Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and devices for detecting targets in a sample. A plurality of targets in a sample and a plurality of particles may be provided in a volume and configured to bind to one another to form bound particle-target complexes. In some embodiments, the volume may also include one or more density gradient or two or more density media which may form an interface. The bound particle-target complexes may experience a density shift and separation in the density media relative to unbound targets and/or unbound particles. In some such embodiments, the bound particle-target complexes may settle at the interface formed by the density media. In some embodiments, the separated bound particle-target complexes may then undergo concentration, extraction, and analysis steps.

Abstract: A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.

Abstract: A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.

Abstract: A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.

Abstract: A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.

Abstract: An aerosol inhalation device assembly for diagnostic and therapeutic use for deep lung alveolar aerosol targeted drug delivery includes a nebulizer for generating an aerosol containing droplets of a liquid. The nebulizer has a pressurized gas inlet and a nebulizer outlet. An inhalation chamber is in fluid communication with the nebulizer outlet. The inhalation chamber is defined by at least one sidewall. An inhalation mouthpiece assembly is in fluid communication with the inhalation chamber and extends outwardly from the at least one sidewall of the inhalation chamber. A filter assembly is in fluid communication with the inhalation chamber. The filter assembly includes a filter medium. An exit port is in direct fluid communication with the filter assembly. A method of using the nebulizer is also provided.

Abstract: Improved aerosol inhalation devices are provided. The devices include an aerosol source for generating an aerosol; a first conduit, having a proximal end, the first conduit providing passage of the aerosol to the patient; a first chamber at the proximal end of the first conduit, adjacent to the aerosol source; a second conduit providing passage of gaseous medium from the patient; a second chamber; and a first valve disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first valve remains closed during exhalation by the patient and opens at least partially during inhalation. The device also includes a second valve disposed between the second conduit and the second chamber, which remains closed during inhalation by the patient and opens at least partially during exhalation by said patient. The gaseous medium exhaled by the patient can optionally contain material of which the aerosol is formed, such as liquid droplets.

Abstract: Improved nebulizers and aerosol inhalation devices including these nebulizers are provided by this invention. The disclosed nebulizers are suitable for supplying an aerosol mist to a patient and include a liquid inlet for receiving a liquid, a gas inlet for receiving a pressurized gas and an aerosol outlet for providing an aerosol mist. An important aspect of this invention is the addition of gas swirling means or flow controlling means for creating a swirling action or a tangential velocity to the gas forming the aerosol. The nebulizer and other devices of this invention can produce an aerosol mist having an obscuration of at least 10% and a median droplet size of less than 1 .mu.m.

Abstract: Improved aerosol inhalation devices including a nebulizer and a rain-off chamber for returning droplets of liquid medication or diagnostics exhaled by the patient back to the nebulizer for reatomization.

Abstract: An improved filtration device suitable for reducing exhaled particles in an aerosol inhalation device. The filtration device includes a body portion having an interior chamber which communicates with an inlet and outlet opening through the chamber wall. Within the chamber is a substance recovery media designed to capture a portion of the exhaled particles from the patient and for assisting in returning a portion of the captured particles back to the patient, such as by a nebulizer. The filtration device further includes a filter layer located within the interior chamber for filtering out contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, in the gaseous medium prior to releasing the remaining portion of the gaseous medium into the environment. Aerosol inhalation devices containing such filters are also provided by this invention.