Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for performing a microfluidic process are presented. A microfluidic device conforms with a standard well plate format. The device includes a well plate comprising a plate and an array of wells formed on or in the plate, and a microfluidic structure connecting at least two of the wells. The device can rely exclusively on gravitational and capillary forces that exist in channels within the microfluidic structure when receiving fluid streams. Also disclosed is a microfluidic device having an array of microfluidic structures, each connecting at least two wells of a well plate, and connecting three or more wells in alternative embodiments. With the present invention, a large number of microfluidic processes or reactions can be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for analyzing sample solutions such as whole blood based on coagulation and agglutination which requires no external power source or moving parts to perform the analysis. Single disposable cartridges for performing blood typing assays can be constructed using this technology.

Abstract: A device for analyzing sample solutions such as whole blood based on coagulation and agglutination which requires no external power source or moving parts to perform the analysis.

Abstract: A device for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and detection using microfluidic diffusion-based structures. Fluid containing DNA to be amplified is cycled repeatedly across hot and cold zones to enhance the multiplication process. The invention is used in conjunction with other devices to perform both single and multiple target detection.

Abstract: A method of supplying source material in a crystal puller used to grow single crystal semiconductor material. Generally, the method includes receiving a bulk container of the source material at a facility having the crystal puller and configuring the bulk container for gravity feed of the source material from the container. The bulk container is transported to the crystal puller and a predetermined quantity of source material is dispensed directly from the bulk container into the crystal puller. Apparatus and a system for use in supplying source material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for detecting microorganisms in a large number of blood culture vials using more than one microorganism detection principle for each vial. Two of such possible detection means includes the use of a fluorescent carbon dioxide sensor and scattered photon migration. The apparatus performs a logic linkage of the results of all the detection principles applied. Therefore, an enhanced recovery and an improved accuracy in detecting microorganisms is achieved.

Abstract: An assay for Chlamydia includes contacting Chlamydia organisms in a liquid with a solid support having an antispecies Fe antibody immobilized thereon and an anti-Chlamydia capture antibody. After binding of Chlamydia antigen to the capture antibody and binding of the capture antibody to the antispecies antibody on the support, a tracer including a label conjugated to a signal antibody is added. After binding of the signal antibody to the antigen, the presence of Chlamydia organisms in the liquid is detected by a signal associated with the label thereby bound to the support. The invention includes a kit of materials for performing an assay according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A method for assay for an unknown enzyme suspected to be present in a liquid includes signal amplification by use of a second enzyme and a blocked modulator for the second enzyme. Unknown enzyme in the liquid removes a blocking group from the blocked modulator. The resulting modulator activates or inhibits the second enzyme which catalyzes an indicator reaction in which a substrate is converted to a product. The presence or absence of the unknown enzyme in the liquid is indicated by a signal, such as a color change or a rate of color change, associated with the indicator reaction. The concentration of the enzyme in the sample may be determined by the measurement of the signal. The invention includes a kit of materials useful for performing the method of the invention. The method involves the hydrolyzing of a blocked fluoroketone inhibitor to facilitate the analytical method.

Abstract: A method for the detection of microorganisms e.g. bacteria in a blood sample comprises staining the microorganisms with a fluorescent dye and observing the fluorescence emission of an expanded buffy coat. The expanded buffy coat is obtained by centrifuging the stained sample in a hematocrit tube containing a float which occupies most of the buffy coat volume. The expanded buffy coat further separates into sub-layers. Intracellular microorganisms congregate in and are detected in the granulocyte sub-layer. The method may be modified to assess phagocytic activity.

Abstract: A method for rapid detection of microorganisms in a body fluid sample includes detecting the microorganisms after treatment of the sample with a lysing agent in order to dissolve sample components other than microorganisms, and staining with a fluorescent dye. The lysing agent may be part of a composition which includes a culture medium thereby providing simultaneous lysis and growth before staining. Detection is preferably accomplished by reliance on the fluorescence emitted by the dye having been properly excited by light energy.A composition suitable for use in the above-described method includes a growth medium and a lysing agent.

Abstract: A method for the assessment of bacteriuria and pyuria includes the simultaneous detection and quantitation of microorganisms, leukocytes and squamous epithelial cells in a urine specimen. The three cell types are stained with a fluorescent dye, and the urine specimen is analyzed directly, preferably by a single flow microfluorometry protocol.