Abstract: A barrel defines a channel, and has an opening into the channel, and an outlet from the channel. A porous carrier disposed within the channel carries an albumin. A cellulosic stationary phase is disposed within the channel between the carrier and the distal region of the barrel. A lateral flow platform is coupled to the barrel such that a sample pad of the lateral flow platform is in fluid communication with the outlet. A sponge, coupled to a plunger, is configured to hold saliva. The plunger is dimensioned to compress the sponge within the channel such that the saliva is driven (i) out of the sponge and through the carrier, dissolving at least some of the albumin, (ii) with the dissolved albumin, into the stationary phase, and (iii) as an eluate, out of the stationary phase, through the outlet, and onto the sample pad. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a separation chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber. In an open position, the valve permits fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a closed position, the valve maintains fluid isolation between the first chamber and the second chamber. A fluid stream passes from the first chamber to the second chamber through the valve permitting a predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber. When the predetermined volume of fluid passes to the second chamber, the valve transitions from the open position to the closed position so that additional fluid of the fluid stream received by the first chamber is maintained in the first chamber in fluid isolation from the predetermined volume of fluid contained in the second chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting an analyte in a fluid sample, comprising a fluid sample collection element, comprising a fluid sample collection element that comprises an absorbing element; a carrier for accommodating a testing element; and a chamber for accommodating a testing element carrier, wherein the testing element carrier is located in the chamber, and the carrier further comprises an extrusion structure that is in contact with the absorbing element and extrudes the absorbing element.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a saliva sample from an animal, particularly a pig, by means of a receiving device and a collecting device with an integrated filter, and a method of using a collecting device with an integrated filter for obtaining a saliva sample from an animal, particularly a pig. In addition, a collecting device comprising a bag, a removable container and a filter, and a kit having such a collecting device, and a receiving device for taking saliva from an animal, particularly a pig.

Abstract: An aliquoting and freezing storage device comprises a test tube and at least one capillary tube. The capillary tube is inserted into a test tube, and the capillary tube is provided with an inner long hole which penetrates throughly. The device utilizes the capillarity to quickly and easily store biological samples in the capillary tubes. When needed, the operator only needs to remove one or several of the tubes, without affecting the remaining biological samples, so as to avoid repeated freezing and thawing of biological samples.

Abstract: Fluid transfer interfaces for transferring fluid into or out of vessels, namely flexible polymeric bags. The fluid transfer interfaces have a body for use in connection with a vessel, or combined therewith, one or more apertures extending through the body, and one or more fluid transfer conduits secured to the body by way of a cast seal and extending continuously and axially through the one or more apertures. Also disclosed is a vessel closure having one or more fluid transfer conduits extending through the closure, the fluid transfer conduits affixed to the closure by a cast seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, storing and transferring a liquid specimen includes a first cup for collecting a liquid specimen and a lid attachable to the first cup for closing an opening in the first cup. The lid defines a protruding collar, the lid and the collar define an aperture extending through the lid and a length of the collar. The apparatus further includes a transfer assembly including a tube having first and second ends, the first end defining a point, the second end configured for insertion through the aperture in the collar for transferring a liquid specimen from the first cup through the tube. The first end of the tube extends through a bottom of a second cup and into the second cup. The first end of the tube configured for insertion into an evacuated vial for transferring a liquid specimen from the first cup to the vial.

Abstract: A mechanism for collecting a trace of a biological sample to be used for a biological sample analysis, and for preparing a diluted solution of the sample. A container for specimen preparation includes: a biological sample collecting device; and a container for sample dilution. The biological sample collecting device includes: a capillary tube having openings formed at both ends thereof; and a support member for supporting the capillary tube. The container for sample dilution includes: an opening; and a swirl flow generating member formed on an inner wall of the container for sample dilution. The capillary tube of the biological sample collecting device is arranged inside the container for sample dilution by the support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of nucleic acid collection and storage, and in particular to the collection and long-term storage of nuclei. The invention provides a device and method which can be used to capture and store nuclei at ambient temperatures allowing the subsequent isolation of nucleic acids by passive washing with a wash buffer. The present invention also provides a kit including the device of the invention suitable for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: A container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146) is disclosed. The container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146) includes a fluid-drawing member (42, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426) that extends axially away from and is integral with the inner surface (28I, 28I1, 28I2, 28I3, 28I4, 28I5, 28I6) of the end wall (28, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286) of the container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146). A container assembly (10, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) is also disclosed. The container assembly (10, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) includes the container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146) and a container (12, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) connected to the container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146). A method for utilizing the container assembly (10, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which comprises: a body; and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material (not shown), the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position (shown in FIG. 8) where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position (shown in FIG. 9) which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The device is characterized in that the body slideably supports the sample collection member, and in that the body or collection member include a ramp-like projection portion (116 FIG. 10) operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect said transfer as the collection member slides within the body.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for detecting drugs of abuse or other compounds in saliva. The invention thus provides a device for detecting the presence of one or more analytes in a saliva sample, comprising: (a) One or more pre-treatment regions for specifically or non-specifically removing at least a part of the fraction of the saliva sample interfering with detection of the one or more analytes; and (b) A detection region comprising a biosensor surface, the surface comprising: molecules capable of specifically binding the one or more analytes; or the one or more analytes and/or analyte analogues.

Abstract: A method of testing a sample to determine a concentration of a target material included in the sample and a microfluidic device in which a reaction of the sample and a reagent occurs are provided. The method includes mixing a sample with a reagent that changes optical characteristics in accordance with a concentration of chlorine ions in the sample, and a capturing material that captures some of the chlorine ions in the sample; measuring the optical characteristics after mixing the sample with the reagent and the capturing material; and determining a concentration of the chlorine ions in the sample based on the measured optical characteristics.

Abstract: Diagnostic kits and methods configured to rapidly and non-invasively determine physiologic levels of hemoglobin. A diagnostic kit may include a chamber pre-filled with an indicator, the indicator solution including a tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) solution, the indicator being configured to change color; a collection device configured to collect a test sample from a subject. The kit may also include a hemoglobin physiologic level identifier legend, the legend indicating 1) at least one color of the indicator and 2) a physiologic level and/or range of the hemoglobin and/or disease state associated with the color.

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

Abstract: Oral, topical and injectable contraceptives, which are based on sperm protein 22 kDa (SP22) polypeptides and antibodies and infertility diagnostics and kits are provided.

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

Abstract: A device with a vessel for saliva that has one or more optical indicators to show the volume of saliva in the container. The optical indicators use the principle of total internal reflection together with the difference in refractive index between saliva and air. In embodiments, suitable visual indicators are either visible or invisible, when reflecting surfaces are either not immersed or immersed in saliva or vice versa. The device may comprise a vessel with a saliva pathway, a saliva containment region defining a saliva reservoir, the reservoir having a desired fill level, and an optical viewing window adjacent an angled reflective surface for level indication and/or validating a fill level. The device may include patient interface components and chemical test strips.

Abstract: A test element (10) used to determine concentration levels of free and total chlorine in a water sample comprises a test pad (12) adhered to a substrate (14), wherein the test pad (12) is impregnated with a stabilized DPD solution. The test pad (12) is color responsive to different concentration levels of chlorine in the water and compared to a color chart to determine the level of free chlorine and/or total chlorine in the water. The stabilized DPD solution may include N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine oxalate salt, a polymeric anhydride such as a methyl-vinyl anhydride and an organo-sulfate such as dimethyisulfone.

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: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for an improved water chemistry test. Features disclosed include, without limitation, a test block, colored liquid reagents, and color comparison displays, with test chambers/vials that are generally horizontal. The mouth at the top of each vial is formed along a substantial portion of the vial's horizontal length. The vial's horizontal dimensions enable water to move throughout each vial so that a wave or waves roll from one side of the vial to the other and quickly/thoroughly mixes colored liquid reagents with sample water. At least one ridge, wall, semipermeable barrier, etc. within the vial causes water and chemical reagents to more quickly and thoroughly when the test block is agitated. At least one drain hole is positioned in a wall/side of each vial, with its bottom edge located at the fill level necessary to conduct the water sample. A valve or valves enables a user to easily drain sample water from the vial down to the proper test level.

Abstract: An article is provided for the detection of a drug in a liquid medium. The article includes a polymer having pores specifically imprinted to provide for capture of a drug in the pores, nanoparticles, and photochromic optical switch molecules. Capture of the drug in the pores of the polymer results in a change in the spatial relation of the nanoparticles in the polymer, causing the photochromic optical switch molecules to undergo a change in energy state which corresponds to a change in spectra of the photochromic optical switch molecules, thereby providing for detection of the drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test strip for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved test strip and scale for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen.

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: 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: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

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: The invention relates to a water soluble film based matrix for collecting blood samples, urine samples, serum samples or any other type of samples extracted from living species; so as to avoid cross infection or spillage of samples during transportation of said samples. These samples can then used for further detection of virus, bacteria, finding new molecules, diagnosing genes or extraction of DNA. Also, said matrix will dissolve during analysis of the sample and thus there will be no disposal problems.

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 disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: Muscle cramps can be reduced or avoided by monitoring the concentration of salt in perspiration to indicate the degree of salt depletion. Based on the degree of salt depletion, a sufficient amount of rehydration beverage is consumed to normalize the salt level.

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

Abstract: A test module for performing a genetic diagnostic assay, the test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, an array of chambers containing probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, a flow-path extending from the inlet to the probes, and, a reagent reservoir containing a reagent for addition to the sample in the flow-path upstream of the probes, wherein, each of the chambers contains less than 270 picograms of probe and the reagent reservoir has a volume less than 1000,000,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided which comprises an analysis device with at least one of a measurement function and a sample collection function, and also at least one magazine configured to receive at least one consumer element therein. The magazine comprises a magazine housing having a pair of openings. The magazine is designed as an exchangeable magazine that can be selectively operatively connected to the analysis device. The analysis device further comprises a closure mechanism having at least one sealing element which is designed to convey at least one consumer element from one of the openings. The sealing element is further configured to sealingly close the openings of the magazine when the sealing element is disposed therein.

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: Rapid lateral flow immunoassays have an extensive history of use in both the clinical and home settings. These devices are used to test for a variety of analytes, such as drugs of abuse, hormones, proteins, urine or plasma components and the like. The present invention provides an improved procedural control that indicates to the test user that at least a portion of the applied sample has passed through the test result zone of the test strip, and optionally that the test is complete and the test results may be read.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test strip for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved test strip and scale for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen.

Abstract: A method for transferring a quantity of analytes comprising at least stages of: predisposing a substantially homogeneous mixture of a predetermined initial quantity of at least an analyte and a liquid, obtaining a known concentration value or known amount of the analyte in the mixture; introducing into the mixture at least a collecting portion (3) of a sampling device (1) having a support body (2), the collecting portion (3) comprising a plurality of fibers (6) attached to and arranged on a first portion (2a) of the support body (2) by means of flocking, in order to define a flocked collecting portion (3) or a flocked tampon, such as to collect a part of the mixture on the collecting portion (3); and extracting the collecting portion (3) of the sampling device (1) of the mixture, retaining on the sampling portion (3) a predetermined known quantity of the mixture to be transferred.

Abstract: An analytical test tape instrument includes an exchangeable test tape unit which comprises a test tape provided with a plurality of test elements to which body fluid can be applied. The test tape instrument also includes a tape drive that can be coupled with the test tape unit to wind the test tape so that the test elements can be successively made available at an application site. The tape drive has a direct current motor and a reduction gear unit arranged between the direct current motor and the test tape unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test strip for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved test strip and scale for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen.

Abstract: The present invention is a testing apparatus and method for detecting the presence of a date rape drug such as flunitrazepam or gamma hydroxyl butyrate in a liquid, such as an alcoholic beverage. The testing apparatus includes a base member and a flap member removably attached to the base member. The testing apparatus also includes at least one testing stick enclosed within the base member. The testing sticks include an elongated member and a chemical reagent disposed on the distal end or anywhere along the elongated member. The chemical reagents utilized to detect the presence of flunitrazepam are Zimmerman's Test reagent methanolic 2,4-dinitrobenzene and potassium hydroxide and the chemical reagent for GHB is 5,5 Dibromo-o-cresolsulfonphthalein. The chemical agent reacts with the date rape drug to produce a change in color of the chemical reagent indicating the presence of the date rape drug in the liquid.