Abstract: A fluid flow control device controls flow of fluid in a capillary pathway device having a first capillary passage with an inlet and an outlet and a fluid application region for receiving a liquid sample for entry to the capillary passage via the inlet, with the fluid flow control device comprising first sealing means operable for releasably sealing the outlet of the first capillary passage.

Abstract: A sorbent holder system that stores or transports a sorbent holder is provided. The sorbent holder system comprises a sorbent holder that holds sorbent material which is capable of sampling air or gas. The sorbent holder system also comprises a cleansing element which is separate from the sorbent material. The cleansing element is capable of absorbing or adsorbing at least one contaminant during storage or transportation of the sorbent holder whereby contamination of the sorbent material by the at least one contaminant is reduced or eliminated. Increased accuracy of sorbent analysis due to reduction or elimination of undesired contaminants from the sorbent during storage or transport of the sorbent holder is therefore achieved.

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 liquid specimen collecting and testing device has two chambers, a first for collecting a liquid specimen and a second for exposing a measured volume preliminary screening aliquot of the specimen to preliminary screening test strips. The first chamber has a catch basin of defined volume which is less than the sample volume. The basin is simultaneously sealed from the rest of the first chamber, thus separating and apportioning the measured volume preliminary screening aliquot from the collected volume. Simultaneously, an opening made leading from the basin to the second chamber initiating the preliminary screening test. Thus intermingling of a preliminary screening aliquot and a remainder aliquot is avoided.

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: The present invention provides sintered porous plastic plugs for use in filtered serological pipettes which facilitate manufacture or assembly of the filtered serological pipettes. In one embodiment, a sintered porous plastic plug of the present invention comprises plastic and a cylindrical body, a first end and a second end, the first end having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the cylindrical body, and the second end having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipette tip (100, 200, 201, 300) comprising a tip body (110) having an inner surface and an outer surface (112). The inner surface (111) defines an inner cavity (120, 320), which has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end has an upper opening (131); and the lower end has a lower opening (141). At least a part of the inner surface (111) is provided with capturing agents (151) of at least one type forming at least one capturing-agent region (150) on the at least one inner surface. The at least one capturing agent region (150) is capable of selectively binding target substances (152) of at least one type comprised in a sample to form at least agent-target conjugates (155), the arrangement of which define at least one agent-target region (156).

Abstract: A biological material fixed carrier enclosing tip, a biological material fixed carrier treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. An object is to obviate attachment control and suction control for storing and retaining the carrier in the tip form vessel, to simplify complex reaction processes, and to make processing of the biological material fixed carrier to be easily executed as a result of a small-scale device configuration. The biological material fixed carrier enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle, and a narrow tube that possesses an opening, through which fluid inflow and outflow is possible, that is narrower than the nozzle; a carrier in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable, and has a size or a shape that is able to pass through the opening; and an enclosing section provided on the tip form vessel.

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

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 closure for a container has a closure body having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion opposite the first portion. The closure also has a connector disposed in at least one of the first and second portions. The connector is adapted to connect one of a sample collection device and an applicator to the closure. A containing apparatus including the closure, a container, and optionally one of a sample collection device and an applicator is also disclosed. A method of using the containing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An analysis device includes a separation chamber, a holding channel, a mixing chamber connected to the holding channel, an overflow channel connected between the holding channel and the separation chamber, a sample overflow chamber into which a sample solution remaining in the separation chamber is discharged, and a joint channel connecting the separation chamber and the sample overflow chamber. After the separated solution component fills the overflow channel with priority, a separated solid component is transferred to the holding channel via the overflow channel, and a predetermined amount of the solid component is measured. The solid component in the holding channel is transferred to the mixing chamber by a centrifugal force, and simultaneously, the sample solution remaining in the separation chamber is discharged to the sample overflow chamber by the siphon effect of the joint channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container, tube or chemical apparatus, in particular for the construction of chemical apparatus for storing or for transporting aggressive storage media, comprising a solid inner layer with the inner side of which the storage medium can come into contact and which is made of a thermoplastic that is resistant to the storage medium, comprising an adhesion-promoting layer applied to the outer side of the inner layer, which is made of a textile sheet-like structure, and comprising a carrier layer applied to the outer side of the adhesion-promoting layer for providing mechanical support to the layer structure, wherein between the inner layer and the outer layer an indicator layer is provided, the material of the indicator layer being discolored by components of the storage medium which permeate through the inner layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical breath testing device including a transparent testing tube which cooperates with an outlet piece incorporating a valve and fitted to an inflatable bag. The testing tube is provided with a member for pushing the valve which is formed by the bottom of a cap. The outer sidewall of the cap is resiliently deformable and serves to form an interlocking connection between the testing tube and the outlet piece. The cap is mounted in a mobile manner at the end of the testing tube and carries a cutting blade for cutting a seal closing off the outlet of the testing tube, of which the rim forms a counter-blade.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate a device for measuring the water activity of foods and method for obtaining a water activity measurement. The device includes a container housing the food sample, a disc of permeable material to support a reactive substance which in turn is used to record the water activity level of the food sample (23) being studied. The substance is positioned in the center of the disc. A threaded cover is disposed at a free end of the container. When insulation is provided between the interior and exterior of the container, any water contained in the food sample evaporates and as it passes through the disc. As the water comes into contact with the reactive substance, a color scale records the water activity of the study sample.

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: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A polyethylene terephthalate container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container. The container further comprises an indicator system or means for use with a hydrogen generator and a catalyst system.

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 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 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 vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods related to optical nanosensors comprising photoluminescent nanostructures are generally described.

Abstract: A devise for fecal occult blood test comprises a first and a second casings, a sampling portion extending from the first casing, a specimen processing portion, at least a testing portion and a packing cylindrical member. The packing cylindrical member is coupled between the first and second casings when unused and dismantled therefrom when used. After sampling via a specimen collecting portion of the sampling portion, the specimen collecting portion is drawn into the first casing to reduce the device size. The first and second casings are fixedly coupled together in a specimen processing position thereof to mix specimens with a liquid of the specimen processing portion into a testing liquid, and then in a specimen testing position thereof to disperse onto the testing portions for testing and directly display test results. The present invention advantages high accuracy, rather hygiene, significant size reduction, real-time testing-result display and convenient use.

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: The invention relates to a reaction vessel and a reaction controller, wherein temperature control of a liquid stored within the vessel can be performed with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The reaction container and the reaction controller comprise one or a plurality of reaction chambers in which liquid is storable, and a wall that surrounds the reaction chamber, and the entirety or a part of the wall is formed by a temperature raising and lowering body that can raise or lower the temperature thereof according to a signal from an instructing part provided outside.

Abstract: A simple membrane assay method for detecting or quantitating an analyte in a specimen sample using an assay device equipped with a membrane bound with a capture-substance to capture the analyte, including the steps of filtering a specimen sample using a filter, dropping the filtrate onto said membrane and detecting the presence of the analyte in said specimen sample, as well as a simple membrane assay kit for detecting the presence of an analyte in a specimen sample, including (1) a filter tube, and (2) an assay device equipped with a membrane bound with a capture-substance to capture the analyte. The method or the kit can decrease the occurrence of false positivity and can provide a highly accurate detection of the analyte such as pathogen and antibody in a specimen collected in a medical scene or by an individual.

Abstract: A blood sampling device useful for collecting a blood sample from a separate vascular access device is described herein. The blood sampling device includes a body shaped and sized for partial insertion into a separate vascular access device. The body includes a reservoir defined within the body, which has an internal volume sufficient to contain enough blood for use in a diagnostic blood test. The body also includes a gas permeable vent disposed on the body, in which the gas permeable vent is in gaseous communication with the reservoir. When connected to a separate vascular access device the blood sampling device collects a blood sample as blood flows into the reservoir from the separate vascular access device and as gases pass out the reservoir via the gas permeable vent.

Abstract: A biodevice is in an elongated form and has a conductive layer and an insulating layer stacked on a side surface of a shaft member at the center. A cylindrical hollow section is formed through the device, being connected to the exterior at a front end and extending from this front end axially. An electrode section is formed on an inner surface. A sensing substance such as enzyme may be placed at the electrode section to detect a current value corresponding to the concentration or quantity of an object under test placed between a counter electrode and the biodevice.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: A rapid diagnostic device, assay and multifunctional buffer reagent are provided for the detection of a target analyte in a fluid test sample. The 2-step assay utilizes a dual component flow-through device comprising a test unit and a dried indicator reagent delivery unit for receiving the fluid sample and multifunctional buffer, respectively. The test unit comprises a reaction zone containing immobilized capture reagent that can bind to the target analyte, an absorbent zone supporting the reaction zone, and optionally, a blood separation zone in lateral fluid communication with the reaction zone. The delivery unit comprises a label zone permeated with a dried indicator reagent which can be placed in transient fluid communication with the reaction zone of the test unit during the assay procedure. The rapid diagnostic assay system reduces the number of assay reagents, method steps and time required for performance compared to other conventional assays.

Abstract: Provided is an assay device and kit for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A specimen sample collection device includes a handle having a sufficiency indicator and absorbent pad partially contained therein with one or more test strips, a pad compression tube insertable over the absorbent pad within the handle and around an end of the handle, and a collection tube having one or more sample chambers, attachable to the pad compression tube, and wherein the compression tube defines one or more chambers, and wherein when the collection tube is attached to the pad compression tube, the chambers are in fluid communication with the pad compression tube. A sufficiency indicator includes a light pipe indicator. The system includes a ratcheting pad compression tube lock. An electro-optical reader captures and records test strip results through the window and communicates the results to a printer or other device.

Abstract: A biological material fixed carrier enclosing tip, a biological material fixed carrier treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. An object is to obviate attachment control and suction control for storing and retaining the carrier in the tip form vessel, to simplify complex reaction processes, and to make processing of the biological material fixed carrier to be easily executed as a result of a small-scale device configuration.

Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device for detecting the presence of a taggant molecular structure in a fluid is disclosed. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device comprises a molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer having a crosslinked core and a plurality of polymer arms attached to the core, wherein the core has molecular sized cavities adapted to selectively receive and bind displacement molecules having the taggant molecular structure and a colorimetric indicator, said displacement molecule being selectively removed from the molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer and replaced with the taggant molecular structure upon exposure to the fluid containing the taggant molecular structure therein, thereby indicating the presence of the taggant molecular structure in the fluid.

Abstract: A suspension storage container 10 has a flat portion across a specific region including the tail end. The flat portion has an outer peripheral wall 13 forming a flat outer peripheral surface and partition walls 14 that extend in the flat cross section of the outer peripheral wall 13 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the major axis direction of the flat cross section to partition a chamber inside the outer peripheral wall 13 into plural chambers S1 through S3 aligned side by side in the major axis direction. A suspension K is stored only in part of all the chambers S1 through S3, that is, the chamber S2, and a sealing film 21 having the outline almost identical with the outline of the outer peripheral wall is laminated to the tail end surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 13 and the partition walls 14.

Abstract: A component measuring apparatus is provided with a case having a cylindrical case main body and a cover arranged to cover the base end opening section of the case main body; a chip mounting section for mounting a chip; a light measuring section for detecting a prescribed component; a printed board whereupon a control section having a function of controlling the operation of the light measuring section is arranged; a liquid crystal display device; a battery arranging section for arranging a battery provided on the cover; an O-ring arranged between the case main body and the light measuring section on the leading end section of the case main body; and an O-ring arranged between the case main body and the cover on the base end opening section of the case main body. Sealing of inside the case is ensured by the O-ring.

Abstract: Hydrophilic threads as platforms for inexpensive, low volume, portable diagnostic systems, and methods of making the same are described. A diagnostic system includes a hydrophilic loading thread having an inlet zone at a proximal end; a testing zone at a distal end; and an intermediate zone located between the inlet zone and the testing zone, wherein the testing zone does not directly contact the inlet zone. In another aspect, a diagnostic system includes (i) a hydrophilic loading thread that includes an inlet zone at a proximal end and an intermediate zone at a distal end; and (ii) one or more additional hydrophilic threads that contact the intermediate zone of the loading thread.

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

Abstract: Contemplated whole blood separators tubes include a curable composition with a density intermediate to the density of serum and the cell-containing fraction. After centrifugation, the curable composition is located between the serum and the cell-containing fraction and preferably irradiated with UV light to initiate a curing reaction in which the curable composition solidifies to a barrier that is immobilized and resistant to breakdown at freezing temperatures and extended storage.

Abstract: An improved rapid diagnostic device, assay and multifunctional buffer reagent are provided for the detection of a target analyte in a fluid test sample. The 2-step assay utilizes a dual component flow-through device comprising a test unit and a dried indicator reagent delivery unit capable of receiving the fluid sample and multifunctional buffer, respectively. The test unit comprises a reaction zone containing immobilized capture reagent that can specifically bind to the target analyte, an absorbent zone supporting the reaction zone, and optionally, a blood separation zone in lateral fluid communication with the reaction zone. The dried indicator reagent delivery unit comprises a label zone permeated with a dried indicator reagent which is capable of being placed in transient fluid communication with the reaction zone of the test unit during the assay procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization confirmation tester and a test pack which enables effective sterilization to be confirmed in a simple and sure manner by providing a simulation of the structure of an endoscope and so forth. The sterilization confirmation tester according to the present invention has a function of confirming effective sterilization treatment after sterilization performed by a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization confirmation tester includes a structure corresponding to at least one of the components which form the endoscope.

Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat is provided. The system includes a transparent, or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The sample tube has an elongated sidewall having a first cross-sectional inner diameter. The float consists of a main body portion and one or more support members protruding from the main body portion to engage and support the sidewall of the sample tube. The main body portion and the support members of the float have a cross-sectional diameter less than that of the first cross-sectional inner diameter of the tube when the sample tube is expanded, such as by centrifugation. The main body portion of the float together with an axially aligned portion of the sidewall define an annular volume therebetween.

Abstract: There is provided a simplified analyzer including a see-through hermetic container having powdery or granular color reaction reagent, and a tap member partially inserted in the hermetic container in an extractable state. The tap member is provided at one end with a finger stopper larger in diameter than another portion, so as to be drawn out while holding the finger stopper with user's fingers to form a through hole for letting air out of the hermetic container and applying suction to the testing liquid to be analyzed. By using the tap member prepared in advance, the through hole having a suitable diameter for applying suction to the testing liquid to be analyzed can be formed at the appropriate point in the container. According to the analyzer of the invention, differences among individuals in performing an analyzing test do not occur.

Abstract: Provided is sampling and testing device for the detection of specific molds, allergens, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other protein containing substances. Embodiments of the device include a sampling member slideably engaged with a base that contains a lateral flow strip adapted to detect specific analytes of interest. The sampling member defines a solvent reservoir that stores an elution solvent in a fluid-tight manner before the device is used to sample and test environmental surfaces. During slideable withdrawal of the sampling member from the base, the elution solvent stored in the reservoir is automatically released to a wick assembly of the sampling member. The wick assembly includes a wick adapted to receive, distribute, and retain the elution solvent. After a user samples an environmental surface for an analyte of interest with the elution solvent wetted wick, the sampling member is returned to the base where the wick contacts the lateral flow strip contained in the base.

Abstract: Biological sampling apparatus have a barrel defining a chamber with a narrow passageway at one end and an absorbent analytical test means in the chamber. In one embodiment, an integral frit is provided with a first portion acting as a splash filter and located in the chamber, and a second portion integral with said first portion acting as a wick. The second portion extends through the narrow passageway. A portion of the splash filter is hydrophobic, and at least a portion of the wick is treated with a wetting agent and is hydrophilic. In another embodiment, a splash filter is located in the chamber and a separate hydrophilic wick is provided having a first portion located in the narrow passageway and a second portion located outside the passageway and barrel. The second portion has a bulbous portion capable of absorbing substantially more fluid sample than the first portion.

Abstract: A sample collection and testing device comprising: An elongate housing (1) having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis; an analytical element (4) retained in the housing; a sample collector assembly extending from the first end of the housing and comprising a sample collector (24) in fluid communication with the analytical element (4); a swing arm (2) attached to the housing by a pivot fitting (44), said swing arm having proximal and distal ends; and a cap (40) at the distal end of the swing arm (2); wherein the device comprises a slide to allow limited linear movement of the cap (40) substantially along the longitudinal axis of the housing (1), and wherein the pivot fitting (44) allows the swing arm to rotate about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the said longitudinal axis, whereby the swing arm (2) is movable between a sample collection configuration in which the cap (40) is remote from the sample collector (24) and a sample analysis configuration in which the cap (40) encloses t