Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the collection, storage, and purification of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, from fluid samples for subsequent genetic characterization, primarily by conventional amplification methods. The present invention can be used to collect, store, or purify nucleic acids either from a biological source other than untreated whole blood, the biological source having naturally occurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, (including either a buccal swab, cerebrospinal fluid, feces, lymphatic fluid, a plasma sample, a saliva sample, a serum sample, urine, or a suspension of cells or viruses), or from a treated whole blood source that has naturally occurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, as well as added blood stabilization components that also inhibit nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the collection, storage, and purification of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, from fluid samples for subsequent genetic characterization, primarily by conventional amplification methods. The present invention can be used to collect, store, or purify nucleic acids from a treated whole blood source that has naturally occurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, as well as added blood stabilization components that also inhibit nucleic acid amplification. More importantly, these nucleic acids can be released after collection or storage in a manner that enables them to be amplified by conventional techniques such as polymerase chain reaction. In particular, an absorbent material that does not bind nucleic acids irreversibly is impregnated with a chaotropic salt. A biological source sample is contacted with the impregnated absorbent material.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling device including a hollow tube with a solid, porous, water-wettable nonfibrous nib mounted in and protruding from one end of the tube for collecting, by absorption, a sample of a body fluid such as sweat, tears, or saliva. The sample may be extracted from the nib for analysis by supplying an extraction fluid to the interior of the tube for gravity or vacuum-assisted flow out through the nib. Alternatively, an elongated analysis element such as a strip of paper or a packed column, e.g. containing an agent that changes appearance to indicate the presence of a substance to be detected, may be disposed in the tube for endwise contact with the nib to receive the sample (or components thereof) by absorption.

Abstract: A centrifugal filtering device including a filter unit comprising an open-ended sample tube; a filter support element, with a central open-ended passage, ultrasonically welded to the outlet end of the sample tube at an annular joint and having a seat at its outer end; and a filter clamped between the sample tube and the support element, through which liquid is forced from the sample tube when the device is centrifuged. The complete device also includes a receiving vessel, for collecting filtered liquid, removably mounted on the support element seat, and a cap for the inlet end of the sample tube. The annular weld joint is made relatively weak to enable separation of the support element and sample tube for recovery of the filter. The sample tube, support element and receiver vessel are made of polypropylene.

Abstract: A device for spotting samples at spaced locations on the adsorbent surface of a TLC (thin-layer chromatography) plate has a base with an elevated, flat TLC plate supporting area and an adjacent stepped down solvent trough containing area separated by a step. A wicking plate, having a number of wick-holding wells, is adapted to be positioned over the trough with the wicks dipping in the trough and the upper ends of the wicks adapted to engage the adsorbent surface of a TLC plate lowered against them. A novel wick of porous polyethylene may be pre-loaded with sample and dried before being loaded into the wicking plate. The base has spaced extensions defining a cut-out over which the wicking plate can be laid for loading, being appropriately positioned by pins extending from one of its long sides engaging the step on the base. When reversed, the non-pin-containing long side of the wicking plate engages the step and positions it over the trough.

Abstract: Ultrafiltration apparatus employing collodion bag dialyzing means. This apparatus provides a means for accelerating the dialysis process and a cooperative means for obtaining samples of the concentrate from the collodion bag. A displacement body with an axial bore is attached to a tube and positioned within the collodion bag. By displacing fluid volume in the bag, the speed of dialysis is increased. The combination of the tube and displacement body also facilitates removal of samples of the concentrated fluid from the bag.