Abstract: A chip-based optical detection system for detecting a target component in a liquid sample is provided. The system comprises a fluid pathway disposed in an interior volume of the chip; an inlet fluidically connecting an external surface of the chip to the fluid pathway; an optical element at least partially defining the fluid pathway; and a flow controller configured to control a flow of the liquid sample through the fluid pathway. One or more capture components are immobilised on the optical element, one or more detection reagents are provided in a proximity of the capture components, and the flow controller is configured to control the flow of the liquid sample along the fluid pathway such that the detection reagents are brought into contact with the capture components via diffusion.

Abstract: A sample management module for collecting a fluid sample is provided. The module comprising; a sample collection device comprising a sample collection location; a decoupling zone configured to receive sample from the collection device, an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with the decoupling zone to accommodate any sample that does not fit into the decoupling zone; wherein the overflow reservoir is configured to ensure pressure within the module can be managed. A cartridge comprising a sample management module is also provided.

Abstract: A substrate for facilitating the measurement, using Total Internal Reflection microscopy, of the status of an assay; a first surface including a test site at which one or more reagents for the assay are immobilised; a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface; a third surface joining the first and second surfaces; a fourth surface joining the first and second surfaces; wherein three characteristics of the surfaces are manipulated to ensure that light launched through the third surface impinges on the centre of the first surface solely at the test site and then undergoes Total Internal Reflection; wherein the three characteristics are: the length of the first and second surfaces between the third and fourth surfaces; the length of the third and fourth surfaces; the angle subtended between the first and third surfaces.

Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a chamber, and a breathing circuit. The heater base includes a heater plate positioned in a recessed region, and a heat conductive portion of the chamber is configured to contact the heater plate. The heater base includes a guard configured to control movement of the chamber into and out of the recessed region. The guard includes an anti-racking mechanism. The chamber includes an inlet port, an outlet port. A downward extension extends into the chamber from the inlet port, and a baffle is disposed at a lower end of the downward extension. A component of the breathing circuit can include a conduit hanging end cap for shipping and storage. The end cap can include a hanging component to allow the breathing circuit component to be hung from a medical stand. The system can detect when breathing circuits are connected in reverse.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance system including a humidification apparatus used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face mask. A controller of the humidification apparatus is configured to determine a gas source and change the set point accordingly to maintain patient comfort regardless of the humidity level of the gas source.

Abstract: A device configured to detect signals indicative of a binding event in an assay of interest is provided. The device comprising a beam manipulator configured to modify an incident beam to form a beam with a sharp-edged intensity cut-off; a test site having immobilised thereon at least one component of the assay of interest; wherein the device is configured so that the sharp-edged intensity cut-off beam produced by the beam manipulator is incident, in use, on the test site at such an angle to facilitate Total Internal Reflection (TIR); wherein the device is configured so that the sharp-edged intensity cut-off beam produced by the beam manipulator substantially conforms to the shape and size of the test site; a detector configured to receive a signal indicative of a binding event in the assay of interest; wherein the test site is located within a microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a chamber, and a breathing circuit. The heater base includes a heater plate positioned in a recessed region, and a heat conductive portion of the chamber is configured to contact the heater plate. The heater base includes a guard configured to control movement of the chamber into and out of the recessed region. The guard includes an anti-racking mechanism. The chamber includes an inlet port, an outlet port. A downward extension extends into the chamber from the inlet port, and a baffle is disposed at a lower end of the downward extension. A component of the breathing circuit can include a conduit hanging end cap for shipping and storage. The end cap can include a hanging component to allow the breathing circuit component to be hung from a medical stand. The system can detect when breathing circuits are connected in reverse.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance system including a humidification apparatus used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face mask. A controller of the humidification apparatus is configured to determine a gas source and change the set point accordingly to maintain patient comfort regardless of the humidity level of the gas source.

Abstract: A storage and incubation device is provided. The device is configured to accommodate a plurality of assay chips, each assay chip including a unique identifier. The device comprises: a plurality of berths each sized to accommodate an assay chip; a communication module configured to receive information about the identifier of each assay chip; a clock timer configured to monitor the timing of the assay within each assay chip; a completion module to manage each assay chip when the assay is complete.

Abstract: A sample management module for receiving a fluid sample for an immunoassay is provided. The module comprises: a sample reception device for receiving a sample; a detection reagent; a controller configured to initiate a reaction timer on the basis of an actuation event when the sample and detection reagent are brought into contact.

Abstract: A combined sample collection and filtration device is provided for collecting and filtering a fluid sample. The device comprises: a sample collection location; a filter module for removing particulate matter from the fluid sample; the filter module having bubble point and a burst pressure; and one or more voids in communication with the sample collection location for accommodating sample during pressurisation such that the pressure within the device remains below the bubble point and the burst pressure of the filter module.

Abstract: A lateral to free flow assay device is provided for analysis of a fluid sample. The device comprises: a sample collection unit configured to introduce the sample into the device; an optical element configured to facilitate TIR for the analysis of the sample; a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between the sample collection unit and a free flow region adjacent the optical element; a wicking pad defining a lateral flow section of the fluid pathway or provided in the sample collection unit to collect the sample; wherein at least one surface of the optical element defines at least part of the free flow region of the fluid pathway; and wherein the fluid pathway is configured to enable fluid flow from the lateral flow region to the free flow region of the fluid pathway to facilitate the analysis of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating and correcting a two dimensional intensity map of one or more assay spots in a detection zone is provided. The apparatus comprising, a locator for affirming the location of the detection zone; a total internal reflection excitation device comprising a light source for illuminating the one or more assay spots in the detection zone; a detector configured to receive light that is emitted, reflected or scattered from the one or more assay spots and to create a two dimensional intensity map of the one or more assay spots comprising a two dimensional array of quantitative pixel values; and a processor configured to correct the intensity map to remove noise through analysis of corresponding pixel values from an earlier intensity map; wherein the analysis includes curve fitting.

Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a chamber, and a breathing circuit. The heater base includes a heater plate positioned in a recessed region, and a heat conductive portion of the chamber is configured to contact the heater plate. The heater base includes a guard configured to control movement of the chamber into and out of the recessed region. The guard includes an anti-racking mechanism. The chamber includes an inlet port, an outlet port. A downward extension extends into the chamber from the inlet port, and a baffle is disposed at a lower end of the downward extension. A component of the breathing circuit can include a conduit hanging end cap for shipping and storage. The end cap can include a hanging component to allow the breathing circuit component to be hung from a medical stand. The system can detect when breathing circuits are connected in reverse.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for detecting the presence and/or the quantity of a target component in a biological fluid in an integrated assay cartridge (52) of predetermined configuration, the assay cartridge comprising a capture component (22) at a predetermined location in the assay cartridge, the apparatus comprising: a detector (12)for detecting the amount of light scattered, transmitted or emitted by the sample to provide an indication of the presence and/or the quantity of the target component within the sample; three location positions (30), the three positions defining a location along the optical path of the detector on which to locate the cartridge of a predetermined size; wherein location positions are configured such that the capture component of the assay cartridge is located, in use, at the focal plane of the detector. Measures to ensure quality control may also be provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two-step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a chamber, and a breathing circuit. The heater base includes a heater plate positioned in a recessed region, and a heat conductive portion of the chamber is configured to contact the heater plate. The heater base includes a guard configured to control movement of the chamber into and out of the recessed region. The guard includes an anti-racking mechanism. The chamber includes an inlet port, an outlet port. A downward extension extends into the chamber from the inlet port, and a baffle is disposed at a lower end of the downward extension. A component of the breathing circuit can include a conduit hanging end cap for shipping and storage. The end cap can include a hanging component to allow the breathing circuit component to be hung from a medical stand. The system can detect when breathing circuits are connected in reverse.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two-step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: A sample management module for collecting a fluid sample is provided. The module comprising; a sample collection device comprising a sample collection location; a decoupling zone configured to receive sample from the collection device, an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with the decoupling zone to accommodate any sample that does not fit into the decoupling zone; wherein the overflow reservoir is configured to ensure pressure within the module can be managed. A cartridge comprising a sample management module is also provided.

Abstract: An assay cartridge for detecting a target component in a liquid sample is provided. The cartridge comprises: a sample collection unit configured to introduce the liquid sample into the cartridge; a fluid pathway commencing at its proximal end at the sample collection unit and extending distally through the cartridge including: one or more capture components immobilised within the fluid pathway; one or more detection reagents provided within the diffusion distance of the capture components.