Abstract: An absorptiometry microchip testing device with which, after one-time startup, test results of blood analyses are automatically obtained without a special tester. The microchip testing device has a rotary drive source which can be stopped at a prescribed angle; a centrifugal rotor connected to the rotary drive source via the main shaft; a direction switching mechanism for controlling the main shaft gear; a planetary gear which engages the main shaft gear which is located on the centrifugal rotor; a chip holder which turns together with the planetary gear; a microchip which is held in the chip holder and has a part for measuring absorbance; a light source from which light is incident in the absorbance measuring part of the microchip; a detector which receives light transmitted by the absorbance measuring part; and a controller which controls movements of the rotary drive source and the direction switching mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed, in one aspect, is an assay result reading device for reading the result of an assay performed using a test strip, the device comprising: a light source or sources, said light source/s emitting light incident upon at least two, spatially separated zones of the test strip; and a photodetector which detects light emanating from each of the two said zones; in a further aspect is disclosed an assay result reading device for reading the result of an assay performed using a test strip, the device comprising: at least one light source incident upon a zone of the test strip; and at least two photodetectors both of which are able to detect some of the light emanating from the zone of the test strip illuminated by the light source.

Abstract: A solid element for use as a control or calibration element which can be used in a diagnostic analyzer. The element includes a translucent or transparent solid material which when illuminated by a light source emits light corresponding to a specified concentration of a specific analyte as an analyte being measured.

Abstract: A multifunctional reagent for erythrocytes containing an amount sufficient to produce the lysis of erythrocytes or the sphering of erythrocytes in such a way that they can be detected by a cytometer or an automatic counting device, of a carbamate or of an agent inducing the formation by the erythrocytes, from carbonate and from a nitrogenated heterocycle or ammonium ions, of a carbamate combined with the absorption of CO2 by said erythrocytes, process for lysing or sphering erythrocytes and preparation process for leucocytes.

Abstract: A passive optical component directs first electromagnetic radiation incident on the component in a first direction and second electromagnetic radiation incident on the component in a second direction to a mutual direction. The optical component comprises an interacting surface which is arranged to interact with said first and second electromagnetic radiation. The interacting surface comprises first portions, each having a surface extending in a third direction, which is essentially perpendicular to the mutual direction, and second portions, each having a surface extending in a fourth direction. The optical component reflects essentially all the first electromagnetic radiation and transmits at least a significant portion of the second electromagnetic radiation for directing the first and the second electromagnetic radiation to a mutual direction. An optical system and a method using the passive optical component are also shown.

Abstract: A sample analyzer including a detection unit for irradiating a biological sample with light and obtaining optical information; a cell classification processor for classifying cells contained in the biological sample into cell groups based on the optical information; a scattered light information obtaining processor for obtaining scattered light information relating to a cell included in a predetermined cell group; a calculation processor for calculating a component value corresponding to an amount of component contained in cell included in the predetermined cell group based on the scattered light information; and an output device for outputting the component value calculated by the calculation means is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medium having microfluidic circuitry for sampling and analyses. The medium may be a cartridge having a window countersunk into it and containing a flow channel. The flow channel may have items of interest flowing through it. Analyses of these items may be optical involving one or more light sources emanating light to and one or more light detectors receiving light from the channel. There are various configurations so that source and detector light cones may reach the flow channel without obscuration or interference of the light to and from the flow channel in the window.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a population of particles is set forth. The apparatus includes an emitter adapted to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation, such as from a laser, and a particle chamber disposed in a path of the electromagnetic radiation beam. The apparatus also includes a sensor to detect electromagnetic radiation scattered by or otherwise received from the particle chamber. A sensor alignment unit supports the sensor along a detection axis and allows adjustment of the position of the sensor along orthogonal axes lying in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the detection axis. In one embodiment, the sensor alignment unit includes a first support platform and a first adjustment mechanism disposed to adjust the position of the first support platform along a first orthogonal axis. The sensor alignment unit also includes a second support platform that supports the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cytometer comprising: an illuminating unit comprising a laser and a light beam shaping module for shaping and converging the laser light beam emitted from the laser so that the light beam irradiates the samples; a sample generation unit comprising a gas-liquid transmission controlling module and a flow chamber which are connected to each other, so the sample liquid containing the cells to be detected may flow through the flow chamber while being encircled by the sheath fluid; and a signal processing unit for receiving, converting and processing the scattering light emitted from the flow chamber, the signal processing unit comprising at least a photoelectric detection module, wherein the light beam shaping module comprises at least one aspheric collimating lens with a large numerical aperture and a pair of mutually crossing cylindrical lenses, and the numerical aperture of the aspheric collimating lens is at least 0.3.

Abstract: A blood leak detector is disclosed having a light source projecting a beam along an optical path, wherein the beam has a wavelength in a range of about 800 to 930 nm; a light detector receiving the beam through an aperture having a diameter in a range of 30 to 60 thousands of an inch; and a housing to receive a tubular liquid passage between the light source and light detector, the housing having a slot transverse to the optical path to receive the tubular liquid passage and the slot has a width narrower than the tubular liquid passage when uncompressed.

Abstract: A blood sample contained in a sample container is separated into a serum and a clot by a separating medium. An apparatus for sensing the blood sample includes a first sensing unit which senses the separating medium using an infrared sensor and outputs a first sensing signal, a second sensing unit which senses the serum and the clot using an infrared sensor and outputs a second sensing signal, a driving unit which moves the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit relative to the sample container, a position sensing unit which outputs a position sensing signal indicating a position of the first sensing unit and a position of the second sensing unit, and a controller which calculates positions of the separating medium, the serum and the clot in response to the first sensing signal, the second sensing signal and the position sensing signal.

Abstract: Various optical apparatus provide a source of parallel light (7, 75). The parallel light (7, 75) is generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face (24). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end (22). Other configurations are also disclosed. The application also discloses the use of reflectors (20, 78, 216, 316, 400) having internal reflective surfaces shaped as three-dimensional figures of revolution, for example paraboloid or ellipsoid. The reflectors (20, 78, 216, 316) focus light incident onto the reflectors at one or more foci (F, 220, 320, 420). The reflectors may be used in combination with the optical apparatus including the prisms (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The reflectors (20, 78, 216,316) may be used in flow cytometers for focusing light at a sample stream (237, 337) passing through the focus (F, 220, 320, 420) of the reflector (20, 78, 216, 316).

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby the concentration of a blood substitute, such as cross-linked hemoglobin, in a serum or plasma specimen is rapidly and accurately identified and quantified. The method further takes the measured concentration of the blood substitute and uses it to correct for its effect, if any, on a measured analyte concentration, e.g., serum/plasma total protein. Further, the method allows for the determination of the concentration of true hemoglobin in the presence of blood substitutes. The method is carried out in respect of samples contained in a primary or secondary labelled tube, or a pipette tip used to dispense serum or plasma in a blood analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a ratio of an amount of a glycated form of a protein to a total amount of the protein in a sample containing the glycated protein, the glycosylated protein, or the glycoprotein. The method incorporates lateral flow test strip or vertical flow test strip devices having negatively charged carboxyl or carboxylate groups and hydroxyboryl groups immobilized and interspersed on a solid support matrix. The solid support matrix may include derivatives of cellulose (e.g., carboxy cellulose) derivatized with carboxylic acid (e.g., carboxylate, carboxyl) groups and hydroxyboryl compounds including phenylboronic acid (e.g., phenylborate), aminophenylboronic acid, boric acid (e.g., borate), or other boronic acid (e.g., boronate) compounds. The present invention is usefi.il for monitoring glycation or glycosylation of hemoglobin or albumin for monitoring glycemic control (e.g., glycemia in diabetes).

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood treatment device and methods of blood treatment to provide an individual patient with the most suitable blood treatment and reduced treatment duration. Specifically, the invention provides a blood treatment device comprising a treating means 11 that treats blood collected from a patient; a measuring means 12 that measures parameters of the patient's blood and indicates blood condition; a controlling means 13 that controls the treatment procedures based upon the blood parameters; a storing means 15 that records an ideal patient-specific blood parameter curve for the treatment duration; and a directing means 14 that directs the control by the controlling means 13 so that the measured blood parameters approximate to the ideal blood parameter curve by comparing the measured blood parameters with the ideal blood parameter curve recorded by the storing means 15.

Abstract: In a method for the measurement of the concentration of a substance in a liquid, especially for blood sugar measurement, the liquid to be measured is applied to the measuring field of a test strip, which measuring field is composed of a hydrophilic material, and the change of the optical reflectivity or transmissivity effected thereby in the area of the measuring field is captured. A measured value taken after a pre-given time is compared with a reference value and an indication is made if a relationship of the measured value to the reference value exceeds a pre-given threshold value.

Abstract: A readhead for use in the determination of the concentration of an analyte in a sample comprises a read area for receiving the sample, a light source including a plurality light emitting elements for outputting light at a plurality of wavelengths, a light guide having an input end and an output end, a lens for receiving light from the output end of the light guide and for illuminating the sample with a substantially collimated beam of light, and a detector for detecting light from the sample in response to illuminating the sample. The input end of the light guide being optically coupled to the light source for receiving light output by the plurality of light emitting elements. The input end of the light guide has a center that is offset from the center of at least one of the plurality of light elements. The light guide guides a substantial portion of the light received from the light source to the output end of the light guide.

Abstract: An imaging system and methodology is provided to facilitate optical imaging performance. The system includes a sensor having one or more receptors and an image transfer medium to scale the sensor and receptors to an object field of view. A computer, memory, and/or display associated with the sensor provides storage and/or display of information relating to output from the receptors to produce and/or process an image, wherein a plurality of illumination sources can also be utilized in conjunction with the image transfer medium. The image transfer medium can be configured as a k-space filter that correlates a pitch associated with the receptors to a diffraction-limited spot within the object field of view, wherein the pitch can be unit-mapped to about the size of the diffraction-limited spot within the object field of view.

Abstract: A method of determining an amount of at least one molecular species in a sample from an image of the sample captured by an image acquisition device is provided, each molecular species being indicated by a dye. A dye space representation of a plurality of dyes is formed by orthogonally adding the correspondence tables of the dyes, each correspondence table having a plurality of normalized RGB triplets and incrementally extending from 0% to 100% transmittance. The dye space representation has one dimension for each dye and provides a reference model for a combination of the plurality of dyes. Each pixel of an image of the sample stained with the combination of the plurality of dyes is compared to the reference model, each pixel having a color defined by an RGB triplet, so as to determine an optimal combination of normalized RGB triplets from the respective correspondence tables of the dyes producing the color of the respective pixel.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a reflection-photometric analytical system having a measuring head comprising a source of radiation and a radiation detector for the reflection-photometric analysis of a target surface of a test object arranged at a distance from the measuring head and in particular of a test strip for body fluids such as urine or blood. A triangulation unit operating on the basis of optical triangulation is proposed for contact free checking of the distance in order to monitor or regulate the measuring distance.

Abstract: A method for studying whole blood clotting that includes irradiating a specimen with light and recording light reflected into the hemisphere of the irradiating beam. The time course of reflected light intensity is divided into distinct regions, each of which is fit with a mathematical formula. The parameters from these formulas are used to assign values to each specimen. The assigned values identify disease states and quantify the effects of drugs on clotting.

Abstract: The method and device serve to measure a proportion of constituents in blood. To this end, electromagnetic radiation of different radiation wavelengths is directed through a tissue (9) containing blood vessels (1). At least a portion of the radiation exiting the vessel is detected using sensors, and a corresponding measured value derived therefrom is fed to an evaluating device. The evaluating device (10) is connected to at least two sensors (2, 3, 4) and has an analyzer (11) for determining a dispersion of radiation by evaluating the intensity of the radiation received by the individual sensors. An individual calibration determination is carried out by evaluating the angle-dependent dispersion and can be drawn upon for conducting a pulse spectroscopic determination of concentrations of substances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for directly determining the hemoglobin content (CH) of individual sphered red blood cells and for directly determining the width of the cell hemoglobin distribution of a red blood cell sample. Such apparatus and method monitors the light reflected by individual sphered cells as they are made to pass through an optical flow cell while being irradiated by a suitable source of radiation.

Abstract: A blood sample containing leukocytes flows through a flow cell. A light source emits a light beam in a first direction. The light beam incident into the flow cell is scattered by the blood sample as scattered light. A first detector detects an intensity of forward small scattered light out of the scattered light. The first detector is arranged so as to have a maximum angle of a detection angle range for the forward small scattered light stemmed from the first direction at a position inside (outside) of the flow cell, which is 3.1 (4) degrees or less. A second detector detects an intensity of forward large scattered light out of the scattered light. The second detector is arranged so as to have a detection angle range for the forward large scattered light stemmed from the first direction at a position inside (outside) of the flow cell, which falls in a range from 8 to 12 (10 to 16) degrees.

Abstract: To measure the concentration of an optically active substance in a solution without contacting the solution, the concentration measuring apparatus of the present invention includes: a light source for outputting linearly polarized light; a light intensity detecting element disposed opposite the light source with a sample placed therebetween; an optically active liquid crystal element placed between the light source and the light intensity detection circuit; a control circuit which controls the voltage to be applied to the optically active liquid crystal element so that an output value from the light intensity detecting element will in effect take an extreme value; and a concentration computing circuit for computing the concentration of an optically active substance in the sample, based on an output from the control circuit.

Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods implement techniques for evaluating experimental data from a library of materials. The techniques receive a plurality of images of a library of materials that includes an array of members associated with locations in the library. User input identifying a plurality of regions of interest is received. A series of reduced data values is determined for one or more of the regions of interest as a statistical function of a plurality of pixel values for pixels in the corresponding regions. A figure of merit is calculated from one or more of the series of reduced data values for a library member at the corresponding library location. The regions of interest include a plurality of pixels in the images and correspond to locations in the library.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows accurate spectrophotometric determination of the concentrations of various hemoglobin species in whole undiluted blood. The invention employs 1) an optical apparatus designed to maximize the true optical absorbance of whole blood and to minimize the effects of light scattering on the spectrophotometric measurements of the concentrations of various constituent components, and 2) methods to correct the hemoglobin concentration measurements for light scattering and for the effects of the finite bandwidth of the substantially monochromatic light. In the optical apparatus optical parameters, such as sample thickness, detector size and shape, sample-to-detector distance, wavelengths, monochromicity, and maximum angle of light capture by detector, are selected so as to minimize the contribution of light scattering to maximize the contribution of true optical absorbance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the assessment of quantity and quality parameters of biological particles in a liquid analyte material. The method comprises applying a volume of a liquid sample to an exposing domain from which exposing domain electromagnetic signals from the sample in the domain can pass to the exterior, and exposing, onto an array of active detection elements such as CCD-elements, a spatial representation of electromagnetic signals having passed from the domain, the representation being detectable as an intensity by individual active detection elements, under conditions permitting processing of the intensities detected by the array of detection elements during the exposure in such a manner that representations of electromagnetic signals from the biological particles are identified as distinct from representations of electromagnetic signals from background signals.

Abstract: A method for analysis of DNA data. A DNA source image is generated based on the DNA data. A digital bit-map is created from the DNA source image plotting image intensity data against a two-dimensional coordinate system from an initial viewpoint. An image model is generated based on the digital bit-map. The image model comprises model data representing the image intensity data as virtual points on a three-dimensional coordinate system further incorporating the the two-dimensional coordinate system of the digital bit map. A DNA analysis image is generated based on the image model. The DNA analysis image represents the model data from an analysis viewpoint with respect to the two-dimensional coordinate system. The analysis viewpoint differs from the initial viewpoint. The DNA analysis image is then displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for testing an optical fiber by using a biorthogonal codes and a Moore-Penrose inverse matrix. The method includes the steps of: (a) coding 2n optical pulses according to each codeword of the n-bit biorthogonal code matrix (2n*n matrix), injecting the coded optical pulses into an optical fiber, and measuring 2n optical signals generated when the coded optical pulses are reflected from the optical fiber; (b) decoding the 2n optical signals measured in step (a) by means of the Moore-Penrose inverse matrix (n*2n matrix) for the n-bit biorthogonal code matrix, thereby restoring n signals; (c) shifting the n signals along the time axis to remove timing differences among the n signals; and (d) performing an average operation for the time-shifted n signals and obtaining a final measured value.

Abstract: A reagentless whole-blood analyte detection system that is capable of being deployed near a patient has a source capable of emitting a beam of radiation that includes a spectral band. The whole-blood system also has a detector in an optical path of the beam. The whole-blood system also has a housing that is configured to house the source and the detector. The whole-blood system also has a sample element that is situated in the optical path of the beam. The sample element has a sample cell and a sample cell wall that does not eliminate transmittance of the beam of radiation in the spectral band.

Abstract: An optical waveguide sensor for glucose measurement comprises a substrate, a first optical waveguide layer formed on a surface of the substrate, an entrance grating and an exit grating which are formed contacting with the first optical waveguide layer and being spaced from each other, a second optical waveguide layer located between the entrance grating and the exit grating while being in contact with the first optical waveguide layer, the second optical waveguide layer having a higher refractive index than that of the first optical waveguide layer, and a functioning layer containing an enzyme and a coloring reagent which is formed on the second optical waveguide layer.

Abstract: A reagentless whole-blood analyte detection system that is capable of being deployed near a patient has a source capable of emitting a beam of radiation that includes a spectral band. The whole-blood system also has a detector in an optical path of the beam. The whole-blood system also has a housing that is configured to house the source and the detector. The whole-blood system also has a sample element that is situated in the optical path of the beam. The sample element has a sample cell and a sample cell wall that does not eliminate transmittance of the beam of radiation in the spectral band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the detection of an infectious disease or disorder in a fluid, such as a mammalian blood sample, the detection of a specific protein in a urine sample, or the detection of a particle in a plasma. The identification of the particles of interest is enable by taking a transmission spectrum of a test sample in at least a portion of the ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared portion of the spectrum and comparing the spectrum with a standard sample spectrum. From the comparison it is then determined whether the fluid from the test sample contains an particle of interest, and an identity of the particle of interest is determined. Spectroscopic and multiwavelength turbidimetry techniques provide a rapid, inexpensive, and convenient means for diagnosis. The comparison and determination steps may be performed visually or by spectral deconvolution.

Abstract: A fluidic medical diagnostic device permits measurement of analyte concentration or a property of a biological fluid, particularly the coagulation time of blood. The device has at one end a sample port for introducing a sample and at the other end a bladder for drawing the sample to a measurement area. A channel carries the sample from the sample port to the measurement area, and a stop junction, between the measurement area and bladder, halts the sample flow. The desired measurement can be made by placing the device into a meter which measures a physical property of the sample—typically, optical transmittance—after it has interacted with a reagent in the measurement area.

Abstract: A measuring unit is placed at the surface of a living body. The pressure inside of a glass container is reduced by a pressure reducing tank, so that a subcutaneous exuding fluid is taken out at the surface of the living body from under a skin. The subcutaneous exuding fluid is allowed as a sample to be measured to reach a metallic film through porous molecular weight selective films. A light beam emitted from a light source passes through a prism, and then, is reflected on the metallic film, and finally, is received on a linear array sensor. A minimum intensity position on the linear array sensor, generated by surface plasmon resonance is obtained, and then, a resonant angle is detected. The concentration of substance to be measured contained in the sample to be measured is calculated based on the resonant angle and position.

Abstract: An optical alignment system for aligning a light beam with a core flow in a flow stream. The flow stream may have a sheath fluid and a core flow, where the core flow has a current position within the flow stream. A light source may be used to produce a light beam, and an optical element may be used to direct the light beam at the core flow. In some illustrative embodiments, an actuator is provided for moving the optical element, light source and/or flow stream such that the light directed by the optical element is aligned with the current position of the core flow.

Abstract: An improved optical sensor and method for measuring concentration of a chemical constituent where measurement interference from other chemical compounds is present in the solution is provided. More specifically, the invention relates to a system for measuring the amount of creatinine in effluent dialysate during, before, or following a kidney dialysis procedure and a method for using the same. Alternatively, the method may be used with blood and other body fluids or solutions that contact the patient. The system may use an enzyme or other chemical process to specifically remove or convert an analyte with an intrinsic optical absorbance. By measuring the absorbance before and after the chemical process the analyte can be measured with high accuracy and specificity. The method may be extended to multiple analyte measurements using cascaded chemical processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining a concentration of at least one analyte in a sample contained in a blood bag or in tubing in fluid communication with said blood bag, using an instrument comprising at least one calibration algorithm for the at least one analyte. The method comprises irradiating a sample in the tubing or the blood bag, using a near infrared and adjacent visible radiation source. Then measuring absorbance from the sample for the at least one analyte, and calculating a concentration of the at least one analyte using the absorbance and the at least one calibration algorithm.

Abstract: A reagentless whole-blood analyte detection system that is capable of being deployed near a patient has a source capable of emitting a beam of radiation that includes a spectral band. The whole-blood system also has a detector in an optical path of the beam. The whole-blood system also has a housing that is configured to house the source and the detector. The whole-blood system also has a sample element that is situated in the optical path of the beam. The sample element has a sample cell and a sample cell wall that does not eliminate transmittance of the beam of radiation in the spectral band.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the type of a blood sample and a variety of blood components are provided wherein a transmission spectrum of the sample is collected over a predetermined wavelength range. For blood typing, this spectrum is then compared with a set of control spectra collected from control blood samples having known blood types, from which the type of the blood sample can be determined. Further methods and apparatus are provided for determining the viability of and for cross matching a platelet unit. Additional method and apparatus permit analysis of the sample for the presence of a contaminant. Particles can also be counted in the sample, even when present in low concentrations, including white blood cell.

Abstract: A body fat measuring apparatus is provided with a light emitting device 1 for projecting light rays to a subject's tissue, light receiving devices 3 and 4 for detecting a transmitted light ray having passed through the subject's tissue and/or a reflected light ray reflected inside the subject's body, and a CPU 6 for calculating the subject's subcutaneous fat thickness and/or body fat percentage by performing an operation by use of the detection results of the light receiving devices 3 and 4. The light receiving devices 3 and 4 are situated at different distances from the light emitting device 1.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for performing charge coupled device (CCD)-based confocal spectroscopy with a laser spot array are provided. The methods and instruments of the invention are useful in any spectroscopic application, including, but not limited to, microscopy and microvolume laser scanning cytometry (MLSC).

Abstract: A reagentless whole-blood analyte detection system that is capable of being deployed near a patient has a source capable of emitting a beam of radiation that includes a spectral band. The whole-blood system also has a detector in an optical path of the beam. The whole-blood system also has a housing that is configured to house the source and the detector. The whole-blood system also has a sample element that is situated in the optical path of the beam. The sample element has a sample cell and a sample cell wall that does not eliminate transmittance of the beam of radiation in the spectral band.

Abstract: The methods and systems are provided that alleviate the impact of experimental systematic errors. These calibration methods and systems can be based on the discovery that by including source and detector calibration factors as part of the inverse calculation for image reconstruction, image artifacts can be significantly reduced. The novel methods and systems enhance contrast in images of the distribution of the radioactive properties of a medium, and enable improved detection of, for example, spatial variations in optical properties within highly scattering media, such as human or animal tissue. The novel methods and systems receive radiation which exits from the medium. Then, one or more optical properties of the medium are derived using the received radiation and one or more calibration factors, wherein the calibration factors are variables. Subsequently, a distribution of the optical properties in the medium is determined using the derived optical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for monitoring degradation of Hb-based blood substitutes, in a sample. This method involves determining a concentration of met-Hb within the sample, by applying a calibration algorithm for met-Hb to an absorbance obtained from the sample at one or more than one wavelengths, and using the concentration of met-Hb, as a measurement of degradation of the Hb-based blood substitutes. Using this assay, a concentration of met-Hb that is equal to or greater than 3% may be used as an indicator of degradation of Hb. Alternatively, by obtaining samples over a period of time, the concentration of met-Hb and the concentration of Hb-based blood substitute may be determined in each of these samples, and an increase in the concentration of met-Hb over the period of time is an indicator of degradation of Hb.

Abstract: An apparatus, a sample cuvette and a method for optical measurements on samples which show variable levels of scattering are provided. The apparatus, sample cuvette and method may be used for optical measurements on biological, physiological and chemical samples, however, are especially applicable for optical measurements on whole blood.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging the dynamics of a scattering medium (116) is provided. The method and system generates contrast and resolution enhanced images of dynamic properties of a medium having a temporal signature by using time series analysis methods on a time series of collected data or time series of images to extract and isolate dynamic properties of the medium (116).

Abstract: Combinatorially-synthesized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oligonucleotides attached to encoded beads that are hybridized to amplified and labeled genomic DNA or ribonucleic acid (RNA) are analyzed using a flow imaging system. Oligonucleotides and corresponding reporters are bound to the surfaces of a plurality of small beads such that different beads bear different oligo sequences. Each bead bears a unique optical signature comprising a predefined number of unique reporters, where each reporter comprises a predefined combination of different fluorochromes. The composite spectral signature in turn identifies the unique nucleotide sequence of its attached oligo chains. This optical signature is rapidly decoded using an imaging system to discriminate the different reporters attached to each bead in a flow in regard to color and spatial position on the bead.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for non-invasive measurement of a tissue and in particular of the skin bilirubin level. The inventive device is characterized in that it comprises: a reading head (1) capable of sending several flashes of various specific wavelengths towards the tissue (2) to be examined and of receiving and measuring in return the reflected light; a calculator, such as a microprocessor, capable of calculating for each wavelength the amount of reflected light and bring it to a value calculated proportionally to a reference value identical for a predetermined wavelength; and a comparator for comparing the calculated value to a table of reference values.