Abstract: A sensor substrate includes a base and fibrous projections on an upper surface of the base. The fibrous projections have fixed ends fixed to the upper surface of the base and free ends opposite to the fixed ends, respectively. The fibrous projections provide a fixed end-side region including the fixed ends and a free end-side region including the free ends. The total surface area at which the fibrous projections in the fixed end-side region is larger than that in the free end-side region.

Abstract: A lateral flow, membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes phosphorescence to detect the signals generated by excited phosphorescent labels. The labels may have a long emission lifetime so that background interference from many sources, such as scattered light and autofluorescence, is practically eliminated during detection. In addition, the phosphorescent labels may be encapsulated within particles to shield the labels from quenchers, such as oxygen or water, which might disrupt the phosphorescent signal.

Abstract: A diagnostic test strip vial has a container, a lid, and a plurality of diagnostic test strips. The container has a generally annular wall that terminates at a base and at an open mouth at an end that is opposite the base. The annular wall is cut at an oblique angle creating a wall that has a high side and a low side at the open mouth. The low side of the annular wall of the container is shorter in length than a diagnostic test strip that enclosed in the vial when the lid is closed with the container.

Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a formed plastic body and a reagent. The body has a top face with an integral first surface. The body also has a bottom face opposed to the first surface and a sidewall that extends from the periphery of the top face. The first surface is adapted to accept a fluid sample. The reagent is disposed on the integral first surface and causes a color change detectable on the bottom face when the reagent reacts with an analyte in the fluid sample.

Abstract: A counterfeit currency detector including a tubular body having a forward end and a rearward end, a contact assembly mounted at the forward end of the tubular body, and a counterfeit solution applicator mounted at the rearward end of the tubular body. The contact assembly includes an ultraviolet light source.

Abstract: A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe are installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for activating a self-contained biological indicator. The biological indicator includes a casing, an ampule having a growth-promoting medium disposed therein and microorganisms. The ampule and microorganisms are disposed within the casing. The device is comprised of a first lever arm having a cavity formed therein. The cavity is dimensioned to receive a biological indicator. A second lever arm has a protrusion extending from a surface thereof and is moveable relative to the first lever arm to deform a casing of the biological indicator thereby fracturing an ampule in the casing and exposing microorganisms in the casing to a growth-promoting medium in the ampule of the biological indicator.

Abstract: A centrifugal assembly is provided that can be used in common laboratory fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuges for the separation of material, such as parasitic ova, based on particle density. The centrifugal assembly allows the fluid level to be gently adjusted to form a meniscus without disruption of the buoyant matter, such as ova. The centrifugal assembly also enables a user to easily and hygienically collect and transfer a measured amount of a sample, such as fecal material, and to break apart and mix the sample with a floatation fluid contained in a centrifuge tube.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus in the detection of a scent to locate the damage and its extent and to aid in the repair manually or self-repair.

Abstract: A method for managing treatment of a particular health condition afflicting a patient through connection of a patient local processing device with a remote web server system. The patient local processing device receives patient health condition data, such as subjective patient symptoms and analyte levels, compiles the data into summaries to correlate subjective symptoms to analyte levels. The web server automatically provides patient reports to a healthcare provider.

Abstract: A method for managing treatment of a particular health condition afflicting a patient through associating subjective patient symptoms with analyte levels, which includes storing a health management program in a nonvolatile memory, which when run, prompts a user for entry of health condition data, including patient physiological data, subjective patient health condition data, and medication delivery data, compiles the health condition data into an accumulated data summary in which analyte levels at specific times are associated with subjective patient symptom data at specific times so that the summary shows an overall view of possible influences of subjective patient symptoms on analyte levels.

Abstract: A method for managing treatment of a particular health condition afflicting a patient through the use of a mobile phone device which includes a health management program stored in the mobile phone device that prompts a user for entry of health condition data, including patient physiological data, subjective patient health condition data, and medication delivery data, compiles the health condition data into an accumulated data summary, and transmits the data summary from the mobile phone device to a second processing unit through a communication port. A drop-down list related to subjective symptoms is provided, which includes stress and depression. A touch screen is provided for a graphical user interface. The health management program also provides prompts for the entry of diet data, and further displays drop-down lists related to daily activities and alerts for medication delivery.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus in the detection of a scent to locate the damage and its extent and to aid in the repair manually or self-repair. A method for detecting damage in a device including, providing at least one first microcapsule having at least two scents in a composition detectable by a machine, human, and/or animal or any combination thereof, associating the scent(s), where the scent(s) is a device, releasing the scent(s) when damage has occurred to the device, and detecting the scent(s) to alert a detector of the damage and level of the damage.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a humidity indicating composition comprising (a) an organic pH indicator dye compound, (b) a Bronsted acid or base, (c) a polyol having the general formula HOCH2—(CHOH)n—CH2OH, wherein n can be 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and (d) a solvent; wherein said components (a), (b), (c) and (d) do not contain halogen and/or heavy metals. Furthermore, the invention relates to a humidity indicator card comprising a sheet substrate and the humidity indicating composition from which the solvent has been allowed to evaporate, and to a process for preparing said humidity indicator card.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sampling a sulphur-containing solid product including supplying a gas flow comprising hydrogen sulphide, bringing the gas flow into contact with a solid reagent and reacting the solid reagent with the hydrogen sulphide contained in the gas flow, the reaction fixing the sulphur of the hydrogen sulphide by forming a sulphur-containing solid product which is different in color from the solid reagent, and recovering the sulphur-containing solid product. The invention also relates to a device suitable for the implementation of this method.

Abstract: A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing at least one biological target or chemical target is provided. The sensor includes a membrane includes a membrane material that supports generation and propagation of at least one waveguide mode, where the membrane material includes a plurality of voids having an average size<2 microns. The sensor also includes at least one receptor having structure for binding to the target within the plurality of voids, and an optical coupler for coupling light to the membrane sufficient to generate the waveguide mode in the membrane from photons incident on the optical coupler.

Abstract: An electrochemical detection system having a disposable cartridge capable of performing a plurality of assay protocols is disclosed. The cartridge includes a blister pack for the long-term storage and controlled release of multiple reagents. The blister pack is bonded to and operatively associated with a fluidic backbone for providing the fluid pathways, storage capacity, and fluid control functions for performing multiple assay protocols. The cartridge further includes a plurality of sensors having a multiple electrode arrangement in operative association with a respective flow cell defined by the fluidic backbone. After the user has transferred a sample into the cartridge and engaged the cartridge to the reader, the reader operatively interfaces with the cartridge such that different assay protocols may be simultaneously performed in isolation from one another inside the cartridge. The reader may be one of many readers that operatively communicate data to a remote server for processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed immunoassay cuvettes that comprise diffusely bound and non-diffusely bound reagents for carrying out an immunoassay. The reaction and detection are carried out in the immunoassay cuvette. The immunoassay cuvette comprises a transparent front wall, a back wall, side walls, a bottom, and a top opening. The back wall of the cuvette has a substantially planar surface made of a non-porous material and comprises a capture zone having reagents non-diffusedly bound and a signal reagent zone having reagents diffusedly bound.

Abstract: A fast acting sensor designed to accommodate an aqueous analyte-containing sample having a volume of less than one microliter and that can be used to quantify the amount and concentration of such analyte in the sample through light reflectance or fiber-optic light reflectance. The sensor includes a storage chamber, a capillary passage, and a reaction membrane. The storage chamber acts to collect the sample and to secure such sample while it undergoes detection. The capillary passage acts to direct the sample over the reaction membrane and controls the diffusion of the sample in the storage chamber. The reaction membrane contains all of the chemicals and enzymes needed to cause a color-change reaction when contacted with the sample. The amount of analyte can be determined by light reflectance intensity with an optical measurement instrument.

Abstract: A stirring container in which liquid is contained is used in an analyzer for measuring a property of the liquid. The stirring container includes a recessed portion in which the liquid is held so that a meniscus is formed; and a sound wave generating unit disposed outside of a wall portion forming the recessed portion, and generates surface sound waves for stirring the liquid. The wall portion is configured so that a rising of the meniscus is lower than a rising of the meniscus formed by the liquid held in an assumed container whose cross section in a direction orthogonal to a depth direction of the recessed portion is the same as that of a circumscribed rectangle. The circumscribed rectangle is circumscribed about a portion, made of a same material as a part of the wall portion where the meniscus is formed, where the meniscus is formed in the relevant direction.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus that includes a deck for holding at least one microfluidic chip and capable of being accessed by a liquid handling system, a fluid control system, and a detection system, wherein a chip handling device transports the chip from the deck to the fluid control system and the detection system. The present invention also includes a chip for use with an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus, and a method for processing a microfluidic chip using such an apparatus.

Abstract: Chemical indicators for acidic or basic gases include an inert, porous substrate, an indicator dye or mixture of dyes contained within at least some of the pores of the inert, porous substrate, and an inert adhesive layer attached to the inert, porous substrate. The porous substrate may be a microporous substrate.

Abstract: A detection system in a portable assay reader device is enabled or activated after a user applies a manual force to a portion of the reader device, to an object supporting the assay test strip, or to the assay test strip itself. The movement moves a switch from an open state to a closed state. The closed state enables a detection system to monitor one or more test regions in the assay test strip for a reaction. The detection system can include one or more imagers, one or more electrical detectors, one or more magnetic detectors, or one or more optical detectors that monitor the one or more test regions for applicable visible, electrical, magnetic, or optical reactions, respectively. The one or more imagers or detectors transmit data to a processing device to determine the results of a test.

Abstract: A diagnostic test reader includes an assay interface, a locking mechanism, and a test unit. The assay interface is configured to receive a diagnostic assay. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a first push in a first direction toward the other of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader. The locking mechanism is also configured to unlock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to the one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a second push in the first direction. The test unit is configured to analyze the diagnostic assay.

Abstract: A testing cartridge for metering of a sample to be tested. The testing cartridge includes a casing defining a casing opening and a sliding member defining a sliding member opening. The casing opening or the sliding member opening can define a specified volume, wherein the casing opening and the sliding member opening collectively define a sample application region dimensioned to accommodate receiving an amount of sample exceeding the specified volume. The sliding member is movable transversely to the casing opening by having the sliding member and the casing traverse across each other's respective openings to remove excess sample from the received amount of sample and retain the specified volume from the received amount of sample.

Abstract: A device and method for extending the useful life of a bulk liquid used in an automated clinical analyzer. Air from the atmosphere surrounding the automated clinical analyzer that displaces the bulk liquid consumed from a container is routed through a gas scrubber in order to remove or at least reduce the quantity of at least one contaminant present in that air. The gas scrubber is positioned between the bulk liquid in the container and the atmosphere surrounding the container. The gas scrubber contains a reagent that is capable of reacting with a contaminant in the atmosphere, whereby a required characteristic(s) of the bulk liquid does (do) not change excessively prior to the date that the bulk liquid is consumed. For example, if the contaminant is carbon dioxide, and the required characteristic of the bulk liquid is the level of pH of the bulk liquid, the reagent in the gas scrubber prevents the level of pH of the bulk liquid from changing excessively prior to the date that the bulk liquid is consumed.

Abstract: A medical device includes a casing, a cover member that covers a portion on one-direction side of the same, and a sheet member interposed therebetween. The cover member includes on its periphery a hook part having a hook-like portion and a protrusion. The casing includes a latch part configured to engage with the hook part and a fitted portion for the protrusion to fit in. The sheet member includes an alignment part for aligning itself with the cover member. The cover member preferably has optical transparency. The casing preferably includes a recess shaped to fit with an outer shape of the cover member at a portion to be covered by the cover member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of target molecules are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assay reader system incorporating a conventional assay reader, for example a lateral flow reader, and an insert aligned with the reader's sensor to detect an assay result. The insert may include a housing which defines a cavity to receive a removable barrier, wherein the removable barrier can be aligned between the sensor and the test strip. The barrier may include an optical window, and may be cleanable and/or disposable to maintain the accuracy of the reader. Test strips are introduced into the reader through a receiving port within the insert's housing. An air inlet on the insert further maintains the reader's accuracy by allowing air to be tunneled over the housing to remove excess dust, debris, or the like.

Abstract: A disposable immunodiagnostic test system tests for marker proteins in a sample and includes intimately contacting passage, protein, and absorbent layers. The passage layer is non-porous and has an aperture therethrough. The protein layer is porous, has combinable proteins immobilized thereon, and enables passage of the sample therethrough. The protein layer has an active surface aligned with the passage layer aperture. The sample is introduced onto the protein layer through the passage layer aperture. In positive results, the marker proteins are bound to the combinable proteins and immobilized relative to the protein layer. In negative results, the sample passes through the protein layer, and is absorbed by the absorbent layer. A housing may also be provided, as may a wash structure. The system may be constructed of combustible materials that produce non-toxic by-products upon incineration, preferably enabling ecologically responsible disposal after diagnostic use of the system.

Abstract: A urine sample collection and drug test kit includes a receiving vessel with a specially prepared mechanical holder. A prepared chemical test carrier insert is pushed into the holder to form a drug test system. The drug test kit additionally includes purpose functional cap integrated with the receiving vessel whereby a sure liquid tight seal is easily established by merely applying a pressure to the cap to complete a press fit seal between the cap and receiving vessel at their respective aperture peripheries. The carrier insert is fashioned to accommodate an array of drug test reagent strips, for example nitrocellulose strips having prescribed chemistry integrated thereon. Receiving vessels of these systems are particularly characterized in that they include a viewing window carefully aligned with respect to the mechanical holder whereby the carrier insert may be viewed as it is held indexed and fixed with respect to the exterior surface of the receiving vessel.

Abstract: The sensitivity of visually read lateral flow immunoassay tests is enhanced by adding a small quantity of fluorescing dye or fluorescing latex bead conjugates to the initial conjugate material. When the visible spectrum test line is visibly present, the test result is observed and recorded. However, in the case where the result is indeterminate, a light of an appropriate spectrum, such as a UV, visible, or infrared spectrum, is cast on the test line to excite and fluoresce the fluorescing latex beads which are bound in the test line in true positive tests to enhance the visible color at the test line.

Abstract: Microfluidic apparatus including integrated porous substrate/sensors that may be used for detecting targeted biological and chemical molecules and compounds. In one aspect, upper and lower microfluidic channels are defined in respective halves of a substrate, which are sandwiched around a porous membrane upon assembly. In other aspect, the upper and lower channels are formed such that a portion of the lower channel passes beneath a portion of the upper channel to form a cross-channel area, wherein the membrane is disposed between the two channels. In various embodiments, one or more porous membranes are disposed proximate to corresponding cross-channel areas defined by one or more upper and lower channels. The porous membrane may also have sensing characteristics, such that it produces a change in an optical and/or electronic characteristic.

Abstract: An electrochemical immunosensor system with reduced interference, comprising: a first immunosensor that generates an electrochemical signal based on the formation of a sandwich between an immobilized antibody, a target analyte and a labeled antibody, wherein a portion of the signal arises from non-specific binding of the labeled antibody in the region of the first immunosensor, and a second immunosensor that acts as an immuno-reference sensor and generates a signal that is the same as or predictably related to the degree of non-specific binding which occurs in the region of the first immunosensor, and has an immunocomplex between an immobilized antibody and an endogenous or exogenous protein that is in the sample and that is not the target analyte.

Abstract: A method of determining concentrations of a plurality of analytes from a single blood sample placed in a single opening. A portion of the single blood sample is absorbed by a test matrix that includes a plurality of layers and a chromogenic agent. A colored response is generated by the test matrix. The colored response is proportional to the concentration of a first analyte. A portion of the single blood sample is drawn into a capillary tube and placed in contact with an electrode and a counter-electrode. An electrical property of the single blood sample is analyzed through the electrode and counter-electrode. The electrical property is proportional to the concentration of a second analyte in the single blood sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically oxidizing components of a test-sensor reagent prior to deposition on a test sensor comprise at least a first electrode and a second electrode for contacting the test-sensor reagent. The first electrode and the second electrode may have hollow interior portions for contacting the test-sensor reagent to produce a modified test-sensor reagent having a reduced background current.

Abstract: A biosensor container comprising a housing defining an internal glucose test strip compartment. The housing has an engagement portion for retaining a detachable means for storing data, and the means for storing data has data stored thereon specific to a batch of glucose test strips. At least one of the housing and the means for storing data includes at least one data reading element that is externally accessible when the means for storing data is retained by the engagement portion of the housing. The container includes various fail safe features to prevent mishandling and insure the user obtains the correct results. The housing includes means for connecting to the bG meter only when the means for storing data is retained by the housing. The housing further includes means for dispensing glucose test strips only when the housing is in either of an attached-to meter mode or a stand-alone mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a luminometer and methods which provides simple and effective measurement of a plurality of wells in a plurality of strips in an automatic fashion. The luminometer may be used in CLIA (Chemi Luminescent Immuno Assays). The luminometer allows for CLIA micro strip reading, and reads break-apart wells, with a plurality of wells per strip, and calculates results instantly and automatically. The luminometer has an automatic carrier positioning system which selectively positions the plurality of wells in the plurality of strips at a measuring position, wherein the drive system associated with the positioning system drives the carrier along a single axis of movement. An optical track system automatically provides Y axis movement of the carrier. The luminometer may have a calibration system for maintaining proper operation of the system in measurements therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device comprising liquid transport means adapted to take up a liquid sample and conduct the liquid to an analyte detection region operable to provide a test signal indicative of the presence and/or amount of an analyte in the liquid sample; the assay device further comprising a sample presence signal generation means, which is not generated by means of an immunoreaction. This sample presence signal generation means can comprise a colored portion, which is overlaid by a material (e.g. nitrocellulose) that is opaque, when dry, and translucent or transparent, when wet, to allow the colored portion to become visible to the user. In another embodiment the signal generation means comprises a color changing material which under-goes a change in its visible properties upon wetting (eg. pH indication). A third embodiment uses a mobilisable detectable which, when wetted by the sample, is carried along resulting in a streaked line parallel with the flow direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.

Abstract: A test sensor includes a base, a lid and a channel for receiving a fluid sample. The channel includes a reagent. The test sensor also includes a tip portion extending from at least one of the base and lid. The tip portion prevents or inhibits moisture or contaminants from entering the channel and affecting the reagent. The test sensor further includes a detachable area located adjacent the tip portion. The detachable area is formed so as to assist movement of the tip portion or removal of the tip portion from the remainder of the test sensor. The movement or removal of the tip portion exposes the channel for receiving the fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor cartridge (11) comprising a bottom portion (1) with a well (2) adapted to accommodate a liquid sample and a cover portion (3) for closing said well (2). The well (2) has a sensor surface (4). The bottom portion (1) is adapted for allowing light to enter along a first optical path (5), to be reflected at the sensor surface (4) and to exit along a second optical path (6). The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a cartridge (11).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide lateral flow and flow-through bioassay devices based on patterned porous media, methods of making same, and methods of using same. Under one aspect, an assay device includes a porous, hydrophilic medium; a fluid impervious barrier comprising polymerized photoresist, the barrier substantially permeating the thickness of the porous, hydrophilic medium and defining a boundary of an assay region within the porous, hydrophilic medium; and an assay reagent in the assay region.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for preventing interfering substances from affecting the accuracy of a lateral flow immunoassay. In preferred embodiments, a test strip includes a capturing zone that includes at least one mobile capturing reagent that separates at least one interfering substance from the analyte. The capturing zone is preferably located upstream of the sample application zone. In some embodiments, the reagent/conjugate zone is also located upstream of the sample application zone. The capturing zone may be located upstream, downstream, or overlapping with the reagent/conjugate zone in these embodiments. In other preferred embodiments, one or more mobile capturing reagents are included in the elution medium/running buffer. In yet other embodiments, the capturing reagent is incorporated into a sample collection device of a sample collection system, preferably separate from the chromatographic test strip. A lysis zone is also included in some preferred embodiments.

Abstract: Tube and float systems and methods for isolating, enumerating, and harvesting target materials of a suspension are described. In one aspect, a tube and float system includes a filter embedded in a tube cap. The filter enables the passage of fluids but prevents the passage of the target materials. The tube and float system can be used to isolate and enumerate the target materials by centrifuging the tube and float system with the suspension to trap the target materials between the float and inner wall of the tube. Fluids above and below the float are poured off and a second fluid can be introduced to the tube to re-suspend the trapped target material. The second fluid can be poured through the filter in the cap to trap the target material against the filter. The target material can be enumerated and analyzed.

Abstract: An analytical device for performing an assay to determine the presence or approximate quantity of at least one analyte in a liquid sample is described. The device is manufactured to include an integrated desiccant within at least a test strip of the device. Addition of an integrated desiccant within the device improves signal to noise ratio, eases the manufacturing process, and saves in cost of production of the device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The sample processing devices provide process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group of process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas.