Abstract: A point of use analyzer includes pump, valve, port, and storage channel. The storage channel may hold multiple assay packets composed of reagent aliquots separated by bounding slugs. The storage channel may define an elongated lumen having two ends with each of the ends coupled to the valve. A sampling device for use with the analyzer engages the port and may include a recurrent coaxial tube having a separation medium. A method of using the analyzer with the sampling device includes steps of pumping a fluid to displace a sample into the separation medium and out through the opposed connection.

Abstract: The invention includes a pump having a barrel, a plunger, a seal, a fluid conduit, and a motion drive. The barrel defines an elongated chamber. The plunger includes a tip, which is disposed in the chamber. The seal sealingly engages between the chamber and the plunger, and the motion drive is configured to rotate the chamber with respect to the plunger and to translate the tip within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and kits for the detection of a virus that may be in a sample. In embodiments, the invention includes a method of detecting a virus in a sample by forming a reaction mixture exposing an aliquot of the sample purportedly containing a virus to an immobilized receptor. A soluble receptor including a detectable label is added to the reaction mixture. A washing step washes the immobilized receptor, and the detectable label is detected.

Abstract: The invention includes a pump having a barrel, a plunger, a seal, a fluid conduit, and a motion drive. The barrel defines an elongated chamber. The plunger includes a tip, which is disposed in the chamber. The seal sealingly engages between the chamber and the plunger, and the motion drive is configured to rotate the chamber with respect to the plunger and to translate the tip within the chamber.

Abstract: A point of use analyzer includes pump, valve, port, and storage channel. The storage channel may hold multiple assay packets composed of reagent aliquots separated by bounding slugs. The storage channel may define an elongated lumen having two ends with each of the ends coupled to the valve. A sampling device for use with the analyzer engages the port and may include a recurrent coaxial tube having a separation medium. A method of using the analyzer with the sampling device includes steps of pumping a fluid to displace a sample into the separation medium and out through the opposed connection.

Abstract: A point of use analyzer includes pump, valve, port, and storage channel. The storage channel may hold multiple assay packets composed of reagent aliquots separated by bounding slugs. The storage channel may define an elongated lumen having two ends with each of the ends coupled to the valve. A sampling device for use with the analyzer engages the port and may include a recurrent coaxial tube having a separation medium. A method of using the analyzer with the sampling device includes steps of pumping a fluid to displace a sample into the separation medium and out through the opposed connection.

Abstract: A point of use analyzer includes pump, valve, port, and storage channel. The storage channel may hold multiple assay packets composed of reagent aliquots separated by bounding slugs. The storage channel may define an elongated lumen having two ends with each of the ends coupled to the valve. A sampling device for use with the analyzer engages the port and may include a recurrent coaxial tube having a separation medium. A method of using the analyzer with the sampling device includes steps of pumping a fluid to displace a sample into the separation medium and out through the opposed connection.

Abstract: A reaction vessel and a reaction system having an annular tube with an inlet, an outlet, and at least one expandable section between the inlet and the outlet. The expandable section of the annular tube has a first shape and a second expanded shape. The expandable section of the annular tube expands to from the first shape to the second expanded shape in response to a change in the physical environment of the annular tube. When the expandable section of the annular tube is in the second expanded shape, the portions of the annular tube adjoining the expandable section of the annular tube are substantially less expanded.

Abstract: A system for analyzing samples having a portable analysis unit and a base unit. The portable analysis unit has a sample inlet, an analyzer, a reagent supply reservoir, a collection reservoir for waste, a reagent inlet for providing reagent to the supply reservoir, a waste outlet for removing waste from the collection reservoir, a supply conduit from the reagent supply reservoir to the analyzer, a waste conduit from the analyzer to the collection reservoir, a power source, a data output element, and a pressure source for moving reagent and waste. The base unit is connectable to the analyzer unit for providing reagent and receiving waste. The base unit has a reagent storage reservoir, a waste storage reservoir, a waste inlet for connection to the waste outlet; and an outlet for providing reagent from the reagent storage reservoir to the reagent inlet.

Abstract: An analytical system for detecting a saccharide is provided. The analytical system includes a saccharide sensor attached to a solid substrate and having the formula: Where Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl groups, an aryl; N is a nitrogen atom; Bd1 and Bd2 are independently selected binding groups, wherein the binding groups are capable of binding an saccharide; Sp is a spacer; An is an anchor group for attaching the sensor to solid substrate, including a bead; and n=1 or 2, m=1 or 2, y=1 or 2, and p is an integer. In one embodiment the saccharide sensor preferentially detects glucose. The invention further provides beads having the saccharide sensor attached thereto and methods of detecting glucose using the system.

Abstract: In cytometry and like procedures, particles containing signal dyes are exposed to a laser, and the resulting fluorescence is assessed in two different wavelength bands. When the particle is a single-assay particle, or when the particle carries only a single dye, the fluorescences in the different wavelength bands are combined in order to assess the concentration of the signal dye.

Abstract: An analyte detection system utilizing a combination of fluorescent labels for labeling particles and an analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. The particles contain a combination of fluorescent labels for coding the particles and an analyte specific fluorescent dye. The particles can be used to identify and quantify analytes in an analytical sample by reaction of the analytical sample with the particles. An analytical device can identify the particles according to the combination of fluorescent labels. The device can then correlate the identified particle with the analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. Multiple subpopulations of particles can be used to identify and quantify multi-analytes in a single analytical sample. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent labels useful in the detection system are also provided.

Abstract: An analyte detection system utilizing a combination of fluorescent labels for labeling particles and an analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. The particles contain a combination of fluorescent labels for coding the particles and an analyte specific fluorescent dye. The particles can be used to identify and quantify analytes in an analytical sample by reaction of the analytical sample with the particles. An analytical device can identify the particles according to the combination of fluorescent labels. The device can then correlate the identified particle with the analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. Multiple subpopulations of particles can be used to identify and quantify multi-analytes in a single analytical sample. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent labels useful in the detection system are also provided.

Abstract: An analyte detection system utilizing a combination of fluorescent labels for labeling particles and an analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. The particles contain a combination of fluorescent labels for coding the particles and an analyte specific fluorescent dye. The particles can be used to identify and quantify analytes in an analytical sample by reaction of the analytical sample with the particles. An analytical device can identify the particles according to the combination of fluorescent labels. The device can then correlate the identified particle with the analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. Multiple subpopulations of particles can be used to identify and quantify multi-analytes in a single analytical sample. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent labels useful in the detection system are also provided.

Abstract: An analytical system for detecting a saccharide is provided.

Abstract: An analyte detection system utilizing a combination of fluorescent labels for labeling particles and an analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. The particles contain a combination of fluorescent labels for coding the particles and an analyte specific fluorescent dye. The particles can be used to identify and quantify analytes in an analytical sample by reaction of the analytical sample with the particles. An analytical device can identify the particles according to the combination of fluorescent labels. The device can then correlate the identified particle with the analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. Multiple subpopulations of particles can be used to identify and quantify multi-analytes in a single analytical sample. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent labels useful in the detection system are also provided.

Abstract: In cytometry and like procedures, particles containing signal dyes are exposed to a laser, and the resulting fluorescence is assessed in two different wavelength bands. When the particle is a single-assay particle, or when the particle carries only a single dye, the fluorescences in the different wavelength bands are combined in order to assess the concentration of the signal dye.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a filtration device for removing interferants from a test sample containing a mixture of a composition of interest and interferants in an automated apparatus is disclosed. The filtration device includes a microporous hollow fiber membrane having a plurality of pores sized to retain the composition of interest while allowing smaller diameter interferants to pass through the membrane.

Abstract: A portable hand-held blood sampling device having a self-filling capability includes a blood separation filter. The filter has a plurality of pores sized to permit passage of selected blood constituents such as blood plasma through the device. The device has a separated blood conduit that extends beyond the outlet of the device and is shaped for easy penetration into a self-sealing septum of a blood analyzer. An annular shield extends from the device outlet beyond the conduit to prevent inadvertent contact of the conduit by a user.

Abstract: In cytometry and like procedures, the number of different types of identifiable particle (and, therefore, the number of detectable analytes) is increased by using the coding labels on some particles as signal labels on other particles, and by using the signal labels on some particles as coding labels on other particles. In one such procedure, the particles of a first class are coded with preselected amounts of a first pair of fluorochromes, and the particles of a second class of particles are coded with preselected amounts of a second pair of fluorochromes. The analytes which interact with the first class of particles are identified by a signal label selected from the second pair; and the analytes which interact with a second class of particles are identified by a signal label selected from the first pair.