Abstract: There is provided a biological specimen separation instrument with which a biological specimen can be stably separated into a predetermined component.

Abstract: A method of detecting factor XIII activity in a biological sample is described. The method includes the steps of immobilizing or having obtained a capture antibody on a solid support, wherein the capture antibody comprises an antibody or antibody fragment that specifically binds to fibrinogen; incubating the biological sample with the capture antibody; contacting the immobilized capture antibody with ?-thrombin, calcium, and ?2-antiplasmin (AP); contacting the immobilized capture antibody with a detection antibody or antibody fragment that specifically binds to ?2-AP, wherein the detection antibody or antibody fragment includes a detection label; and determining that factor XIII activity is present if the detection label is detected. The method can be used to diagnose a subject having factor XIII deficiency, or to monitor factor XIII levels in a subject undergoing factor XIII replacement therapy.

Abstract: A sampling tool includes an outer body having first and second sections, the first section having first and second ends, the first end configured to retrieve and retain a sample therein. The second section has first and second end portions, and a third portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion. The second end of the first section is integrally connected to the first end portion of the second section. The second section includes an inner body configured to slidably move out of the first end of the first section and retract into the second section to eject the retrieved and retained at least one sample and to prepare the sampling tool for a subsequent at least one sample to be received therein. In use, the sampling tool extracts a sample of medium and ejects the extracted sample over a determined area.

Abstract: A system for changing a concentration of at least one group of particles in a fluid, which includes a first container and a second container; a first transfer device and a second transfer device, and an element for keeping the volume of fluid in the first and second containers constant. The first container is fluidly connected to an inlet of the first transfer device, and the second container is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second transfer device. The first and second transfer devices include a chamber associated with at least one acoustic wave generator for generating acoustic waves within the chamber; at least two outlets including a first outlet for fluid enriched with the particles and a second outlet for fluid depleted of the particles; the first outlet being fluidly connected to the first container and the second outlet being fluidly connected to the second container.

Abstract: A system and method for the real time determination of microbial growth in or on perishable products. The system can predict the extent of microbial growth, e.g., whether food is spoiled, in real time by measuring chemicals released, e.g., CO2, from the perishable product during microbial growth. The output from a sensor can be correlated to the extent of microbial growth, i.e., spoilage, and provide information about the extent of microbial growth to the user, for example, through their smart devices.

Abstract: A blood glucose measuring apparatus and a method of operating the blood glucose measuring apparatus are provided. The blood glucose measuring apparatus includes a cell capsule comprising a reservoir configured to accommodate cells in a suspension, and an electrode configured to receive electric signals from any one or both of a cell in the suspension that is not in contact with the electrode and a cell in the suspension that is in contact with the electrode, and a cell monitoring device configured to monitor the cells.

Abstract: An approach for providing a cap with an embedded high-resolution lens and a sampling insert that is used during an authentication of a composition of a liquid in a container sealed by the cap. The cap has a top portion of a cap with an opening, a sampling insert inside the opening in the top portion of the cap, and a high-resolution lens inside an opening in the sampling insert.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for oligonucleotide synthesis, that has four or more synthesis vessels, each synthesis vessel having a waste emitting end, a synthesis plate holding the four or more synthesis vessels, a drain block located below and coupled to the synthesis plate, a sealing device in contact with the synthesis plate and the drain block, one or more waste collection reservoirs located inside of the drain block, one or more equilibration holes, each equilibration hole penetrating the exterior of the drain block and the waste collection reservoir(s), one or more waste tubes connected to the waste collection reservoir(s), each waste tube comprising a waste valve. The sealing device may have one or more sealing blocks, and the equilibration holes may be located in the sealing blocks in lieu of in the drain block. Each equilibration hole may be coupled to a solenoid or flow control valve.

Abstract: A device and associated method for centrifuging a physiological fluid includes a syringe including a tip, a base and a barrel extending between the tip and the base to hold a physiological fluid. The syringe includes a plunger positioned within the barrel and the plunger includes a plunger seal in sealing engagement with an inside wall of the barrel. An exoskeleton is provided to support the syringe at least partially within the exoskeleton for use in a centrifuge. The syringe is removably coupled to the exoskeleton using an interference fit. The method includes holding the physiological fluid in the syringe, supporting the syringe at least partially within the exoskeleton, and centrifuging the physiological fluid in the syringe supported by the exoskeleton.

Abstract: An electronic laboratory metering system for liquids includes an electrical hand-held metering device (2) having at least one operation sensor unit (5) that detects operation of the hand-held metering device (2) and generates operating data and stores same in a storage apparatus (6), wherein the hand-held metering device (2) has an interface module (7) for connecting the hand-held metering device (2) to an external network access apparatus (4) for transferring the operating data; the metering system (1), specifically a data processing system (3), has a comparison unit (9) to compare operating data with target operating data and/or to compare context parameter data from the context parameter sensor unit (8) with target context parameter data and to generate a comparison result. The metering system (1) includes a documentation unit (10) designed to generate and store log data records including at least the operating data and/or the context parameter data.

Abstract: Ingredient containers for use in a beverage carbonation system are provided. The ingredient container includes a container body defining an interior hollow chamber, and a cap coupled to the opening of the container body. The container body has an opening leading to the interior hollow chamber and a cross-section with a major axis defining a width that is greater than a minor axis defining a depth. The cap has an inlet that is sealed to retain fluid within the container and that is configured to open to allow gas to be injected into the interior hollow chamber. The cap has an outlet that is sealed to retain fluid within the container and that is configured to open to allow fluid within the container to flow out through the outlet valve. The inlet and the outlet are aligned along a first axis that extends parallel to the minor axis of the container body.

Abstract: The present application provides a method of assembling a container for one or multiple parallel steps of biochemical analysis on one or more cells comprising performing molecular bonding of a porous membrane on an apical or basal surface of an array having a plurality of wells, wherein the molecular bonding substantially isolates each well from adjacent wells.

Abstract: A system for electronically and optically monitoring biological samples, the system including: a multi-well plate having a plurality of wells configured to receive a plurality of biological samples, each of the wells having a set of electrodes and a transparent window on a bottom surface of the well that is free of electrodes; an illumination module configured to illuminate the wells; a cradle configured to receive the multi-well plate, the cradle having an opening on the bottom that exposes the transparent windows of the wells; and an optical imaging module movable across different wells of a same multi-well plate to capture images through the windows.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to segregate particles suspended in a fluid with an obstacle field in the flow path of the fluid. The particles may be dispersed after an interaction with obstacles in the obstacle field. The obstacle-particle interactions may result in an asymmetrical particle shift or bump in which the particles are differentially dispersed relative to the obstacle and the fluid flow. Individual obstacles having properties that are asymmetrical are arranged creating asymmetrical gaps between adjacent pairs of obstacles to separate particles flowing through the device.

Abstract: A blood clotting time measurement cartridge that can keep an amount of blood constant while simplifying a configuration and easing a blood injection operation, and a blood clotting time measuring device using the cartridge. The cartridge includes a measurement flow channel wherein blood is housed and transmission of light detects whether there is blood in a predetermined position, an introduction opening on one end side of the channel from which blood is introduced, a communication opening on the other end through which it is possible to cause, by suction or pressurization of air or blood introduced from the introduction opening, the blood in the channel to make a reciprocating motion so as to pass through the predetermined position, a partition wall that partitions a blood injection space connected to the introduction opening, and an absorption member on an outer side of the partition wall that absorbs blood beyond the wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a proteomics sample preparation device, comprising a pipette tip, an ion exchange resin filler and a solid-phase extraction membrane. The solid-phase extraction membrane is filled into the lower end of the pipette tip, and the ion exchange resin filler is filled into the lower end of the pipette tip and is located above the solid-phase extraction membrane. The ion exchange resin filler is a strong cation exchange resin filler or a strong anion exchange resin filler. Disclosed is a protein chromatographic separation platform comprising the proteomic reactor and a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer. Disclosed is the use of the proteomics reactor and protein chromatographic separation platform in the protein identification and protein quantitative analysis of a cell, a tissue or a blood sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating cell suspension material into centrate and concentrate, includes a single use structure (178, 240, 250, 370, 414) releasably positioned in a cavity in a solid wall rotatable centrifuge bowl (172). The bowl and portions of single use structure rotate about an axis (174, 428). A stationary inlet feed tube (184, 430), a centrate discharge tube (212, 436) and a concentrate discharge tube (230,448) extend along the axis of the rotating single use structure. A centrate centripetal pump (208, 438) is in fluid connection with the centrate discharge tube. A concentrate centripetal pump (216, 450) is in fluid connection with the concentrate discharge tube. At least one concentrate channel (380, 454) and a concentrate centripetal pump chamber (376,452) have configurations in the structure that facilitate the flow of cell concentrate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a microporous membrane that incorporates an additive having low water solubility at the membrane's active surface from a precipitation fluid. The incorporated additive at the membrane's active surface can improve one or more of the membrane's hydrophilicity, wettability, anti-fouling behavior, blood compatibility, and stability over long periods of use or repetitive use. The microporous membrane with this modified active surface can be a hollow fiber, flat sheet, or other self-supporting shape. The microporous membranes can be used for membrane filtering or a solute and/or solvent exchange process, which involve contacting aqueous-based fluid or blood with the microporous membrane, such processes for dialysis, blood oxygenation, or blood separation filtering, or other processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an object to be medically examined by blowing is provided where air is blown into a container in which an object to be medically examined is stored, so as to make the uniform distribution state of the object to be medically examined from the inside of the container, thereby ensuring the sameness of the object to be medically examined, which is to be extracted from the container.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a simple method of detecting a protein in a liquid, which requires less labor or cost as compared with a conventional method. In the present invention, it has been found that coloring a protein by a color reaction specific to the protein, performing filtration using a filter which easily adsorbs a protein to concentrate the protein on the filter, and checking coloration allows for simply and easily detecting and measuring a protein. In addition, it has been found that filtering a protein using a filter, concentrating the protein on the filter, then coloring the protein by a color reaction specific to the protein, and checking the protein allows simply and easily detecting and measuring a protein.

Abstract: Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrate biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. A single-use pipette tip includes fluid ports for aspirating the sample and connecting to a concentrating unit.

Abstract: A curable coating composition includes: (a) a binder having a film-forming resin with at least two functional groups, and (ii) a curing agent reactive with the functional groups of the film-forming resin; and (b) solid vulcanized rubber particles that are unreactive with the binder. The curable coating composition is a solid particulate powder coating composition. Multi-layer coating systems and methods of preparing the curable coating composition are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular reagent plate, comprising: a support rack comprising a frame and one or more separators, wherein two ends of each separator are respectively connected to the frame; and a base comprising a frame body, wherein the support rack is disposed on the frame body of the base and can be detachably combined with the base. A reagent vessel kit is also provided by assembling a reagent vessel to the above-described modular reagent plate. Unnecessary waste of reagent vessels can be avoided according to the present invention.

Abstract: This invention employs columns and methods to apply external and internal standards and compounds. Analytical standard or compounds are adsorbed to a solid phase extraction media and are stored indefinitely. The standards or compounds remain stable on the solid phase extraction media without decomposing. The standards or compounds may be removed from the solid phase extraction media with a solvent.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is a device, including: a swab including an absorptive component attached to a stem, an extraction chamber configured to receive the swab and position the absorptive component of the swab configured to be in fluid communication with an extraction reagent, a test strip configured to be brought in fluid communication with the extraction reagent following extraction of the analyte from the biological sample, including: a sample receiving portion configured to accept a sample, a site on the strip where the analyte-specific labeled reagent has been incorporated, such reagent configured to bind the analyte from the biological sample, a capture portion configured to receive: the analyte from the biological sample and the analyte-specific labeled reagent so as to result in displaying a positive or negative result at the completion of the assay, and an adsorbent pad attached to the test strip.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes a light source 4a to perform measurement, a spectrophotometer 4, a reagent disk 9 to store a reagent bottle 10 in which the reagent is stored, a carriage device to carry the reagent bottle 10 to the reagent disk 9, a reagent preparation unit to perform preparatory operations required before the regent bottle 10 is used, and a control unit 21 to schedule the preparatory operations by the reagent preparation unit and the carriage operation by the carriage device such that the reagent bottle 10 is carried to the reagent disk 9 immediately after an operation accompanied with analysis by the light source 4a and the spectrophotometer 4 is suspended or ends.

Abstract: Methods of detecting platinum and copper in a test sample are provided. Kits for use in detecting platinum and copper in a test sample also are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated device for faeces sampling and occult blood detection, which has functions of quantitative collection, dissolution, filtration, detection with immune test strips of the faecal sample, and is convenient to carry and operate, and the device does not leak any liquid during storage, transportation and detection. The device can accurately collect a constant sample with no pollution and leakage, and can quickly determine results of occult blood without the aid of other items. The device can detect faecal occult blood at any time and at any place, can help to overcome the problem of low rate of inspection due to the inconvenience of faeces submission and inspection, further promote the detection of faecal occult blood, and can improve the early diagnosis and screening rate of colorectal cancer of the population.

Abstract: A biological analysis system is provided. The system comprises an interchangeable assembly configured to accommodate any one of a plurality of sample holders, each respective sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples. The system also includes a control system configured to cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures. The system further includes an optical system configured to detect fluorescent signals emitted from the plurality of samples. The optical system, in particular, can comprise a single field lens, an excitation source, an optical sensor, and a plurality of filter components. The excitation source can be one or more light emitting diodes. The field lends can be a bi-convex lens.

Abstract: A magnetic separation device has a membrane having a plurality of pores, a magnetically soft material layer disposed on the membrane, and a passivation layer disposed on the magnetically soft material layer. The magnetic separation device may be part of a microfluidic device having a lateral flow channel and a vertical flow magnetic separation filter. The magnetic separation device may be used to separate magnetically tagged particles, such as cells.

Abstract: A rack for a diagnostic robot with at least one support for at least one container; at least one gas-outlet to supply the at least one container with a gas at a predefined but individually adjustable pressure level; a first gas pump to generate a gas at a predefined super-atmospheric pressure level; a second gas pump to generate a gas at a pre-defined sub-atmospheric pressure level; a first tubing system attached to the first gas pump and holding the gas generated by the first gas pump; a second tubing system attached to the second gas pump and holding the gas generated by the second gas pump; and at least one tube bridge, wherein one end of the bridge connects via a first valve into the first tubing system and the other end of the bridge connects via a second valve into the second tubing system, and wherein the at least one gas-outlet is connected to the center of the bridge.

Abstract: Cell culture apparatus for emulating gastrointestinal tract conditions and comprising at least two adjacent, microfluidic, cell cultivation channels separated by a permeable or semipermeable membrane, a first channel carrying gastrointestinal tract epithelial cells or tissues and a second channel carrying luminal and preferably mucosal microbiota, and wherein said second channel comprises one or more dwell chambers capable of providing a location for unattached luminal flora to reside away from any direct flow in said second channel, permits modelling of multiple sections of the gastrointestinal tract and control of retention times.

Abstract: Provided is a simple and easy to operate device for collecting and extracting fecal samples. The collection device of the invention comprises a top cap mounted with a sample collection means, a middle cap inserted with an elastic sealing funnel, and a bottom container having only one opening. The device can collect fecal samples with a quantitative sampling accuracy comparable to that of the conventional weighing method. It can also be easily adapted to automated multi-sample extraction and immunoassays.

Abstract: The assembly includes a docking console and a manifold. The docking console includes a cartridge support surface having a first end and a second end. The manifold has one or more wells defined therein. The docking console further includes a manifold retention bracket to releasably hold the manifold against a fluid cartridge supported on the cartridge support surface at an interface position such that the one or more wells are in fluid communication with the fluid cartridge and a biased seal bar to press the fluid cartridge against the manifold held by the manifold retention bracket. A hydrophilic porous frit disposed within at least one of the wells and is to permit liquid to flow through the outlet aperture but prevent gas from passing through the outlet aperture.

Abstract: A two-sided flow-through immunoassay testing device is provided. The device comprises a well having therein a plurality of orifices, the plurality of orifices serving to channel biologic material deposited into the well onto different immunoassay pods, wherein the immunoassay pods may contain immunoassay test layers stacked to create an immunoassay test. The device further includes a results window. Inside the device, and between the window and the pods, there are open sections below each pod to allow a user to view the results of the tests as presented on the reaction layers of the pods through the window.

Abstract: We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro chamber plate, and more particularly, to a micro chamber plate having micro chamber holes formed using a flowable film. Thus, samples can be injected into the micro chamber holes in a smoother manner compared to when samples are injected using a vacuum and/or centrifugal force. In addition, bubbles and excess samples in the micro chamber holes can be efficiently discharged, making it possible to perform reaction and analysis in a more accurate and efficient manner.

Abstract: A sample preparation device (1) comprising a first chamber (2) containing a membrane support (30) on which a membrane (9) is placed or can be placed, an inlet (20) to the first chamber (2) and an outlet (21) from the first chamber (2), at least one second chamber (3) provided with or adapted to be provided with an anaerobic generation means (23) and/or an anaerobic detection indicator, wherein the at least one second chamber (3) is connected to the first chamber (2) by a communication path (8), wherein the communication path (8) is liquid-tightly closed by a tap device (4) in a first position (A) of the tap device (4) and is adapted to be opened to allow fluid communication between the first chamber (2) and the at least one second chamber (3) in that the tap device (4) is moved to a second position (B) of the tap device (4).

Abstract: An analyte testing material web, method of making the analyte testing material web, and an analyzer are disclosed. The analyte testing material web has a material web and a plurality of distinct sample testing devices. The material web has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side, and a second side. The plurality of sample testing devices are positioned on the first surface of the material web. Each of the plurality of sample testing devices has an inlet, an outlet, a fluid channel, and one or more testing elements within the fluid channel and configured to analyze one or more analyte within a sample applied to the inlet of one of the plurality of sample testing devices.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides a container adapted for detecting hyperfibrinolysis or fibrinolysis in a blood sample using viscoelastic analysis comprising an interior having a coating comprises an inhibitor of fibrinolysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample collection detector, comprising a sampling device, a detecting device and a communicating device, wherein the sampling device has a sampling chamber and a sample feeding rod, the sample feeding rod is inserted into the sampling chamber to finish sampling; the communicating device has a sample feeding channel that is in communication with the sampling chamber and detecting device, a valve assembly is provided between the sample feeding channel and the sampling chamber, the valve assembly is initially closed, the sample feeding channel is separated from the sampling chamber, the sample feeding rod triggers the valve assembly to open and communicate the sample feeding channel and the sampling chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising oxycodone and an oxycodone-processing enzyme, wherein oxycodone is contained in the pharmaceutical composition in a storage stable, enzyme-reactive state and under conditions wherein no enzymatic activity acts on oxycodone.

Abstract: Provided is a specimen dispensing mechanism that includes a specimen nozzle dispensing a specimen to be analyzed in a specimen chamber to a reaction chamber by suctioning and ejecting the specimen, and the specimen dispensing mechanism is controlled so as to perform a specimen suctioning process of inserting the specimen nozzle into the specimen chamber and suctioning the specimen in the specimen chamber, a liquid suctioning process of suctioning a liquid by the specimen nozzle after the specimen suctioning process, and an ejection process of ejecting the liquid and a portion of the specimen to the empty reaction chamber from the specimen nozzle in this order. Thereby, it is possible to provide an automatic analyser and a method which are capable of dispensing a small amount of specimen with a high level of accuracy, without depending on the outer shape of a specimen nozzle or the viscosity of the specimen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for exchanging buffer solutions are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the methods and systems for buffer exchange may be automated and/or the methods and systems may include mixing during filtering operations.

Abstract: An integrated testing device is described, for example for testing bodily fluids. The device has a test component, a reservoir containing a test fluid, and a control vessel. The reservoir discharges test fluid into the control vessel, which discharges the test fluid in a controlled way to the test component.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is a device, including: a swab including an absorptive component attached to a stem, an extraction chamber configured to receive the swab and position the absorptive component of the swab configured to be in fluid communication with an extraction reagent, a test strip configured to be brought in fluid communication with the extraction reagent following extraction of the analyte from the biological sample, including: a sample receiving portion configured to accept a sample, a site on the strip where the analyte-specific labeled reagent has been incorporated, such reagent configured to bind the analyte from the biological sample, a capture portion configured to receive: the analyte from the biological sample and the analyte-specific labeled reagent so as to result in displaying a positive or negative result at the completion of the assay, and an adsorbent pad attached to the test strip.

Abstract: A device for collection of residue from separation columns. A manifold provides for multiple sample ports that are fluidly connected to a vacuum port by at least one channel. Residue from the separation columns is pulled through the sample ports, into the channel, and then to the vacuum port. From the vacuum port the residue can be moved, under the force of the vacuum, directly to a drain or to a collection vessel connected with a drain.

Abstract: An analyzing device having a microchannel structure includes a sample inlet and a guide section extending from the sample inlet toward an axial center. The analyzing device further includes a first cavity connected to the guide section and configured to measure a certain amount of a sample liquid, and a receiving cavity located adjacent to the first cavity and receiving the sample liquid. The analyzing device further includes a liquid reservoir formed between the sample inlet and the guide section and temporarily holds the sample liquid before being suctioned into the guide section. The sample liquid temporarily held in the liquid reservoir is transferred from the liquid reservoir to the guide section and the first cavity by a capillary force and transferred to the receiving cavity by a centrifugal force caused by rotating the analyzing device about the axial center.

Abstract: A thermal cycler system for use with a sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples includes a sample block having an upstanding peripheral side wall and being configured to receive the sample holder and an adaptor having an upstanding peripheral side wall configured to be positioned about the peripheral side wall of the sample block. When the peripheral side wall of the adaptor is positioned about the peripheral side wall of the sample block and the sample holder is received in the sample block, the peripheral side wall of the adaptor extends in an upward direction toward the sample holder.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for segregating particles on the basis of their ability to flow through a stepped passageway. At least some of the particles are unable to pass through a narrower passageway bounded by a segregating step, resulting in segregation of the particles. The breadth of the leading edge of at least one step of the apparatus is significantly greater than the overall width of the passageway in which the step occurs, permitting high and rapid sample throughput. The apparatus and methods described herein can be used to segregate particles of a wide variety of types. By way of example, they can be used to segregate circulating tumor cells from a human blood sample.