Abstract: A research kit and methods for facilitating collection of highly usable participant interview clips while conducting ethnographic research is disclosed. An ethnographic research kit may include an outer shipping container for outbound shipping to the participant; tracking information to track delivery of the package from the researchers to and from the participants; camera positioning stickers attached to the outer shipping container, a tablet/smartphone stand; and a return mailer container. A method for using the ethnographic research kit is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and kits useful for the collection and analysis of samples obtained by swabs are disclosed. Swab containers configured for receiving a swab containing a sample; cartridges for holding one or more of: a swab container, a swab, assay units, pipette tips, vessels, transport units, and implements; systems (which may include a sample processing device); kits; and methods for their use are disclosed. A swab container may include an entry port; an assay chamber having an assay port; a conduit comprising an interior channel connecting the entry port; and an interior channel providing fluidic communication between the entry port and assay chamber. An interior channel may be configured to squeeze a portion of a swab placed in or through the conduit. A cartridge may include a cartridge frame configured to receive one or more of swab containers, assay units, transport units, pipette tips, vessels or implements.

Abstract: Descriptions of cosmetic items with personal safety devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cosmetic items hold personal beautification products such as makeup. In some embodiments, in addition to makeup, the cosmetic items also include a testing assembly which indicates the presences of specific chemicals mixed in liquids such as alcohol or water. In some embodiments, the cosmetic item includes a computer code trigger which initiates an emergency system. In various embodiments the computer code trigger takes the form of a button or printed computer code, and may include a wireless transmitter for sending signals to one or more computers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a blood analysis method and a blood test kit, which are for performing quantitative analysis of components by precisely obtaining a dilution factor.

Abstract: A medical treatment instrument temperature information management device includes: a wireless tag that is disposed at an instrument; and a reader-writer as a reading unit that reads data from the wireless tag. The wireless tag includes: a temperature sensor; and an IC chip including a storage part. The wireless tag makes the storage part store therein temperature information on temperature of the instrument based on a value detected by the temperature sensor. This makes it possible to manage the temperature information on temperature of the instrument such as a medical treatment instrument with reliability.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides non-invasive tape stripping methods for the collection of a skin sample. The tape stripping method includes applying and removing at least one adhesive tape, provided that a skin sample is adhered to the adhesive tape after removal. The at least one adhesive tape is supplied in an adhesive skin sample collection kit. The adhesive skin sample collection kit further comprises a sample collector and instructions for use sheet.

Abstract: A medical puncturing device having a wicking element disposed on a portion of the medical puncturing device is disclosed. The wicking element allows a user to remove a first drop of blood upon puncturing the skin using the medical puncturing device. In this manner, a subsequent drop of blood can be used to test their blood to determine their blood glucose level for proper insulin dosing.

Abstract: An article of manufacture composed of tray-like packaging unit characterized by a first section designed to hold a sample analysis slide and a second section designed to hold a sample collection device. Molded into the tray-like packaging unit are a thermoformed well designed to accept a patient's liquid sample from a pipette or syringe, a splash wall formed between the first section and the second section designed to contain the patient's liquid sample in the thermoformed well, and an overflow reservoir designed to hold excess patient sample placed in the thermoformed well. Also molded into the sidewalls of tray-like packaging unit are projections designed to allow the sample analysis slide and the sample collection device to be snapped into the packaging unit resulting in a secure configuration for transport.

Abstract: An apparatus having a cryogenic storage box able to withstand temperatures down to at least negative (?)180 degrees Celsius. The cryogenic storage box includes a lid member coupled to a base member via a hinge. The lid member includes slots and magnets held therein via pressure. The base member also includes slots having magnets held therein via pressure, as well as vial supports configured to support vials in an upright position. When the lid member is in a closed position, each lid magnetic aligns with a base magnet along a respective vertical axis to magnetically couple the lid member to the base member.

Abstract: A mailer for biological samples comprises a substrate, the substrate being foldable into a main panel and a cover panel. The main panel has formed therein at least one swab member, the swab member suitable, in size, shape, and rigidity, to act as a swab for obtaining a biological sample. The swab member is foldable relative to the main panel so the tip of the swab member protrudes from an edge of the main panel and an edge of the cover panel folded over the main panel. A machine-readable code or an electronic device is disposed on the swab member.

Abstract: An apparatus including a reagent cartridge and a reaction chamber, the reagent cartridge having a reagent capsule removably positioned therein for dispensing of a reagent onto the reaction chamber. A system including a linearly translatable mounting assembly having a plurality of mounting stations dimensioned to receive at least one fluid dispensing cartridge, a linearly translatable bulk reagent dispensing assembly having a plurality of bulk reagent dispensing nozzles coupled thereto and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly and the bulk reagent dispensing assembly, the receiving assembly including a plurality of reaction stations.

Abstract: A system for separating an analyte from other components of a sample includes a receptacle holding station and a magnetic separation station. The receptacle holding station includes one or more stationary, permanent magnets positioned to apply a magnetic field to the contents of a receptacle held stationary within the receptacle holding station. The magnetic separation station includes one or more permanent magnets and is configured to perform a magnetic separation procedure on the contents of a receptacle transported from the receptacle holding station to the magnetic separation station. The magnetic separation procedure includes isolating an analyte immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support within the receptacle and removing other components of the sample from the receptacle. The magnetic separation station is configured to provide relative movement between the receptacle and the one or more permanent magnets after the receptacle is transported to the magnetic separation station.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to vitamin B12 nasal spray compositions and methods of using the same in the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency and various disorders that are related to such deficiency. In particular embodiments, the present invention is directed to treatment methods comprising intranasal administration of a cobalamin composition according to a particular dosing and frequency schedule and to a preservative-free nasal spray composition comprising a cobalamin compound useful in the practice of such treatment methods.

Abstract: A detection device for cannabinoid use including a base unit and a display screen disposed on the base unit. A central processing unit and a tetrahydrocannabinol testing device are disposed within the base unit. A testing slot is disposed on a bottom portion of the base unit, with a back end of the testing slot disposed within the tetrahydrocannabinol testing device. Each of a plurality of testing strips is slidably and removably disposed within the testing slot. A printer has a pair of T-shaped attachment extensions. Each of the pair of attachment extensions and a universal serial bus plug disposed on the printer simultaneously removably and slidably engages each of a pair of attachment slots and a universal serial bus port disposed on the base unit, respectively. The tetrahydrocannabinol testing device is configured to analyze and calculate the presence and amount of tetrahydrocannabinol in a person's bloodstream.

Abstract: An assembly for selectively performing a clinical chemical test or an ELISA assay including a reagent cartridge with a housing 11 having at least one cavity 12, 13, 14 that contains a reaction or diluting component and having a recess 15 in which a solid phase 20 to which an antigen or antibody can be coupled is inserted into the recess 15 of the housing 11. The assembly also includes at least one measuring cell, wherein a measuring cell is assigned to each reagent cartridge and wherein the reagent cartridge and the measuring cell assigned to it are in a linear assembly in an analytical device.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI) and a method of using same for assaying the lethality of a sterilization process. The BI can include a housing, which can include a first portion, and a second portion, which can be movable with respect to the first portion between a first and second position. The BI can further include a frangible container comprising a liquid. The BI can further include a spore reservoir and a projection positioned in the housing. The projection can be configured to fracture the container when the second portion of the housing is moved from the first position to the second position. The method can include maintaining a minimal cross-sectional area of space around the container when the second portion of the housing is in the first position, and fracturing the container in response to moving the second portion between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for detecting antibodies to a hepatitis virus in a tissue sample from individuals, which can reliably detect antibodies in recently infected individuals and which provides much lower false positive results in individuals that have cleared their hepatitis infections. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method and kit which utilizes an activator of (i) hepatitis virus-primed lymphocytes, (ii) memory cells specific for said hepatitis virus, (iii) hepatitis virus-specific antibody production, or (iv) a combination thereof in a tissue sample to stimulate the production of antibodies from newly primed B cells, if present.

Abstract: A sterile case for an electronic device used during medical procedures includes a rigid housing with at least one transparent face. An opening in the housing permits movement of the device into and out of the housing in, for example, a direction parallel to the length or width of the housing. A door attached to the housing moves between open and closed positions to seal the opening. A sleeve is configured to be received, when the door is in the open position, partially within the housing and to extend outward from the housing through the opening. The sleeve defines a bore aligned with the opening and configured to receive the device and to permit insertion of the device through the sleeve into the housing without contact between the device and a rim of the housing surrounding the opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of remyelinating axons with 6-substituted estradiol compounds of the formula The methods can be used to treat a variety of demyelinating diseases.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assaying an item made of at least one precious metal and selectively offering payment in exchange includes a user interface and control circuit; a trolley for carrying and moving the item within the apparatus; a first camera to image the item; an electronic weighing scale, and an x-ray fluorescence engine. The trolley carrying the item moves onto the weighing scale to establish a weight of the item and moves the item into the x-ray fluorescence engine to perform an x-ray fluorescence assay of the item at a location determined through image processing a visual survey of the item performed by the first camera. The user interface and control circuit creates an offer of purchase of the item based on weight and x-ray fluorescence assay of the item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for liquids, a method of filling it and the use of the container according to the invention for holding and storing radioactive substances. The container for a liquid comprises a cavity for holding the liquid, the cavity being bounded by walls (1) at the sides and at the bottom, an opening for filling the cavity with the liquid, a closure for closing off the cavity, the closure having a piercing region for inserting a cannula into the cavity, a bottom casing (20) which surrounds the walls of the cavity in the standing area, a top casing (10) which surrounds the pierceable closure with the exception of the piercing region, and a film (30) which extends from the top casing to the bottom casing and surrounds those areas of the walls of the cavity which are not already surrounded by the top casing or bottom casing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product cushioning device for supporting a shock sensitive product during shipping, said product cushioning structure being made of a moldable resilient plastics material. The device comprises a plurality of device surfaces suitably shaped and sized to accommodate the shock sensitive product, one of the plurality of device surfaces including a product supporting region at least partially surrounded by product contacting walls, and having a product supporting platform in the lower region thereof; and a three-dimensional structural feature formed into a least one of the plurality of device surfaces; wherein the three-dimensional structural feature serves to control the amount and rate of deflection in the event of impact. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional structural feature comprises a plurality of lines of weakness in a projecting part protruding from at least one device surface being formed of a male mold, wherein in use a top portion of the projecting part rests against the product.

Abstract: A packaging box with test strips is provided for a gripper to grip the test strips, and the gripper has a gripping section and a conductive terminal in the gripping section, and the packaging box includes a main body and a test strip. The main body has an embedded groove including a port with a shape corresponding to the shape of the gripping section, and the port is provided for inserting the gripping section. The test strip has a conductive area defined on a surface of the test strip, and the test strip is contained in the embedded groove, wherein the gripping section is coupled to the port, and the conductive terminal is electrically coupled to the conductive area. With the packaging box, the test strips can be taken out conveniently and quickly.

Abstract: A pouch (2) includes: a first, inner, envelope (1) which is closed, delimiting a first space (6) forming a pouch stricto sensu (1) intended for receiving a biopharmaceutical product or device; a second, outer, envelope (8) which is closed, delimiting a second space (9) in which is located the first envelope/pouch stricto sensu (1); a spacer element (11); at least one tracer gas located in the first space (6) or in the intermediate space (14) at a partial pressure different from that of the intermediate space or of the first space; and at least one colorimetric detection layer (12), responding to the concentration of tracer gas which reaches it by changing from a first color to a second color, and being an integral part of a wall (3, 4) of the first envelope/defined pouch (1) and/or of a wall (13) of the second envelope and/or of the spacer element.

Abstract: An odor adsorbent material, an odor detection kit, and a method for using the same for rapidly identifying a facility where binding of an odor component had occurred among facilities used in a distribution route of a commodity. The odor detection kit includes at least two pieces of an odor adsorbent material, a package section that includes at least two storage sections and is configured to store the odor adsorbent material, and a sheet section. The odor detection kit is installed in a facility. At least one of the pieces of the odor adsorbent material is exposed to open space in the facility, recovered therefrom, and sealed and stored. At the time of testing, occurrence of odor emission in the facility is determined by comparing odor components adsorbed by each of the pieces of the odor adsorbent material.

Abstract: A test sensor container (400) is designed for use with an analyte measuring system (40). The test sensor container (100) may include a cartridge (200) including a plurality of stacked individual compartments (202) connected to one another in an accordion-style fashion. Each individual compartment (202) is collapsible from an expanded to a collapsed condition and is dimensioned to hold a test sensor (6) when in the expanded condition. The test sensor container further includes at least one foil cover (116) sealing the plurality of compartments (102, 202).

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained assay facility built in a modified standard shipping container that is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid in cash, by bullion, wire transfer, or by an open hedge. A transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots may be securely stored in a safe within the assay facility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing diagnostic errors due to transposition of biological specimens among subjects provides for independent biometric confirmation that a given specimen is from a given donor. In certain embodiments, a biological specimen confirmation kit comprises a portable and openable case housing components of the kit, at least one biological specimen container adapted to receive a biological testing specimen from a donor, and at least one reference sample device adapted to receive a biological reference specimen from the same donor, such that the testing and reference specimens can later be compared for donor match verification by a reference verification entity.

Abstract: A dilution kit for and a method of diluting concentrated solutions used to treat allergic symptoms are disclosed. The dilution kit may comprise a case comprising: a base; and a cover hingedly coupled to the base. A foam pad may be removably coupled within the base, the foam pad defining a plurality of vial apertures. A plurality of vials may be removably positionable within the plurality of vial apertures. The method may comprise: removably positioning at least one of a plurality of vials in an upwardly facing position within at least one of a plurality of apertures defined in a layer of foam padding in a base of a case of a dilution kit; and placing a predetermined amount of one of a diluent, a concentrated solution, and a combination thereof into at least one empty vial of the plurality of vials.

Abstract: A resilient sleeve removably encases a body fluid monitor. The sleeve includes a visually enhancing adornment for promoting the optical recognizability of the encased body fluid monitor. The visually enhancing adornment can include a highly visible color and/or indicia such as a letter, word, phrase and/or logo for promoting the optical recognizability of the body fluid monitor. The color and/or indicia can be associated with a cause and/or organization to allow for cause-based marketing of body fluid monitor. In some embodiments the cause is charitable. In some cases the organization is a school. In some embodiments a body fluid monitoring kit includes a visually enhancing adornment for promoting its optical recognizability. The visually enhancing adornment can include a highly visible color and/or indicia such as a letter, word, phrase and/or logo for promoting the optical recognizability of the kit.

Abstract: A test strip container with an insert comprising a channel and a retaining member and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof are disclosed. The container includes a housing, an insert, a lid, and at least one retaining member in at least one channel. The at least one retaining member releasably retains a plurality of test strips in the at least one channel.

Abstract: A protective container for holding a reusable control part of a transcutaneous sensor system for detecting at least one analyte in a bodily fluid is disclosed. The control part includes at least one coupling, which has at least one sensor coupling for connection to at least one transcutaneous sensor. The protective container has at least one container housing. The control part can be held in the container housing. The container housing is adapted to shield the control part from environmental influences. The container housing also has at least one connector which can be connected to the coupling and seals the latter in a media-tight fashion.

Abstract: A control solution packet for calibrating a bodily fluid sampling device includes a container, a control solution pressurized within the container, and a membrane for covering and sealing the container. The control solution can be pressurized before or during calibration so as to ensure the appropriate amount of control solution is delivered to the bodily fluid sampling device. The control solution is manufactured to have a viscosity that controls delivery of the control solution to the device. The membrane is permeable by a piercing device of the bodily fluid sampling device and seals around the piercing device during calibration. In another aspect, the container is in the form of a capsule or dosing attachment that contains the control solution along with a sponge-like material.

Abstract: A pocket sized diabetic kit carrying supplies that a diabetic patient will need for 24 hours includes but not limited to Lancet pen, lancets, small test strip bottle filled with test strips, blood test meter, one or more insulin types stored in a plurality of pre-filled syringes, one syringe splint or just one hard plunger, a plurality of alcohol pads, one blood plotter pad, Velcro straps and a syringe clipper. The pocket diabetic kit is compact, small and thin and can fit into a pocket so that a diabetic patient can be easily carried in the pants' pocket or other pockets without causing inconvenience or uncomfortable. The present invention also discloses ways to modify supplies including tools, medication syringes, etc.

Abstract: A case for a powered toothbrush comprises a housing having an interior for receiving a powered toothbrush, and a cover, wherein the cover substantially obfuscates the interior but is sufficiently light-transmissive to communicate the presence of an indicator from within the interior. Also provided is a powered toothbrush and case system.

Abstract: An impact and crush resistant shipping container for a vial and cap assembly, e.g., a FABI, the container having sides and a bottom defining a cavity and an opening, and a closeable cover; a partitioning divider defining at least one vertical receptacle for receiving a portion of the vial and cap assembly; an insert having at least one opening therethrough for receiving the vial and cap assembly, each opening sized such that the vial and cap assembly can be suspended in the opening, and the partitioning divider is positionable with respect to the insert such that the vial and cap assembly can be suspended at least partially within the receptacle, and the partitioning divider and the insert with the at least one vial and cap assembly suspended therein are positionable within the cavity such that the cover can be closed without contacting the at least one vial and cap assembly.

Abstract: A packaging box with test strips is provided for a gripper to grip the test strips, and the gripper has a gripping section and a conductive terminal in the gripping section, and the packaging box includes a main body and a test strip. The main body has an embedded groove including a port with a shape corresponding to the shape of the gripping section, and the port is provided for inserting the gripping section. The test strip has a conductive area defined on a surface of the test strip, and the test strip is contained in the embedded groove, wherein the gripping section is coupled to the port, and the conductive terminal is electrically coupled to the conductive area. With the packaging box, the test strips can be taken out conveniently and quickly.

Abstract: Method for controlling the sterilization of products in an autoclave, in which products are placed in at least one closed, unsealed and confined container of any type, and according to which inside this same container there is a loaded and autonomous device for measuring in the container at least one sterilization parameter wherein during at least one part of the duration of the sterilization cycle and according to a predefined frequency, at least one representative value of the measurement of the at least one parameter is recorded in the loaded device and at least one of these representative values is transmitted directly through the container that remains closed, through wireless transmission by electromagnetic rays of waves with a frequency of less than 250,000 GHz.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to the axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: A cleaning compound for cleaning surfaces in a food processing environment includes at least one container, with each container including a peroxide and/or an alkaline reactant therein. The alkaline reactant is selected to raise the pH of the cleaning compound into the alkaline range when the peroxide and the alkaline reactant are mixed together. The cleaning compound may be a liquid or dry compound, which is applied to the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for non-invasive detection and treatment of intra-cranial aneurysms. Antibodies are provided to specifically react/bind with antigens of the cerebral aneurism wall. The antibodies may be bound to a label and/or to a therapeutic agent for diagnosis and/or for treatment purposes thereof. Intra-cranial aneurysms are thus non-invasively detected before rupture occurs and are specifically treated.

Abstract: Provided herein are anti-static pipette trays that reduce the amount of static charge accumulated on or in pipette tips and allow for discharge of any accumulated static charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting oral fluid, comprising a vial formed with an inner specimen receptacle for receiving the oral fluid. The open top of the vial is cylindrical and formed with threads on a portion of its outer surface adjacent its open top. The specimen receptacle is disposed within the vial, spaced along its length from the inner surface of the vial and has a closed bottom end and an open top end. The entire periphery of the receptacle top end is sealingly secured to the inner surface of the vial proximal to but spaced from the vial's open threaded end. The bottom end of the vial can be open and flat and extend beyond the closed end of the specimen receptacle to enable the vial to be set on a horizontal surface. A funnel is removably placed in the open top end of the vial and narrows to an inner neck fits within the open top end of the vial.

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained assay facility built in a modified standard shipping container that is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid in cash, by bullion, wire transfer, or by an open hedge. A transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots may be securely stored in a safe within the assay facility.

Abstract: An inspection kit including a portable container adapted to be moved by a user; user protection equipment adapted to be stored in the container; and conveyance inspection equipment adapted to be stored in the container with the user protection equipment. The user protection equipment includes safety equipment adapted to be worn by a user to protect the user. The conveyance inspection equipment includes equipment adapted to be used by the user to inspect an article transport apparatus. The portable container is configured to house both the user protection equipment and the conveyance inspection equipment for transport by a user as a unitary assembly to the apparatus for inspection.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter for providing easy access to test strips and measuring blood glucose, a disposable and removable cartridge for providing easy access to test strips, and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof are disclosed. The blood glucose meter for providing easy access to test strips and measuring blood glucose has a disposable and removable cartridge, a retaining member which releasably retains the test strips in a stacked configuration, and a housing. The disposable and removable cartridge has a rigid lid attached to a flexible body.

Abstract: An oximeter has a housing configured to have a cavity defining portion that is adapted to be fitted with covers of various dimensions to effect receptacles of different dimensions for accommodating differently sized sensor of sensor assemblies that are matable to the oximeter for sensing physical attributes of a patient. Each of the covers, once fully fitted to the housing, is fixedly latched thereto unless a force that overcomes the latching is applied to remove the cover. The effected receptacle is adapted to biasedly retain a corresponding sensor placed therein. The holstered sensor therefore would not accidentally fall out or be removed from the receptacle, until the user deliberately applies a force to remove the sensor from the receptacle.

Abstract: A portable laboratory for an intermediate or secondary biology course and experiments relating to the course includes a carrying case of the type having an impervious sturdy cover and a closeable interior containing a first and second inner panel. The laboratory also includes a relatively small portable microscope having a zoom optical system, a dissecting box and tray, a spirit lamp, a digital camera and numerous items typically found in a secondary school laboratory all of which are releaseably fastened to one of the panels. The portable laboratory also includes test strips for testing glucose in urine as well as a number of microscope slides, many of which are prepared slides and other elements for conducting experiments for a course together with a laboratory manual and CD containing text material.

Abstract: The packaging for a food product is provided with a container having an opening delimited by a frame, the frame having a radially inner side wall, and a lid. The lid can move between an open position and a closed position in which it closes off the opening. A measuring utensil with a bowl can be positioned in the plane of the frame. The inner side wall of the frame is provided with a retaining member which has a base extending from the frame towards the central axis of the container and that is extended by a tab extending upwards some distance from the inner side wall. The retaining member delimits, with the inner side wall, a slot-like housing capable with a small amount of clearance of accommodating a wall portion of the bowl.

Abstract: A portable laboratory for an intermediate or secondary biology course and experiments relating to the course includes a carrying case of the type having an impervious sturdy cover and a closeable interior containing a first and second inner panel. The laboratory also includes a relatively small portable microscope having a zoom optical system, a dissecting box and tray, a spirit lamp, a digital camera and numerous items typically found in a secondary school laboratory all of which are releaseably fastened to one of the panels. The portable laboratory also includes test strips for testing glucose in urine as well as a number of microscope slides, many of which are prepared slides and other elements for conducting experiments for a course together with a laboratory manual and CD containing text material.