Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting in a body fluid sample at least one blood coagulation activity marker that reflects the blood coagulation activity of an individual. By correlating the amount or concentration of the blood coagulation activity marker present e.g. in a urine sample, it is possible to monitor the blood coagulation activity of a patient following surgery without having to obtain a blood sample from said patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit and an assay method for rapidly and directly detecting a predetermined respiratory syncytial virus-related biological cell in a sample, even when present in an amount of less than about 2000 cells per microliter. In a preferred embodiment, a labeled antibody targets a nucleoprotein or a glycoprotein of RS virus. One may further detect an inflammatory indicator in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rapid detection of a biological cell and/or a biological particle contained in a fluid sample. The method may be used for rapidly diagnosing a condition in an individual resulting from an infection by a virus, a fungus or a bacteria. The method comprises the further steps of detecting a plurality of infection and/or inflammatory response agents, preferably cytokines, and performing a profile of such agents. The profile is a further indication of the condition being diagnosed. The method for detecting a plurality of infection response agents, preferably cytokines, including the step of performing a profile of such agents, may also be carried out independently of the method for rapidly diagnosing a condition in an individual resulting from an infection by an infectious agent including a virus, fungus and bacteria. In particular the invention relates to a dip stick or like device for rapid detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting in a body fluid sample at least one blood coagulation activity marker that reflects e blood coagulation activity of an individual. By correlating the amount or concentration of the blood coagulation activity marker present e.g. in a urine sample, it is possible to monitor the blood coagulation activity of a patient following surgery without having to obtain a blood sample from said patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit and an assay method for rapidly and directly detecting a predetermined respiratory syncytial virus-related biological cell in a sample, even when present in an amount of less than about 2000 cells per microliter. In a preferred embodiment, a labeled antibody targets a nucleoprotein or a glycoprotein of RS virus. One may further detect an inflammatory indicator in the sample.

Abstract: A non-scattering light pipe includes a transition surface between a first side wall and an input surface and a second side wall and the input surface. The transition surface is arranged to substantially obscure the corner interfaces between the first and second side walls and the input surface such that in the corner formation any imperfections therein are not imaged into the output. Most preferably, the transition surface is optimized to provide a substantially uniform light intensity distribution. A light pipe in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention is further arranged to couple to a linear light source, such as a cold cathode fluorescent light (CCFL). The light source is arranged such that dim areas, i.e., areas of the light source having non-uniform intensity, are not disposed adjacent the input surface.