Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a camera for detecting an analyte in a sample is disclosed. A plurality of different color coordinate systems and a set of test samples are provided. The test samples are applied to test elements that have test fields for producing an optically detectable reaction. Images of the colored test fields are acquired using the camera and color coordinates for the images are generated. The color coordinates that are generated are transformed into a set of measured concentrations by using a set of coding functions. The set of measured concentrations is compared with the known concentrations of the test samples and a best match color coordinate system of the plurality of color coordinate systems is determined. A best match coding function of the plurality of coding functions is also determined.

Abstract: A method for determining sample container characteristics is presented. The method comprises providing first image data representing a first image of a sample container in a first scenario, wherein in the first scenario, a first illumination condition comprising a sample container background illumination is applied to the sample container; providing second image data representing a second image of the sample container in a second scenario, wherein in the second scenario, a second illumination condition different from the first is applied to the sample container; determining a mask from the first image that indicates a sub-image section of the first image comprising a sample container representation in the first image; determining sub-image data from the second image containing a sample container representation in the second image by applying the mask to the second image; and determining the sample container characteristics from an image data analysis comprising image sub-image data data analysis.

Abstract: A method for collection and dissemination of biologic data, comprising collecting at least one biologic sample by a testing device including thereon an alignment target and including a plurality of immunoassay test strips, wherein the at least one biologic sample contacts a sample pad on at least one of the plurality of immunoassay test strips, assigning correlative values as test results, wherein each test performed on the biologic sample is assigned a different correlative value, receiving the test results at a server disposed on a network, wherein the server has configured thereon a database, assigning a unique identification to the biologic sample, storing the unique identification in the database, storing the test results in the database in association with the unique identification of the biologic sample, and providing access to the database to healthcare organizations for analysis of the test results.

Abstract: A wafer for carrying a biological sample includes a pair of circular discs, at least one of the discs being transparent. The wafer also includes a gap between the discs adapted to receive a biological sample. The compact circular shape of the wafer makes it particularly suited for use in a portable device in which the wafer is rotated to enable a camera to image different areas of the sample between the discs. The gap may be sized to pull a biological sample into the gap by capillary action.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to microfluidic devices. In one example, a microfluidic device can include a microfluidic channel. A vent chamber can be in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel. A capillary break can be located between the microfluidic channel and the vent chamber. The capillary break can include a tapered portion and a narrowed opening with a smaller width than a width of the microfluidic channel. A vent port can vent gas from the vent chamber. The vent port can be located a distance away from the capillary break so that a fluid in the capillary break does not escape through the vent port.

Abstract: A method for measuring blood glucose levels by a portable terminal using a strip module is provided. The strip module includes a dye pad having a color that changes in response to a sample applied to the dye pad. The strip module also includes a transparent strip having a first side and a second side. The first side is opposite the second side. The dye pad is mounted on the first side of the transparent strip, and the transparent strip reflects light provided from a light source of a portable terminal located adjacent to the second side and transmits the light to the dye pad.

Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique integrated user interface for ease of set-up and control, service and maintenance, even in the field and without accessory controllers. The necessary components, such as central processing unit, display and accelerometer are positioned in a water-tight housing, with the display configured for convenient observability and readability. A plurality of sensors provide electronic signals to the CPU, such as by a measurement subsystem. Upon a controlled change in orientation or a force application to the sonde, the display via the accelerometer provides a desired output display configuration.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve visibility by reducing background noise in order to accurately detect the signal from a target substance in an immunochromatographic device. The immunochromatographic device comprises a membrane having a detection region, to which an antibody or antigen serving as a capturing substance capable of capturing a target substance is immobilized, for detecting the target substance by using an antigen or antibody labeled with a labeling carrier that is a colored particle to form a complex of the capturing substance-target substance-labeled antigen or antibody in the capturing substance-immobilized detection region on the device, based on color of the labeling carrier, wherein a colorant having a color complementary to the color of the labeling carrier is allowed to be contained in a dry state in a constituent member of the device such that the colorant is developed together with a specimen when the specimen is developed on the device.

Abstract: A resin-metal composite 100 to be used as a marker in an immunoassay, said resin-metal composite 100 comprising a resin particle 10 and metal particles 20 and having the following constitution (A) or constitution (B): (A) the average particle size of the resin-metal composite exceeding 300 nm; or (B) the average particle size of the metal particles being in the range of more than 20 nm and less than 70 nm. It is preferred that a part of the metal particles 20 are two- or three-dimensionally distributed in the surface layer part 60 of the resin particle 10, a part of the three-dimensionally distributed metal particles 20 are partly exposed to the outside of the resin particle 10, and a part of the remainder particles are enclosed in the resin particle 10.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to devices, systems and methods that enable the quick and reliable detection of hemolysis in a sample such that a sample which exhibits an unacceptable level of hemolysis can be flagged or disregarded in an associated diagnostic test.

Abstract: A sensor includes an inflow section into which an analyte liquid flows; a first cover member; a detection element including an element substrate located on an upper surface of the first cover member, and a detection section which is located on an upper surface of the element substrate and is configured to detect a target contained in an analyte liquid; an intermediate cover member including a first upstream portion; a second cover member including a second upstream portion; and a flow channel which is surrounded by the intermediate cover member and the second cover member, is continuous with the inflow section, and extends at least to the detection section. A contact angle ?2a of a lower surface of the second upstream portion of the second cover member with the analyte liquid is smaller than a contact angle ?3 of an upper surface of the detection element with the analyte liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test system or assay system (detection system) and to a test method, preferably in use in the point-of-care (PoC) field.

Abstract: An extended range test strip includes a simple system where the end user can determine the concentration of the analyte at high concentration with a single drop of whole blood. A single drop of blood spreads across a spreading layer and into multiple reagent stacks. Multiple reagent stacks of the test strip may be configured to test for different ranges by adding a peroxide modulator. Readings from multiple reagent stacks producing a colorimetric response may be tested simultaneously. Working from the lowest range to the highest range of reagent stacks, the first reagent stack to be less than its maximum range is considered to be the reagent stack that is producing a colorimetric response related to the actual amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand-held, medical, multi-channel biological information acquisition mobile terminal system, comprising two signal sensing gloves RL with a cable end embedded therein, for use in acquiring a variety of biological signals comprising multi-channel interconnected ECG, heart sounds, finger blood volume pulse, and skin impedance etc., the signal sensing gloves RL also comprising a signal acquisition device S, a signal transmission device C connected to the signal acquisition device S, and a mobile terminal T connected wirelessly or with a wired connection. The system has the characteristics of low power consumption, small size, low cost and fewer control channels needed for multi-channel connection; and the system can achieve on-site acquisition of a variety of biological information and the mobile function of electronic health records.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein related to devices and methods for the collection and/or determination of analytes, such as illicit substances including military explosives, explosives, and precursors thereof. In some cases, the device may be a disposable device that incorporates highly efficient sample collection in combination with microfluidic-based chemical analysis resulting in the rapid detection and identification of unknown materials. In some cases, multiple colorimetric detection chemistries may be employed, and the resulting “barcode” of color changes can be used to positively identify the presence and/or identity of the analyte.

Abstract: Nucleic acid amplification tests have been widely used in clinical laboratories. Nucleic acid extraction from biological materials is challenging because different unfavorable substances may co-extract and inhibit downstream applications. The present invention relates to a composition of and a method for treating the sample prior, during or post extraction of nucleic acid. More specifically, the claimed invention relates to a composition of and a method for using low concentrations of common organic solvents to remove inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification. The present invention can be used for extracting nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other biological materials or matrices, including but not limit to, stool samples, body fluids, plants and cultures. The method is rapid, low-cost, and easy to use in a laboratory setting. The nucleic acid extracted in accordance with the invention can be used for nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for providing food expiration date information using a TTI (time temperature integrator) and a method for providing food expiration date information using the same. The system for providing the food expiration date information and the method for providing the food expiration date information using the same of the present invention includes: an input unit for receiving TTI information, food information, and distribution history information; a calculation unit for producing a TTI indication value corresponding to an expiration date of the food; and an output unit which determines and outputs a color corresponding to the expiration date of the food among stages of colors which can be expressed through the TTI according to time and temperature conditions using the TTI indication value.

Abstract: The present invention can be characterized as a trainer kit for a Colorimetric Reconnaissance Explosive Squad Screening (“CRESS”) kit, which contains a control compound and a set of simulated explosive compositions (“SEC”). The control compound contains no explosive precursor, while each SEC is a combination of one or more explosive precursors that is to be detected by CRESS, and at least one non-explosive additive that reduces the kinetics of the explosive precursor. The SEC retains the colorimetric characteristics of the explosive precursor, but is stable in heat and non-hazardous.

Abstract: This invention provides a cell made of polymers for spectra measurement while inhibiting a decrease in a molecular weight of resin caused by discharge treatment and having a stable hydrophilic modified surface. The hydrophilic resin cell is prepared by providing a polymeric resin cell between the two opposing electrodes, applying an electric field to a region between the above opposing electrodes under a nitrogen atmosphere with a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure to generate an electric discharge, and exposing the cell subjected to discharge treatment with a gas including oxygen.

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: A method for analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents. Separately fluorescing visible molecules or nanoparticles are periodically formed in different object parts, the laser produces the oscillation thereof which is sufficient for recording the non-overlapping images of the molecules or nanoparticles and for decoloring already recorded fluorescent molecules, wherein tens of thousands of pictures of recorded individual molecule or nanoparticle images, in the form of stains having a diameter on the order of a fluorescent light wavelength multiplied by a microscope amplification, are processed by a computer for searching the coordinates of the stain centers and building the object image according to millions of calculated stain center co-ordinates corresponding to the co-ordinates of the individual fluorescent molecules or nanoparticles. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are provided for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids with different coloring agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a colorimetric detection kit comprising a unit containing chemical reagents and a sample collector for collecting a sample analyte from a surface and a separate unit for visualizing a possible reaction of the chemical reagent and sample, the unit holding the chemical reagents and sample collector being placeable on the visualization unit, whereby when the chemical reagents are released, they are directed onto the sample collector for reaction and the reacted reagents absorbed on a visualization media, such that the presence of a specified analyte in the sample results in a color change in the visualization media.

Abstract: A mobile water analyzing system for determining an analyte in a water sample includes a basic unit and a test element configured to be inserted into the basic unit. The test element includes a sample line with an inlet opening configured to receive the water sample, a measuring section forming a measuring track and configured to allow the determination of an analyte, a pump opening, and a key reagent disposed inside the sample line. The basic unit includes a test element receptacle configured to hold the inserted test element, an analyzer with an analyzer measuring track formed by the measuring section, and a pump actuator cooperatively connected with the pump opening.

Abstract: An apparatus may be configured to test a beverage, the apparatus may include but is not limited to, a beverage container that may be configured to hold a beverage, wherein the beverage container may include a material. An indicator may be chemically bonded to at least a portion of the material of the beverage container, wherein at least the portion of the material of the beverage container may include the indicator, wherein the indicator may be associated with at least part of a brand profile to identify a beverage brand's beverage, wherein the indicator may visibly react when the indicator is contacted with the beverage to show whether the beverage may be identified as the beverage brand's beverage, and wherein the visible reaction may be shown on at least the portion of the material of the beverage container via the indicator chemically bonded to at least the portion of the material of the beverage container.

Abstract: A device for conducting an agglutination assay comprising several reaction vessels, each reaction vessel comprising an upper chamber having an opening for accepting reactants and/or a sample; and a lower chamber comprising an end in communication with the upper chamber for receiving fluids from the upper chamber, a closed end opposite to the end, and a matrix for separating agglutinates from non-agglutinates; wherein the device further comprises a rotating support able to rotate around an axis and holding pivotally the reaction vessels in a way to allow the reaction vessels to pivot about an axis essentially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support when the latter is rotated, such that the fluids remain in the upper chamber when the support is not rotated, and can flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber and into the matrix when the support is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device for closing an introduction aperture, the sealing device comprising a fixed support and a shutter mounted movably in translation relative to the support between an extended position and a final retracted position, wherein the sealing device is in a final retracted configuration and wherein the shutter closes introduction aperture. The device includes locking means for preventing any movement of the shutter when it is in the final retracted position. The sealing device further comprises an intermediate retracted configuration, wherein the shutter is at least partly retracted. The sealing device also comprises motion guiding means for guiding the movement of the shutter and designed so that the extension of the shutter is required to move the shutter from the intermediate retracted position to the final retracted position.

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 (e.g. pH indication). A third embodiment uses a mobilizable detectable which, when wetted by the sample, is carried along resulting in a streaked line parallel with the flow direction.

Abstract: 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 sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a housing and at least one display integrated in the housing. The housing includes a recess adapted for insertion of a cartridge into the housing to deliver a sample to be measured to the device. The recess has an opening at the front of the housing and a first part of the housing for insertion of the cartridge protrudes in a direction enclosing an angle with a second part of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel lateral flow devices using two dimensional features, preferably, uniform two dimensional test and control signal readout patterns, and the methods for detecting an analyte using the lateral flow devices.

Abstract: A system and method for a beverage container configured to test for a contaminated beverage in the beverage container comprises a base of the beverage container, an upper portion of the beverage container, and a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface that extends from the base to the upper portion, and a testing material. A portion of the beverage container is the testing material configured to visibly react when the portion of the beverage container is contacted with the contaminated beverage.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of a system for handling and processing chemical and/or biological samples, a MicroChamber comprises a substrate, a reservoir formed on the substrate for receiving a chemical and/or biological sample, and an encoder such as a barcode or other suitable device. The encoder encodes information describing at least one characteristic of the substrate and/or reservoir.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay test device providing a structure for the lateral flow assay reactions provides for a continuous flow path of bibulous material provided in separate but contiguous regions of the device in which the bibulous layers are in fluid contact with each other thereby providing flow control of the timing and speed of the assay reaction. Increased flow control results in increasing reliability of use, increasing sophistication of reactions and increases the range of molecules or diagnosis that can be identified. Such flow control can extend processing times and allow users or test givers to manually delay test processing providing enhanced test results.

Abstract: An assay system designed to detect a protein biomarker in urine that is diagnostic for interstitial cystitis (IC). The presence of a 9 amino acid glycopeptide, antiproliferative factor (APF), in urine is unique to patients with IC. Urine samples from patients who exhibit symptoms consistent with IC are added to the assay system. Binding of APF to the cytoskeletal associated protein 4 (CKAP4) is positive for the presence of APF in urine and diagnostic for IC. The diagnostic system is a significant and surprising advance in diagnosis of IC and has commercial applications relevant to women and men who suffer from symptoms consistent with IC.

Abstract: A marker system for applying to surfaces of items, articles, goods, vehicles and/or premises, said marker system comprising: a marker comprising a temperature resilient medium having a predefined carbonization temperature capable of securing the marker system onto a surface; wherein the medium contains an inorganic matrix having a predefined fusing point lower than the predefined carbonization temperature of the medium; such that when the marker system is subjected to temperatures above the predefined carbonization temperature of the medium, the inorganic matrix fuses to the marker to form an adhesive protective layer thereby securing the marker onto said surface. A composition comprising the marker system. An item, an article, a good, a vehicle and/or premises comprising a surface impregnated with the marker system.

Abstract: A miniature lower cost optical sensing apparatus and method are provided for determining the concentration and/or hazard from a target gas by means of IR or visible photon monitoring one or more sensors that responds to carbon monoxide. The apparatus comprises a photon source optically coupled to the sensor and at least a portion of the photon intensity passing through the sensor is quantified by one or more photodiode(s) in a system, so that the photon flux is a function of at least one sensor's response to the target gas, e.g., transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photo current from the photodiode is converted to a sensor reading value proportional to the optical characteristics of the sensors and is loaded into a microprocessor or other logic circuit. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings may be differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings and the total photons absorbed value may be used to calculate the CO concentration and/or dose.

Abstract: For checking engine oil, especially containing rate of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), we provide a measuring device including a cylindrical and upright analysis vessel having a reading scale with which a surface boundary is measured. In the vessel, the engine oil is mixed with reagents including alcohol(s) and a demulsifier. And the decreased volume is checked as volume of the FAME contained in the engine oil.

Abstract: Disclosed is an at-home blood pregnancy test kit that can identify the presence of hCG in a blood sample to detect pregnancy in female mammals. The present kit includes a housing having a sample strip that is in fluid communication with a sample pad for holding a blood sample, a test pad, and a conjugate pad. The housing further includes a test window and a push button for releasing a reagent that can react with hCG. The reagent and the test pad include antibodies that can bind with hCG antigens to detect presence of the same. The test window is adapted to display a symbol that indicates a negative pregnancy test result in the absence of hCG, or display a symbol that indicates a positive pregnancy test result in the presence of hCG.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing particles in a solution including a unit configured to place a flow cell having a flow path for flowing a sample solution containing the particles; a unit configured to illuminate the sample solution flowing through the flow path of the flow cell; a photodetector that detects a scattered light and/or fluorescence generated from the particles in the sample solution; and a unit configured to analyze the particles based on their signal intensities detected by the photodetector, wherein the flow cell has the flow path formed in a substrate, a reflection plane is formed on the side surface of the flow path, the reflection plane leads the lights generated in the flow path of the flow cell and advancing in the substrate in-plane direction to a specified region of the surface of the flow cell, and the photodetector detects the light exiting from the specified region to the outside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an examination element that includes an antenna; a hygroscopic portion that absorbs a specimen; a reagent portion that, reacts with the specimen; and a chip including a semiconductor device capable of wireless communication and a photo sensor that detects a change in a color of the reagent portion. A change in the reagent portion is detected by the photo sensor, the detected data is stored in the semiconductor device capable of wireless communication, and the data is transmitted to an external database.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of hydrofluoric acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of hydrofluoric acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of hydrofluoric acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the hydrofluoric acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for quantifying the binding and dissociation kinetics of molecular interactions of small molecular bio materials with high sensitivity almost without the influence of a change in the reflective index resulting from a buffer solution by making polarized incident light incident on the binding layer of a bio material, formed in a thin dielectric film, so that the polarized incident light satisfies a p-wave non-reflecting condition and a quantifying method using the same.

Abstract: A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media, the meter having a housing and an interface for receiving a signal representing coding information, and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having a coding element associated therewith. Additionally, the system may provide a mechanism for removing the meter from an interconnected test container and reattaching it to a new container using on-container coding methods that can recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips.

Abstract: There is provided a high-accuracy automatic analysis device achieving both of measurement in a wide concentration range and high sensitivity at a low concentration. The signals of a plurality of wavelengths ?1 to ?12 where the sensitivity of light absorption caused by fine particles is high from a light source 40 are converted to absorbances by a spectroscopic optical system (detector) 41. The absorbances are converted to a secondary parameter from in which a noise component is cancelled by using a previously-defined conversion table 54, so that a concentration of a measured material (predetermined component) is calculated by an operation unit (calculating means) 53 based on the secondary parameter. Thus, analysis being resistant to the noise even at the low concentration can be achieved in a range up to a high concentration.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of ammonium acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of ammonium acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of ammonium acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the ammonium acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: A portable tester to detect one or more analytes from explosives, drugs, or household chemicals, comprising: a plurality of chemical disposable, detachable reagent reservoirs storing reagents to induce a series of color reactions, wherein developed color depends on sequences of applied reagents to respective pads on a support base, reaction times and temperatures on said pad to create one or more color bar codes for a specific analyte. The tester comprises a piezoelectric dispenser coupled to each respective reservoir to dispense a mist of reagent onto respective test pads to increase sensitivity and reduce reaction heat and time; wherein piezoelectric dispenser is processor controlled to control dispensing time and volume in each step.

Abstract: A vial and particles for distributing reagent bound particles in a fluid, a kit, and methods for distributing particles in a fluid.

Abstract: A diagnosis support method comprising: obtaining first blood glucose level information at a first time point and/or second blood glucose level information at a second time point which is later, by a predetermined period, than the first time point; placing a collection member, which is configured to collect a tissue fluid, on the skin of the subject for the predetermined period from the first time point to the second time point; obtaining glucose information about an amount of glucose contained in the tissue fluid collected by the collection member; and generating diagnosis support information for supporting a diagnosis of presence or absence of hypoglycemia in the subject, based on the first blood glucose level information and/or the second blood glucose level information and the glucose information. A diagnosis support system and a diagnosis support apparatus are also disclosed.

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.