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

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: There is provided a novel optical sensor utilizing a surface plasmon resonance technique which is capable of detecting a substance to be detected with high sensitivity independently of a wavelength of irradiated light and is capable of obtaining information, other than a refraction index, on the substance to be detected. At the center of a surface of a metallic film 2 which is formed on a substrate and has no aperture, a circular depression 4 with a diameter of 0.1 to 250 nm is formed and with the depression 4 defined as a center, a plurality of depressions 3 are concentrically formed at intervals of 450 to 530 nm.

Abstract: A method for assessing a corrosion inhibitor in a coolant, comprises providing a test kit comprising a first chamber containing an acid buffer and a solvent immiscible therein and a second chamber containing an indicator, the second chamber being in fluid communication with the first chamber and being configured such that retraction of the second chamber draws fluid into the first chamber and advancement forces fluid into the second chamber; drawing a coolant sample into the first chamber; contacting the coolant sample with the acid buffer and solvent in the first chamber and extracting the corrosion inhibitor into the solvent; allowing the solvent and buffer to separate in the first chamber; forcing a portion of the separated solvent into the second chamber; contacting the separated solvent with the indicator in the second chamber, and obtaining a visual indication of the presence of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant sample.

Abstract: The invention discloses a blood analyzing device (100) comprising a holder (110) arranged for carrying a container (10) having a cuvette (20) containing a blood sample (30). The container (10) is positioned in the holder (110) so that a longitudinal axis (60) of the cuvette (20) is angled relative a horizontal axis (70). A light source (120) provides light (40) into the sample (30) and a detector (130) detects the output light (50) from a sub-portion of the blood sample (30). Kinetic information indicative of the change in hemoglobin concentration in a measuring volume (32, 34) is determined by a Hb processor (145) from the detected output light (50). An ESR processor (140) determines the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the sample (30) based on the kinetic information.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting and assessing the quantity of a biological, biochemical, or chemical analyte in a test sample using a simple light source and the naked eye are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a nanohole sensor chip with two sections, the first of which is a test section, upon which capture agents for a particular analyte are immobilized, and the second of which is a reference section, upon which capture agents conjugated with known quantities of the analyte are immobilized. In another embodiment of the invention, a nanohole sensor chip with a test section and a plurality of reference sections is disclosed. The sensor utilizes light intensity changes exhibited by Fano resonances in the nanoholes for detection of analytes, and allows comparison between the light intensity changes between the reference sections and the test sections for assessing the quantity of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for measuring biomedical data and a measurement strip. The apparatus includes a plurality of detection units arranged within a strip reception area on a plane and spaced apart from each other, a measurement type determination unit for determining whether reactive portions are present in areas of the measurement strip corresponding to the plurality of detection units based on detection results obtained by the detection units and determining a type of measurement based on results of the determination, a biomedical data measurement unit for activating part or all of the detection units according to the type of measurement determined by the measurement type determination unit, and measuring the biomedical data using the activated detection units, and an output unit for outputting the measured biomedical data to an outside.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a sensor housing, having a channel; a porous substrate, in the channel; an analysis chemistry reagent, on the porous substrate; and a nozzle, in fluid connection with the channel. The porous substrate fills a cross section of the channel, and the cross-sectional area of the channel at the porous substrate is greater than the cross-sectional area at the nozzle.

Abstract: There is provided an assay device comprising a lid and a base, said base comprising, a sample addition zone, a reaction zone and an absorbing zone, said components being in fluid connection and being part of a fluid passage leading from the sample addition zone to the absorbing zone, wherein: (a) a sample addition well is integrated in the lid, (b) the absorbing zone consists of an area on an non-porous substrate, having substantially perpendicular projections, said projections defining a volume, which together with the volume of the fluid passage defines the sample volume subjected to the assay, and (c) at least one filter is between the sample addition well and the sample addition zone. There is further provided methods for handling samples.

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 device for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a fluid sample and method thereof, comprises a sample collector and a receiving cup for receiving and holding the sample collector within the receiving cup. The sample collector contains a compressible absorbent member for collecting the fluid sample, and has a first position and a second, locked position within the receiving cup. The absorbent member is uncompressed in the first position and is compressed in the second, locked position. The sample collector or the receiving cup has at least one test element having reagents for detecting the presence or amount of the analyte in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device for use in the determination of the presence of at least one analyte of interest in a liquid sample; the device comprising a reaction zone in which a reagent reacts with the analyte of interest and a bibulous member which, when contacted with the liquid sample, draws liquid therefrom towards the reaction zone; the bibulous member comprising means to change color when wetted by the sample.

Abstract: A test tape device is disclosed herein for use with a replaceable analytical tape cassette, where the device includes a housing having a cassette compartment covered by a cassette door and a housing opening for sample application, a protective cover that can be moved between a closed position covering the housing opening and a release position allowing access to the housing opening and a door lock for retaining the cassette door in the closed position, wherein the protective cover is coupled with the door lock via an interlocking mechanism, such that the door lock can only be unlocked in the release position of the cover.

Abstract: A cholesterol-level measuring apparatus including a portable body having a cholesterol level detecting means for identifying a cholesterol level in a blood sample, and a display screen communicatively coupled to the cholesterol level detecting means for illustrating a learned cholesterol level in the blood sample. Notably, the cholesterol level detecting means includes a disposable test strip having a color-changing reactive reagent that changes color in response to the learned cholesterol level in the blood sample.

Abstract: An air removal test system for verifying adequate air removal during a sterilization cycle of a pre-vacuum type sterilizer includes specimen holder and a test strip. The test strip includes a solid indicator chemical, which liquefies and travels along a wicking element during the sterilization cycle. The test strip is configured to verify adequate removal of air during the sterilization cycle by displaying a color change through a window.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from heterophile antibodies in an analyte immunoassay. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with non-human IgM or fragments thereof by dissolving into said sample a dry reagent to yield a non-human IgM concentration of at least about 20 ?g/mL or equivalent fragment concentration; and (b) performing an electrochemical immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG or fragments thereof in addition to the IgM of fragments thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. The whole blood sample may be applied forthwith, without prior processing. The blood cells and blood plasma in the whole blood sample are separated by (lateral) flow migration. Also disclosed is an assembly of a sample support and a device dedicated to measure thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. Advantageously, the sample support comprises a separator medium allowing separation of whole blood into blood cells and blood plasma by means of (lateral) flow migration.

Abstract: An improved electronic diagnostic device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a casing having a display, a test strip mounted in the casing, a processor mounted in the casing, and a first sensor mounted in the casing and operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to receive a signal from the first sensor when the device is exposed to ambient light thereby causing the device to become activated. The device includes a light shield that exerts pressure across a width of the test strip to prevent fluid channeling along the length of the test strip. The processor is configured to present an early positive test result reading when a measured value exceeds a predetermined early reading threshold value at any time after a predetermined early testing time period.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sensor port configured to receive a plurality of analyte sensors having different sizes, shapes and/or electrode configurations. Also provided are analyte meters, analyte monitoring devices and/or systems and drug delivery devices and/or systems utilizing the disclosed sensor ports.

Abstract: An electronically processed single-step test device for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid. The device includes a hollow rectangular outer casing, disposed within co-joined upper and lower sections of the casing are assay material, an electronic processing system, and a display. The display is observable through a viewing window. The assay material is a sorptive material including a fluid sample application region in the form of a sample wick in fluid communication with a test strip. The test strip includes an analyte capture region adjacent to a light shield. The system includes lights which are alternately pulsed or energized over predetermined periods of time to determine if fluid test results show a marker or markers in the capture region indicative of the presence of a preselected analyte in the fluid. If so, Yes+ is displayed on the display otherwise, No? is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A point-of-care, screening kit for use by a heath care worker to create custom test strips for screening the bodily fluids of an individual for various, medical conditions includes: (a) a plurality of reagents (12), (b) a substrate (18) configured to: i) receive one of the reagents and react with it so as to cause it to acquire a first characteristic color, and, ii) upon the addition of the individual's bodily fluid to the substrate, acquire, as a result of the formulation of each of the reagents, a second, dichotomous characteristic color when the individual has a specific one of the various, medical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system for efficiently and accurately performing immunoassays, such as ELISAs. The invention provides an immunoassay assembly which includes a flow-through unit and an aspiration pump. The immunoassay flow-through unit includes an outer seal; at least one bed support; an inner seal; and a packed non-porous bed. The unit is releasably attached to an aspiration pump which enables the controlled flow rate of liquid passing through the packed bed of the flow-through unit. The invention also provides a method of using the immunoassay assembly to identify analytical targets of interest.

Abstract: An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A drug test device for bodily fluids, such as urine, includes a cup and a removable lid which houses one or more test strips. The lid is releasably locked onto the cup so as to align dipping ends of the test strips exposed through an underside of the lid with a position stabilizer, thereby causing the dipping ends to be located downwardly and submerged in fluid when the device is placed on its side in a reactive position. The position stabilizer may comprise a sidewall indentation that reduces the internal volume of the cup and keeps the cup from rolling when placed on its side.

Abstract: Apparatus for quantitative analytical measurements using capillarity-based analytical devices is described. Porous cellulose (i.e., common filter paper) may be used as the reagent carrier for the analyses. Hydrophobic materials may be printed onto the paper to generate paths that restrict liquid flow by capillary action to defined regions. At least one colorimetric reagents effective for reacting with a specific analyte is deposited along a capillary flow path generated in the device. Upon placing the liquid containing the analyte on one end of the path, the liquid moves along the circuit by capillary action, and the flowing analyte reacts with reagent generating color along the flow path until all of the analyte is consumed. Analyte quantification is achieved by measuring the length of the colored portion along a flow path employing a direct-reading measurement scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.

Abstract: An air removal test system for verifying adequate air removal during a sterilization cycle of a pre-vacuum type sterilizer includes specimen holder and a test strip. The test strip includes a solid indicator chemical, which liquefies and travels along a wicking element during the sterilization cycle. The test strip is configured to verify adequate removal of air during the sterilization cycle by displaying a color change through a window.

Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting a sample; a plurality of sample processing apparatuses, arranged along a direction in which the sample is transported by the transporting apparatus, for processing the sample transported by the transporting apparatus; a base on which at least one of the sample processing apparatuses is placed; and a movement restricting section for restricting, on the base, a movement area within which the sample processing apparatus moves, wherein the movement restricting section allows the sample processing apparatus to move on the base so as to change orientation of the sample processing apparatus, is disclosed. A base for a sample processing system and a sample processing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A holding device disposed in a bio-detecting instrument for holding a test strip is provided, wherein the holding device comprises a first casing, a second casing, an ejecting member, and an elastic member. The second casing is assembled with the first casing to form an accommodating space, wherein the sensing terminals are extended into the accommodating space. The ejecting member comprises a push rod configured to be reciprocated in the accommodating space. The elastic member is configured to be compressed by driving the ejecting member to an ejecting position, where the push rod enters the accommodating space and is adapted to push the test strip outward without being contact with the sensing terminals, and the elastic member is configured to be released by drawing the push rod back from the accommodating space to an initial position.

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 the use of TFF3 in the diagnosis and detection of Barrett's esophagus using non-invasive, non-endoscopic methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid flow device, in particular a capillary testing device provided as a chip, comprising a second pathway which intersects the first pathway at a downstream point of convergence, so that the two pathways share an outlet and when liquid in the second pathway reaches the point of convergence, liquid flow in the first pathway stops. Means for measuring the distance travelled by liquid in the first pathway are provided to determine the extent of liquid flow and to enable correlation with the amount of analyte in the liquid.

Abstract: A reagent or particles having reagent supported thereon are applied to a matrix material by a contact printing process for example in which the matrix material is brought into contact with a rotating contact roll having the reagent or particles having reagent supported thereon disposed thereon so as to transfer the reagent or particles having reagent supported thereon to the matrix material. Such a contact printing processes allow high speed and high volume production of an assay device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of anything to which an antibody can be raised, or to which a chemical receptor can be fashioned, based on surface plasmon resonance. The apparatus and method have the capability to detect proteins, viruses, bacteria, toxins, pathogens, contaminants, chemical compounds, or nucleic acids based on surface plasmon resonance and surface receptor technologies which may include antibodies or chemical receptors. The device is field deployable and utilizes a single use sample holder card which includes the sample to be tested, test channels, waste reservoir and a functionalized test surface.

Abstract: A sample analysis disc has concave sections and convex sections formed alternately in a track area of a disc surface. Labeled beads are immobilized to the track area. Each labeled bead has a biopolymer bound thereto. Only one of the labeled beads is allowed to be filled in each concave section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for testing a sample of bodily fluid, comprising a carrier band, which carries a plurality of consumable elements, wherein one end of the carrier band is attached to a wind-up device for winding the carrier band, together with used consumable elements, onto a reel for the band transport, and comprising a display for displaying information regarding the supply of yet unused consumable elements of the carrier band. According to the invention, it is provided that information regarding the supply of yet unused consumable elements of the carrier band is obtained from an angle of rotation and from a band transport length by which the carrier band is moved with a rotation of the reel about said angle of rotation.

Abstract: A biomedical diagnostic device includes a hydrophilic layer, hydrophobic layer, and at least one test pad. The hydrophilic layer includes an exposed introductory portion adapted to introduce a test fluid, and is stacked with the hydrophobic layer with multiple access holes. At least one test pad, each of which includes a distinguishing reaction medium, is disposed in the corresponding holes that extend to contact the hydrophilic layer. The relations within the device are as follows: hydrophilicity of any of the test pads>hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic layer>hydrophilicity of the hydrophobic layer.

Abstract: A point-of-care, screening kit for use by a heath care worker to create custom test strips for screening the bodily fluids of an individual for various, medical conditions includes: (a) a plurality of reagents (12), (b) a substrate (18) configured to: i) receive one of the reagents and react with it so as to cause it to acquire a first characteristic color, and, ii) upon the addition of the individual's bodily fluid to the substrate, acquire, as a result of the formulation of each of the reagents, a second, dichotomous characteristic color when the individual has a specific one of the various, medical conditions.

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: A package for holding and disguising a chromatographic test of food and drink is formed in the shape of a drinking straw or stirrer. The package encloses test patches which are sensitive to particular drugs and produce a color change upon contact with the drug. The package has a view port or slit to observe the condition of the test strip upon contact with food and drink.

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 sensor for detecting a substance in liquid includes a sensing circuit including a sensing surface acoustic wave (SAW) element in which a reaction film to react with a substance in liquid, a reference circuit including a reference SAW element including an IDT and not including a reaction film, a first signal source driving the sensing circuit, a second signal source driving the reference circuit and being independent of the first signal source, and a differential circuit arranged to output a differential output between an output of the sensing circuit and an output of the reference circuit. The frequency of a first frequency signal output from the first signal source is different from the frequency of a second frequency signal output from the second signal source, thereby making a driving frequency for the sensing SAW element and a driving frequency for the reference SAW element substantially the same as or different from one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: A water-quality monitoring system for an aquatic environment that includes a monitoring unit and a chemical indicator wheel designed and configured to be submerged in the water being monitored. The chemical indicator wheel includes a holder that supports a number of chemical indicators selected for use in measuring levels of constituents of the water. When in use, the wheel is drivingly engaged with a monitoring/measuring unit that includes at least one reader for reading the chemical indicators. In some embodiments, each apparatus includes a plurality of immobilized-dye-based chemical indicators that undergo an optically detectable physical change as levels of one or more constituents of the water change. Also disclosed are a variety of features that can be used to provide the monitoring system with additional functionalities.

Abstract: An aquatic environment monitoring system that includes chemical indicators that are dyes immobilized in an immobilizing medium, such as a hydrogel, and supported on a holder such that an optical reader may be used to illuminate the indicator dyes. The chemical indicator dyes include chemical indicator dyes that are sensitive for detecting calcium, magnesium, and carbon dioxide present in the aquatic environment.

Abstract: A non-invasive, calorimetric infection detector is provided, comprised of a substrate, and one or more indicator compositions disposed upon or incorporated therein. These indicator compositions exhibit a persistent change color when exposed to gaseous oxides of nitrogen and acids formed therefrom, providing a means of detecting NO production in a wound, which has been found to occur at a high level at the onset of infection in a wound. In addition, a bandage is provided, comprised of the detector, as well as a porous portion, and preferably a hydrophobic barrier layer to protect the detector from contamination by water and other fluids draining from the wound. The non-invasive, calorimetric infection detector, and bandage containing same, can be utilized to provide a convenient, easily utilized colorimetric means of detecting the onset of wound infection, thereby enabling caregivers to effectively and timely treat infections.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a specimen into a flow cytometer comprises: a syringe having a hollow barrel containing the specimen, a plunger partially within the barrel and a needle that extends into a volume of a nozzle of the flow cytometer; a one-way port in the nozzle forming a seal against the needle; a mounting platform coupled to both the syringe and to the flow cytometer; and a syringe pump coupled to the plunger, the syringe pump comprising a motor, a drive mechanism coupled to the motor; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism, wherein the motor operates the drive mechanism so as to cause the clamping mechanism to depress the plunger into the barrel.