Abstract: Methods for determining bacterial identity and susceptibility or resistance to antibiotic or antimicrobial agents are provided. In one embodiment, the bacteria is cultured in the presence or absence or the antibiotic agent to generate a plurality of primary cultures, which are then cultured in the presence or absence of transforming phages to generate a first secondary culture that comprise transformed bacteria that have been treated with the antibiotic agent and a second secondary culture that comprises transformed bacteria that have not been treated with the antibiotic agent. The recombinant phages are specific to the bacteria and comprise a heterologous marker. The susceptibility or resistance of the bacteria to the antibiotic or antimicrobial agent is determined by comparing a level or activity of the marker in the first and second secondary cultures.

Abstract: A system for analysis of a sample to aid in diagnosis and/or detection of the presence or absence, and/or the identity of, an analyte in the sample is provided. A cartridge with reagents to isolate nucleic acid from a sample inserted in the cartridge and to amplify the isolated nucleic acid, and an instrument that interacts with the cartridge, together provide a self-contained sample to answer system for detection, identification, differentiation and/or quantification of a target nucleic acid in a sample.

Abstract: Methods for determining bacterial identity and susceptibility or resistance to antibiotic or antimicrobial agents are provided. In one embodiment, the bacteria is cultured in the presence or absence or the antibiotic agent to generate a plurality of primary cultures, which are then cultured in the presence or absence of transforming phages to generate a first secondary culture that comprise transformed bacteria that have been treated with the antibiotic agent and a second secondary culture that comprises transformed bacteria that have not been treated with the antibiotic agent. The recombinant phages are specific to the bacteria and comprise a heterologous marker. The susceptibility or resistance of the bacteria to the antibiotic or antimicrobial agent is determined by comparing a level or activity of the marker in the first and second secondary cultures.

Abstract: Induction heating can be used facilitate reactions within biological samples. A sample container can be placed in a magnetic field from an induction coil to generate heat. An exemplary sample container can include an electrically insulative outer wall surrounding an interior space for containing a biological sample and a heating element within the interior space, the heating element comprising an electrically conductive portion. In use, the sample container can be received within a receptacle that includes the induction coil. The induction coil is operated to induce a current in the heating element of the sample container until the biological sample reaches a target temperature.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to PCR-based assays and compositions for use in molecular detection of viral, bacterial and parasitic infectious agents in body fluid or tissue samples, and in particular to multiplex assays, as well as to solid reagent compositions for use in such assays.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual-reservoir container for liquid handling. The container includes two reservoirs attached to each other by a bridge means and a base wall, and further includes an integral seal cap connected to the base wall by a fixed hinge means. The seal cap includes a lid, two annular sealing walls extending downward from the lid and adapted to seal the reservoirs, two closed dome-shaped structures extending upward from the lid and the annular sealing walls, a locking tab hingedly attached to and extending substantially co-planar with and outward from the lid, and a lid extension extending upward from the upper lid surface. The locking tab has a longitudinal slot therethrough and can be moved from its normal outwardly position to a securing position in which the longitudinal slot engages a securing member comprised in the base wall, preventing the seal cap from being unseated from the reservoirs.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual-reservoir container for liquid handling. The container includes two reservoirs attached to each other by a bridge means and a base wall, and further includes an integral seal cap connected to the base wall by a fixed hinge means. The seal cap includes a lid, two annular sealing walls extending downward from the lid and adapted to seal the reservoirs, two closed dome-shaped structures extending upward from the lid and the annular sealing walls, a locking tab hingedly attached to and extending substantially co-planar with and outward from the lid, and a lid extension extending upward from the upper lid surface. The locking tab has a longitudinal slot therethrough and can be moved from its normal outwardly position to a securing position in which the longitudinal slot engages a securing member comprised in the base wall, preventing the seal cap from being unseated from the reservoirs.

Abstract: Provided herein is a reagent preparation for loop-mediated isothermal amplification of nucleic acids comprising: at least one polymerase enzyme, a target-specific primer set, and dinucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) in a single, dry format; wherein said reagent preparation is water soluble and stable above 4° C.

Abstract: A method and device for collection of a stool specimen. Formation of the device occurs in situ by providing a liquid absorbent polymer to water contained in a toilet bowl. The hydrated polymer forms a matrix that is capable of supported a stool specimen deposited thereon. The method and device provides a simple, economical, and less distasteful means for collecting, sampling and evaluating a stool specimen for diagnosis and/or therapy.