Abstract: Biomarkers are used in compositions, combinations, systems, and methods for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring and/or treatment of osteoarthritis. The biomarkers discriminate osteoarthritis from rheumatoid arthritis, crystalline arthritis, septic arthritis, and/or traumatic injury, and can be used in a differential diagnosis of joint pain and/or joint inflammation.

Abstract: The use of Nucleic Acid Amplification Technologies (NAATs) to rapidly copy a specific fragment of DNA from a few starting molecules has been used to determine the presence of that DNA in a sample. It is of importance for various applications including the identification of a pathogen in a clinical sample. The disclosed embodiments describe an apparatus, disc, methods, and a system for detecting microorganisms such as pathogenic viruses and bacterial rapidly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to method, system and apparatus for respiratory testing. In one implementation, a method for detecting one or more pathogens causing a respiratory infection includes the steps of: (1) combining a quantity of mucous sample from a patient with a fluidic reagent to form a test reagent, the mucous sample further comprising at least one pathogen; (2) filtering the test reagent through a large volume concentrator to obtain a filtered solution; and (3) introducing the filtered solution onto a disc having a plurality of test site, wherein each of the plurality of test sites further comprises at least one agent to bind with the at least one pathogen to detect presence or absence of an infection caused by the at least one pathogen. The mucus sample may be obtained from nasal, nasopharyngeal or throat regions of the patient.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing patient samples for direct detection and identification of microorganisms in the patient samples using multiplex immunoassays. The method includes enzymatic treatment of the patient sample, boiling and centrifugation of the sample to provide a treated sample that may be used in an immunoassay. There are also provided immunoassay compositions and systems for the direct detection and identification of microorganism in patient tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to field of screening and diagnosing adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) in a subject who has received a joint replacement by measuring the level of a nucleic acid or protein biomarker that are elevated in patients suffering from ALTR, even those with no symptoms. The early diagnosis of the ALTR can lead to its treatment and thus, the prevention of implant failure caused by the ALTR. The elevated proteins and genes are also the basis for treatment for ALTR and provide targets for drug development and basic research.