample wells, each sample well configured for receiving a sample, at least four excitation activation apertures, and at least four fluorescence emission discharge apertures. The wavelength scanning apparatus also includes an analysis scanner having at least four light sources, where the at least four light sources excite at least four fluorophores, at least four excitation light filters that filter out light except that of the desired excitation wavelength/s, at least four fluorescence emission light filters that filter out light except that of the desired florescent emission wavelengths, and at least four photodetectors to detect light of the desired florescent emission wavelengths.

Abstract: A wavelength scanning apparatus that detects at least four different florescent emission wavelengths simultaneously or nearly simultaneously is described. The wavelength scanning apparatus includes a heating block having at least four sample wells, each sample well configured for receiving a sample, at least four excitation activation apertures, and at least four fluorescence emission discharge apertures. The wavelength scanning apparatus also includes an analysis scanner having at least four light sources, where the at least four light sources excite at least four fluorophores, at least four excitation light filters that filter out light except that of the desired excitation wavelength/s, at least four fluorescence emission light filters that filter out light except that of the desired florescent emission wavelengths, and at least four photodetectors to detect light of the desired florescent emission wavelengths.

Abstract: A continuous flow nucleic acid extraction apparatus comprising a piston column apparatus for the extraction of nucleic acids from a nucleic acid sample. The disclosure also includes a method of using the continuous flow nucleic acid extraction apparatus.

Abstract: A capillary diagnostic device comprising a cylindrical tube with one or more rings having one or more probes, the one or more rings disposed on the interior surface of the cylindrical tube. The invention also includes a method of making the capillary diagnostic device and method of use thereof for diagnostic testing.