Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a fluidic device that can hold a large amount of solutions in a reservoir without depending on an attitude. The reservoir includes a meandering flow path including: a plurality of first flow paths that extend linearly along a first direction and that are arranged to be spaced in a second direction crossing the first direction; and a second flow path that extends linearly along the second direction such that a connection between first end sides of the adjacent first flow paths and a connection between second end sides of the adjacent first flow paths are alternately switched along the second direction for each first flow path, wherein the meandering flow path meanders along the second direction.

Abstract: An at-home medical diagnostic test kit container including a plurality of at-home medical diagnostic test kits is provided herein. In particular, the medical diagnostic test kit container may include a machine-readable code (e.g., QR code) configured to facilitate an augmented reality experience associated with the at-home medical diagnostic test kit container. In some embodiments, a testing and diagnostic platform may facilitate tracking of inventory within the at-home medical diagnostic test kit container and/or may facilitate coordination of prescription medication order fulfillment and delivery upon indication of a medical condition that could benefit from taking prescription medication.

Abstract: A structure for culturing cells includes growth medium regions on a surface of the structure. Each of the growth medium regions includes a growth medium surface configured to receive and promote growth in a cell that is being cultured. The structure includes a non-growth medium. The non-growth medium includes a non-growth medium surface configured to receive the cell that is being cultured.

Abstract: Disclosed are high-throughput vessel receiving systems and methods of receiving sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for receiving a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample, and systems and apparatus for guiding, reorienting, collecting, and transporting a plurality of articles, including vessels, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of performing immunoassay measurements on whole blood samples for biomarker quantification. These tests are routinely performed on serum or plasma separated from whole blood samples. Prior art also involves application of complex multi-component assays or methods using insoluble particles for these measurements. A solution capable of working on whole blood samples, offering advantages in assay simplicity, cost-effectiveness and shortened measurement times was desired. The present invention solves these issues using simple immunoturbidimetry for whole blood samples without relying on particle enhancement of the reaction. To achieve this goal the agglutination reaction between antibodies and antigens is performed, measured and evaluated according to the disclosed method for whole blood assays.

Abstract: Disclosed are a point-of-care system and method, the system including: an aptamer-based diagnostic reagent; a diagnostic instrument for detecting a Raman signal through a Raman analysis technique; and a diagnostic kit to be operated on the basis of a lateral flow method, wherein blood and the diagnostic reagent are reacted so as to detect a Raman signal when the placement of the diagnostic kit is detected, thereby allowing the type of acute febrile illness to be identified.

Abstract: An cartridge is combined with a smart device which is capable of communicating with a network to perform a portable, fast, field assay of a small sample biological analyte. A closed microfluidic circuit for mixes the analyte with a buffer with functionalized magnetic beads capable of being specifically combined with the analyte. A detector communicates with the microfluidic circuit in which the mixed analyte, buffer and combined functionalized magnetic beads are sensed. A microcontroller is coupled to detector for controlling the detector and for data processing an output assay signal from the detector. A user interface communicates with the microcontroller for providing user input and for providing user output through the smart device to the network.

Abstract: A modular robot can include a first connection device including a first contact array composed of at least one electrode; a driving device configured to implement movement of the modular robot; and a processor configured to control the first connection device and the driving device, detect fastening of the first connection device with a second connection device of a module device, the second connection device including a second contact array composed of at least one electrode, and in response to identifying the module device based on a contact pattern formed based on the first contact array being in contact with the second contact array, activate at least one of a function of the driving device or a function of the module device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing colloidal palladium nanoparticles and using them for increased sensitivity in lateral flow immunoassays. Glutaraldehyde is used in preparing the colloidal palladium that allows rapid attachment of biomolecules. Colloidal palladium nanoparticles are labeled with a protein, such as a biomolecule or an antibody. These labeled colloidal palladium particles catalytically develop a dye to detect the presence of an analyte.

Abstract: Reducing screen shift operations performed in confirming a device status of an automated analysis device efficiently enhances inspection work. A tablet terminal is used to obtain device information indicating the device status of an automated analysis device and to create and display a status confirmation screen indicating the device status based on the obtained device information. The status confirmation screen has a first display area showing each device button corresponding to each of the automated analysis devices coupled to the tablet terminal and a second display area showing the device status of the automated analysis devices corresponding to the selected device button. Based on the device information of the automated analysis device corresponding to the selected device button, the information management unit creates a status screen indicating the device status in the automated analysis device and controls the display to show the status screen.

Abstract: Microfluidic device comprising a tank (6) supplying a microchannel (2) with a first fluid (S), and a circuit (8) in which a flow of a second fluid can be established without contact with the microchannel (2). The circuit (8) passes through the tank (6) or is connected to the tank (6) by a pipe (30). The circuit (8) comprises a first on/off valve (12) mounted in parallel with a first proportional valve (11), these first valves (11, 12) being controllable so as to modify the pressure applied in the tank (6) to the first fluid (S) by the second fluid.

Abstract: A method of detecting a urine test strip from a photographed image of the urine test strip is disclosed. The disclosed method of detecting a urine test strip includes: receiving input of a urine test strip image, which is a photographed image of a urine test strip including a first and a second marker; detecting a first and a second marker image within the urine test strip image; detecting an area between the first and second marker images within the urine test strip image; and detecting a reagent pad and a colorimetric table in the urine test strip image by matching an area of interest, which represents a position of the reagent pad and the colorimetric table in the urine test strip image, with the area between the first and second marker images.

Abstract: A reagent management apparatus utilizing a flexible sheet that is foldable along scores into a disposable liner which may be freestanding via a “three point” structure. The disposable liner includes a reservoir for reagents and allows the pouring off of unused reagent into a storage container. The disposable liner may be used with a permanent base in certain cases.

Abstract: It was discovered that hydrogel scaffolds can be used to induce phase separation as aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) pass through and/or rehydrate the scaffolds, allowing for concentration of target analyte(s) (e.g., biomolecule(s)) into a particular phase of the ATPS or into a leading front. Accordingly, in various embodiments methods and devices are provided that utilize aqueous two-phase systems and hydrogel scaffolds to improve the sensitivity of assays (e.g., of point-of-care assays) without sacrificing cost or ease of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel series of accessories for Raman and/or luminescence spectral acquisitions for many different applications and methods for making such accessories. The invention further provides sample holders that enhance sample handling ability and sample sensitivity, reduce fluorescence and Raman background, as well as sample size and consumption, and thereby improve resulting spectral analyses.

Abstract: Provided is a tip set used for a genetic testing device. The tip set includes a piercing tip breaking a lid portion of a reagent container filled with a reagent to open the reagent container and an injection tip injecting a sample solution containing a target gene nucleic acid into a microchip. The injection tip has a reservoir storing the sample solution in an internal space and an injection needle protruding from the reservoir, an opening the internal space to a side opposite to the injection needle is formed in the reservoir, and the piercing tip has a fitting portion fitted to the injection tip to connect the injection tip and the piercing tip.

Abstract: A method for preparing an anti-bacterial and anti-ultraviolet multifunctional chemical fiber includes: dissolving several soluble metal salts and a polymer complexing dispersant into water to prepare an aqueous solution; adding into a polymer monomer; reacting under microwave or hydrothermal action to obtain a polymer monomer containing multifunctional nano oxides; adding the polymer monomer with other monomer, catalyst, initiator, stabilizer, and the like into a polymerization reactor; and carrying out esterification, polycondensation or copolymerization to obtain a polymer melt, and carrying out spinning or ribbon casting and granule cutting to obtain an anti-bacterial and anti-ultraviolet multifunctional chemical fiber or masterbatch chips.

Abstract: A technique relates to a machine for sorting. A removable cartridge includes a nanofluidic module. The removable cartridge includes an input port and at least two output ports. The nanofluidic module is configured to sort particles in a sample fluid. A holder is configured to receive the removable cartridge. A pressurization system is configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge. The pressurization system is configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a test strip for measuring a calcium concentration in a body fluid test sample obtained from a living body (human or animal) by a colormetric change, and a test strip for measuring a calcium concentration in a human or animal body fluid test strip by a colormetric change.

Abstract: Automated apparatuses for use in examining gas sorption materials are described. Devices utilize a noncontact magnetic induction heating approach for controlling the temperature of tested materials. The apparatuses can be used to generate single or multiple isotherms simultaneously. The apparatuses can examine nanogram or microgram-scale quantities of materials of interest and can do so automatically and unattended. Pressure-composition isotherms can be provided through use of disclosed apparatuses in a period of a few hours.

Abstract: A method for security inspection of baggage and/or personal items and a kit of parts include a detachable single-use inlay and an X-ray tray of a security check, for example, at an airport. A single-use inlay as such is also described. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to use of the kit of parts and/or the single-use inlay for the prevention of transfer of pathogenic agents. At least one metal organic framework (MOF) provided on the outer side and/or inner side of the single-use inlay is adapted and arranged to detect at least one explosive or any other hazardous compound, and/or detect at least one drug.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises a top wall and a cap removal station. The cap removal station comprises an opening, a raised collar for engaging and releasing interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle, and tabs on a side of the top wall opposite the raised collar for retaining the receptacle within the opening when the cap is separated from the receptacle. A method for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises moving the cap and receptacle in a first direction into a cap removal station, contacting interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle with a raised collar to thereby release the interlocking elements, retaining the receptacle within the cap removal station; and with the interlocking elements released and the receptacle retained within the cap removal station, moving the cap in a second direction opposite the first direction to separate the cap from the receptacle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to detect the presence of bacteria and small microorganisms, and to identify various microbial attributes rapidly.

Abstract: An example device includes a first microfluidic channel in communication with a fluid reservoir to receive cell-containing fluid from the fluid reservoir. The device further includes a second microfluidic channel in communication with the fluid reservoir to receive cell-containing fluid from the fluid reservoir. The device further includes a first sensor disposed at the first microfluidic channel, a second sensor disposed at the second microfluidic channel, a first dispense nozzle disposed at an end of the first microfluidic channel, and a second dispense nozzle disposed at an end of the second microfluidic channel. The first microfluidic channel is shaped to convey cells of a first size range, and the second microfluidic channel is shaped to convey cells of a second size range that is different from the first size range.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid sealed cartridge in which a liquid injected through an inlet is previously sealed, and the liquid is transferred by a centrifugal force being applied by rotation, and the liquid sealed cartridge includes: a liquid storage portion configured to store the liquid; a bypass flow path having one end and the other end connected to the liquid storage portion, the bypass flow path having the inlet; and a transfer flow path into which the liquid is transferred from the liquid storage portion when the centrifugal force is applied.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges configured to amplify and detect polynucleotides extracted from multiple biological samples in parallel. The technology includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising: a plurality of sample lanes, wherein each of the plurality of sample lanes comprises a microfluidic network having, in fluid communication with one another: an inlet; a first valve and a second valve; a first channel leading from the inlet, via the first valve, to a reaction chamber; and a second channel leading from the reaction chamber, via the second valve, to a vent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid phase extraction method using a micro device having a dam forming portion including a dam, the solid phase extraction method comprising the steps of: (i) injecting a solvent and a filler into the micro device, moving the solvent to the dam forming portion, the dam allowing the solvent to flow therethrough and preventing the filler from passing therethrough, and adsorbing a material to be separated onto the filler in the dam forming portion; and (ii) extracting, from the filler, the adsorbed material, wherein the micro device is rotated with respect to a central axis during one of steps (i) and (ii), and the rotation of the micro device is performed at an angular velocity defined by equation 1.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods allowing for automated sampling and/or analysis of controlled environments, for example, to determine the presence, quantity, size, concentration, viability, species or characteristics of particles within the environment. The described systems and methods may utilize robotics or automation or remove some or all of the collection or analysis steps that are traditionally performed by human operators. The methods and systems described herein are versatile and may be used with known particle sampling and analysis techniques and particle detection devices including, for example, optical particle counters, impingers and impactors.

Abstract: This pipette tip includes: a first part having an outer diameter which increases gradually from a distal end side toward a proximal end side; a second part in which a taper angle of an outer surface of the second part is smaller than a taper angle of an outer surface of the first part; a third part in which a taper angle of an outer surface of the third part is larger than the taper angle of the outer surface of the first part; and a fourth in which a taper angle of an outer surface of the fourth part is smaller than the taper angle of the outer surface of the third part.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to a panel of antigen biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian cancer. The compositions and methods encompass antigen biomarkers coupled to a substrate, with the biomarkers being selected from the group consisting of one or more of ICAM3, CTAG2, p53, STYXL1, PVR, POMC, NUDT11, TRIM39, UHMK1, KSR1, and NXF3.

Abstract: A multiwell plate cover is provided, wherein the cover comprises a frame configured for attachment to a multiwell plate; a first movable guide member having two elongated side members that extend across the width of the plate, wherein a gap between the side members is substantially equal to a diameter of a single well in the multiwell plate and wherein the first movable guide member is slidable along the length of the frame; and a second movable guide member having two elongated side members that extend across the length of the plate, wherein a gap between the side members is substantially equal to a diameter of a single well in the multiwell plate and wherein the second movable guide member is slidable along the width of the frame, wherein the first and second movable guide member are configured to move independently from each other.

Abstract: Features for assessing patient compliance with therapeutic usage of an inhaler, such as a nebulizer, are disclosed. Nebulizer therapy accessories include mouthpiece, mask and adaptor (i.e. an attachment to a mouthpiece or mask) that may be coupled with the nebulizer. The nebulizer therapy accessory includes at least one sensor that detects a physical parameter generated by a user's body and generates a signal. The signal is used to determine therapy compliance, which may be communicated to the patient and/or the patient's physician.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a hydrogel bead, a chemical sensor including the same, and an electronic product including the chemical sensor. The hydrogel bead includes at least one type of polysaccharide physically crosslinked with a cation or an anion, and a pH indicator dye.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining, by flow cytometry, the hemoglobin F (HbF) content of each erythroid cell of a set of erythroid cells. This method applies in particular to determining the HbF content of each red blood cell of a set of red blood cells. The invention also concerns a method for determining the amount of red blood cells transfused into a patient and for monitoring the therapeutic efficacy of a treatment for sickle cell disease or ?-thalassemia.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an embedding apparatus capable of selectively changing a thickness above a hand-rest part of a mechanism for placing a hand. As solving means, the embedding apparatus (10) according to the present invention configured to dispense and embed an embedding material into an embedding tray includes a cold spot (16) configured to cool the embedding tray, a hand-rest part (18) provided on each of left and right sides with the cold spot (16) interposed therebetween, and a wrist-rest part (24) detachably attached onto the hand-rest part (18).

Abstract: In order to facilitate disassembly of the fluid dispensing unit (4), the latter has the covering cap (17) with which at least one sealing means (18) located in the head part (12) of the fluid dispensing unit (4) can be fixed in its use position. In order to release the covering cap (17) from the head part (12), said covering cap is rotatable relative to the head part (12). A releasable snap connection (19) is provided between the covering cap (17) and the head part (12), said snap connection being formed by at least one latching projection (20) and/or at least one latching depression (21), wherein at least one oblique surface (22) is formed on the latching projection (20) and/or on the latching depression (21), said surface being oriented in such a manner that the snap connection (19) can be released by rotation of the covering cap (17) relative to the head part (12) (FIG. 3).

Abstract: Kits and methods to distinguish between false and true labor are provided. The kits and methods can utilize differences in abundance and/or differences in the rate of change in abundance of B7-H2, SORC2, TF, C1-Esterase Inhibitor, Ran, IMD-H1 and/or PGAM1, as markers of true labor.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting a target gene according to the present invention comprises a plurality of capillary tubes which are partially immersed in a sample container containing sample solution and in which the sample solution flows by capillary phenomenon, and microbead packings arranged at one part in each capillary tube to be arranged on a flow path of the sample solution, wherein each of the microbead packings comprises: a packing tube arranged at the capillary tube so as to partially constitute the flow path of the sample solution, a plurality of microbeads contained in the packing tube and being in close contact with each other to form voids between the microbeads, and probe linkers formed on a surface of each microbead, wherein the probe linkers are configured to amplify a target gene in the sample solution by complementary bonding with the target gene, thereby detecting the target gene.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a microfluidic device. The device comprises a flow path structure that includes an inlet microchannel and chambers. The flow path structure is configured as an arborescence extending from the inlet microchannel to the chambers. Thus, liquid introduced in said inlet microchannel can potentially enter the chambers via respective flow paths to remain essentially confined in the chambers, in operation. The device further comprises substances in selected ones of the chambers. That is, a subset of the chambers is loaded with substances adapted for interacting with liquid to yield a detectable change in a property of the liquid and/or the substance in each of the chambers of said subset, in operation. The invention is further directed to related devices, and methods of operation and conditioning.

Abstract: The disclosed microfluidic valves may include a valve body having at least one cavity therein, a gate transmission element separating the cavity into an input gate terminal and an output gate terminal, a gate port configured to convey drive fluid into the input gate terminal, and a fluid channel. The gate transmission element may include a flexible membrane and a plunger coupled to the flexible membrane. The gate transmission element may be configured to move within the cavity to inhibit a subject fluid flow from an inlet port to an outlet port of the fluid channel upon pressurization of the input gate terminal, and to allow subject fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port upon depressurization of the input gate terminal. Various other related systems and methods are also disclosed.

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 method for processing a blood sample is provided that can improve the recovery rate of deformable rare cells that would easily pass through a filter and small rare cells while reducing the filtration area of the filter, and that can recover the rare cells alive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the concentration of inorganic phosphate, especially orthophosphate, where said device is a test matrix including a molybdate salt, a solid acid, a PVP derivative, and a mixture of at least two different chromogenic reducing agents. In addition, the invention relates to a process for increasing the sensitivity of a test device.

Abstract: An inspection tester for testing a surface for suspected explosive substances includes a body unit, a breakable ampoule carried by the body unit, and an ionic explosive detecting reagent in the breakable ampoule wherein the body unit and the breakable ampoule are positioned to deliver the ionic explosive detecting reagent to the surface for testing the surface for the suspected explosive substances. The ionic explosive detecting reagent is a salt in a liquid state.

Abstract: A microfluidic device with a microfluidic circuit including an array of fluidly coupled microchambers. Each microchamber includes a reaction chamber and an associated vent chamber. The microfluidic circuit may be arranged so that a fluid sample introduced to microfluidic device flows into the reaction chamber and air or other gas present in the reaction chamber is vented from the microchamber through the vent chamber. The microchamber may be configured to allow only the flow of air into the vent chamber from the reaction chamber until the air has been displaced from the reaction chamber by the fluid sample and/or a predefined volume of the fluid sample has been received in the reaction chamber. The microchamber may be further configured to release the fluid sample to thereafter flow from the reaction chamber into the vent chamber.

Abstract: A test device includes a housing and a lid. The housing encloses an internal space, has a hole supporting a container accommodating liquid, and includes a perforation/incision part. The lid covers a hole-formed part of the housing. The housing and/or the lid includes a guide that guides the housing and the lid, so that the lid can migrate from the first position to the second position while covering the hole-formed part of the housing. In the first position, the lid covers the hole-formed part of the housing and the container and the container is not incised. During the migration of the lid from the first position to the second position, the container is pushed toward the perforation/incision part by the lid, and the container is incised to leak liquid into the internal space.

Abstract: To suppress precipitation of a cleaning solution to a vibration head of an ultrasonic cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner includes: a cleaning tank which stores a cleaning solution; an ultrasonic transducer; and a vibration head which extends from the ultrasonic transducer toward the cleaning tank and of which a tip portion includes a cylindrical hole having a longitudinal direction aligned to a vertical direction, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is driven at a frequency at which the vibration head is vibrated resonantly, and wherein the vibration head is provided with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic coating film 502 which has an interface between an area 223 corresponding to a vibration antinode and area corresponding to a vibration node during the resonant vibration of the vibration head, and covers the area 222 corresponding to the vibration node.

Abstract: An electronic pipette comprising a piston actuated in a cylinder by a motor, a control system for carrying out pipette operations, and a user interface for operating the pipette, which user interface comprises a display, wherein the main menu of the user interface comprises a user defined shortcut to a specific pipetting application.

Abstract: The subject invention provides colorimetric test strips and fast screening field test kits for differentiating between cannabinoids in cannabis samples, preferably, for differentiating marijuana from other cannabis plants, e.g., hemp. The fast screening field test kit can also be used for confirming the presence of marijuana in a complex cannabis sample. The colorimetric test strips use a solid substrate (e.g., capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) device) for the colorimetric reaction. The non-polar nature of the CMV sorbent does not allow the reaction of FBBB and THC to spread, producing an intense red color in the presence of a plant with high concentration of THC (e.g., marijuana) or an orange color in the presence of a plant with a high concentration of CBD (e.g., hemp).