Abstract: A device is provided for the collection of a clinical sample from the body cavity of a patient. The device comprises a deformable sampling section. In use, the deformable sampling section expands radially to contact the walls of the cavity and collect the clinical sample.

Abstract: A disposable test device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid sample derived from biological specimen, e.g. saliva, urine, blood or the like, comprising: a reagent container (10), a test chamber (20), and a sample loading pill (30) of absorbent material, wherein the test chamber contains at least a test strip (26), and the reagent container (10) can be mated with the test chamber (30) with the sample loading pill (20) sandwiched between the regent container and the test chamber, such that the reagent moves a sample which is impregnated in the sample loading pill towards the test strip (26).

Abstract: The invention provides an assay device for quantification or detection of the presence or absence of an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a molding (1) permanently or removably attached to a substantially planar plate (2) such that a part of said molding forms a capillary chamber (3) between said plate and the said molding, the device further comprising a chamber (5) into which a test sample and/or reagent can be introduced and further comprising a chamber (7) capable of accommodating an absorbent pad, wherein the said chamber into which a test sample and said chamber capable of holding an absorbent pad are in lateral flow contact via the said capillary chamber (3).

Abstract: A device (100) for reading fluorescent signals comprising: an illuminator (110) for illuminating a material (130) bound with a fluorophore, at an appropriate wavelength to induce fluorescence; a detector (140) for detecting fluorescent signals emitted by the material (130); a signal processor for processing the signals detected; the device defining an optical system (170, 120, 240, 190, 180, 200, 150, 220, 210) having an excitation optical path and a detection optical path; characterised in that the illuminator (110) comprises a light emitting diode (LED), and in that the illumination illuminates all, or a substantial portion of the material (130) simultaneously.

Abstract: Automatic diagnostic apparatus includes: a controller for controlling operation of the apparatus and for processing data; a sensing system operably connected to the controller for performing an assay, preferably an electrochemical assay (more preferably an electrochemical immunoassay), of a sample and communicating data from the assay to the controller; voltage supply means for applying a potential differential to the sensing system; and output means for communicating processed data to a user.

Abstract: Automatic diagnostic apparatus comprises: a controller for controlling operation of the apparatus and for processing data; a sensing system operably connected to the controller for performing an assay, preferably an electrochemical assay (more preferably an electrochemical immunoassay), of a sample and communicating data from the assay to the controller; voltage supply means for applying a potential differential to the sensing system; and output means for communicating processed data to a user.

Abstract: An automatic diagnostic apparatus (1) comprising: a controller (3) for controlling operation of the apparatus (1) and for processing data; a sensing system (15) operably connected to the controller (3) for performing an assay, preferably an electrochemical assay (more preferably an electrochemical immunoassay), of a sample and communicating data from said assay to said controller (3); voltage supply means for applying a potential difference to said sensing system (15); and output means (11.23) for communicating processed data to a user. operation of the apparatus (1) and not processing data; a sensing system (15) operably connected to the controller (3) for performing an assay, preferably an electrochemical assay (more preferably an electrochemical immunoassay), of a sample and communicating data from said assay to said controller (3); voltage supply means for applying a potential difference to said sensing system (15); and output means (11, 23) for communicating processed data to a user.

Abstract: A container suitable for use in the transportation of hazardous materials, for example radiolabelled material, has a base cup member (12) which is closed by a threaded lid (13). Within the cup member (12) a liner (17) is provided within an inner cavity (16). The liner (17) is suspended from an end flange (18) which is in engagement with the upper face of the rim of the cup member (12). The liner (17) has an annular shoulder (23) spaced from the end flange (18). The shoulder (23) is arranged so that it engages and thereby seals with the head (26) of a closure element (25). The closure element (25) also includes an engagement recess (31) to enable it to be removed from the liner (17). The container is usually mounted within a two-part inner casing (10a, 10b) which in turn is positioned within an outer casing (11a, 11b). With the container described hazardous materials even in liquid form may be stored and transported safely as desired without the need for bulky packaging.