Abstract: A sample collection container and a cartridge system employ reagent bodies having reagents confined by a restraining agent. The sample collection container comprises one or more reagent bodies, each having one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent. The restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the reagents which are dispersed through the restraining agent. The cartridge system comprises a reagent component for storing reagents and a processing component for processing the reagents in an assay. At least one of the components includes one or more reagent bodies, each having one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent capable of being broken down. The reagent component and the processing component are configured to be coupled together to form a cartridge, the reagent component and/or the processing component having at least one compartment to accept waste from the assay.

Abstract: Provided is a sample collection container comprising one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the separation of blood cells from a blood sample, which method comprises: (a) contacting the blood sample with an agent having a binding component that binds blood cells to form bound blood cells; and (b) separating the bound blood cells from the blood, wherein the agent is capable of binding a plurality of different blood cell types, and wherein the binding component is capable of binding to a protein expressed on a surface of the blood cells.

Abstract: Provided is a vector for use in delivering a therapy to or removing a therapy from a site within a patient, wherein the vector comprises: a) a binding moiety; and b) a therapeutic agent, wherein the binding moiety comprises a metal-binding protein, polypeptide or peptide which is bound to or encapsulates a magnetic or magnetisable substance, and wherein the vector is to be administered using a device comprising an electromagnet and an element suitable for bringing the therapeutic agent into proximity with the site.

Abstract: Provided is a sample collection container comprising one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging method for obtaining an image of a patient by means of a contrast agent wherein the method comprises subjecting the patient to an imaging method for which the contrast agent is suitable, wherein the contrast agent comprises: (a) a binding moiety; and (b) a recognition moiety capable of targeting the contrast agent to a site within the body of the patient, and wherein the binding moiety comprises a metal-binding protein, polypeptide or peptide which is bound to or encapsulates a magnetic or magnetizable substance.

Abstract: Provided is a label for an analyte, which label is attached to a magnetic or magnetizable substance, the label comprising: (a) a recognition moiety for attaching the label to the analyte; and (b) a moiety for binding or encapsulating the magnetic or magnetizable substance; wherein the moiety for binding or encapsulating the magnetic or magnetizable substance comprises a metal-binding protein, polypeptide, or peptide.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the presence or absence of a pathogen in a sample, which method comprises: a) contacting the sample with a whole or a part of a cell surface receptor protein capable of binding the pathogen; b) allowing the cell surface receptor protein or part thereof to bind the pathogen; c) determining the presence or absence of the pathogen bound to the receptor protein or part thereof.