Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and devices for detecting heavy metals in dried blood (e.g., dried blood spots). For example, the present invention provides: 1) dried blood spot paper that is detectably free of heavy metals and methods of preparing such paper using organic acid; 2) dried blood extraction solutions optimized for heavy metal detection (e.g., extraction solutions containing acetic acid and/or gold); 3) methods for estimating venous blood volume from dried blood mass; and 4) kits and kit components optimized for heavy metal detection in dried blood (e.g., kits with paper detectably free of heavy metals, heavy metal free skin wipes, metal free collection case, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and devices for detecting heavy metals in dried blood (e.g., dried blood spots). For example, the present invention provides: 1) dried blood spot paper that is detectably free of heavy metals and methods of preparing such paper using organic acid; 2) dried blood extraction solutions optimized for heavy metal detection (e.g., extraction solutions containing acetic acid and/or gold); 3) methods for estimating venous blood volume from dried blood mass; and 4) kits and kit components optimized for heavy metal detection in dried blood (e.g., kits with paper detectably free of heavy metals, heavy metal free skin wipes, metal free collection case, etc.).

Abstract: A container for collecting a sample is provided that can include a housing, an enclosure pivotally coupled to and slidably engaged with the housing, and a sample holder slidably engaged with and received within the enclosure. The sample holder can include a substrate configured to receive the sample. The container in a first configuration can include the enclosure being engaged with the housing to enclose and seal the substrate within an interior volume of the container. The container in a second configuration can include the enclosure exposing the substrate to the ambient environment.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, kits, compositions, and methods for collecting, transporting, and detecting toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in a biological sample. The devices, kits, compositions and methods may be utilized to collect and transport dried blood samples from a skin prick and detect toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in the dried blood samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, kits, compositions, and methods for collecting, transporting, and detecting toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in a biological sample. The devices, kits, compositions and methods may be utilized to collect and transport dried blood samples from a skin prick and detect toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in the dried blood samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, kits, compositions, and methods for collecting, transporting, and detecting toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in a biological sample. The devices, kits, compositions and methods may be utilized to collect and transport dried blood samples from a skin prick and detect toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in the dried blood samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, kits, compositions, and methods for collecting, transporting, and detecting toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in a biological sample. The devices, kits, compositions and methods may be utilized to collect and transport dried blood samples from a skin prick and detect toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in the dried blood samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and devices for detecting heavy metals in dried blood (e.g., dried blood spots). For example, the present invention provides: 1) dried blood spot paper that is detectably free of heavy metals and methods of preparing such paper using organic acid; 2) dried blood extraction solutions optimized for heavy metal detection (e.g., extraction solutions containing acetic acid and/or gold); 3) methods for estimating venous blood volume from dried blood mass; and 4) kits and kit components optimized for heavy metal detection in dried blood (e.g., kits with paper detectably free of heavy metals, heavy metal free skin wipes, metal free collection case, etc.).

Abstract: A mechanical spacing apparatus for placement between a vertical dry wall member and a horizontal flooring panel. The flooring panel and the dry-wall member meet at right angles. The spacing apparatus comprises a horizontal front projecting element for placement on the top surface of the flooring panel joined to a vertical upwards projecting element for abutting adjacent to the vertical dry-wall member. The spacing apparatus comprises horizontal and vertical elements at right angles. Projecting vertically downwards from the right angle join between the horizontal and vertical elements is a spacing element having a predetermined thickness for creating a suitable spacing distance between the inward edge of the flooring panel and the bottom of the vertical dry-wall member thereby accommodating a suitable expansion distance for the flooring installation. The apparatus is easily installed and removed by hand by a flooring installer.

Abstract: A mechanical spacing apparatus for placement between a vertical dry wall member and a horizontal flooring panel. The flooring panel and the dry-wall member meet at right angles. The spacing apparatus comprises a horizontal front projecting element for placement on the top surface of the flooring panel joined to a vertical upwards projecting element for abutting adjacent to the vertical dry-wall member. The spacing apparatus comprises horizontal and vertical elements at right angles. Projecting vertically downwards from the right angle join between the horizontal and vertical elements is a spacing element having a predetermined thickness for creating a suitable spacing distance between the inward edge of the flooring panel and the bottom of the vertical dry-wall member thereby accommodating a suitable expansion distance for the flooring installation. The apparatus is easily installed and removed by hand by a flooring installer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, compositions, and devices for detecting Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in whole blood samples. In certain embodiments, the methods, kits, compositions, and devices employ immunoassays that generate a colorimetric or fluorescent signal (e.g., using antibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles or fluorescent particles) where the signal generated is proportional to the approximate concentration of AMH in a whole blood sample. In particular embodiments, the present invention provides quantitative or semi-quantitative lateral flow immunoassay devices and kits for detecting AMH at home (e.g., in order for women to estimate their ovarian age or diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome).