Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge may include a sample collection reservoir, an absorbance measurement channel, and an optical light scattering measurement channel. One or more valves may be disposed between the sample collection reservoir and the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull sample from the sample collection reservoir through the one or more valves and into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. Once the sample is pulled into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel, the one or more valves may be closed. With the one or more valves closed, and in some cases, a pusher fluid may be provided to push the fluid sample to other regions of the disposable fluid blood analysis cartridge.

Abstract: A portable detection system for allergic diseases includes a filtration-based inspection module and a reader module. The filtration-based inspection module includes an FPW sensor and a liquid sample filtration apparatus, wherein the liquid sample filtration apparatus includes an injection opening, a passage module, a filtering membrane and a gathering aperture. The injection opening is in communication with the gathering aperture. The FPW sensor comprises a frame body, a carrier and a sensing chip having an accommodating slot in communication with the gathering aperture. The carrier comprises a plurality of conductive terminals, and the conductive terminals are electrically connected with the sensing chip. The reader module comprises a connection slot capable of being inserted by the conductive terminals of the carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection conjugate composed of a filament fragment, e.g. a cytoskeletal filament such as actin filaments or microtubules, and recognition elements bound to this fragment as well as kits comprising said detection conjugate and methods how to use said detection conjugate as well as the use for the detection of one or more compounds present within a sample, such as a biological sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel bis-maleic anhydrides and to the surprising discovery that bis-maleic anhydride cross-linking agents can be used for preservation/fixation of a cell or tissue sample. Various bis-maleic anhydride cross-linking agent scan be used in methods requiring fixation of a cell or tissue sample. These reagents and methods are especially useful in procedures that require that the fixation agent be removed in order to facilitate analysis with other reagents. The inventive reagents and methods make it easier to reliably assay for various proteins, a nucleic acid and the like using analytical methods such as like immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RT-PCR, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteins with pteridine glycosyltransferase activity and an analysis method using the same. Since the proteins glycate tetrahydrobiopterin selectively through an enzyme reaction, the method enables quantitative analysis of tetrahydrobiopterin and oxides thereof at the same time or quantitative analysis of tetrabiopterin selectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for in situ detection of one or more target nucleic acids based on a combination of an in situ hybridization (ISH) assay method and a general ISH signal amplification method. This new method produces high signal intensity and while keeps low background noise of signal amplification. The result can be consistently reproduced and the method can be easily adopted for routine clinic diagnostic use. Further, the invention relates to a kit, comprising the components of the ISH assay and a general ISH signal amplification assay, for sensitive detection of one or more target nucleic acids.

Abstract: A self-contained specimen testing unit consisting of a swab-tip with attached, hollow swab-stick, an outer, elongated, removable tube housing cover that surrounds and protects the swab-tip and swab-stick, a dropper removably secured to the end of the tube cover, a dropper cap, a piercing closure member, a rotatable base closure member coupled to the piercing closure element, a membrane member mounted in the base closure member, and reagent-solution storage container screwed onto the end of the rotatable base closure member and sealed by the membrane member thereof. A method of using the unit is also disclosed whereby the piercing unit pierces the membrane when reagent solution is to be delivered to the swab-tip.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the determination of the degree of molecular recognition of a protein with a ligand, including a first protein with a second protein. The methods may comprise determining the squared generalized order parameter (hereinafter, O) for at least one intramolecular bond of the first protein. The protein is then formed into a complex with a ligand. The value or values of O2 for the said at least one bond of the protein is then determined while the protein and the ligand are in the complex. The O value or values determined for the protein while the protein and the ligand are in a complex are compared or related to the O value or values determined for the uncomplexed protein.

Abstract: A set of crystallization solutions includes a plurality of crystallization solutions of Crystallization Solution Set I, a plurality of crystallization solutions of Crystallization Solution Set II or a plurality of crystallization solutions of Crystallization Solution Set III.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specific binding partner for holoTC having a specificity for holoTC over apoTC of at least 40-fold and an assay method for assaying for holoTC in a sample, the method comprising contacting the sample with a specific binding partner for holoTC and detecting the resultant conjugates.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of hemostasis, in particular blood coagulation disorders linked to an abnormal expression of tissue factor, and to physiopathological phenomena correlated with over-expression of the factor. The present invention provides a method for assaying the activity of circulating tissue factor in a biological sample. The method of the invention is carried out in vitro, in particular on a blood sample collected from a patient.

Abstract: Device to detect at least an analyte, comprising a transparent substrate (2), having a first surface (3) with which a light source (7) is associated, and a second surface (4) on which a plurality of biological protein probes (12) are disposed, a layer (6) of polymer being interposed between said second surface (4) and said biological protein probes (12). A marker (fluorophore) is associated with said analyte, having determinate characteristics of fluorescence and/or phosphorescence correlated to the emission wavelength of the light source (7). Said light source (7) is suitable to emit a light radiation in a range of wavelengths equal to 400-550 nm, inside which range the absorption peak of said marker (fluorophore) used is comprised. The value of the distance (“s”) between the wavelength corresponding to the absorption peak of the marker (fluorophore) and the wavelength corresponding to the emission peak of fluorescence (phosphorescence) is comprised between 25 and 150 nm.

Abstract: Method for detecting a basic target species in a fuel composition, involving (i) contacting the composition with a solid (for example paper) substrate carrying a spectroscopically active indicator which is capable of reacting with the target species, and (ii) detecting the spectroscopic response of the indicator on or following its contact with the fuel composition. The target species may be a detergent or dispersant additive or a constituent thereof, for example in an automotive fuel. The spectroscopic response may be a colour change, and the indicator may for example be a phenolphthalein indicator such as tetrabromophenolphthalein ethyl ester (HTBPE). Also provided is a test kit for use in the invented method, which may comprise a reference, such as a colour chart, with which to compare the spectroscopic response of the indicator. The indicator-carrying substrate is suitably packaged in a protective atmosphere.

Abstract: A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a substrate surface comprising lipid coated particles and microfluidic channels through which a blood product can flow. The lipid coated particles comprise functional molecules that can induce or inhibit the coagulation cascade.

Abstract: A device dynamically detects particles of a fluid. The device can be miniaturized for detecting and selecting magnetized particles, particularly cells.

Abstract: Provided is a blood separating agent that can form an excellent partition wall in an intermediate layer between clot and serum or between blood cell components and plasma even under low-temperature centrifugation conditions, is less likely to form crevices in the partition wall, is less likely to have any effect on test values, and offers stable performance even after long-term storage. The blood separating agent contains: a polymer for the blood separating agent which is composed of a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based polymer and has a viscosity of 10 to 200 Pa·s at 25° C. and a ratio of viscosity at 15° C. to viscosity at 25° C. of below 4.6; an inorganic powder; and a polyalkylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of 700 or more, wherein the polyalkylene glycol is mixed at a concentration of 5% by weight or less of the total weight of the blood separating agent.

Abstract: A pancreatic disease is tested for with high sensitivity even with simple equipment and a simple procedure. Provided is a method of detecting pancreatic disease including detecting a concentration of S100P in at least one of a pancreatic juice and a body fluid containing pancreatic juice collected from a test subject by immunochromatography. Additionally provided is a pancreas testing kit including an immunochromatography device that holds an anti-S100P antibody and a collection vessel that retains a protease inhibitor that inhibits an activity of a protease contained in the pancreatic juice.

Abstract: A method for detecting human or animal blood traces on a surface is described. The method is fundamentally based on the reaction of luminol and includes the preliminary operation of atomizing an inorganic powder suspension, such as titania, silica, alumina, hydroxyapatite, or the like, onto the surface to be investigated, after which a composition of luminol, a peroxidic oxidizing agent and an alkaline agent in an amount providing a pH within the range of 10 to 14, is atomized on the surface. A kit for carrying out the detection method of the invention is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for use in the detection of small RNA sequences, which allow for rapid and robust amplification and detection. The methods provide improved sensitivity and efficiency in the amplification-based detection of small RNA sequences by incorporating one or more base-modified duplex-stabilizing dNTPs during reverse transcription and/or amplification.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and kits are disclosed for prognosis, detection, and/or diagnosis of toxemia in a subject patient by analyzing an aliquot of the subject patient's extracellular fluid (e.g., blood serum) that contains carrier proteins.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

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: Methods, kits and devices for detecting antineoplastic drug contamination of a surface are provided according to aspects of the present invention. According to aspects of the invention, methods for detecting antineoplastic drug contamination of a surface include providing a wetting solution compatible with the antineoplastic drug and formulated to promote release of the drug from the surface to be assayed; providing a solid matrix for reversible absorption of the antineoplastic drug; contacting the solid matrix with the wetting solution, generating an assay matrix; contacting the assay matrix and the surface, generating a surface sample; contacting the surface sample with a volume of wetting solution, generating a fluid test sample; and quantifying the antineoplastic drug in the fluid test sample by lateral flow assay to produce an assay result, thereby detecting antineoplastic drug contamination of the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a biosensor kit in which a biosensor utilizing a field effect transistor is not deteriorated during storage or transport; and a system for detecting a substance of interest, which is equipped with the biosensor chip. The biosensor kit comprises a biosensor chip which can measure a substance of interest quantitatively and a package which can hermetically seal the biosensor chip and is composed of a packaging material comprising a metal film. The biosensor chip can measure the substance quantitatively based on the value of a current generated in a field effect transistor when the substance is reacted with a molecule that can recognize the substance and is immobilized on a reaction field connected to the field effect transistor. The biosensor chip comprises the field effect transistor and a mounting substrate on which the field effect transistor is mounted.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring an analyte concentration in a body fluid sample, comprising at least one cartridge that contains consumables for multiple measurements, a data carrier affixed to the cartridge that contains calibration information for the consumables, a hand-held device including a reading facility for receiving a cartridge of this type and for reading its data carrier, a measuring facility for measuring the result of a detection reaction, and a processor for controlling the measuring facility and for analysis of a measuring signal. At least one replaceable data storage unit is further provided in which supplementary data is stored. The data storage unit functions in combination with calibration information from the data carrier and is used by the processor to determine whether the consumables of the inserted cartridge renders a reliable measurement of analyte concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay device capable of testing for multiple analytes such as drugs using individual test strips for each analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining sickle-cell zygosity in a subject. The method involves forming a first solution which includes a sample from the subject, a phosphate buffer, a detergent, and a reducing agent and subjecting the first solution to centrifugation to form a second solution and a supernatant; and taking a color reading of the supernatant and of the second solution; optionally filtering the second solution to form a filtrate and a precipitate, and optionally measuring the amount of the precipitation and the absorbance of the filtrate or taking a color reading of the filtrate.

Abstract: Chondroitin sulfate polysaccharides with defined sulfation patterns can be synthesized. These chondroitin polysaccharides can be used to identify chondroitin sulfate binding proteins. Further, compounds that modulate the activity of chondroitin sulfate binding proteins can be identified. For example, TNF-? was found to bind specifically to CS-E and CS-E can be used to modulate the interaction of TNF-? with the TNF receptor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of an environment or process by measuring light emitted from a bioluminescent sample containing ATP, ADP, or alkaline phosphatase. The apparatus comprises a sample collection and analysis system used to collect a sample, mix reagents, react the sample, and collect it in a measurement chamber. The system includes an instrument having a photon detection assembly for use with the sample testing device and one or more probe assemblies that optically cooperate with the instrument. The instrument includes a dark chamber with a reflective interior surface which may be concave or preferably spherical, and a photon detection sensor such as a multi-pixel photon counter sensor. A substantially transparent portion of the probe assembly, and liquid contained therein, focus bioluminescence toward the photon detection sensor.

Abstract: Saliva sample collection systems are configured with special attention to ease-of-use for the unskilled user and safe transport and delivery by a conventional delivery services such as Federal Express. A sealed cavity is formed by tight coupling of two primary elements: a receiving vessel element and a sealing cap element. The receiving vessel has integrated therewith: a standing means, a fill-line window, a funnel system, a knife, a threadset, and containment tube among others. A complementary cap element includes a cooperating threadset, label receiving surface, gripping surface, seal means and reservoir with piercable thin-film membrane. These two primary elements may be accommodated in an application-specific shipping container which support two shipping modes whereby the system may be shipped safely to and from a donor user each way in a different shipping mode.

Abstract: A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, oligonucleotides, reaction mixtures and kits for the selective amplification of a messenger RNA target comprising an exon-exon junction, using an oligonucleotide that comprises at least one nucleotide modified at the exocyclic amino group.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits are provided herein for the accurate and rapid detection of disease causing microbes in a sample by the detection of microbial components of which correlate to the presence of the microbe. Kits include a first binding agent operatively coupled to an immobilized support; and a second binding agent operatively coupled to one or more pH indicating moieties wherein the first and second binding agents bind with sufficient specificity to the microbial component to permit detection of that component which correlates to the presence of the microbe in the sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide lateral flow and flow-through bioassay devices based on patterned porous media, methods of making same, and methods of using same. Under one aspect, an assay device includes a porous, hydrophilic medium; a fluid impervious barrier comprising polymerized photoresist, the barrier substantially permeating the thickness of the porous, hydrophilic medium and defining a boundary of an assay region within the porous, hydrophilic medium; and an assay reagent in the assay region.

Abstract: Methods of detecting nucleic acids, including methods of detecting two or more nucleic acids in multiplex branched-chain DNA assays, are provided. Nucleic acids captured on a solid support are detected, for example, through cooperative hybridization events that result in specific association of a label with the nucleic acids. Compositions, kits, and systems related to the methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of surfaces that exhibit different surface energies wherein the difference in surface energies is configured to disrupt capillary laminar flow of a fluid travelling between the two surfaces. The invention further relates to the use of such surfaces in assay methods including a device utilising same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material, process and method for the selective analysis of small molecules. Particularly the invention provides a material and a technique for the analysis of small molecules excluding other large molecular weight (MW) analytes. The process involves selective detection of low molecular weight molecules from a sample comprising the steps of placing said sample with SBA-15 particles; and subjecting the same to desorption ionization mass spectrometry, wherein low molecular weight molecules are selectively detected over the higher molecular weight molecules. A kit for the selective analysis of small molecules is also provided.

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: A (H2) sensor composition includes a gas permeable matrix material intermixed and encapsulating at least one chemochromic pigment. The chemochromic pigment produces a detectable change in color of the overall sensor composition in the presence of H2 gas. The matrix material provides high H2 permeability, which permits fast permeation of H2 gas. In one embodiment, the chemochromic pigment comprises PdO/TiO2. The sensor can be embodied as a two layer structure with the gas permeable matrix material intermixed with the chemochromic pigment in one layer and a second layer which provides a support or overcoat layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a kit for preparing a radiopharmaceutical, the method comprising the steps: elution of a 68Ge/68Ga-Generator using hydrochloric acid as an eluent for obtaining a generator eluate comprising 68Gallium, feeding the generator eluate through a cation exchange cartridge, which collects the 68Gallium, separating the used eluent, eluting the 68Gallium from the cation exchange cartridge using a solution comprising sodium chloride and hydrochloric acid and feeding the resulting eluate into an aqueous precursor mixture comprising at least a labelling precursor thereby forming a reaction solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the bisulfite conversion of DNA. In certain time-temperature ranges the efficacy of the bisulfite conversion is clearly improved. By combination with denaturating solvents, new reaction conditions and new purification methods the efficacy can be further increased The converted DNA can subsequently be analysed by different methods. The present invention facilitates the analysis of cytosine methylation.

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: 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 invention relates to a lateral flow assay test strip and a method for making the same. The strip comprises, in the flow direction, a selectively activated membrane for a test reaction and an absorption pad, which are both made of paper and may comprise an integral paper strip. The absorption pad has the paper strip embossed and/or folded to increase the strip's absorption capacity. The folded pad may have an accordion-like configuration, the strip running to-and-from, or it may have the strip rolled and then flattened to a stack of layers.

Abstract: A method for detecting or monitoring the presence of protein fragments, cleaved at novel cleaving sites near the N-terminal part of the collagen IX alpha 1 chain, close to the C-terminal part of the NC4 domain, and at the COL3 domain close to the NC3 domain. Neoepitope antibodies against the neoepitopes were created by the cleavages and an epitope in the cleaved N-terminal part of the NC4 domain unique to collagen IX. A diagnostic kit and antibodies useful in carrying out such methods are also presented.

Abstract: Use of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a biomarker, alone or in conjunction with creatinine to aid in the diagnosis of renal conditions such as acute tubular necrosis and acute renal failure, and a method and a kit for assigning a diagnosis of acute tubular necrosis or acute renal failure to a subject based on the correlation between the levels of NGAL and optionally creatinine in a sample obtained from a subject when compared to a sample obtained from a normal subject not experiencing acute tubular necrosis or acute renal failure.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for preventing interfering substances from affecting the accuracy of a lateral flow immunoassay. In preferred embodiments, a test strip includes a capturing zone that includes at least one mobile capturing reagent that separates at least one interfering substance from the analyte. The capturing zone is preferably located upstream of the sample application zone. In some embodiments, the reagent/conjugate zone is also located upstream of the sample application zone. The capturing zone may be located upstream, downstream, or overlapping with the reagent/conjugate zone in these embodiments. In other preferred embodiments, one or more mobile capturing reagents are included in the elution medium/running buffer. In yet other embodiments, the capturing reagent is incorporated into a sample collection device of a sample collection system, preferably separate from the chromatographic test strip. A lysis zone is also included in some preferred embodiments.

Abstract: Methods and materials are disclosed relating to an improved method for amplifying a signal in a diagnostic assay for a nucleic acid, comprising the steps of providing an amplification polymer bound to a nucleic acid analyte, wherein the amplification polymer comprises a plurality of amine groups; binding amine groups on the amplification polymer with a detectable label complex; and reacting under high salt conditions an acetylating compound with amine groups not bound with a detectable label complex.