Abstract: The bio sensor platform is a rapid point-of-care (POC) device wherein detection of a target analyte from a liquid or solid substrate is performed in a single step using a fully integrated disposable test system that includes a test strip immunoassay. In operation, a user initiates the test by rupturing the bottom of a liquid-filled analyte capsule seated in a capsule sleeve. A small volume of liquid flows by capillary action from the capsule sleeve and through a restrictor port to a test strip chamber where contact with the absorptive sample pad of the test strip (among other things) moves liquid by capillary action upwardly through the test strip. The detection of the target analyte is resolved by the test strip reagents and the test results are obtained at a test result window where a portion of the test strip is exposed to the user.

Abstract: Methods and devices for forming droplets are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods and devices form droplets having different diameters. In particular embodiments, the device includes a fluid supply channel, a collection chamber, and one or more nozzles disposed between the fluid supply channel and the collection chamber. Each nozzle may include an inlet portion with a channel height, a first step with a first step height and a first tread length, and a second step with a second step height and a second tread length. In certain embodiments, the first step height is greater than the channel height, and the second step height is greater than the first step height.

Abstract: A device for collecting, transferring, and storing samples of a biological and/or chemical material, wherein the device comprises: a support body, developing along a main longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end opposite to each other and connected by an intermediate portion elongate in the main longitudinal direction, a collection portion engaging the first end and configured to collect a quantity of a sample of a biological and/or chemical material, the collection portion being defined at least by a first coating layer realized on the first end and made from an elastically deformable material and by a second coating layer consisting of a layer of flocked fibers, the second coating layer being realized through a fiber flocking process on the first coating layer and being configured to absorb a quantity of liquid including at least one sample of a biological and/or chemical material.

Abstract: A microfluidic system is presented that includes a cartridge and a container. The cartridge includes a plurality of microfluidic channels coupled to one or more chambers. The container holds dry chemicals and includes a housing with a first opening and a second opening smaller than the first opening. The container is designed to be inserted into an opening of the cartridge, such that the container is independently secured within the opening. The insertion of the container allows for the container to be fluidically coupled with a microfluidic channel of the plurality of microfluidic channels via the second opening.

Abstract: Various devices are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a disposable cartridge containing a reactive material that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge contains a solid, porous structure (such as a disk, bowl or puck) that contains the reactive material. The porous structure may be created by mixing reactive particles with resin particles, and then using a sintering process to transform the mixture into a solid structure. Also disclosed are devices for routing a breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods using separating a fluid—e.g., plasma or serum—from whole blood. In some embodiments, the devices and methods use hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surfaces to encourage whole blood to contact a selective membrane that extracts the desired fluid component from the blood.

Abstract: Fluid storage containers and analysis cartridges for use in assay processes are presented. In addition, systems comprising such storage containers and analysis cartridges and methods of using such containers and cartridges are presented as well. In specific embodiments, fluid storage containers are configured to be coupled to analysis cartridges in a first stage and a second stage.

Abstract: Various devices are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a disposable cartridge containing a reactive material that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge contains a solid, porous structure (such as a disk, bowl or puck) that contains the reactive material. To induce a chemical reaction for measuring the quantity of the extracted analyte, the porous structure may be brought into contact with a sponge or pad that dispenses developer solution to the porous structure. Also disclosed are devices for routing a breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: A device for collecting, transferring and/or conserving samples of biological material, comprising at least: a support body having at least a housing seating for a conserving element for samples, the housing seating being configured for enabling removably housing the conserving element for samples of biological material, the support body being configured for maintaining at least a conserving portion of the conserving element accessible for depositing a sample when the conserving element is housed in the housing seating; an operating portion, movable between a first closed position in which it is arranged in proximity of said housing seating and at least an open position in which it is arranged in a distanced position from the housing seating; and engaging portion configured for selectively and removably engaging a sampling element for samples, in particular an element for buccal sampling, to the support body and/or to the operating portion.

Abstract: A test unit collects and analyzes biological specimens on-site. It has one or more openings that allow reagent capsules to be inserted and guided into a testing chamber. Reagent capsules are pre-loaded with chemicals for screening and are configured as blister packs. A button mechanism allows projection(s) to open the blister packs to allow chemicals within the capsules to mix inside the testing chamber. A medical swab is affixed to a pop top dispenser cap and can be pressed to allow the swab to be inserted into the mixed chemicals. A visible test strip mount attached to the testing chamber has a lever to manipulate a test strip in and out of the testing chamber. This test strip may be slid through a uni-directional seal on a capsule and into a chemical for testing. The test strip will test for the presence of an infectious disease.

Abstract: A breath analyzer includes a light source, a gas cell, a detection unit and a data processing unit. The light source emits infrared light of a wavelength band including an absorption line for acetone. A breath containing sample gas is introduced to the gas cell. The infrared light is incident on the gas cell. The detection unit receives transmitted light emerging from the gas cell, and outputs a sample signal value corresponding to an acetone discharge amount. The data processing unit determines an approximation formula of dependence of fat oxidation rate on acetone discharge amount in advance, and calculates a fat oxidation rate for individual sample signal values using the approximation formula. When the acetone discharge amount (microliter/min) is x, the fat oxidation rate (milligram/min) y is approximated by a following formula: y=Ax+B (where A and B are constants).

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of an analyte of interest in breath. The method includes obtaining a disposable cartridge comprising a reaction chamber, a liquid chamber, and a window to permit determination of a color intensity in the reaction chamber, directing a volume of breath into the cartridge, and initiating a sequence whereby liquid is released from the liquid container into the reaction chamber to cause a reaction which produces a change in the intensity of a color viewable through the window. The intensity of the color corresponds to the concentration of the analyte of interest. The reaction progresses through a kinetic phase and eventually reaches equilibrium. The sequence additionally includes measuring the intensity of the color at a point in the kinetic phase, to determine the concentration of the analyte of interest in breath.

Abstract: Fluid storage containers and analysis cartridges for use in assay processes are presented. In addition, systems comprising such storage containers and analysis cartridges and methods of using such containers and cartridges are presented as well. In specific embodiments, fluid storage containers are configured to be coupled to analysis cartridges in a first stage and a second stage.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample for molecular diagnostic testing and/or histological testing is provided. The container includes a first chamber for receiving a sample holder therein, a second chamber, and a closure for enclosing the container. A breakable membrane, such as a piercable foil, extends within the container and separates the two chambers. When the breakable membrane is broken, fluid can pass between the first and second chambers. The membrane may be broken through an activator on the closure, such as a depressible member or a rotatable carrier, causing the sample holder to break through the membrane.

Abstract: A body fluid testing apparatus with testing and storing functions is provided, which comprises a body, a cover, at least two body fluid collectors and a testing element. The body comprises a fluid storing chamber, a testing chamber and a partition wall. The fluid storing chamber and the testing chamber are divided by the partition wall. The body is covered by the cover with at least two through-holes through which the body fluid collectors respectively enter into the fluid storing chamber and the testing chamber. The testing element is inserted into the testing chamber. Pollution is avoided, which results from that the body fluid in the testing chamber cannot flow back into the fluid storing chamber.

Abstract: A reagent delivery device includes a reagent delivery column with a housing receiving reagent storage elements that can move, and a breaching element coupled to the housing. The device includes an actuation member that during operation forces the reagent storage elements toward the breaching element. Breaching the storage elements releases the reagent. The breaching element and/or the housing are configured to communicate reagent between the reagent storage element and a target chamber coupled to the housing. The breaching element can be a needle, a blade, or a combination thereof. Multiple reagent delivery columns can be coupled to microplate wells for larger scale reagent delivery and processing. Biasing elements such as a spring and a counterweight can be directly or indirectly coupled to the housing and/or the reagent storage elements, resisting and/or moderating movement of the reagent elements.

Abstract: A dosimeter includes a platinum-ruthenium (PtRu) nanoparticle-decorated, -coated, or -deposited carbon nanostructure element. The PtRu nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanostructure element is foulably sensitive to a gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing and/or treating a biological sample including an assembly (2) of storage chambers (3) and/or reaction chambers intended for receiving a fluid and means arranged to move an amount of fluid from and/or to at least one of the chambers (3) of the assembly (2) of chambers (3), the chambers (3) being separated by walls (5) so as to form an assembly of adjacent chambers (3) aligned in a given direction.

Abstract: This application discloses cards comprising sintered porous plastic which may be employed in liquid sample collection, storage, transport and/or delivery to an analytical device. Sintered porous plastic materials provide a unique porous structure, an inert substrate, precise liquid holding capability, are quick drying, and easy to cut and handle.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems for analyzing the breath of a patient for the presence of one or more analytes of interest. The systems may include an ion detection system capable of receiving a gas mixture having an analyte of interest expired by a patient, flowing the gas mixture, and ionizing molecules within the gas mixture. The molecules include at least the analyte of interest. The ion detection system is also capable of detecting the ionized analyte of interest.

Abstract: A fluid specimen collection, storage, transport, and testing cup contains a chromatographic strip-carrying caddy which moves between an initial position allowing a deposited liquid specimen to contact the test strips, and a second, sealed position where the strips are hermetically isolated from a remainder portion of the specimen stored for later confirmatory testing. The caddy is moved between the two positions by screwing a threaded lid onto the top opening of the cup. The axial range of the screw is limited by a removable obstruction collar. The caddy can include a liquid specimen containing chamber having a lower opening sealed by a frangible barrier. The strips can be loaded in a cartridge mountable to the caddy. An adulteration panel having a transparent adhesive backed fronting can secure adulteration patches to the caddy.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held glucose testing device includes a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of test sensors in a stacked arrangement and having a wall with an opening defined therein. A plurality of packaged test sensors is stacked in alignment with one another within the housing. Each of the test sensors is packaged within a blister package. The blister package includes a blister package housing and a cover foil overlying a surface of the blister package housing and the test sensor. A drive slide is configured to displace one of the plurality of packaged test sensors out of alignment with other packaged test sensors. A knife mechanism is configured to pierce through the cover foil, and to engage and urge the test sensor to extend through the opening for receiving a sample. A meter contact is configured to engage the test sensor when the test sensor extends through the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an assay to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. A housing defines a slot for receiving a sample collector, and a capsule contains a buffer liquid, the capsule being sealed by an openable lid, and being connected to the housing such that insertion of a sample collector into the slot causes the lid to open releasing the buffer liquid into the slot. The housing further defines an incubation chamber containing or configured to receive a reagent, and an aperture permitting liquid communication between said slot and the incubation chamber. The apparatus comprises one or more test elements, a substantially liquid tight sealing member separating the incubation chamber and the test element(s), and an activation mechanism operable to open said liquid tight sealing member thereby bringing at least a portion of the or each test element into liquid communication with said incubation chamber.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI) and method of using same. The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a first fluid path positioned to fluidly couple the first chamber and the second chamber, and a second fluid path positioned to allow displaced gas to move out of the second chamber. The method can include moving displaced gas out of the second chamber via the second fluid path as a sterilant is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path and/or as the liquid is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path.

Abstract: A device, system and method for sampling sample material for an analyte including a receiving swab, wherein at least a portion of the receiving swab is compressible; a sensor for sensing the analyte; and a casing, wherein the casing at least partially encloses the receiving swab and the sensor and allows for a transfer of sample material received by the receiving swab to the sensor along a transfer path inside of the casing. The compressible portion of the receiving swab is located inside the casing, wherein by compressing the compressible portion, the transfer path is closable towards the outside of the device.

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: 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: Test cells have a first sorbent strip with a sample receiving location and defining a first migration path, a distinct second sorbent strip which receives buffer solution and at least partially defines a second migration path distinct from and elongated relative to the first migration path, conjugate supported by the second strip, a test site located at a junction of the first and second strips and having an immobilized ligand-binding mechanism, and a divider which directs a first amount of the buffer to the first strip to move the sample to the test site and a second amount to the second strip to move the conjugate to the test site. The first and second migration paths have first and second lengths chosen so that ligand in the sample reaches the test site and binds to the immobilized ligand-binding mechanism prior to the conjugate reaching the test site.

Abstract: A field colorimetric test device includes a housing having at least one interior compartment. A sampling device is configured to be associated with a distal end of the housing. A selection device is attached to a proximal end of the housing.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunochromatographic device, which contains the following (a) and (b): (a) a first device part holding a first insoluble carrier used for developing a complex formed with an analyte and a labeling substance comprising a metal labeled with a first binding substance that can bind to the analyte and capturing the analyte and the labeling substance at a reaction portion containing a second binding substance that can bind to the analyte, and (b) a second device part holding a second insoluble carrier used for developing a liquid and a third insoluble carrier used for absorbing a liquid, in such a way that the first insoluble carrier does not come into contact with the second insoluble carrier and the third insoluble carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to multiple coagulation test cartridges and methods of using such cartridges. In one embodiment the cartridge is a disposable single-use cartridge for use in evaluating blood clotting. The cartridge includes multiple containers, such as tubes, each of which includes one or more coagulation affecting substances. The containers can be pre-filled with substances in amounts suitable for use with a single patient's blood sample. The cartridge may include one or more containers, each of which has multiple sections, or volumes, each section storing a different coagulation affecting substance. In another embodiment the cartridge is used in a method for determining at least one appropriate coagulation affecting substance for modifying a patient's coagulation status using a multiple coagulation test system.

Abstract: A tool for a sensor includes a first portion having an elongated channel that extends therealong for accommodating the sensor, and a second portion with an end slot that accommodates an end portion of the sensor, the sensor having one or more wire electrodes embedded between two substrates. One or both of the substrates has transaxial scoring for facilitating the snapping off of segments to expose a clean portions of the wire electrodes. One or both of the tool portions has a rounded end portion. The end slot of the second portion is dimensioned to correspond to an axial dimension of a segment that is to be snapped off from the sensor. The first tool portion has a shoulder and handle portions, the shoulder portion having a greater thickness than the handle portion, and the handle portion having a thickness that is less than the width of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for moving a mobile component such as a sample and a reagent, in an analyzing article. A method of analyzing a sample according to the present invention includes a first movement step of moving a mobile component from a fluid entrance port (61) to a first goal (511) in a passage (51), and a second movement step of moving the mobile component from the first goal (511) to a second goal (512) in the passage (51), in an analyzing article (Y1). The analyzing article (Y1) further includes a branch passage which branches from the first goal (511), and a first opening for releasing gas from within the branch passage. The first movement step is carried out by establishing communication between inside and outside of the branch passage via the first opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides disposable, semi-reusable, or single use reaction vessels with integrated optical elements for use with diffraction based assay systems. The vessel for assaying liquids for analytes includes a housing having at least one chamber or well for receiving a liquid therein and an optical element integrally formed with the housing for directing an incident light beam towards the well or chamber and directing a light beam away from the reaction chamber after the light beam has interacted with analytes present in the liquid.

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: Microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of liquid with the following features: the device has a carrier; the device has a first cavity with at least one first section for storage of a small amount of liquid; the first section of the first cavity is molded into the carrier; the first section is closed with a cover element and a blocking element; the device has a means for transmission of a force from the cover element to the blocking element which destroys the connection between the blocking element and the carrier or destroys the blocking element itself so that the amount of liquid can be removed from the first section of the cavity.

Abstract: A tester for testing for explosives associated with a test location comprising a first explosives detecting reagent; a first reagent holder, the first reagent holder containing the first explosives detecting reagent; a second explosives detecting reagent; a second reagent holder, the second reagent holder containing the second explosives detecting reagent; a sample collection unit for exposure to the test location, exposure to the first explosives detecting reagent, and exposure to the second explosives detecting reagent; and a body unit containing a heater for heating the sample collection unit for testing the test location for the explosives.