Abstract: A component measurement apparatus includes a laser that emits non-collimated laser light, an objective lens that condenses the non-collimated laser light emitted from the laser in order for the laser light to illuminate internal tissue of an object of measurement without collimating the laser light, a half mirror that redirects reflected light reflected by the internal tissue of the object of measurement and refracted by the objective lens, a pin hole through which the reflected light redirected by the half mirror passes, a light-receiving element that receives the reflected light having passed through a pin hole, and a data analyzer section that measures a component of the object of measurement in accordance with data output from the light-receiving element.

Abstract: A component measurement apparatus includes a confocal optical system including a laser emitting laser light, a collimating lens collimating the laser light emitted from the laser, an objective lens condensing the collimated light having exited the collimating lens in order to illuminate internal tissue of an object of measurement, a half mirror redirecting reflected light reflected by the internal tissue of the object of measurement and refracted by the objective lens, a pin hole through which the reflected light redirected by the half mirror passes, and a light-receiving element receiving the reflected light having passed through the pin hole. The component measurement apparatus also includes a data analyzer section measuring a component of the object of measurement in accordance with data output from the light-receiving element. In the component measurement the apparatus, a focal position of the objective lens is adjustable along an optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for safely transfusing blood to a patient in a computerized healthcare environment is provided. A blood product to be administered to a patient is identified and the patient is identified. A database containing a plurality of blood compatibility test results is accessed and it is determined whether the database contains a blood compatibility test result for the identified blood product and identified patient. If so, it is determined whether the test result indicates that the identified blood product is compatible for the identified patient.

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: Detection and characterization of immunologically detected substances are performed electronically on human and animal biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, milk, pleural and peritoneal fluids, and semen, which fluids are contained in a thin chamber forming a quiescent fluid sample, which chamber has at least two parallel planar walls, at least one of which is transparent.

Abstract: An analyzer in which optical measurement is performed with respect to a sample placed in optically transparent cells of an analysis tool includes a light source unit, a light-receiving unit, a tray on which the tool is placed, and a drive mechanism for driving the tray. The tray includes a holding section that holds the tool in a predetermined position. The drive mechanism reciprocates the tray between a first position where the tool placed on the tray is exposed to the outside of the analyzer and a second position where the tool is accommodated inside the analyzer. The light source unit is disposed so that emitted light is incident on a cell of the tool when the tray is located in the second position. The light-receiving unit is disposed so as to receive light transmitted through the cell when the tray is located in the second position.

Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing a biological sample is disclosed that comprising: a measurement specimen preparation section for preparing a measurement specimen by using a reagent and the biological sample; a irradiator for irradiating the measurement specimen with a light; a first light receiving section for receiving a light from the measurement specimen and converting the received light into an electrical signal; a analysis section for analyzing the measurement specimen based on the electrical signal output by the first light receiving section; and a selection section for selecting an intensity of light to be irradiated by the irradiator, wherein the irradiator is configured to irradiate with a light of an intensity corresponding to the light intensity selected by the selection section.

Abstract: A sample analyzer optically measures reaction of a sample mixed with reagent, and obtains optical information therefrom; generates a reaction curve representing change in the optical information over time; determines a first area prior to an evaluation target time (t0) and a second area after the evaluation target time (t0) wherein the first and second areas are formed between a baseline which is parallel to the time axis and a reaction curve from a first time (t1) prior to the optional evaluation target time (t0) to a second time (t2) after the evaluation target time, and determines the reaction end point based on the first and second areas; and obtains a characteristic of a sample based on the determined reaction end point, is disclosed. a sample analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an internal reflection light funnel, including an internal reflection cone having a first diameter at an entrance end and a second diameter at an exit end, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter; and a light source embedded within the cone. The funnel has a half angle of less than about 25 degrees.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a light illumination funnel. The funnel includes a first opening positioned to receive an incoming light source, a second opening positioned opposite the first opening and with a diameter smaller than the first opening and inner reflective walls, in contact with the first opening and second opening. The funnel has a half angle of less than 25 degrees. Embodiments also relate to a light collection funnel and an apparatus utilizing both a light illumination funnel and light collection funnel.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting concentration of an analyte in a fluid. The method comprises detecting an optical property of a first region of two or more regions in a system, the first region located in a container having a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the first region. The movement of the one or more modifiers is responsive to changes in concentration of the analyte. A next step detects an optical property of a second region of the two or more regions in the system, the second region located in a container having a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the second region. The movement of the one or more modifiers is responsive to changes in concentration of a compound, where the compound is something other than the analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test tape unit suitable for testing blood sugar. The test tape unit comprises an analytical test tape, a feed spool for unwinding unused test tape, a take-up spool for winding used test tape, and a tape guide to expose a section of test tape at a measuring site for receiving an application of body fluid. The tape guide has a flat support frame which stretches the test tape at the measuring site and forms the border of a measuring opening which is kept free from optical elements for producing an optical measurement.

Abstract: An approach to detecting microorganisms in blood uses the changes of hemoglobin and the physical and chemical properties of blood to detect the presence of microorganisms in blood. Spectrophotometric measurements are taken several wavelengths across the UV-Vis-NIR portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and a deconvolution is performed quantitatively to interpret distinct spectral characteristics of blood enabling the detection of microorganisms.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for use in determination of the concentration of an analyte in a subject's medium. The medium is irradiated with at least two radiation components to produce detectable radiation responses of the medium thereto. These at least two radiation components are selected to have different mean wavelengths and such that the spectral bandwidth of at least one of said at least two radiation components is characterized by relatively high variability of the extinction coefficient of the analyte of interest across said spectral bandwidth. This enables analysis of data indicative of detected radiation responses of the medium to said at least two radiation components and determination of the concentration of said analyte.

Abstract: A method for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber operable to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by the interior surfaces of first and second panels and a height extending there between, wherein both panels are transparent, and the height is such that at least some of the red blood cells within the sample contact both interior surfaces of the panels and one or more lacunae within the quiescent sample extend between the interior surfaces; 2) imaging at least a portion of the quiescent sample, which sample portion contains the red blood cells and one or more lacunae to determine an optical density of the imaged portion of the sample on a per image unit basis; 3) selecting and averaging the optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells contacting the interior surfaces, and assigning an upper boundary value of 100% to the average optical density value of those i

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components with a two-dimensional optical measurement and control device. The method may comprise the steps of providing a blood processing system comprising a density centrifuge blood processing system and an elutriation blood processing system; filling the elutriation blood processing system with a desired component; measuring a cellular flux of cells entering the elutriation blood processing system with a two-dimensional optical control system; and flushing the elutriation blood processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one measuring cell (10) is disclosed. The measuring cell comprises a first cavity (16 and a second cavity (18) perpendicular to the first cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity comprising an overlap at first respective ends and a reflective surface (20) at the opposite respective ends. A beam splitter (15) is located in the overlap and an electromagnetic radiation source (12) is arranged to project a beam of electromagnetic radiation onto the beam splitter (15) such that the beam is projected into each of the cavities. A phase detector (22) for detecting a phase difference between the respective electromagnetic radiation reflected by the first and second cavity (16; 18) is also provided. In addition, the apparatus has a fluid channel (26), at least a part of which runs parallel to the first cavity (16) such that the electromagnetic radiation projected into the first cavity extends into said part of the fluid channel.

Abstract: A total transmission spectroscopy system for use in determining the analyte concentration in a fluid sample comprises a sample cell receiving area, a light source, a collimating lens, a first lens, a second lens, and a detector. The sample cell receiving area is adapted to receive a sample to be analyzed. The sample cell receiving area is constructed of a substantially optically clear material. The collimating lens is adapted to receive light from the light source and adapted to illuminate the sample cell receiving area with a substantially collimated beam of light. The first lens is adapted to receive regular and scattered light transmitted through the sample at a first angle of divergence. The first lens receives light having a first angle of acceptance. The first lens outputs light having a second angle of divergence. The second angle of divergence is less than the first angle of divergence.

Abstract: Differences between a control profile of light scattered by a control sample from a sample of whole blood and a detection profile of light scattered from a detection sample from the sample of whole blood with a detection agent added indicate malaria infection of the whole blood, where the light scattering is Mie scattering by an ensemble of scatterers in samples which are detection optimized to a concentration just low enough so that each scatterer which does scatter light scatters light only once, where the profiles are for light scattered between zero and five degrees.

Abstract: A device for measuring a compound with in a sample both non-invasively and invasively is provided. The devise comprised a source of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) operatively coupled to a power source, one or more receptors and a detector. The one or more receptors shaped to receive a body part and a sample holder and optically coupled to the source of EMR by one or more radiation guiding elements. The radiation guiding element comprising an input in operable association with the source of EMR, and an output in operable association with a detector and coupled to a processing system.

Abstract: A method for acquiring information includes the steps of preparing a laser having a micro-cavity, and detecting a light emitted from the laser. An oscillation state of the laser is changed according to a change of an environmental condition around the micro-cavity, and the light emitted from the laser is changed.

Abstract: A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided.

Abstract: A device for the photometric examination of samples has a sample-holder apparatus for at least two sample vessels, and a measuring apparatus and a moveable apparatus. The sample-holder apparatus is designed to be stationary, and the measuring apparatus is arranged on the moveable apparatus such that it can be displaced by means of the moveable apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood analyzer. The blood analyzer comprises a flow cell in which a first measurement sample flows, a light source for irradiating the first measurement sample flowing in the flow cell, a PIN photodiode for detecting a side scattered light from the first measurement sample irradiated by the light source, and an avalanche photodiode for detecting a side fluorescence light from the first measurement sample irradiated by the light source. The blood analyzer also comprises a signal processing part which has a low pass filter for reducing high frequency noise included in the side fluorescent light signal. A cut-off frequency of the low pass filter is set so that the blood analyzer can classify white blood cells in the first measurement sample into at least four groups comprising neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils, based solely on the side scattered light signal and the side fluorescent light signal.

Abstract: A system for scattered light and simultaneous multi-color (e.g., greater than sixteen colors) fluorescence light detecting, and for analyzing, classifying and identifying biological particles and items of interest. A sample to be tested may be entered in a disposable microfluidic cartridge which in turn is insertable in a portable, hand-holdable, or wearable miniaturized cytometer instrument. The present system may be incorporated in the cytometer instrument. It may have significant application relative to biological warfare, environmental substances, the medical field and other fields.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the red blood cell indices including the volume, and hemoglobin content and concentration for individual red blood cells, as well as red blood cell population statistics, including total number of red blood cells present in the sample, and mean values for each of the aforementioned indices within a substantially undiluted blood sample is provided.

Abstract: An optical sensing system and method are disclosed. The optical sensing system includes one or more bus waveguides. A first bus waveguide includes an input port that is in optical communication with a light source. The system further includes a microresonator optically coupled to the bus waveguides and an optical scattering center configured for alteration of a strength of optical coupling between the optical scattering center and the microresonator. In addition, the system includes a detector in optical communication one of the bus waveguides or the microresonator.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products for evaluating and optimizing one or more markers for use in establishing a prognosis for a patient suffering from a disease are provided. More particularly, the methods include steps for systematically evaluating a number of features that may be extracted from an image of a body sample, such as a histological slide, that has been exposed to one or more biomarkers so as to establish a prognostic decision rule based on one or more of the extracted features such that the decision rule yields a prognosis that is optimally predictive of actual patient outcome. Thus, the methods and computer program products provided yield optimally predictive prognoses to assist clinicians in developing strategies for effective patient care management.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is provided that is capable of eliciting sufficient performance of an avalanche photodiode, and performing high-precision analysis of the sample. The sample analyzer is provided with a WBC detection section that uses the avalanche photodiode as a photoreceptor element. The WBC detection section is provided with a flow cell, semiconductor light source, side collective lens, dichroic mirror, and avalanche photodiode. The side collective lens is a lens with a high NA (numeric aperture), and an aspheric lens with a small aberration. The sample analyzer prepares a scattergram using side fluorescent light signals and side scattered light signals to classify white blood cells into five categories.

Abstract: A system for determining the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample comprising a detection unit for detecting light intensities which are radiated from subareas of a detection area of a test element as well as an evaluation unit which determines a frequency distribution for the detected light intensities wherein the frequency distribution has at least one first maximum caused by unwetted subareas or at least one reference area and a second maximum caused by wetted subareas and selects at least one light intensity on the basis of the frequency distribution and determines the concentration of the analyte from the at least one selected light intensity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing surface properties of particles are provided. A method for analyzing the surface properties of the particle includes a associating a first particle with a first capture zone having a specific binding affinity for a first chemical species, applying an optical force to the first particle, sensing a response of the first particle to the optical force, and using the sensed response to determine the presence, absence or quantity of the first chemical species on the first particle surface. This process may be repeated in parallel to test multiple particles. In addition to directly testing the surface properties of the particles, the method can be used in direct, indirect and competitive assays to determine the presence, absence or quantity of free or immobilized analytes. A fluidic cartridge with capture zones having avidities that are tuned for the use of optical forces is provided. A software routine for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A calibration device according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive sensor. Certain embodiments of the calibration device simulate a human pulse by varying the volume of blood being measured by the optical sensor. Further, embodiments of the calibration device allow the generation of calibration curves or data for measured parameters over larger ranges of measured values compared to patient-based calibration.

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 total transmission spectroscopy system for use in determining the analyte concentration in a fluid sample comprises a sample cell receiving area, a light source, a collimating lens, a first lens, a second lens, and a detector. The sample cell receiving area is adapted to receive a sample to be analyzed. The sample cell receiving area is constructed of a substantially optically clear material. The collimating lens is adapted to receive light from the light source and adapted to illuminate the sample cell receiving area with a substantially collimated beam of light. The first lens is adapted to receive regular and scattered light transmitted through the sample at a first angle of divergence. The first lens receives light having a first angle of acceptance. The first lens outputs light having a second angle of divergence. The second angle of divergence is less than the first angle of divergence.

Abstract: The optical analysis of body fluids is a method of determining the relative concentration of certain bio-molecules in blood and urine samples by fluorescent spectroscopy. The relative concentration of these bio-molecules serves as a marker or screening test to assess the presence and stage of cancer in some organ or tissue of the body, and in some cases, the presence of particular types of cancer in the body. The bio-molecules include various species of porphyrin, flavins (including flavin mononucleotide[FMN], flavin adeno dinucleotide [FAD], and riboflavin), bile components (including biliverdin and bilirubin), tyrosine, tryptophan, and NAD(P)H.

Abstract: An optical sensor (1) includes a sensor chip member (2) having an optical waveguide layer (21), a combination of an incidence end grating (22a) and an output end grating (22b) spaced from each other, in contact with the optical waveguide layer (21), and a reaction reagent (23) provided on the optical waveguide layer (21) to detect as an optical change a quantity of measurement object interposed between the incidence end grating (22a) and the output end grating (22b), and a chamber member (3) to have, when the sensor chip member (2) is assembled, a facing surface (F) in position facing the optical waveguide layer (21), and a gap (I) defined between the optical waveguide layer (21) and the facing surface (F), the reaction reagent (23) being disposed in the gap (I).

Abstract: Based on the present invention, superior compact spectrometers may be constructed and integrated into a cellular phone, or attached to a cellular phone. Such a cellular phone may be a PDA phone, which supplies electrical power to the said spectrometer, provided with data storage, signal processing capability, and real-time display. As a combined standalone system, it allows spectroscopic measurements to be fulfilled in real-time applications in field, and results can be sent out in wireless communication to a remote station or to another cellular phone user in order to share the measurement results right away. When the system is used with a laser to function as a Raman spectrometer system, it can fulfill many daily routine tasks encountered by ordinary civilians, for example, the blood glucose monitoring for diabetes patients at home in a non-invasive manner.

Abstract: A blood collecting apparatus includes a main flow path and a pressure generator. The pressure generator is provided in an intermediate position of the main flow path to insert a gas as separators at designated predetermined intervals, thereby to take out blood to be measured, as separated in a time series. The blood can be taken out in minute volumes by inserting the separators consisting of the gas while feeding the blood continuously into the main flow path in this way. And consumption of the blood can be held down, and the amount of collected blood can be minimized. Since the operation to insert the separators is excellent in speed, repeated collection in a short time, i.e. frequency of blood collection, can be secured.

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: The invention relates to a device and a method for counting elementary particles emitted by a fluid, the device comprising a line for transferring the fluid and, outside the line, detection means (6a) for detecting the particles that are attenuated by a wall of the line and/or by this fluid. A counting device according to the invention includes at least one counting portion (4a) of oblong cross section which joins together two adjacent portions of the line having a larger flow section and which has an [internal height (h)/internal width (l)] ratio of 20% or less, in which the internal height and the internal width represent the smallest and largest transverse dimensions respectively of the portion, these being measured along two approximately perpendicular directions, said detection means extending transversely to this portion, facing its entire internal width and on either side thereof.

Abstract: An optical coagulation monitor and the method of monitoring blood coagulation status are disclosed. The method includes positioning a sample probe containing an optical fiber within a circulating blood; transmitting a low-coherence light through the optical fiber into the blood; detecting dynamic light scatter signals generated by the blood within a coherence volume and received through the optical fiber; analyzing the dynamic light scatter signals in comparison to a predetermined coagulation criterion; and reporting the coagulation status of the blood. The method can be used for monitoring blood coagulation status in vivo or in vitro in real time. Further disclosed is a method of determining blood clotting time in vitro using the optical coagulation monitor.

Abstract: A personal authentication method is provided that includes imaging, on an image sensor as a laser speckle using an optical system, light reflected from a blood vessel layer in subcutaneous and internal tissues when a laser beam is expanded and made to irradiate a finger pad, calculating a quantity that represents the rate of change with respect to time of the amount of light received for each pixel of the laser speckle, obtaining a finger pad blood flow map as a two-dimensional map of the numerical values, and comparison-checking the blood flow map against pre-registered data of individuals, wherein using a near-infrared laser beam or using this in combination with a visible laser beam, comparison-checking against pre-registered data of individuals is carried out using a pattern reflecting a fingerprint occurring within the finger pad blood flow map obtained from reflected light and, observed superimposed thereon, an internal tissue blood flow distribution pattern, and there is also provided a device used for

Abstract: An apparatus with a combination of a point light source and a single lens is provided. The present apparatus includes a point light source, a photodetector and a lens. The lens is placed in the same side of the point light source and the photodetector in order that the light emitting from the point light source is focused onto a target area of an object through the lens. The reflected light from the target area is focused onto the photodetector through the lens. The present apparatus can qualitatively and quantitatively monitor a content of a specific component of a tested solution. The geometric relationship of the point light source, the photodetector and the single lens can improve a measuring resolution of the present apparatus.

Abstract: A sample detector B includes a member 6 provided with an aperture 60, as well as a light receiving element 5 which receives two light beams directed from a pair of light sources 40, 41 to a detection area AR and having passed through the detection area and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of light received, and a determination means 8 for determining whether or not a sample is properly supplied to the detection area AR based on the signal. Two light beams emitted from the paired light sources 40, 41 travel through paths defined by the aperture 60 to regions ARr, ARf of the detection area AR which are positionally deviated from each other. With this arrangement, whether or not a sample is properly supplied to the detection area AR is precisely determined without using an expensive component such as an optical lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis system for analysing a sample on an analytical test element. The analysis system comprises a measuring module for carrying out measurements on the sample on the analytical test element and an optical module which comprises a lens and a diaphragm by which the light can be focused. The lens and the diaphragm of the optical module are combined as one piece in a multi-component injection-molded part.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide one sample holder that is suitable for collection and spectroscopic measurement of a blood sample. In some very specific embodiments, the sample holder is provided with an optical chamber that is specifically designed to spread blood into a thin film, thereby reducing the average attenuation of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) due to scattering of EMR by the red blood cells in a blood sample, without having to hemolyze the red blood cells. Also, the sample holder is designed so that air bubbles are easily pushed through the optical chamber and guided out of the sample holder through a vent. In some embodiments, the inlet of the sample holder can be reconfigured with adaptors to receive blood from for example, a pin prick or a syringe. Use of adaptors makes the housing simpler when considering the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. Light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: Raman spectra of cells, such as normal human T- and B-cells from peripheral blood or human tonsil and the corresponding transformed cells are obtained by optically trapping the cells and obtaining their Raman spectra. The trapped cells can be subjected to one, two, or more different excitation wavelengths, and each wavelength of the corresponding Raman spectra can be stored in a separate channel. In preferred embodiments, two spectra are subtracted from each other to give a difference spectrum and each channel is analyzed independently to characterize the trapped cell. Alternatively, the Raman spectrum can be subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in order to characterize the trapped cell. The trapped cell thus classified can be sorted, or further manipulated.

Abstract: Multimodal or multispectral images of cells comprising a population of cells are simultaneously collected. Photometric and/or morphometric image features identifiable in the images are used to identify differences between first and second populations of cells. The differences can include changes in a relative percentage of different cell types in each population, or a change in a first type of cell present in the first population of cells and the same type of cell in the second population of cells. The changes may be indicative of a disease state, indicative of a relative effectiveness of a therapy, or indicative of a health of the person from whom the cells populations were obtained.

Abstract: A system that employs transmission-based detection techniques to determine the presence or concentration of an analyte within a test sample is provided. Specifically, the optical detection system contains a chromatographic-based assay device that is positioned in the electromagnetic radiation path defined between an illumination source and detector. To enhance the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the system without significantly increasing costs, the distance between the illumination source and/or detector and the assay device is minimized. The illumination source and/or detector may also be positioned directly adjacent to the assay device. In addition, the system may be selectively controlled to reduce reliance on external optical components, such as optical filters or diffusers.