Abstract: A holder rack has an array of tubular slots that cooperate with a holder to position an absorbent tip of the holder at a predetermined location. The racks fit over well plates to position each absorbent tip adjacent the bottom of a different well in the well plate to extract dried samples from the absorbent tips. The holders are transported in containers having a frame to receive the holders and a lid to keep them in the container. The absorbent tips can extend through a cap to dry, with the cap connected to the holder to enclose the absorbent tips for transport.

Abstract: A holder rack has an array of tubular slots that cooperate with a holder to position an absorbent tip of the holder at a predetermined location. The racks fit over well plates to position each absorbent tip adjacent the bottom of a different well in the well plate to extract dried samples from the absorbent tips. The holders are transported in containers having a frame to receive the holders and a lid to keep them in the container. The absorbent tips can extend through a cap to dry, with the cap connected to the holder to enclose the absorbent tips for transport.

Abstract: A holder rack has an array of tubular slots that cooperate with a holder to position an absorbent tip of the holder at a predetermined location. The racks fit over well plates to position each absorbent tip adjacent the bottom of a different well in the well plate to extract dried samples from the absorbent tips. The holders are transported in containers having a frame to receive the holders and a lid to keep them in the container. The absorbent tips can extend through a cap to dry, with the cap connected to the holder to enclose the absorbent tips for transport.

Abstract: A holder rack has an array of tubular slots that cooperate with a holder to position an absorbent tip of the holder at a predetermined location. The racks fit over well plates to position each absorbent tip adjacent the bottom of a different well in the well plate to extract dried samples from the absorbent tips. The holders are transported in containers having a frame to receive the holders and a lid to keep them in the container. The absorbent tips can extend through a cap to dry, with the cap connected to the holder to enclose the absorbent tips for transport.

Abstract: A blood sampling device is provided having holder with a manipulating end and an absorbent probe on the opposing end. The probe is made of pyrolyzed porous carbon sized to directly absorb a predetermined volume of liquid, preferably biological fluid, in a predetermined amount of time. Shapes for absorbent probes of differing materials are provided.

Abstract: Reagents and assays for kinase, phosphatase and protease enzyme activity which employ metal ion-phosphate ligand specific binding and fluorescent polymer superquenching are described. The assays provide a general platform for the measurement of kinase, phosphatase and protease enzyme activity using peptide and protein substrates. Reagents and assays based on DNA hybridization and reagents and assays for proteins which employ aptamers, antibodies and other ligands are also described.

Abstract: Techniques for the sensitive detection of analytes which combine the benefits of solution/suspension phase assay formats and the simplicity of solid phase/lateral flow assays are described. The assays can be performed in the solution/suspension phase using magnetic microspheres as a solid support. Subsequently a magnetic separation can be performed to separate the bound analyte from the remainder of the solution. After a wash step, the fluorescence signal can be directly read from the magnetic particle surface. Portable biodetection systems which employ fluorescent polymer superquenching and methods for detecting bioagents therewith are also described.