Abstract: A sample and a reagent are disposed separately. The reagent is taken into a liquid at a leading end of a needle, and a voltage is applied thereto to turn the liquid into fine liquid droplets. The sample is irradiated with laser light to cause the sample to be emitted into a space in the form of fine particles. The fine liquid droplets and the fine particles are brought into contact in the space to obtain ionized fine particles.

Abstract: An analyzer comprises a container supplying unit which supplies a container, an agitating unit which agitates liquid in the container, and a measurement unit which performs a measurement using the liquid agitated by the agitating unit. The agitating unit comprises a base which is configured to move relative to the container supplying unit, a driving source which is mounted on the base, a container catcher which is configured to catch the container at one side, a transmitting member which transmits the power of the driving source to the other end side of the container catcher, and a supporting member which supports the container catcher at a position between one end and the other end of the container catcher.

Abstract: The invention relates to hyperbaric devices for inactivating microorganisms and viruses while retaining their immunogenicity and for making and producing the soluble, disaggregated, refolded or active immunogenic or therapeutic proteins from inclusion bodies produced from prokaryotes or eukaryotes. The invention encompasses hyperbaric methods for inactivating pathogenic organisms, and methods for producing vaccine compositions using the inactivated pathogens. The hyperbarically inactivated microorganisms are safer and more immunogenic than chemically inactivated microorganisms. Similarly, the solubilized proteins have superior properties compared to more heavily aggregated proteins, including reduced non-specific immune reactions.

Abstract: Provided is a case for specimen analyzing kit. The case includes a cover unit comprising a put-in part through which a specimen is putted and a result exposing part exposing a reaction result between the specimen and a reaction pad to the outside, a support unit coupled to the cover unit to define a predetermined inner space, and a plurality of put-in holes passing through the put-in part to introduce the specimen into the inner space.

Abstract: A device and method for headspace sampling is disclosed herein. The headspace sampling device comprises a sample holding device configured to be sealed in a vial. The sample holding device has a pair of electrodes gap spaced from one another and a basket extending between the electrodes configured to hold a sample. The basket is configured to heat a sample held therewith and volatize at least a portion of the sample upon an electrical current being passed through the electrodes and the basket.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals include a foil layer and are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.

Abstract: A test reagent container including a discharge port, formed by depressing a projecting part formed on a container bottom part, through which content can be easily and reliably discharged. The test reagent container includes: a bottom part; a peripheral wall raised approximately perpendicularly from a periphery of the bottom part; and a storage part defined by the bottom part and peripheral wall. A projecting part is formed on the bottom part in a projecting manner toward outside the container. A proximal end of the projecting part is formed in a bendable manner relative to the bottom part, and an easily breakable part is formed on a periphery of the projecting part except for the proximal end of the projecting part. The easily breakable part is broken when the projecting part is depressed from outside the container to be pushed into the inside of the container to form a discharge port.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for marketing and using products such as liquid materials, especially liquid reagents for use in microbiological and cellular biological laboratory settings include the use of unique color and simple numeric or alphanumeric identifiers to quickly and easily identify any product from a catalog list of products. Methods of marketing, advertising and producing such products are also disclosed. Particular embodiments include products, product packaging and product labeling. The invention also relates to collars and sleeves for containers, as well as related methods of use.

Abstract: A vial and closure assembly including a vial and a closure configured to be threadably coupled to the vial. The vial has an opening end that is defined by a vial rim and at least one thread located proximate to the open end of the vial. The closure includes a top wall with a skirt wall depending from the top wall. A septum pocket is provided in the top wall and is configured to receive a septum positioned therein. A protrusion depends from the top wall, extends into the septum pocket, and is configured to engage the septum so that the septum creates an essentially vapor-tight seal with the vial rim when the closure is threadably coupled to the vial.

Abstract: This reagent container comprises a container body for storing a liquid reagent employed for an analyzer and a band-like grasp portion mounted on the container body so that the user grasps the container body in a suspended state, and the grasp portion includes a band-like member whose first and second end sides are mounted on the container body and a protective member provided on the band-like member to project from an edge portion of the band-like member.

Abstract: A substrate holding device is disclosed for use in histological studies. The device includes a tapered groove surface for retaining a tissue substrate. The device may be used with a cryogenic procedure.

Abstract: A microtitration plate, comprising: a frame which is made of at least one laser-inscribable plastic completely or in at least one area, and a multiplicity of receptacles arranged in the frame and having an opening on one side of the frame which are made of a plastic other than the laser-inscribable plastic.

Abstract: A collection device and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes a separating member to separate the whole blood into its components, and at least reagent positioned to selectively interact with a component of the separated sample. The reagent is able to selectively interact with the plasma/serum, and is prevented from contacting or interacting with the whole blood.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing at least one biological sample accommodated on at least one carrier member (15) in a chamber includes, at least one reservoir (18) able to accommodate a fluid on a surface inside the chamber adjacent to and/or facing a substantial part of the at least one biological sample. The apparatus may comprise a bottom member (12) arranged to support at least one carrier member (15) carrying at least one biological sample and a lid (14) including at least one fluid reservoir (18). The reservoir filled with water provides humidity to the chamber and impedes drying out of the sample.

Abstract: A container for selective transport of samples of biological material or of biological origin comprising a body (2) having at least a compartment (3) suitable for containing at least a fluid or liquid and/or for containing at least a portion (16a) of a collecting device (16) for biological samples, said body (2) comprising at least an access opening (4) to the compartment (3) and at least a containing wall (5) provided with at least a selective passage portion (6) configured such as to prevent exit of a fluid or liquid from the container (1), through the passage portion (6), at least in at least an operating sealed condition characterised at least by a rest state of the container (1) or by a first value of mechanical shaking of the container (1) and/or by a first value of relative centrifugal force to which the container (1) is subjected for a first interval of a predetermined time, and configured such as selectively to enable exit of the fluid or liquid from the container (1), across the passage portion (6),

Abstract: Collection devices and kits for biological sample collection include a biologic sample collection device having a hydrophilic swab matrix that includes a modified polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of production and use thereof are also described herein. The biologic sample collection devices, kits and methods described herein are used to collect a biologic sample (e.g., blood, buccal cells, etc.) and to enable extraction of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) from that biologic sample so that the nucleic acids can be analyzed (e.g., sequencing and subsequent analyses of DNA).

Abstract: A method of processing a liquid sample containing an initial quantity of nucleic acids that involves providing a plastic, disposable laboratory implement having at least one transparent wall segment made of a polypropylene mixed with an amount of a clarifier additive that is at least twice as high as is necessary to obtain transparency in the polypropylene, wherein the transparent wall segment exhibits a surface gloss greater than 160 as measured per DIN 67530 at an angle of 60°, bringing the liquid sample into contact with the at least one transparent wall segment and removing the liquid sample from the at least transparent wall segment, wherein the nucleic acid adsorption ratio for the transparent wall segment is less than 3 (wt/wt) relative to relative to the initial quantity of nucleic acids in the liquid sample.

Abstract: A reaction cassette for biochemical assay, a biochemical assay device including the reaction cassette, and a biochemical assay method performed by using the biochemical assay device are provided. The reaction cassette includes a first space, a second space, a third space, and an inner wall. The first space is configured to accommodate liquid and includes a first opening facing upward. The second space includes a second opening whose direction is perpendicular to the direction of the first opening. The first space and the second space are disposed such that when the reaction cassette is rotated, liquid in the first space can flow into the second space. The third space is located under the first space and includes a third opening whose direction is the same as the direction of the first opening. The inner wall connects the second opening and the third opening, which serves as a liquid flow channel between the second space and the third space.

Abstract: A fluid sampling apparatus having a container and a splitter disposed in the container. The splitter is operative for dividing an absorbent pad of a sample collector into two portions. The splitter may have a base and clamping arrangement connected to the base. The clamping arrangement is operative for clamping onto a first portion of the absorbent pad so that the first portion of the absorbent pad can be separated from a second portion of the absorbent pad by pulling the sample collector away from the splitter.

Abstract: A sealing member includes a sealing portion that is used for a cap attached to a reagent container and covers an opening of the cap with an open-close movement by flapping around a predetermined point. The sealing portion has, on an outer circumference in the predetermined point side, an extending portion that extends outward of the opening. The extending portion contacts with an upper edge of the opening when the sealing portion covers the opening.

Abstract: A biological material such as platelets is sealed inside a container with a dead space to accommodate a metabolic gas. The concentration of the gas in the dead space is monitored while the container remains sealed. In some embodiments, the container is permeable to the gas. In other embodiments, the biological material is the only growth medium in the container. The disposal of the biological material is in accordance with the monitored gas concentration. Preferably, the gas concentration is measured spectroscopically. A container for a biological material includes a main body that retains the biological material but that is permeable to a gas and a reservoir in fluid communication with the main body that is transparent to an optical wavelength that is absorbed by the gas.

Abstract: A micro vial assembly for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions on small reaction mixture volumes is disclosed, wherein a reaction vessel (10) is sealed through a diaphragm (30) that is capped over an open end of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel mouths in an end plane of a sleeve (20) surrounding the reaction vessel, the diaphragm being clamped for sealing the open end of the vessel by means of a cap (40) which is secured to the sleeve. The sleeve provides a radial extension of the reaction vessel in order to bridge the radial distance between a wall of the reaction vessel and other components in a system for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: A separator system operable to use centrifugation to fractionate a multiple component material, such as a suspension including blood, comprises a buoy. The buoy can be carried in a separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in the multiple component material. A guide surface is carried on a buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprises a sample analysis unit which analyzes a sample, a reading unit which reads information from a storage medium attached to a container that contains a quality control sample, a display, and a controller which displays on the display an analysis result obtained by another sample analyzer and read from the storage medium and an analysis result obtained by the sample analysis unit, when the storage medium stores the analysis result obtained by the other sample analyzer.

Abstract: A system is provided for analyzing a plurality of samples in a furnace. The system includes an upper holder including at least one opening adapted to engage at least one upper crucible. The system also includes a lower holder including at least one opening adapted to engage at least one lower crucible. The system includes a scale adapted to receive a lower crucible and weigh the lower crucible. The scale is further adapted to receive a combination of an upper crucible stacked on the lower crucible and weigh the combination. The system also includes means for moving the upper holder and the lower holder relative to each other and relative to the scale so that the scale selectively receives the lower crucible and the combination of the upper crucible stacked on the lower crucible. A method of testing samples in a furnace is provided.

Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyzer.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to the axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: Devices for collection and elution of oral fluid samples and the like enable collection and elution of samples by using a handle in the form of a rod having a collection pad thereon which is inserted into a collection tube. The collection tube has an adaptor with a narrowed portion associated therewith for squeezing the pad to wring a sample therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the collection tube has a narrowed portion that squeezes the pad as the pad is inserted there though. Caps are provided to 1) support the rod in an assembly with the adaptor and collection tube to form an assembled sample collection device and 2) to close the collection tube after the handle and pad are removed from the collection tube subsequent to depositing the sample elution solution therein. The eluted sample can be used for detection of an analyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for carrying out a chemical reaction in a reactor, at least one substance is present in a container that is closed in a gas-tight manner, is introduced into the reactor in said container and is released by breaking open the container. The container is designed such that it breaks open when a specified bursting pressure difference between the internal pressure and external pressure is exceeded. The container is broken open and the substance located in the container is thus released as a result of deliberate application in the reactor of a pressure difference exceeding the bursting pressure difference.

Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.

Abstract: An airtight container for a reaction experiment, includes a reaction container made of Teflon, the reaction container having an opening in at least a portion thereof; and a casing configured to support and enclose a circumferential outer surface of the reaction container. Further, the airtight container for the reaction experiment includes a Teflon film configured to close the opening of the reaction container; and a pressing part configured to bring the Teflon film into close contact with the reaction container. Furthermore, the airtight container for the reaction experiment includes a cover configured to apply a force to the pressing part so that the Teflon film is kept in close contact with the reaction container.

Abstract: It is to provide a device for sampling feces that enables an accurate and quantitative evaluation by decreasing the variations of feces sampling levels, wherein the confirmation of the presence or absence of feces sampling can be performed hygienically and simply from an outside of a container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reagent slot, a sample tray and a combination kit used in biochemical test; this reagent slot is used to be mounted in the sample tray. Specifically, the reagent slot has a main frame which has plural holding holes, and the sample tray includes a plate portion, which is equipped with plural inserting holes and plural inserting slots, and a support portion which is used to support the plate portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of clotting compositions containing prothrombin activators to produce high quality blood serum samples for pathology and other biological assays, and to containers containing such clotting compositions, and related methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chip which can be used for preventing the contamination in the inside of a measurement device, and comprises: a contact hole that is in contact with a solution of interest and that is formed on an outer surface of the chip for the purpose of introducing blood that makes contact with the contact hole into the inside of the chip; a first hydrophobic region that is substantially in contact with at least a part of an opening edge of the contact hole and that is formed on the outer surface of the chip from a contact hole toward the chip insertion side; and a first hydrophilic region that is located adjacent to the first hydrophobic region and that is formed on the outer surface of the chip from the first hydrophobic region toward the chip insertion side.

Abstract: A turret component for a reagent vessel includes at least one vessel structure into which at least one liquid and/or pulverized material is pourable. The at least one vessel is formed on the turret component, and the turret component has at least one predetermined breaking point on at least one vessel base of the at least one vessel structure. A reagent vessel insertion part for a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or for a pressure varying apparatus includes the turret component and also includes an insertion part housing configured to enable insertion of the reagent vessel insertion part into a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or a pressure varying apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of assembling an apparatus for holding biological samples. Conventionally, storage media are encased in a relatively thin flexible cardboard frame. Such constructions are vulnerable to damage from moisture and mechanical forces; these defects may subsequently cause problems for automated handling systems. In an embodiment, these defects are prevented by providing a pair of rigid frames, each frame comprising an aperture; placing a biological sample storage medium between the two frames so that the biological sample storage medium at least partly overlaps each of the apertures in the frames; and joining the two frames to fix the biological sample storage medium in place while allowing access to the biological sample storage medium via each of the apertures. Thus, in embodiments of the present invention, the frames can be rigid and waterproof, and provide a robust storage media for biological samples.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a transitional fill-volume indicator is disclosed. The specimen collection container includes an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior. The specimen collection container includes a transitional fill-volume indicator adjacent the sidewall, such that the container defines a first volumetric interior defined by the sidewall between the closed bottom end and the transitional indicator. The specimen collection container also defines a second volumetric interior defined by the sidewall between the closed bottom end and a portion of the sidewall disposed above the transitional indicator.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a sample chamber in which a sample is accommodated. The sample chamber includes: an introduction portion including a loading hole through which the sample is loaded; an accommodation portion including a discharge hole; and a neck portion forming a boundary between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion. The neck portion provides a capillary pressure for controlling flow of the sample between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion.

Abstract: A lidded container having a tubular container which at the bottom has a container base, at the top a container opening and below the container opening a sealing region on the internal wall, a lid which comprises a lid base and a plug protruding from the inside of the lid base, and which may be inserted through the container opening into a sealing position in the sealing region, and locking means for releasably locking the lid to the container comprising at least one latching projection projecting radially outward at the top edge of the container, at least one flexible and elastic connecting link projecting from the bottom side of the lid base on which a latching edge is arranged at a distance from the lid base vertically below the connection of the connecting link to the lid base.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay method for the detection of a primary amine analyze in an aqueous body fluid, which method comprises contacting a sample of said body fluid at a pH below 9.5 with a thiol and an unsaturated cis-dialdehyde and testing for the presence of a pyrrole reaction product.

Abstract: A sample container comprises a first container and a second container enclosing the first container, the containers capable of being brought into a storage position to form a collecting chamber therebetween having a first, smaller volume, and into an analysis position, in which the collecting chamber has a second, larger volume, wherein a fixing means is provided on the first container, which can be brought into fixing engagement with a mating fixing means provided on the second container such that relative motion of the containers is made more difficult in at least one relative motion direction and/or wherein a locking means is provided on the first container, which locking means can be brought into locking engagement with a mating locking means provided on the second container such that relative motion of the two containers is made more difficult in at least one relative motion direction.

Abstract: A liquid analysis container includes a main body and a barrier device. The main body has an accommodating space and a first opening. The barrier device is disposed on the main body and covers the first opening. An accommodating cavity is formed between the barrier device and the main body. The accommodating cavity is connected to the accommodating space through the first opening. The barrier device has a second opening. The accommodating cavity is connected to an external environment through the second opening. An opening diameter of the second opening is larger than an opening diameter of the first opening.

Abstract: A test strip dispenser that has a housing that defines a dispensing opening is provided. A cylindrical body engages the housing and is capable of rotating about an axis to rotate relative to the housing. A test strip engages an outer surface of the cylindrical body and is carried by the cylindrical body about the axis. Alignment of the test strip with the dispensing opening causes the test strip to fall off of and out of engagement with the outer surface and through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a naturally based Sperm Separation System (SSS) for separation of at least a portion of sperm cell populations (SCP) within an original semen sample, such that an enriched SCP sample is obtained, comprising a a sperm separation device, comprising ?) a first chamber adapted to contain at least a portion of said original semen sample, said first chamber is characterized by predetermined 3D shape and volume, V, said first chamber is bounded by a rim such that said orginal sample is kept below said rim, n) a second chamber in physical communication with said first chamber and said nm, said second chamber is characterized by predetermined 3D shape and volume, V1, said second chamber is adapted to reside said enriched SCP sample, b incubation means, adapted to socket at least one of said cell separation device and to homogeneously thermoregulate the temperature within the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a biological and/or chemical sample in a liquid droplet is provided. The apparatus includes a processing compartment, a base and at least one circumferential wall. The processing compartment is defined by at least a part of the base, at least a part of the circumferential wall and an inlet member. The inlet member is located on top of the processing compartment, and includes at least one droplet inlet channel, which extends through the inlet member and includes a contraction between the inlet opening of the droplet inlet channel to the environment and the outlet opening to the processing compartment.

Abstract: A closure is described for a container containing a reagent. The closure includes a cover. The cover includes at least two through bore holes. The closure further includes a strip which includes a base and at least two septa. The base is of a stiff material and the septa is of a flexible material. The septa are attached to one surface of the base. Each septum includes a pre-slit bottom and a barrel forming the sides of the septum. The outer diameter of each septum barrel is larger than the inner diameter of the through bore hole such that a pressure is exerted on the septum when the septum is press fitted into the through bore hole.

Abstract: A biochip well is disclosed, including a vessel containing a well therewithin, the vessel forming at least base and side walls of the well and defining at least one aperture giving access to the well, and further including retaining means for holding a biochip at a predetermined position within the well, the well including a laterally offset region into which the biochip does not protrude when held at the predetermined position by the retaining means. Also disclosed are sealed well assemblies and apparatus and methods for opening sealed wells.