Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the removal of fluids and vapors in containment, from adjacent surfaces including supporting flat surfaces and substrates, such as protein spots printed in arrays and micro-array formats. This method and device removes fluids and vapors under controlled and repeatable conditions, enabling uniform phases for degree of drying incurred by objects, specimen and structures, including tissues, adsorbed particles and biological substrates, while reducing and preventing impact of meniscus phase surface tension forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fluorescence intensity equalization. The method involves providing an assay device having at least one immobilized array of molecular probes that bind to an analyte bound to a fluorescent marker; providing drying apparatus comprising an aspiration tube having open first and second ends, the second end of the aspiration tube being connected a vacuum source for applying a vacuum through said tube; placing the first end of the aspiration tube in proximity of said at least one immobilized array of molecular probes; and applying a vacuum through said aspiration tube for removing vapor from said at least one immobilized array of molecular probes. The application of the present invention provides for more reliable fluorescent signal intensity readings due to a reduction in signal quenching factors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a three dimensional matrix of selected, synthetic peptide mimic sequences that are preferentially recognized by auto-antibodies, specifically by autoimmune antibodies, to be detected in patients afflicted with rheumatic arthritis, enabling enhanced sensitivity and specificity in detection of these antibodies in pre-symptomatic patients, in patients showing symptoms as well as patients confirmed positive for rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-toxic water soluble, inorganic anti-microbial polymer for inactivating microorganisms. The polymer is obtained by forming an aqueous solution comprising alkali metal cations, phosphate anions, carbonate anions, and hydrogen ions. The polymer has antimicrobial activity while in suspension and forms a hard, contiguous, encapsulating antimicrobial transparent film when dry. The film physically disrupts encapsulated microorganisms as it is formed and once formed does not support surface microbial growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making an assay device for conducting an assay to detect a concentration of an analyte in a sample fluid. The assay devices would typically have a substantially planar surface having a series of site specific immobilized calibration spot arrays containing pre-determined quantities of the analyte printed thereon. In addition, a series of site specific immobilized test spot arrays, including capture antibody for binding the analyte protein is printed on the assay device. The method involves first modifying the planar surface to provide hydrophobic binding sites, hydrophilic linking and covalent bonding sites. Then the method requires printing the series of site specific immobilized test spot arrays and the series of site specific immobilized calibration spot arrays on the substantially planar surface.

Abstract: An analyte reading system which includes a reader unit for rapidly detecting and evaluating the outcome of an assay to measure the presence of analytes in a sample. Quantitative and qualitative measurements of analyte concentration in a sample may be rapidly obtained using the reader device with algorithms which ascertain the nature of the assay and perform a comparison against a calibration sample. The reader device scans preset areas of an assay device in order to provide focal points for the reader device and evaluate the volume of the test sample in the assay device. The reading portion of the assay slide has at least one test dot for detecting the presence of the analyte and the signal intensity of the labelled analyte, and processes the detected signal using an algorithm which provides an accurate output measurement indicating the quantity of the analyte in the test sample.

Abstract: A method of determining an amount of analyte in a sample solution is provided. The method involves the use of an assay device that has a substantially planar assay surface. The surface has a plurality of calibration dots a test dot printed thereon. The calibration dots contain pre-determined quantities of the analyte while the test dot includes a capture antibody for binding to the analyte. The analyte is mixed into a solution having a sample antibody for the analyte, where the antibody is labeled with a detectable marker. The sample solution is introduced into the loading portion of the assay device for delivery to said reading portion. The next step is to measure the intensity of detectable marker in the calibration dots. With the data obtained, one then prepares a calibration curve correlating the amount of analyte in said calibration dots to said intensity of detectable marker.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a substrate coated support for use in micro-array devices. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of applying a first coat of substrate to a support, making the substrate coating ramp by subjecting the coated support to centripetal forces, adding a second coat of substrate to the resulting support having a ramping planar coat and subjecting the coated support to centripetal forces for a second time to produce a substrate coated membrane in which the thickness of the substrate layer is uniform across the entire coated surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for rapidly detecting the presence of analytes in a sample. Quantitative and qualitative measurements of analyte concentration in a sample may be rapidly obtained. A sample including the analyte and analyte metabolites produced by the analyte are introduced into a vessel that contains a reagent or reagents that have a detectable marker and rapidly bind to the analyte and to the metabolite. The sample is then introduced to an assay device that has a loading area, a separation and a reading area. The sample is introduced into the loading area of the assay device and moves to the reading area preferably by capillary action. The methodology permits for the detection of analytes and metabolites using means for the detecting the detectable marker. The sample may be subjected to a force application means for the controlled progressive fragmentation of any analyte, which is preferably a pathogen present in the sample, into a plurality of fragments.

Abstract: Assay devices are disclosed comprising a base defining a cavity and an insert received in the cavity. The cavity has major surface and at least one sidewall, preferably surrounding the major surface. The insert comprises a first surface with a portion opposing the major surface of the cavity. A space is provided between the portion of the first surface and the major surface for the receipt of a fluid sample. The space has an entrance defined by the first surface of the insert and the major surface. The insert also comprises a second surface opposing the first surface and having an input portion for the application of a fluid sample. The input portion is in fluid communication with the entrance to the space, such that a fluid sample applied to the input portion passes to the entrance to the space and into the space. At least one or more passages is preferably defined through the insert, for passage of the fluid sample through the insert, to the entrance to the space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for rapidly detecting the presence of analytes in a sample. Quantitative and qualitative measurements of analyte concentration in a sample may be rapidly obtained. A sample including the analyte and analyte metabolites produced by the analyte are introduced into a vessel that contains a reagent or reagents that have a detectable marker and rapidly bind to the analyte and to the metabolite. The sample is then introduced to an assay device that has a loading area, a separation and a reading area. The sample is introduced into the loading area of the assay device and moves to the reading area preferably by capillary action. The methodology permits for the detection of analytes and metabolites using means for the detecting the detectable marker. The sample may be subjected to a force application means for the controlled progressive fragmentation of any analyte, which is preferably a pathogen present in the sample, into a plurality of fragments.

Abstract: A method is provided for sterilizing fluids using bolus dosing of a fluid, stretching of the bolus of fluid into a membrane, such as a thin or ultra-thin film, and subsequent irradiation of the individual fluid membranes which are then recollected after sterilization. A system is provided whereby a fluid moves along a defined pathway in traditional bolus flow where each bolus of fluid is interspersed with a bolus of gas. The bolus of fluid, for example from a patient or other sample, moves along the flow path and the width of the flow path is gradually increased until the fluid bolus is stretched (without breaking) to form a thin fluid membrane which can be completely panned using irradiation (such as ultraviolet irradiation) to sterilize the each bolus which has been stretched into a membrane. After sterilization the width of the flow path is gradually narrowed to a sufficient sized such that the bolus returns to a sufficient size to be collected, typically when it forms a small droplet.

Abstract: A device and method for separating a fluid component from a non-fluid component of a sample comprises a plurality of microspheres disposed in abutting relation and forming therebetween a plurality of capillary channels, whereby when the microspheres are disposed in fluid communication with a sample the fluid component is separated from the non-fluid component by capillary flow of the fluid component through the capillary channels formed by the interstitial spacing between abutting microspheres.

Abstract: Assay devices are disclosed comprising a base defining a cavity and an insert received in the cavity. The cavity has major surface and at least one sidewall, preferably surrounding the major surface. The insert comprises a first surface with a portion opposing the major surface of the cavity. A space is provided between the portion of the first surface and the major surface for the receipt of a fluid sample. The space has an entrance defined by the first surface of the insert and the major surface. The insert also comprises a second surface opposing the first surface and having an input portion for the application of a fluid sample. The input portion is in fluid communication with the entrance to the space, such that a fluid sample applied to the input portion passes to the entrance to the space and into the space. At least one or more passages is preferably defined through the insert, for passage of the fluid sample through the insert, to the entrance to the space.

Abstract: A cultured, full-thickness integument substitute is disclosed which can be implanted in a patient suffering from severe burns, for example; and consists of a three-dimensional matrix membrane with essentially two surfaces because the length and width are substantially greater than the thickness; the membrane has pores in the area of a first surface thereof which are directly connected to but substantially larger on average than those in the area of the opposite surface of the membrane, and those pores have immobilized within them cells and components of the dermal layer of the integument; the membrane has pores in the area of a second surface thereof which are directly connected to but substantially smaller on average than those in the area of the opposite surface of the membrane, and those pores have immobilized within them cells and components of the epidermal layer of the integument; the membrane also has a lateral pore structure in its internal space which interconnects those pores which pass from one sur

Abstract: A medical diagnostic test kit includes a rectangular flat bottom member having an external raised flange and an internal raised flange forming a cavity therein; an elongated dry chemistry membrane held within the cavity; an arcuate cover member secured to the bottom member with the membrane therebetween; and a funnel assembly comprising a funnel member removably attached to the cover member with its nozzle portion extending into a sample opening in the cover member.