Abstract: A detection system (100) detects at least ethanol in human sweat. The detection system (100) includes at least one sensor (105) that is an electrochemical gas sensor. The at least one sensor (105) is configured at least for the detection of ethanol. The detection system (100) further includes a measuring chamber (107), in which substances excreted by the user via the user's skin can be fed via a waterproof, gas-permeable diffusion membrane to the at least one sensor (105). The detection system (100) further includes at least one seal (127), which is configured to be brought into direct contact with the skin of a user and to protect at least the measuring chamber (107) from environmental effects.

Abstract: A reaction carrier (14), a measuring device (12) and a measuring method for measuring a concentration of gaseous/aerosol components of a gas mixture uses reaction material (48) which reacts in an optically detectable manner with at least one component to be measured or with a reaction product of the component to be measured. The reaction carrier includes a flow channel (42) with sections (43) and extends between connecting elements (44). A gas treatment element (47), in each of the sections, changes chemical or physical properties of the gas mixture flowing therethrough or reacts, depending on the chemical or physical properties. The sections are separated from each other in a gas-tight manner by a separating element (49). A coupling element (45) opens the separating element and establishes a connection between the sections when the coupling element is activated. The measuring device includes an activation element (25) to activate the coupling element.

Abstract: A gas measurement system for measuring the concentration of gaseous and/or vaporous components of a gas mixture by means of a color change of at least one reaction substance on a reaction support unit, which is arranged in at least two light permeable channels in such a manner that the color change on the reaction substance can be detected at low expense on a large number of separate positions. The detecting unit which detects the color change can be designed as a digital camera with an electronic image converter or image sensor, and an imaging optics system (e.g., a lens system). Related systems, methods, apparatus, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A device for receiving liquid samples includes at least one sample carrier (1) for receiving the liquid sample, a sample carrier ejector (3) and a sample carrier holder (2) with a first guiding area and a second guiding area (4, 5) for guiding the sample carrier ejector (3). The first guiding area (4) has a tubular design and the second guiding area (5) has a groove-shaped design. The sample carrier ejector (3) has a geometry complementary to the first and second guiding areas (4, 5) and is axially displaceable within the sample carrier holder (2) such that the sample carrier (1) can be detached by the sample carrier ejector (3) from the sample carrier holder (2).

Abstract: A gas measurement system for measuring the concentration of gaseous and/or vaporous components of a gas mixture by means of a color change of at least one reaction substance on a reaction support unit, which is arranged in at least two light permeable channels in such a manner that the color change on the reaction substance can be detected at low expense on a large number of separate positions. The detecting unit which detects the color change can be designed as a digital camera with an electronic image converter or image sensor, and an imaging optics system (e.g., a lens system). Related systems, methods, apparatus, and articles are also described.

Abstract: An interlock system for a vehicle includes a sampling device (4) that receives a sufficient quantity of a body fluid sample from a person to be tested; a read-out unit (11) detecting substances that are contained in the body fluid sample; and an evaluating unit (2) evaluating the substances detected by the read-out unit (11), so that respective concentrations of the detected substances can be obtained. The detection and evaluation of the substances in the body fluid is effected by chemical, immunochemical, enzymatic, electrochemical or optical analytical methods. The quantity of body fluid delivered by the person to be tested is automatically detected and monitored. A control device (1) is coupled to the evaluating unit (2) and prevents the start process of the vehicle if an insufficient quantity of body fluid is present or if at least one of the substance concentrations is above a predetermined concentration limit value.

Abstract: An interlock system for a vehicle includes a sampling device (4) that receives a sufficient quantity of a body fluid sample from a person to be tested; a read-out unit (11) detecting substances that are contained in the body fluid sample; and an evaluating unit (2) evaluating the substances detected by the read-out unit (11), so that respective concentrations of the detected substances can be obtained. The detection and evaluation of the substances in the body fluid is effected by chemical, immunochemical, enzymatic, electrochemical or optical analytical methods. The quantity of body fluid delivered by the person to be tested is automatically detected and monitored. A control device (1) is coupled to the evaluating unit (2) and prevents the start process of the vehicle if an insufficient quantity of body fluid is present or if at least one of the substance concentrations is above a predetermined concentration limit value.

Abstract: Tempering of sample (58) in test strip (37) is carried out by temperature regulating unit (40) and heating/cooling unit (92). The sample is fed to the test strip by a developer fluid (57) and a metering unit (55). The result of the detection reaction becomes visible by a change in color (36), which is detected optically and analyzed. The data of a control chart (52) with the measured values of first and second temperature sensors (41, 42) are used to set the control parameters for tempering. Code (86) on the test sample holder (35) is read in a sequence of steps. Parameters for phases of the measurement are determined from measured values of first and second temperature sensors, values of the control chart and the code of the test sample holder. These parameters are used by the temperature regulating unit during the measurement.

Abstract: A test cassette for the detection of analytes from fluid samples is provided which has a housing (1, 2) with an inlet opening and with a reservoir for receiving a fluid sample containing the analyte. A separate carrier platform (3) can be horizontally displaced in the housing (1, 2), for fixing one or more flexible, strip-like, capillary-active detection elements. The carrier platform (3) in the housing (1, 2) is designed such that the capillary-active detection elements are deflected from the longitudinal direction of the strips and dip into the fluid sample in the reservoir during a lateral motion of the carrier platform (3).

Abstract: A device for receiving liquid samples includes at least one sample carrier (1) for receiving the liquid sample, a sample carrier ejector (3) and a sample carrier holder (2) with a first guiding area and a second guiding area (4, 5) for guiding the sample carrier ejector (3). The first guiding area (4) has a tubular design and the second guiding area (5) has a groove-shaped design. The sample carrier ejector (3) has a geometry complementary to the first and second guiding areas (4, 5) and is axially displaceable within the sample carrier holder (2) such that the sample carrier (1) can be detached by the sample carrier ejector (3) from the sample carrier holder (2).

Abstract: A device, process and system are provided for collecting and releasing a liquid sample, especially saliva. A defined saliva sample, i.e., a filtered, approximately homogeneously mixed saliva sample of a predetermined volume is made available in the simplest possible manner. A sampling tip (2) is provided made of a dimensionally stable and porous material, which is moved with its mouthpiece (4) in the mouth of a test subject for one to two minutes and takes up saliva based on the capillary action. A reagent liquid enters the pores of the sampling tip (2), mixes with the saliva there and is subsequently fed from a reagent depot by the action of pressure. The saliva and the reagent liquid are finally discharged as a droplet (40) in the filtered and mixed state, either into the cavity (10) of the sample collector or into a filter mixer.

Abstract: A device, process and system are provided for collecting and releasing a liquid sample, especially saliva. A defined saliva sample, i.e., a filtered, approximately homogeneously mixed saliva sample of a predetermined volume is made available in the simplest possible manner. A sampling tip (2) is provided made of a dimensionally stable and porous material, which is moved with its mouthpiece (4) in the mouth of a test subject for one to two minutes and takes up saliva based on the capillary action. A reagent liquid enters the pores of the sampling tip (2), mixes with the saliva there and is subsequently fed from a reagent depot by the action of pressure. The saliva and the reagent liquid are finally discharged as a droplet (40) in the filtered and mixed state, either into the cavity (10) of the sample collector or into a filter mixer.

Abstract: A device for collecting and releasing a sample liquid, especially saliva as well as a system and method are provided. The device and system obtains and provides a defined saliva sample, i.e., a filtered and homogeneously mixed saliva sample of a predetermined volume, in the simplest possible manner. The device has a sampling tip (2) made of an incompressible and porous material, which is moved with its mouthpiece (4) in the mouth of a test subject for 1 to 2 minutes and collects saliva based on the capillary action. A reagent depot containing reagent liquid is subsequently cut up by a puncturing cylinder (9) at the sample collector, and the reagent liquid then enters the cavity (10) of the sampling tip (2).

Abstract: A swab analyzer with advantageous handling and detection sensitivity for the immunochemical detection of substances. The analyzer has a housing, an eluent application zone (a swabbing pen 2) and a reaction zone (6). The housing (1) has a local elevation with a central opening, from which a sampling and eluent application zone, designed as a porous swabbing pen (2), projects. The local elevation is provided with an at least partially circular collection groove (3) for receiving excess eluent. A window (10) is present in the housing (1) at a spaced location from the local elevation for evaluating the reaction zone (6) placed under it. The sampling and eluent application zone as well as the reaction zone (6) with the signal zones (7) are in capillary fluid connection with one another.

Abstract: A test strip for the immunochemical detection of substances after sampling from surfaces, with a conjugate zone (2) located between an eluent application zone (1) at one end of the test strip and a reaction zone (3) at the opposite end, the zones being in liquid connection with one another. A section of the test strip in the area including the eluent application zone and the reaction zone is used to wipe off the surface and as a sampling zone (4). The eluent application zone may be used as a sampling zone. The test strip is connected to a preferably flexurally rigid test strip holder (6), which does not cover the sampling zone (4).

Abstract: A device is provided for taking swab samples and sample dilution. The device has a plug made of a porous, absorbent material, which projects from a sleeve and is used to take a swab sample. The plug is located in one end of the sleeve. A piston, which can be moved in the sleeve by means of a piston rod, is located in the other end of the sleeve. A closure, which can be opened by means of pressure, is located between the piston and the plug, so that a liquid arranged between the piston and the plug moves through the closure to the plug and wets same on actuation of the piston rod.

Abstract: A process for detecting dust-associated substances wherein the dust to be analyzed is brought together with a solvent for eluting the substance to be detected from the dust. The particulate components are retained by means of a filter matrix while the solvent and the substances dissolved and/or suspended therein are transported through the filter matrix by capillary liquid transport. The solvent and the substances dissolved and/or suspended therein are transferred into a reaction matrix adjoining the filter matrix by capillary liquid transport. The substance to be detected is detected in the reaction matrix by means of a chemical and/or biochemical reaction or by the failure of a chemical and/or biochemical reaction to take place. A device for detecting dust-associated substances preferably contains, besides the filter matrix and the reaction matrix, a container for receiving the dust to be analyzed, wherein the container is in liquid connection with the filter matrix.