Abstract: An information management apparatus including: a data reception unit (11) that receives measurement information from devices (4); and a processing unit that generates, from received measurement information in at least two different formats, notification data using a common parameter in the devices (4) and notifies a display unit (20).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for evaluating a vessel of a patient are provided. The method includes outputting, to a touch-sensitive display of a bedside controller, a screen display including: a visual representation of a first pressure ratio of pressure measurements obtained by first and second instruments positioned within a vessel while the second instrument is moved from a distal position to a proximal position relative a stenosis and the first instrument remains stationary; and a first proximal pressure waveform and a first distal pressure waveform; receiving, through the touch-sensitive display of the bedside controller, a user touch input on the first proximal pressure waveform and/or the first distal pressure waveform identifying a time at which pressure measurements were obtained; and modifying the screen display, in response to the user touch input, to further include a visual representation of the obtained pressure measurements corresponding to the identified time.

Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes an annular bearing (404) with an iso-center (406). The annular bearing includes a stationary side (4041) and a rotatable side (4042) with at least one alignment feature (420). The imaging system further includes a rotating gantry (410) mechanically coupled to the rotatable side. The imaging system further includes an imaging component (412, 416, 418). The imaging components includes at least one complementary alignment feature (602, 804) that is complementary to the at least one alignment feature (420, 802, 1200) of the rotatable side. The rotating gantry is between the imaging component and the rotatable side, and the imaging component is aligned with the iso-center through the at least one alignment feature and the at least one complementary alignment feature.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes an input circuitry, a scan control circuitry, and a reconstruction control circuitry. The input circuitry receives a specifying operation for specifying, from a region of a first medical image acquired such that the first medical image contains less noise, a region for which a second medical image that is a higher-definition image than the first medical image is acquired. The scan control circuitry adjusts an irradiation region of X-rays in a slice direction and a channel direction such that a part corresponding to the region on which the specifying operation is received by the input circuitry is irradiated with the X-rays. The reconstruction control circuitry performs reconstruction, on the first medical image as an initial image, by the successive approximation method by using projection data collected after the irradiation region of the X-rays is adjusted by the scan control circuitry.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided including a gantry, a bed, nuclear medicine (NM) imaging detectors, and a processing unit. The NM imaging detectors are disposed about the bore of the gantry. The processing unit is operably coupled to the imaging detectors, and is configured to acquire first NM imaging information of the object with the imaging detectors in a first axial position, iteratively actuate the gantry in a series of steps between the first axial position and the second axial position, acquire additional NM imaging information of the object at each of the steps, and reconstruct an image of the object using the first NM imaging information and the additional NM imaging information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires coincidence count data indicating an occurrence position of each of coincidentally counted pair-annihilation events, based on pieces of output data of a plurality of detectors that detect gamma rays emitted from radio isotopes administered to an object. Further, the processing circuitry generates, each time a condition necessary for a filter process is satisfied, a filter image by performing the filter process on the coincidence count data.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a radiation source, coincident positron emission detectors configured to detect coincident positron annihilation emissions originating within a coordinate system, and a controller coupled to the radiation source and the coincident positron emission detectors, the controller configured to identify coincident positron annihilation emission paths intersecting one or more volumes in the coordinate system and align the radiation source along an identified coincident positron annihilation emission path.

Abstract: A computer controlled robot system for positioning a patient for radiation therapy or other medical procedures and the like. The robot is mounted at the top of a vertical shaft extending from the treatment room floor and includes horizontal arms arranged to maximize the available work envelope and eliminate “dead spots” in the envelope that the robot cannot reach. A double redundant coupling system for coupling devices to the robot is provided. A vision based docking system is employed for automatically coupling devices to the robot. Various enhanced safety features are provided, including device specific collision avoidance.

Abstract: Embodiments are described herein for determining anatomical landmarks on a patient by virtue of anatomical landmarks being called up from a database with an anatomical model and being converted into individual body dimensions and an individual position of the patient. As a result, anatomical landmarks may be called up from a database, calculated individually for the patient and used as an item of reference location information. The positioning of the patient table is thus considerably accelerated, wherein the accuracy is also improved. Thus, the item of reference location information may be calculated individually for the same patient in a different position or a different patient with different body dimensions by virtue of this item of reference location information being recalculated by the conversion rule for the respective patient.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and a positioning apparatus that include an imaging unit for imaging a detected part of a body to be detected; and a distance positioning unit having at least two signal positioning devices, i.e., a signal generator and a signal detector, wherein one signal positioning device is arranged at the detected part, the other signal positioning device is arranged at a position where a predetermined position relationship exists relative to the imaging unit. The position of the detected part in at least one direction in a three-dimensional space relative to the imaging unit is obtained according to a measured distance between the two signal positioning devices. The imaging apparatus and the positioning apparatus reduce pre-positioning imaging sequence workload, and the risk of radiation on the body to be detected is avoided.

Abstract: A system attenuates scatter radiation during a radiological procedure. The radiological procedure using a radiation machine including an emitter, a receiver, a base, and a table for a patient. The base is supported by a floor. The system includes a barrier formed of a radiation attenuation material and positioned over an area on the floor. The barrier is comprised of an elastomeric material and disposed beneath the table. The barrier on the floor can reduce substantial amounts of scatter radiation.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography (=CT) apparatus (10) has a filter element (2) for attenuating an X-ray beam (1). The filter element (2) has a spatially varying X-ray absorption capability along a cross direction (y) which is perpendicular to both the beam axis (z) of the X-ray beam and to a rotation axis (x) of a gantry. The spatially varying X-ray absorption capability exhibits a maximum absorption along the cross direction (y) at a zero position (y0), wherein X-rays passing through the filter element (2) at the zero position (y0) intersect the rotation axis (x). The CT apparatus allows for further reduction of the radiation dose for an object to be investigated, while simultaneously retaining high image quality.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a scintillator includes a scintillator layer and a radiation absorption layer. Scintillation photons corresponding to incident radiation are generated in the scintillator layer. The radiation absorption layer is laminated to the scintillator layer. The radiation absorption layer faces a detecting surface of a detector that detects the scintillation photons.

Abstract: There is described a radiological image capturing apparatus, which makes it possible to obtain a good X ray image in which contrast of the peripheral portions are emphasized by employing the Talbot interferometer method and the Talbot-Lau interferometer method. The apparatus is provided with an X-ray tube, a multi-slit member, a first diffraction grating, a second diffraction grating and an X-ray detector. The second diffraction grating contacts the X-ray detector. A distance L between the multi-slit element and the first diffraction grating is set to be not less than 0.5 m, a distance Z1 between the first diffraction grating and the second diffraction grating is set to be not less than 0.05 m, and a slit interval distance d0 of the multi-slit element is set to be not less than 2 ?m. With the settings, the abovementioned good X-ray image can be obtained by using the Talbot-Lau interferometer system.

Abstract: An X-ray photography device capable of readily photographing by switching to various photography modes such as a standing mode, a table mode and the like with one X-ray photography device is disclosed. To this end, the X-ray photographing device comprises: a base frame; a support frame pivotably coupled to one side of the base frame through a hinge shaft and on one side of which an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays irradiated from an X-ray generation device is slidably provided; and an actuator of which one end is rotatably fixed to the base frame and of which the other end is rotatably fixed to the support frame spaced at a predetermined distance from the hinge shaft, and which pivots the support frame around the hinge shaft within a predetermined angle range while moving a driving shaft therein forward and backward by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure supplied from the outside.

Abstract: In an X-ray CT apparatus of an embodiment, an X-ray tube emits X-rays. A detector detects the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube and having passed through a subject. Processing circuitry collects projection data based on data detected by the detector. The Processing circuitry generates a reconstructed image from the projection data. A display displays a display image based on the reconstructed image. A input circuitry receives an operation to rotate a first display image based on a first reconstructed image generated by the processing circuitry on a screen of the display, and specify a certain region on a second display image whose axis is in a direction different from a slice direction. The processing circuitry generates a second reconstructed image from the projection data, having higher resolution than that of the first display image, for the certain region.

Abstract: A console device of a portable type for veterinary use for acquiring a radiation image of an animal body is provided. A display controller outputs a user page for displaying a first user menu structure for acquiring the radiation image and a second user menu structure for acquiring an optical image of the animal body in a list form, the radiation image acquired by use of the first user menu structure, and the optical image acquired by use of the second user menu structure, to control a display unit to display the user page. The display controller processes the user page to display the first user menu structure in an at least partially overlapped manner with the radiation image, and to display the second user menu structure without overlap with a feature portion in the optical image where at least the animal body is recognizable.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube exposes an X-ray toward an object. The X-ray detector acquires two X-ray detection data sets by counting X-ray photons, having transmitted the object, in at least two X-ray energy bands depending on a K absorption edge of an X-ray absorber taken into the object. The processing circuitry is configured to input information to specify the X-ray absorber, set the at least two X-ray energy bands based on the input information to specify the X-ray absorber and generate at least one frame of X-ray image data by data processing including subtraction processing of the two X-ray detection data sets. The X-ray absorber has been depicted in the at least one frame of the X-ray image data.

Abstract: According to this radiography device, by taking images in rapid succession while appropriately obtaining the timing for which an X-ray tube in a rest state should be activated, rapid successive imaging and protection of a radioactive source can both be achieved. That is, in the configuration of the present invention, a time difference is calculated, obtained by subtracting a temporal width of an activation period from a temporal width of an undetectable period, and the time after the time difference has elapsed from the time at which an X-ray is irradiated is determined as the timing for activating the X-ray tube. The temporal width of an undetectable period is the temporal width between the time at which an FPD detects an X-ray once and the time at which the following X-ray can be detected, and the temporal width of an activation period is the temporal width between the start of activation of the X-ray tube to the completion of activation.

Abstract: An object is to accurately calculate an index indicating a probability of an event occurring to a patient in the future. A mortality risk calculation unit acquires a heart/mediastinum ratio (H/M ratio), obtained by administering a heart function diagnostic medicine to a first subject, from subject data stored in a subject data storage unit, and calculates an index indicating a probability of a predetermined event occurring to the first subject by substituting the H/M ratio acquired from the subject data storage unit into a function defined in accordance with a history of occurrences of the predetermined event to a plurality of second subjects.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: A method of computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging includes: obtaining perfusion data by using a CT device to scan a present perfusion subject; performing calculations of the perfusion data by using two perfusion calculation methods to obtain perfusion parameters of each of said two perfusion calculation methods as initial perfusion parameters of each of said two perfusion calculation methods; performing calculations by using the initial perfusion parameters based on weights of said two perfusion calculation methods to obtain target perfusion parameters; and forming a target perfusion image of the present perfusion subject according to the target perfusion parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for generating motion-corrected positron emission tomography (PET) images is provided. A subject is prepared to be imaged by arranging a plurality of motion tracking coils about the subject. Each of the plurality of motion tracking coil includes a conductor extending through a plurality of loops to form a coil and includes a sample material. PET coincidence events are acquired concurrently with magnetic resonance (MR) data generated using the plurality of motion tracking coils with an MR system. Motion data is determined from the MR data and is incorporated in PET reconstruction or applied to PET images to generate motion corrected PET images.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes an image processing circuit. The image processing circuit generates image data of an inside of a patient. The image processing circuit specifies a position of a tumor and a position of a surrounding site positioned in a surrounding of the tumor, from the generated pieces of image data. The image processing circuit calculates movement information related to movements of the tumor and the surrounding site, based on the specified positions of the tumor and the surrounding site. The image processing circuit calculates a relative relationship between the calculated movement information of the tumor and the surrounding site. The imaging processing circuit calculates a degree of coupling by which the tumor and the surrounding site are coupled, based on a relative relationship between the movement information of the tumor and the surrounding site.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging device including: a sensor portion that generates an output signal according to an irradiated amount of irradiated radiation; a detector that based on the output signal detects a radiation irradiation start of radiation irradiated from a radiation source during capture of a radiographic image; a noise data generation means that, based on an output signal from the sensor portion in a non-irradiation state of radiation from the radiation source, generates noise data relating to noise incorporated in the output signal; a controller that controls detection sensitivity to radiation irradiation start in the detector according to a degree of variation in noise level expressed by the noise data; and an imaging unit that captures the radiographic image after radiation irradiation start has been detected by the detector.

Abstract: In a case where a series of operations of an imaging sequence are continuously performed when an imaging switch is continuously in ON state, if the imaging switch is turned into OFF state only for a given period and the given period is not more than a predetermined threshold value, control is exerted such that part of the operations of the imaging sequence is continuously performed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a projection data generation circuitry, a setting circuitry, and a scan start timing determination circuitry. The setting circuitry configured to set a region of interest on a slice image generated by a first scan for the object. The scan start timing determination circuitry configured to determine, based on a plurality of projection data values of interest corresponding to the region of interest out of the projection data values generated by a second scan at a dose lower than that in the first scan, a timing of terminating the second scan and starting a third scan at a dose higher than that in the second scan.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an radiography system radiographs the subject, a support frame movably supports the radiography system, a communication circuitry obtains skin dose information of the subject, a processing circuitry decides the irradiation range at the movement destination of the radiography system based on the skin doses of the subject, a control circuitry controls the support frame to move the radiography system to an radiography position corresponding to the decided irradiation range at the movement destination. The irradiation range at the movement destination comes close to the irradiation range on the subject immediately before the movement, and a skin dose corresponding to the irradiation range at the movement destination is less than a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shaping an X-ray beam. In order to provide a facilitated X-ray beam manipulation, a medical X-ray imaging arrangement (10), is provided that comprises an X-ray source (12), an X-ray detector (14), an X-ray beam manipulator device (16), a control unit (18), and a memory unit (20). The X-ray beam manipulator device comprises an adjustable X-ray beam diaphragm (22) provided between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. The beam diaphragm comprises at least one movable X-ray beam-shaping element (24) and at least one controllable actuator (26) for moving the at least one beam-shaping element according to positioning data (28) provided by the control unit. The memory unit is configured to store positioning data (30) of determined positions of the at least one beam-shaping element for determined attenuation configurations of the diaphragm, and to recall and supply the stored positioning data to the control unit for activating the controllable actuator.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment comprises an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a holding mechanism, position specifying circuitry and control circuitry. The X-ray detector detects the X-ray which has been generated by the X-ray tube and has passed through an object placed on a top of a bed movable in an examination room. The holding mechanism holds the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, and movable in the examination room. The position specifying circuitry specifies a position of the holding mechanism in the examination room and a position of the bed in the examination room. The control circuitry controls the holding mechanism in order to change a position and angle of the holding mechanism based on the position of the holding mechanism and the position of the bed.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes a capturing room and a console. The capturing room includes a bucky apparatus, a radiation irradiating apparatus and a detecting unit. A plurality of portable radiation image capturing apparatuses can be loaded on the bucky apparatus. The radiation irradiating apparatus is able to simultaneously irradiate radiation to the plurality of portable radiation image capturing apparatuses. The console is associated with the capturing room and obtains capturing order information. The console allows the portable radiation image capturing apparatuses to advance to a capturing possible state when the console judges that capturing in the capturing order information is long length capturing. The console allows only one of the portable radiation image capturing apparatuses to advance to the capturing possible state when the console judges that the capturing is not the long length capturing.

Abstract: A method for calibrating detectors in a CT scanner, wherein the new calibration process uses a combination of slab-based and water-based calibrations. By combining both calibrations, the complexity of each procedure can be reduced which will reduce restrictions on the quality of detectors used in the scanner. The slabs can be made out of commercially available material such as acrylic, and they will require no special treatment. Combining both calibrations also reduces the number of water phantoms needed for the calibration and the complexity of the calibration algorithm. Furthermore, the slabs can be shaped based on the scanner geometry so as to optimize the slab-based calibration step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acquisition of medical image information of an object. In order to provide a user-friendly alignment of X-ray tube (18) and a detector (24), optionally combined with an anti-scatter grid, an alignment arrangement (200) is proposed, which comprises a tube attachment (26) with a first light projection device (28) and a detector attachment (34) with a second light projection device (36). The first and second light projection devices each generate a light pattern (30, 38) on a projection surface (32). The tube attachment (26) and the detector attachment (34) can be brought into a correct spatial arrangement relative to each other by bringing the first light pattern in a predetermined spatial relation with the second light pattern (38) on the projection surface.

Abstract: The automated positioning of an examination table relative to a medical-technical imaging installation is provided. A camera image is frozen by a first user interaction. Reference information is defined in the frozen camera image by a second user interaction. An examination table or medical-technical imaging installation with the aid of a positioning system is moved based on congruence between the reference location information with a recording region of the medical-technical imaging installation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries by monitoring fluid flow. In some embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure receive analog sensor data that includes fluid flow data and digitizes the analog sensor data according to a quadrature sampling rate. A weighted accumulator performs a baseband conversion on the digitized sensor data and may perform other signal processing steps. The processed data is then provided for use in any one of a number of diagnostic assessments.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system and method that provide fetal visualization. The method can include acquiring, by an ultrasound system, ultrasound data for a region of interest. The method may include computing, by a processor of the ultrasound system, a fetal measurement based on the acquired ultrasound data. The method can include generating, by the processor, a graphical model based on one or more of the fetal measurement and the acquired ultrasound data. The method may include displaying, at a display system, the computed fetal measurement and the generated graphical model.

Abstract: What is provided are methods of analyzing at least one image of the anterior segment of an eye and for selecting an intraocular lens (IOL). The methods may include detecting at least one image from an anterior segment of the eye; identifying a location of a reference structure on the eye using a plurality of points of a landmark on the anterior segment of the eye; and calculating at least one quantitative dimension of the anterior segment of the eye using the reference structure. The newly identified landmarks and quantifiable dimensions improve the characterization of the anterior segment in order to better predict the position and movement of the intraocular lens. The improved methods for analyzing the imaging of the anterior segment of the eye allows for improvements in the refractive outcomes of cataract surgery, glaucoma procedures, refractive outcomes, and other eye-related diseases.

Abstract: An ultrasonic observation apparatus includes: ultrasound probes; a storage unit that stores, for each ultrasound probe, attenuation that is a difference in signal intensity for each frequency between a predetermined common waveform and a waveform obtained by providing the ultrasound probes with a common transmission drive wave; a transmission drive wave generating unit that generates, for each ultrasound probe, a transmission drive wave obtained by adding the attenuation to the common transmission drive wave; and a reception signal correcting unit that performs a correction for each frequency, by adding the attenuation to a reception signal which is obtained by transmitting to the specimen the transmission echo having the predetermined common waveform and by converting the reception echo reflected from the specimen, the transmission echo being obtained by converting the transmission drive wave that is given by adding the attenuation to the common transmission drive wave.

Abstract: A medical system includes an operation panel provided with an LCD touch panel and an ultrasound observation apparatus connected via a cable. When a comment receiving section of the operation panel receives comment information from a comment transmitting section of the ultrasound observation apparatus, an LCD image processing section changes a comment on the LCD touch panel according to the comment information, an operation control section sends out information about the change to an apparatus control section, and the ultrasound observation apparatus changes a comment display of a predetermined portion on a diagnosis monitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling a color flow steering angle during ultrasonic color flow imaging are provided. In one embodiment, a method for ultrasound imaging comprises automatically adjusting a color flow steering angle responsive to an adjustment of a focal depth setting. In this way, a sensitivity to color flow data may be increased by maintaining a constant overlap between a color flow image and a B-mode image, thereby increasing the accuracy of color flow imaging.

Abstract: An endoluminal filter, comprising a first support member having a first end and a second end; and a second support member attached to the first end of the first support member or the second end of the first support member and forming a crossover with the first support member to form two loops one on either side of the crossover, wherein at least a portion of the first or second support member is modified to provide an enhanced echogenic characteristic. A system for positioning a filter within a vasculature including an endoluminal filter, a user interface, a display, and a processor is also provided. A method for positioning a filter within a lumen is also provided wherein the steps are performed using an intravascular ultrasound system and the filter is modified to provide at least one echogenic characteristic.

Abstract: A method of ultrasound image acquisition, generation and display includes the steps of: acquiring ultrasound image data corresponding to an anatomic region being examined using an ultrasound probe; generating an ultrasound image based on the image data; displaying the image on a display; generating a map of the outer surface of the anatomic region; detecting the position of the probe during image data acquisition; identifying on the map the point corresponding to the detected position of the probe; and displaying the map in which such point is marked, at the same time as the ultrasound image is displayed.

Abstract: An image zoom method and an ultrasound medical apparatus are disclosed. An image zoom method that allows an entire image to be updated in real time in a zoom reference window in a write zoom system of two zoom systems (read zoom and write zoom) employed in an ultrasound medical apparatus, to increase diagnosis efficiency, and an ultrasound medical apparatus employing the image zoom method are provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe; region-of-interest setting means for setting the depth position of a region of interest in a subject; reflection point setting means for setting a plurality of points in a region, which is deeper than the depth position of the region of interest, as reflection points of ultrasound waves transmitted from the ultrasound probe; and sound speed value deriving means for deriving a sound speed value in a region between each of the plurality of reflection points and the ultrasound probe, for each of the plurality of reflection points, based on a reception signal generated when the ultrasound probe receives an ultrasound wave reflected at each of the plurality of reflection points.

Abstract: An ultrasonic observation apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe that receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from a specimen under examination; a computation unit that extracts a feature of the specimen under examination based on the received ultrasonic wave; a storage unit that stores pieces of examination data in which a data set including the extracted feature and a parameter used for extracting the feature associates with identification information for identifying the specimen; a data selection unit that selects examination data meeting a predetermined condition among the pieces of examination data in an examination carried out in the past for a specimen whose identification information is identical to that of the specimen under examination; and an execution control unit that causes the computation unit to re-extract one of the feature included in the selected examination data and the extracted feature, using the parameter used for extracting the other of the features.

Abstract: A transmit beamforming apparatus, receive beamforming apparatus, ultrasonic probe having the same, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and beamforming method are provided. The transmit beamforming apparatus for transmitting ultrasound beams by using a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements includes a transmit beamformer configured for forming a transmit signal pattern by applying a delay time to a transmit signal that corresponds to at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements; and a transmission controller configured for determining a delay frequency to be applied in conjunction with the application of the delay time.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an ultrasonic optimization method and an ultrasonic medical apparatus therefor. The ultrasonic optimization method and the ultrasonic medical apparatus therefor optimize a transmit parameter of an ultrasound or compensate for a receive parameter thereof according to subject (human body) features identified by analyzing an echo signal of an impulse transmitted to the subject.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of: (i) a clear, measured, tubular specimen collection container; and (ii) a thin retractable/adjustable handle that consists of a telescopic middle stem with attached twist-on cap at one end and an absorbent, sterile sponge at the other end. For specimen collection, the handle is fully extended to its maximum length and the sponge placed in the urine stream of a test subject for several seconds. The sponge is then inserted into the specimen collection container, which has a fixed, built-in sieve located in its lower half, with a center slit for urine dipstick testing. The saturated sponge is gently pressed against the sieve to collapse the retractable handle to its shortest length, while the cap is twisted close, sealing the specimen container. The action of twisting the cap to seal the container compresses the sponge against the sieve, causing urine to be expressed into the lower part of the specimen collection container.

Abstract: A liquid test device has a liquid absorbing body 15; and a hydrophobic retaining body 20 that adheres tightly to the periphery of the liquid absorbing body 15 and cylindrically surrounds it. The liquid absorbing body 15 is formed into a shape of a long band having predetermined thickness and width, and the retaining body 20 includes a retaining base 11 that covers one face of the liquid absorbing body 15, a surface cover 19 that covers the other face of the liquid absorbing body 15, and side parts 13 that cover both sides of the liquid absorbing body 15. A liquid contact part 10e is provided at an end of the retaining body 20, an opening 23 for allowing the liquid absorbing body 15 to communicate with outside is provided on the retaining base 11 or the surface cover 19.

Abstract: The embodiments presented herein present a single needle core biopsy instrument and modification required that convert the single needle core biopsy instrument to a dual needle core biopsy instrument. Depending on the design, the dual needle core biopsy instrument permits the simultaneous extraction of tissue or bone specimens taken at between 0.1 mm and 3 mm apart.