Abstract: A micro flow device (11, 71) for separating or isolating cells from a bodily fluid or other liquid sample uses a flow path where straight-line flow is interrupted by a pattern of transverse posts (23, 81). The posts are spaced across the width of an expanded collection chamber region (17, 75) in the flow path, extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof; they have rectilinear surfaces, being curved in cross-sections, e.g. circular or tear-drop shaped, and are randomly arranged so as to disrupt streamlined flow. The device is oriented so that its lower surface is aligned at about 45° to the horizontal. Sequestering agents, such as Abs, which are attached to surfaces of the collection region via a hydrophilic coating, preferably a permeable hydrogel containing isocyanate moieties, are highly effective in capturing cells or other targeted biomolecules while the remainder of the liquid sample exits horizontally.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining analyte concentration that includes applying a first electrical potential excitation pulse to a body fluid sample in an analyte sensor, and a first current response of the body fluid sample to the first pulse is measured. A second excitation pulse is applied to the body fluid sample in the analyte sensor, and a second current response of the body fluid sample to the second pulse is measured. An analyte level in the body fluid sample is determined by compensating for sources of error based on the first current response to the first pulse.

Abstract: A two-electrode detection system having target substrates including nucleic acids, proteins, and/or small molecules on specifically defined regions of a single surface. The spatial distribution of the target substrate on the surface allows for more accurate substrate interactions and analysis. Additionally, the detection system of the present invention allows for patterning of different target substrates, thereby affording more accurate analysis of multiple substrate targets.

Abstract: Systems and methods of polynucleotide sequencing are provided. Systems and methods optimize control, speed, movement, and/or translocation of a sample (e.g., a polynucleotide) within, through, or at least partially through a nanopore or a type of protein or mutant protein in order to accumulate sufficient time and current blocking information to identify contiguous nucleotides or plurality of nucleotides in a single-stranded area of a polynucleotide.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an electron microscopy sample support including: a support member; and a metal foil including a porous region. The support member is configured to give structural stability to the metal foil, and the porous region of the metal foil is configured to receive an electron microscopy sample. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing such an electron microscopy sample support, a method of imaging using such an electron microscopy sample support and an apparatus operable to perform such imaging. The disclosed microscopy specimen support reduces particle motion and/or sample charging in electron microscopy, and thus improve information available from electron micrographs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic encoding device including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are connected through a connecting point, so that an electric parameter between the first electrode and the second electrode changes according to a parameter needing to be corrected. The present invention further provides a method for applying the automatic encoding device to various biosensors and a method for manufacturing the automatic encoding device. Positions and the number of contacts for connecting the automatic encoding device and a detection system are fixed. Therefore, connection sites on the detection system are effectively utilized. On the other hand, the automatic encoding device in the present invention can provide different parameter information by only changing the positions of the connecting points on the electrodes, the process is simple and stable, and the probability of human errors is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizing composition useful for improving the stability of reagent for redox reaction, and a reagent composition for redox reaction having an improved stability. The reagent composition for redox reaction can be applied for a reagent for electrochemical biosensor.

Abstract: A method recalibrates in situ a comparison electrode integrated into an electrochemical system. The electrochemical system includes a working electrode, a counter electrode, and an electrolyte. The method includes verifying a potential of the comparison electrode relative to the working electrode or to the counter electrode in situ, detecting whether there is a drift in the potential of the comparison electrode relative to a potential plateau for which the comparison electrode was functionalized or designed, and when the drift is detected, recalibrating the comparison electrode in situ.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, the resulting structure, and a method for using the resulting structure. A substrate is provided. A hard mask layer is patterned over at least a portion of the substrate. Regions of the substrate not protected by the hard mask are doped to form a source region and a drain region. The hard mask layer is removed. A dielectric layer is deposited on the substrate. An insulative layer is deposited on the dielectric layer. A nano-channel is created by etching a portion of the insulative layer which passes over the source region and the drain region.

Abstract: On-body units are provided and include a transcutaneous analyte sensor, electronic circuitry electrically coupled to the sensor, and an on-body housing having electrical contacts disposed thereon. The on-body housing comprises a substantially flat surface and a curved and convex surface opposite the substantially flat surface. Systems and methods including the on-body units are also provided. Methods for performing continuity measurements using on-body units are also provided. The methods include positioning an on-body unit (OBU) on a skin of a subject, contacting a continuity test instrument to the OBU; and performing a continuity measurement with the continuity test instrument. An AC signal may be provided across two electrical contacts, or a DC signal may be provided across two electrical contacts in opposite directions for the same amount of time. The measurement may be performed with one electrical contact, or with isolated electrical contacts.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor having an electrode with a catalyst distributed on a porous surface is described. The porous surface can be a polytetrafluoroethylene tape. Alternate embodiments include layered or stacked electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode array for the cyclic reduction and oxidation of a redox species in an electrolyte, wherein both electrodes are disposed on an insulating substrate and connected to a counter electrode for the application of a voltage, comprising: 1) a control electrode for reacting the redox species for cyclic electron transport between the electrodes: and b) a collector electrode disposed opposite the control electrode, wherein a layer structure composed of a second insulator and a charge transfer mediator disposed thereon is additionally disposed on the side of the collector electrode located opposite the insulating substrate for reacting the redox species. Two methods for operating the electrode array are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for determining physical properties of a specimen in a portable point of care device are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes placing a specimen onto an active surface that includes a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array that compels at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes detecting light that is emitted by an illumination source and interacts with the active surface while the at least some microposts exhibit motion in response to the actuation force, measuring data that represents the detected light interacting with the active surface, and determining at least one physical property of the specimen based on the measured data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing a control solution from a sample in an electrochemical test sensor is performed. The method includes adding a control marker to the control solution. The control solution includes the control marker and analyte. The test sensor includes working and counter electrodes, and a reagent. A potential is applied to the test sensor to oxidize the control marker and the analyte. The resulting electrical current is measured. A potential is applied to the test sensor lower than the other potential in which the potential is sufficient to oxidize the analyte and not the control marker. The resulting electrical current is measured. Determining whether a control solution or a sample is present based on the measured electrical currents. To increase the measured current, a salt may be added to the control solution in an amount sufficient to increase the electrical current by at least 5% as compared to a control solution in the absence of a salt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for commissioning of nodes of a network. The method comprises the steps of (S10) receiving, at a first node (30a) of the network, at least one indication message including identification information of a second node (30b) of the network; (S20) receiving, at the first node (30a), parameter information indicating a parameter sensed with at least one parameter sensor associated with the first node (30a); (S30) determining whether the at least one indication message and the parameter information temporarily correlate; and (S40), if a correlation is determined, adding correlation information about the second node (30b) to a register table of the first node (30a).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a continuous analyte sensor having more than one working electrode, and configured to reduce or eliminate crosstalk between the working electrodes. In another embodiment, a continuous analyte sensor having more than one working electrode, and configured so that a membrane system has equal thicknesses over each of the electrodes, despite having differing numbers of layers over each of the electrodes. In another embodiment, a configuration for connecting a continuous analyte sensor to sensor electronics. In another embodiment, methods for forming precise windows in an insulator material on a multi-electrode assembly. In another embodiment, a contact assembly for a continuous analyte sensor having more than one working electrode.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an information recording medium with which information symbols can be suitably read. This information recording medium comprises a sheet-form member, a plurality of information symbols that are displayed on the surface of the sheet-form member and each have the same information, and an edge line that is provided at one end and/or the other end of the sheet-form member and allows an information reading device which reads the information symbols to recognize the end of the sheet-form member.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a main body, a support portion, an electrode assembly, and a processor. The main body can be worn by a user. The support portion is secured to the main body and faces the user. The electrode assembly is secured to the support portion, and includes two electrode arrays and a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged in arrays. Each electrode array includes arranged electrodes electrically connected to each other. The electrodes of each electrode array include at least two first electrodes each electrically connected to one carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotubes electrically connected to the two electrode arrays are alternatively arranged on the support portion and spaced from each other to form a detecting surface. The processor detects a resistance value of each electrode assembly, and determines an amount of the perspiration corresponding to the detected resistance value.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining factor Xa inhibitors, in particular heparins and fractionated or low-molecular-weight heparins, as well as direct factor Xa inhibitors in blood samples. The methods include contacting a blood sample with a detection reagent that contains at least one thrombin substrate having a peptide residue that can be cleaved by thrombin and is amidically bound via the carboxyl end to an electrogenic substance, and with a known amount of factor X reagent and an activator reagent which induces the conversion of factor X into factor Xa. Subsequently, in a second step, the amount or activity of the electrogenic substance that is cleaved from the thrombin substrate by the factor Xa-mediated thrombin activation and/or the time course thereof is determined as the measurement signal using electrochemical methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an isolated mixture of recombinant human NaGlu proteins in which a substantial amount of the NaGlu proteins in the mixture has increased levels of phosphorylated mannose that confer the proteins to be efficiently internalized into human cells. The present invention also provides methods of producing such mixture of NaGlu proteins, vectors used in transgenesis and expression, host cells harboring such vectors, and methods of isolating and purifying the mixture of NaGlu proteins. The invention further provides methods of treating NaGlu associated diseases.

Abstract: An examination method for detecting abnormal electrochemical testing strip includes the steps of: applying a trigger voltage to a testing strip; injecting a target sample to the testing strip; obtaining a trigger current which is generated by injecting the target sample to the testing strip; comparing the trigger current with a first threshold, and determining whether the trigger current is lager than or equal to the first threshold; and when the trigger current is less than the first threshold, displaying a message for abnormality.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for securing a membrane material to a gate of a molecular receptor-based chemical field-effect transistor (CHEMFET). The method can include casting a membrane material onto an exposed region of the gate, curing the membrane material, placing the CHEMFET into a mold, inserting a single application of impervious electrically insulative resin into the mold, and securing edges of the membrane material by the single application of the impervious electrically insulative resin, thereby physically preventing lifting off of the membrane material from the gate. Embodiments include a sensor module. The sensor module can include a CHEMFET, an amplifier circuit, one or more sensor pins for contacting field ground soil, a data logger, and a wireless transceiver, among other components.

Abstract: An analyte meter having a test strip port is configured to detect an inserted test strip using an unpowered grounded op amp while the analyte meter is in sleep mode. After a test strip is inserted and the meter is activated, the op amp is powered and provides the sample current for measuring an analyte concentration in the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for providing accurate measurement of a property of a sample. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of independent measurements of the property. The plurality of values of the property of the sample obtained by the plurality of independent measurements is compared to determine whether one or more of the values is an outlier.

Abstract: Various embodiments that allow for determination of hematocrit by a time differential between the input and output signals such that a glucose measurement for a blood sample can be corrected by the measured hematocrit of the blood sample.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor being adapted to assist in determining information relating to an analyte in a fluid sample and includes a base and a second layer. The base includes a plurality of electrodes, a working conductive lead and a counter conductive lead thereon. The electrodes include a working electrode and a counter electrode. The second layer assists in forming a channel in which the channel includes a reagent therein. Auto-calibration information of the test sensor is performed by a plurality of auto-calibration segments connected to one of the following: the working conductive lead, the counter conductive lead, or neither of the conductive leads, at least one of the plurality of auto-calibration segments being connected to the working conductive lead and at least one of the plurality of auto-calibration segments being connected to the counter conductive lead.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-destructive means to determine electrochemical characteristics in biosensor test strips, including first applying a cyclic oxidative and reductive electric potential onto the inspection pads connecting to the reference electrode and working electrode, on which lies a drop of enzyme reagent solution, to homogenize the electrochemical characteristics of the biosensor test strips, and then applying an inspection electric potential within a short period of time over the inspection pads connecting to the reference electrode and working electrode to measure its electrical resistance to identify any abnormal biosensor test strips if present. Afterwards, embodiments of the present invention applies a reverse electric potential, having the same time interval as the inspection electric potential, onto the inspection pads connecting to the reference electrode and working electrode to prevent degradation on mediators such as potassium ferricyanide.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for determining an isoelectric point of a molecule. A first group of capacitance versus voltage curves of a capacitor is measured. The capacitor includes a substrate, dielectric layer, and conductive solution. The first group of curves is measured for pH values of the solution without the molecule bound to a functionalized material on the dielectric layer of the capacitor. A second group of capacitance versus voltage curves of the capacitor is measured when the molecule is present in the solution, where the molecule is bound to the functionalized material of the dielectric layer of the capacitor. A shift is determined in the second group of curves from the first group of curves at each pH value. The isoelectric point of the molecule is determined by extrapolating a pH value corresponding to a shift voltage being zero, when the shift is compared to the pH values.

Abstract: A biosensor strip having a low profile for reducing the volume of liquid sample needed to perform an assay. In one embodiment, the biosensor strip includes an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on the electrode support; a cover; a sample chamber; and an incompressible element placed between the cover and the electrode support, the incompressible element providing an opening in at least one side or in the distal end of the sample chamber to provide at least one vent in the sample chamber. In another embodiment, the biosensor strip has an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on the electrode support; a cover; and a sample chamber, the cover having a plurality of openings formed therein, at least one of the openings in register with the sample chamber. The invention further includes methods for preparing such a biosensor strips in a continuous manner.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems to calculate an analyte concentration of a sample are provided without temperature compensation to a glucose concentration calculation when a measured or sampled current is taken at or before a change in a first voltage to a second voltage that are applied to a test trip with electrodes in a test cell.

Abstract: A biosensor has an underfill detection system that determines whether a sample of a biological fluid is large enough for an analysis of one or more analytes. The underfill detection system applies an excitation signal to the sample, which generates an output signal in response to the excitation signal. The underfill detection system switches the amplitude of the excitation signal. The transition of the excitation signal to a different amplitude changes the output signal when the sample is not large enough for an accurate and/or precise analysis. The underfill detection system measures and compares the output signal with one or more underfill thresholds to determine whether an underfill condition exists.

Abstract: A test strip comprising two electrodes having conducting surfaces facing inwardly toward each other in a distal portion of the test strip adjacent a sample chamber. A pair of spacers are disposed, each adjacent one side of the sample chamber, between the electrodes. The electrodes each face in one direction at a proximal end of the test strip so that their conducting surfaces form electrical contacts of the test strip.

Abstract: A biological sample measuring device including a mounting portion to which a biological sample measuring sensor is mounted, a voltage application section that applies voltage to a counter electrode of the biological sample measuring sensor mounted to the mounting portion, amplifiers that are selectively connected to a working electrode of the biological sample measuring sensor, and a determination section that is connected to these amplifiers. The determination section has a threshold determination section that determines a voltage value obtained by voltage conversion of the current value of the working electrode, a same determination section that selectively connects the amplifiers to the working electrode depending on the determination of the threshold determination section, and identifies the sample deposited on the biological sample measuring sensor from the output of the selected amplifier, and an output section that outputs a measurement value corresponding to the identified sample.

Abstract: A hematocrit (HCT) measurement system and measurement method using the same are disclosed. The hematocrit (HCT) measurement system comprises a test strip and a measurement apparatus comprising: a connector transmitting an initial signal generated from a blood sample to the measurement apparatus, a capacitive reactance adjustor disposed between the test strip and the measurement apparatus, a calculation unit for calculating concentration and HCT value of the blood sample, an A/D convertor transforming the corresponding initial signal to a digital signal, and a signal processor processing the digital reacted signal and showing measured results on a display, wherein the HCT value is calculated by voltage partition to prevent the signal waveform voltage being saturated or cutoff, thereby resulting in measured signal distortion.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample. The electrochemical test sensor includes a housing that has a first end and a second opposing end. The housing includes an opening at the first end to receive a fluid test sample. An electrode assembly includes a substrate, a working electrode, a counter electrode and a reagent. The substrate has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The working electrode is disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and the counter electrode is disposed on the second surface of the substrate. The electrode assembly is positioned within the housing to define a reaction channel. The electrochemical test sensor may be used with a removable lancet mechanism or integrated within a lancet mechanism to form one integral unit.

Abstract: A microfluidic dielectrophoresis system includes: one supply device for a liquid medium having particles contained therein, N?2 microfluidic, dielectrophoretically active channels, which are equipped with electrodes, lines for the fluidic connection of the supply device to the channels, for the connection of the channels to one another, and for the drainage of the medium and/or the particles from the channels, and valves for setting the flow direction of the medium in the lines, the dielectrophoretically active channels being situated and being connected by lines in such a way that they may be operated connected in parallel and in series by switching the valves in relation to the flow direction of the medium and the electrodes of the various channels are activatable independently of one another.

Abstract: The application relates to an electrode for use in the electrochemical detection of a target species, wherein the electrode has a planar surface disposed on which are probe molecules that are capable of binding selectively to the target species, wherein the electrode, prior to binding of the probe molecules with the target species, has an electron transfer resistance per area of the electrode of from 10 megaohms cm?2 to 95 megaohms cm?2.

Abstract: The claimed invention is an apparatus and method for performing impedance spectroscopy with a handheld measuring device. Conformal analyte sensor circuits comprising a porous nanotextured substrate and a conductive material situated on the top surface of the solid substrate in a circuit design may be used alone or in combination with a handheld potentiometer. Also disclosed are methods of detecting and/or quantifying a target analyte in a sample using a handheld measuring device.

Abstract: The concentration of glucose in a blood sample is determined by methods utilizing test strips having a sample receiving cavity having a volume from about 0.3 ?l to less than 1 ?l and determining the glucose concentration within a time period from about 3.5 seconds to about 8 seconds.

Abstract: A region of skin, other than the fingertips, is stimulated. After stimulation, an opening is created in the skin (e.g., by lancing the skin) to cause a flow of body fluid from the region. At least a portion of this body fluid is transported to a testing device where the concentration of analyte (e.g., glucose) in the body fluid is then determined. It is found that the stimulation of the skin provides results that are generally closer to the results of measurements from the fingertips, the traditional site for obtaining body fluid for analyte testing.

Abstract: Analytes in a liquid sample are determined by methods utilizing sample volumes from about 0.3 ?l to less than 1 ?l and test times from about 3.5 to about 6 seconds after detection of the sample. The methods are preferably performed using small test strips including a sample receiving chamber filled with the sample by capillary action.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring coagulation in a sample of a blood product comprising: providing a transducer (3) having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes (4, 5) which is capable of transducing energy generated by non-radiative decay into an electrical signal; contacting the transducer with the sample; irradiating the sample with a series of pulses of electromagnetic radiation from a light source (6); and detecting with a detector (7) the electrical signal generated by the transducer 3; wherein the sample contains particles (2), such as red blood cells (2), which are capable of absorbing the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation source (6) to generate energy by non-radiative decay, such as heat or shock waves, and wherein the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation is such that the absorption of the radiation by particles (2) generates energy by non-radiative decay. A device (1) is also provided.

Abstract: An auto-calibration system for diagnostic test strips is described for presenting data individually carried on each test strip readable by a diagnostic meter. The carried data may include an embedded code relating to data particular to that individual strip. The data is presented so at to be read by a meter associated with the diagnostic test strip in order to avoid manually inputting the information.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems to apply a plurality of test voltages to the test strip and measure at least a current transient output resulting from an electrochemical reaction in a test chamber of the test strip so that a glucose concentration can be determined that are generally insensitive to other substances in the body fluid sample that could affect the precision and accuracy of the glucose concentration.

Abstract: The concentration measurement method includes: introducing a predetermined amount of the biological sample into the capillary; measuring a temperature of the biological sample by applying a first voltage to the electrode unit when the temperature of the biological sample is measured, the first voltage allowing the temperature measurement to be less affected by increase and reduction in an amount of the analyte contained in the biological sample; measuring the concentration of the analyte contained in the biological sample by applying a second voltage to the electrode unit; measuring an environmental temperature in a surrounding of the biological sample; and correcting the concentration of the measured analyte based on the measured temperature of the biological sample and the measured environmental temperature.

Abstract: A test strip comprising two electrodes having conducting surfaces facing inwardly toward each other in a portion of the test strip adjacent a sample chamber. A pair of spacers are disposed, each adjacent one side of the sample chamber, between the electrodes. The electrodes bypass each other at a proximal end of the test strip away from the sample chamber so that the conducting surfaces face outwardly away from each other to form electrical contact areas of the test strip.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, kits and methods are disclosed for assaying glucose with a glucose oxidase mutant that has been modified at an amino acid residue involved in the active site. The glucose oxidase mutant has reduced oxidase activity while substantially maintaining its dehydrogenase activity.

Abstract: Electrochemical detection method and related aspects Herein is disclosed an electrochemical test method comprising (i) comparing how a plurality of immittance functions and/or components thereof vary with a change in a parameter of interest for a first system, and then selecting an immittance function or component thereof for use in an electrochemical test; (ii) carryingout an electrochemical test step for a second system to determine at least one value for the immittance function or component thereof selected in step (i), and then, by using a quantitative relationship between the selected immittance function and the parameter of interest, determining a value in the parameter of interest. A computer program and apparatus are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The cathodized gold nanoparticle graphite pencil electrode is a sensitive enzymeless electrochemical glucose sensor based on the cathodization of AuNP-GPE. Cyclic voltammetry shows that advantageously, the cathodized AuNP-GPE is able to oxidize glucose partially at low potential (around ?0.27 V). Fructose and sucrose cannot be oxidized at <0.1 V, thus the glucose oxidation peak at around ?0.27 V is suitable enough for selective detection of glucose in the presence of fructose and sucrose. However, the glucose oxidation peak current at around ?0.27 V is much lower which should be enhanced to obtain low detection limit. The AuNP-GPE cathodization increases the oxidation peak current of glucose at around ?0.27 V. The dynamic range of the sensor is in the range between 0.05 to 5.0 mM of glucose with good linearity (R2=0.999). Almost no interference effect was observed for sensing of glucose in the presence of fructose, sucrose and NaCl.