Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a hollow cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The needle extends distally from the body and includes a lateral aperture. The cutter is movable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample and defines a cutter lumen. The tissue sample holder includes a manifold and an outer cover. The manifold includes a plurality of passages and an indexing portion. Each passage of the plurality of passages is configured to selectively index relative to a proximal end of the hollow cutter. The outer cover includes a resilient member. The resilient member is configured to engage with the indexing portion of the manifold to selectively index a passage of the plurality of passages with the distal end of the hollow cutter.

Abstract: There is provided a sample processing cartridge comprising a. a sample entry location; b. a closed sample processing chamber; c. a sample analysis location comprising a sample analysis well; d. a first channel fluidly connecting the sample entry location and the sample processing chamber; e. a second channel connecting the sample analysis location and the sample processing chamber, the second channel comprising a closed or closable second channel valve; wherein the sample processing chamber comprises a second channel port providing fluid connection between the second channel and the sample processing chamber, the second channel port being positioned in a sample accumulating region of the sample processing chamber. There is also provided a sample processing system comprising the cartridge, and methods of use of the cartridge and processing system in a sample processing assay.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for interfacing with a microfluidic chip having at least one microscopic channel configured to receive a liquid sample for analysis. The assembly includes a chip carrier, an electronics module, an optical module, and a mechanical module. The chip carrier includes a base and a cover defining a cavity to receive the microfluidic chip. The electronics module includes a signal generator which applies at least one electrokinetic signal electrode(s) of the chip. The optical module includes an excitation radiation source which causes excitation radiation to impinge on the sample, and an emission radiation detector which detects radiation emitted from the sample. The mechanical module includes a chip-carrier receiving structure, relatable with respect to the optical module for focus and at least one degree of translational freedom.

Abstract: A device enables a user to detect biomarkers, and includes an element that defines a multiplicity of microfluidic channels that communicate between an inlet duct and an outlet duct, the inlet duct communicating with an inlet port into which a user can introduce a drop of body fluid; the outlet duct communicating with an outlet port. A resilient bladder is connected to the outlet port to provide suction. Each microfluidic channel defines a reaction chamber containing a biomarker-sensitive reagent which provides a color or a change of color in the presence of a biomarker, there being a multiplicity of different biomarker-sensitive reagents, one such biomarker-sensitive reagent being provided in each of the multiplicity of different microfluidic channels. At least part of the element is transparent so the color within the reaction chamber can be seen. The device includes a cover with magnifying lenses above the reaction chambers. The device may be used in conjunction with a smart phone.

Abstract: A method and particle analyzer for measuring a low concentration particles sample disclosed.

Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in a test strip for use in measuring a level of an ST2 cardiac biomarker in a blood plasma sample. The test strip includes a base, and a plurality of conjugates, wherein each conjugate includes a reporter group bound to a first antibody that binds to ST2. A conjugate pad disposed along a length of the base and is configured to hold the plurality of conjugates that bind with ST2 to produce conjugate-ST2 complexes. The conjugate pad is further configured to receive the blood plasma sample. The test strip also includes a plurality of second and third antibodies that bind to ST2, and the conjugate-ST2 complexes, respectively. The plurality of second antibodies are bound to a membrane in a test location and the plurality of third antibodies are bound to the membrane in a control location.

Abstract: A sample carrier is provided for carrying a liquid sample to be measured by a spectrometer. The sample carrier includes a frame body and a mesh-like carrier body. The frame body has a notch located at the bottom of the frame body. The mesh-like carrier body is fixed to the frame body and located at the notch, the mesh-like carrier body has a plurality of apertures, and the liquid sample is retained in at least some of the apertures. Also provided is a spectrometer including the sample carrier. The sample carrier is capable of carrying the liquid sample and allows simple light path control.

Abstract: The system utilizes a laboratory data management system (LDMS), a medical data management system (MDMS) and external data sources. The system processes data across multiple laboratories, different input variables (lab assays), specific laboratory tests, specific laboratory testing capabilities and variable outputs. The system measures, documents and manages the immune response by providing the user with actionable laboratory results, triggers and events.

Abstract: A photometric dispensing nozzle unit, a photometric dispensing apparatus, and a photometric dispensing method are for preventing an increase in apparatus scale and have a simple structure to be easily handled. A nozzle performs suction/discharge of gas through a distal end opening and can have a dispensing tip attached thereto. A light guide end portion is provided in the nozzle and can receive or irradiate light at a distal end of the nozzle. A dispensing cylinder has a cylinder having a cavity therein, a plunger that is slidable in the cavity, and a suction/discharge port that performs suction/discharge of gas. A suction/discharge flow path passes through the nozzle and communicates with the suction/discharge port and the distal end opening of the nozzle. A light guide path is optically connected to the light guide end portion through the nozzle but not through the dispensing cylinder.

Abstract: A specimen measurement device which detects a measurement object material according to the present embodiment, includes: a magnetic field applicator configured to apply a magnetic field to a measurement cartridge including a substrate, a first substance fixed on the substrate and specifically reacting with the measurement object material, a magnetic particle, and a substance fixed on the magnetic particle and specifically acting with the measurement object material; a detector configured to detect light passing through the substrate; and a controller configured to control the magnetic field applicator to perform a first operation to apply a first magnetic field in a direction to move the magnetic particle away from the substrate when a specimen solution containing the measurement object material is introduced into the measurement cartridge, and then perform a second operation to apply a second magnetic field in a direction to move the magnetic particle toward the substrate.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor includes a shield through which exhaust gases flow in a direction of flow from upstream to downstream. A sensing element with a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated from the positive electrode by an electrode gap is located within the shield. The positive electrode includes a plurality of positive electrode branches each having positive electrode extensions extending downstream and separated from each other by positive electrode slots. A positive electrode extension tip for each has a positive electrode extension tip width. The negative electrode includes negative electrode branches each having negative electrode extensions extending upstream which are each flanked on each side thereof by a plurality of negative electrode slots. A negative electrode extension tip for each has a negative electrode extension tip width. A sum of the positive electrode extension tip widths is greater than a sum of the negative electrode extension tip widths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a concentration of aerosol particles in a carrier gas. The method comprises providing an aerosol having aerosol particles in a carrier gas comprising at least one condensable component; introducing at least part of the aerosol into a chamber of a pressure-rated vessel, wherein the chamber is delimited by at least one wall adjoining the chamber and set to a temperature which is above a saturation temperature of the at least one condensable component; subsequently removing part of the aerosol from the chamber, as a result of which a decrease in pressure in the chamber occurs, as a result of which the at least one condensable component condenses at least partly on the aerosol particles; and determining a concentration of aerosol particles in the carrier gas during removal of the part of the aerosol from the chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and method for repurposing existing compounds by leveraging genomic, phenotypic and pharmacological data to cure disease. Applying advanced mathematical analytics using massively interconnected computing capabilities to identify target rich sets of existing compounds available for animal testing at the earliest stage in the process collapses cycle time of development, dramatically reducing costs. Target rich sets obtained through this invention produce compounds or compositions which each have a demonstrated ability to modulate disease or an associated phenotypic expression. By rendering the mechanism of action irrelevant, this invention collapses the time and cost to discovery of an efficacious drug from decades to days and from $Billions to $Millions.

Abstract: A sample rack transport apparatus for transporting a sample rack to a sample analyser, comprising: a bidirectional transmission track for bidirectionally transmitting a sample rack without passing through the sample analyser; a feed channel in parallel with the bidirectional transmission track, wherein the sample rack may be delivered from the bidirectional transmission track to the feed channel and to the sample analyser; an unloading cache region located between the bidirectional transmission track and the feed channel, the unloading cache region being used for storing the sample tack; and an unloading mechanism for delivering the sample rack in the feed channel to the unloading cache region for storage, or delivering the sample rack stored in the unloading cache region to the bidirectional transmission track. Also provided are a sample analysis device and a sample analysis system using the sample rack transport apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing biological specimens are provided. The biological specimen processing system generally includes a flow cell carrier for holding a microfluidic flow cell and a fluidic handling unit attachable to the flow cell carrier. The fluidic handling unit interfaces with the microfluidic flow cell and can include fluidic pumps, fluidic connections, integrated electronics, and processing software to facilitate processing of a biological specimen contained in the microfluidic flow cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic system comprising a cartridge coupled to a motor and adapted to move a fluid sample to a plurality of locations on the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a chevron shaped or substantially V shaped reaction chamber having at least three zones, a first zone positioned near the apex of the V shaped reaction chamber to define a detection zone, a second zone positioned near a first end of the V shaped reaction chamber and a third zone positioned near a second end of the V shaped reaction chamber. The motor and a control module is configured to provide a combination of centrifugal force and gravitational force to move said fluid sample between at least three zones.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus for measuring binding kinetics of an interaction of an analyte material present in a fluid sample are disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensing resonator having at least one binding site for the analyte material; actuation circuitry adapted to drive the sensing resonator into an oscillating motion; measurement circuitry coupled to the sensing resonator and adapted to measure an output signal of the sensing resonator representing resonance characteristics of the oscillating motion of the sensing resonator; and a controller coupled to the actuation and measurement circuitry, wherein the controller is adapted to detect an individual binding event between the at least one binding site and a molecule of the analyte material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strip for measuring blood lipids. The strip for measuring blood lipids, of the present invention, presses, with an optimal pressure or to an optimal height, a contact surface of a protruding part of a measurement layer disposed between an upper cover and a lower substrate, so as to improve the uniform diffusion of a biological sample, thereby having an effect of increasing measurement result accuracy of the biological sample.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to lateral flow assays having a number of different detection zones tuned to extend the dynamic range of the assay in indicating concentration of a hazardous contaminant in a test sample. Some aspects relate to assay reader devices configured with instructions to generate a result representing the concentration of the hazardous contaminant in the test sample based on some or all of the detection zones.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a gene chip comprising a substrate and at least one positioning device fixed on an upper surface of the substrate, wherein the at least one positioning device is provided with a receiving cavity for receiving a bead, the receiving cavity being arranged on a surface of the at least one positioning device facing away from the substrate, and a cross-sectional area of the receiving cavity is gradually decreased in a direction toward the upper surface of the substrate. This disclosure further provides a gene detection device comprising the gene chip.

Abstract: A specimen analysis system includes at least one processor to receive image information that represents a respective plurality of pixels of an image of each of a plurality of testing areas to indicate the presence or absence of a test subject compound; to determine for each testing area a number of pixels that indicates either the presence or the absence of the test subject compound, if the number of pixels indicating positive for each of a plurality of testing areas equals or exceeds a first minimum threshold value indicating that the testing area is positive for either the presence or absence of the test subject compound, totaling all testing areas indicating positive for either the presence or absence of the test subject compound, and if the total number of the testing areas indicating positive for either the presence or absence of the test subject compound equals or exceeds a second minimum threshold value indicating an overall positive test result for either the presence or absence of the test subject co

Abstract: A method of identifying the presence of an analyte may include providing an in vitro test device and a test swab; obtaining a sample using the test swab; transitioning the locking member from the first configuration to the second configuration; advancing the plunger into the housing to pierce the one or more reagent pouches in the reagent region to cause reagent therein to be released and mix; inserting the test swab with obtained sample into the interior of the plunger; rotating the in vitro test device and disposing it on its plunger base; and determining whether the analyte is present. The in vitro test device may include a plunger, a housing, one or more reagent pouches disposed in the housing, a lateral flow test strip, and a locking member having configurations that either allow or prevent reagent in the one or more reagent pouches from being released.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device performs electrowetting operations on fluids dispensed into the EWOD device, which provides enhanced operation for using multiple non-polar filler fluids.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure capable of real-time spatial sensing of nanoparticles within a nanofluid is provided. The structure includes an array of gate structures. An interlevel dielectric material surrounds the array of gate structures. A vertical inlet channel is located within a portion of the interlevel dielectric material and on one side of the array of gate structures. A vertical outlet channel is located within another portion of the interlevel dielectric material and on another side of the array of gate structures. A horizontal channel that functions as a back gate is in fluid communication with the vertical inlet and outlet channels, and is located beneath the array of gate structures. A back gate dielectric material portion lines exposed surfaces within the vertical inlet channel, the vertical outlet channel and the horizontal channel.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device is provided to sort out objects from a liquid stream. The device comprises a first channel comprising a first liquid and a second channel comprising a second liquid and the first liquid, and a third channel. The second channel is connected to the first channel and the channels are positioned such that a jet flow coming from the second channel can deflect objects in the first liquid into the third channel. The first liquid is a liquid which has a higher viscosity than water and the second liquid may be the same as or different from the first liquid. The micro-fluidic device is adapted for generating the jet flow in the second liquid.

Abstract: A method for calibration and/or error detection in an optical measurement device for biological samples having at least a first and a second measurement channel is described. The method comprises calculating an updated reference factor for the second measurement channel based on the first and second detection signals, comparing the updated reference factor with at least one current reference factors and depending on the result of the comparison, storing the updated reference factor as a current reference factor for use in a later measurement in the second measurement channel or keeping the current reference factors for use in a later measurement in the second measurement channel.

Abstract: A resonator is disclosed for the detection of a mass analyte, such as a biological analyte. The resonator has: a piezoelectric layer formed of a piezoelectric material; a first resonator region and a second resonator region each occupying a corresponding region of the piezoelectric layer; electrodes disposed to apply a driving signal to the piezoelectric layer to generate bulk acoustic waves, the electrodes being common to the first resonator region and the second resonator region. In operation, the first resonator region has a first resonant frequency and the second resonator region has a second resonant frequency. The first resonator region and the second resonator region differ from each other in that the first resonator region is adapted to receive a mass analyte for the mass analyte selectively to attach to a surface of the first resonator region.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a method and a system for quality evaluation of a handheld analytical device, wherein the device is operable by a human user in a sequence of handling steps to test an analyte in a sample fluid applied on a test element, the method comprising the steps of (a) programming a handling cycle for a robot having at least one robot arm in order to mimic the sequence of handling steps, (b) operating the device in at least one handling cycle by means of the robot, (c) monitoring the operation in step (b) by a control unit to evaluate at least one parameter influencing the quality of the device.

Abstract: A fluid analysis cartridge having an improved structure in order to increase test reliability, and a fluid analysis apparatus including the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are an electronic device and a method for controlling the same. An electronic device for providing continuous blood glucose monitoring comprises: a first sensor for measuring a glucose level of an interstitial fluid in order to predict blood glucose; a second sensor disposed on an inner surface of the electronic device to be in contact with a human body, in order to measure at least one of a blood flow and a heart rate of the human body; and a processor for determining a diffusion time during which glucose present in blood diffuses into the interstitial fluid, on the basis of characteristics of a signal generated by the second sensor, and predicting the blood glucose on the basis of the glucose level measured by the first sensor and the determined diffusion time.

Abstract: A system may include a first conduit configured to form a first batch of discrete volumes of aqueous fluid separated by spacing liquid disposed between consecutive volumes of aqueous fluid, the spacing liquid being immiscible with the aqueous fluid volumes; a second conduit, fluidically coupled to the first conduit, the second conduit configured to statically hold the first batch of discrete volumes of aqueous fluid; and a third conduit configured to receive the first batch of discrete volumes of aqueous fluid from the second conduit. The third conduit can be configured to transfer the discrete volumes of aqueous fluid of the first batch for downstream processing.

Abstract: A blood inspection system automatically repeats blood inspections at a plurality of times at a desired interval and a desired timing by chronologically coupling a supply of blood to each one of a series of blood inspection units. A change in a blood condition, such as a clotting time, is monitored so that a thrombus or the like is prevented from being formed and an associated medicine is prevented from being overdosed. The blood inspection system has a catheter providing a main flow path, a supply of a flushing liquid, a plurality of inspection units, a plurality of branched flow paths, an aspiration unit, and a switching valve for selectively coupling the main flow path to a determined inspection unit which has not yet performed an inspection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleic acid-based data storage systems and nucleic acid data storage constructs comprising reusable nucleic acid sequences, each representing information carried by a single bit (and, in some embodiments, one or more adjacent bits) within a bit string, and each furthermore representing the position of the single bit within the bit string. Also described are methods for storing data in the nucleic acid-based data storage systems and nucleic acid data storage constructs of the disclosure.

Abstract: A method is useful for automated detection of antibodies in a liquid biological sample with an antigen chip having antigen spots which are applied thereon and which have an identical, common dye. The antigen spots form respective antigen spot sets which form corresponding respective, regular antigen spot patterns. Furthermore, reference spots comprising the identical dye are applied, and form a reference spot set which forms a regular reference pattern. The reference pattern differs with respect to its regularity from the antigen spot patterns. Through a first image information item which represents a color of the reference spots and of the antigen spots due to the identical, first dye and through a second image information item which represents a potential color of the antigen spots due to a second dye after an incubation, binding of antibodies of the biological sample to respective antigen types is then determined by image processing.

Abstract: A fully-automatic feces analyzer includes an automatic controller; at least one sample box for containing a feces sample; and a sample box support. A dilution and stirring unit is provided for adding diluent into the feces sample and stirring to obtain feces sample liquid. The analyzer has a physical detection unit for performing a physical detection on the feces sample liquid and at least one chemical detection unit for performing a chemical detection on the feces sample liquid. Each chemical detection unit includes a driving roller and a driven roller, a reagent strip roll wound on the driven roller, an end portion of the reagent strip roll fixed on the driving roller.

Abstract: Multivalent binding compositions including a particle-nucleotide conjugate having a plurality of copies of a nucleotide attached to the particle are described. The multivalent binding compositions allow one to localize detectable signals to active regions of biochemical interaction, e.g., sites of protein-protein interaction, protein-nucleic acid interaction, nucleic acid hybridization, or enzymatic reaction, and can be used to identify sites of base incorporation in elongating nucleic acid chains during polymerase reactions and to provide improved base discrimination for sequencing and array based applications.

Abstract: A method for managing a working environment of a worker who moves in a workplace includes: a measuring process in which a mobile device worn by the worker carries out environment measurement with use of a sensor; a location identifying process in which the mobile device identifies a location at which the measuring process has been carried out; and a transmitting process in which the mobile device transmits, to a management device, (i) a measurement value that has been obtained in the measuring process and (ii) positional information indicative of the location that has been identified in the location identifying process, in association each other.

Abstract: A surface enhanced luminescence system may include a laser and a controller to output control signals causing the laser to irradiate the pre-analyte exposed plasmonic surface while maintaining a profile of the pre-analyte exposed plasmonic surface.

Abstract: The system utilizes a laboratory data management system (LDMS), a medical data management system (MDMS) and external data sources. The system processes data across multiple laboratories, different input variables (lab assays), specific laboratory tests, specific laboratory testing capabilities and variable outputs. The system measures, documents and manages the immune response by providing the user with actionable laboratory results, triggers and events.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for use in a procedure comprises at least first and second devices, wherein the first device and second device are for use in a medical procedure, the apparatus comprising a disabling mechanism that is adapted to releasably retain and thereby prevent use of the said second device until release by a release procedure using the first device. A method of carrying out a procedure comprises the steps of using the first device, applying the first device to a disabling mechanism to release the second device, and using the second device.

Abstract: A microfluidic solenoid point of use device for discrete quantitation of magnetized cells. The inventive device provides higher accuracy, lower cost, and less bulk than other counting devices.

Abstract: A cell sorting device is characterized by including: a main flow channel (14) through which a liquid containing a row of cells including a target cell flows, and in which a cell separation area for separating the target cell from the row of cells is provided at a halfway position in a flow direction, the main flow channel being formed in a substrate (12); a selection flow channel (16) into which the target cell is pushed out from the main flow channel, the selection flow channel being formed in the substrate so as to branch from the main flow channel downstream of the cell separation area; a sub flow channel (18) through which a separating liquid flows, the separating liquid being for separating the target cell from the row of cells and pushing out the target cell into the selection flow channel, the sub flow channel being formed in the substrate so as to intersect with the main flow channel in the cell separation area; a pair of liquid flow generating members (22) for generating a liquid flow of the separati

Abstract: In conventional automatic analyzers, there have been instances where, when a plurality of associated items are analyzed as a set item, there is high variation in the analysis data obtained using the set item, leading to a need for improvement of analysis precision. The present invention comprises performing, in mutual association, a set of preparation steps to carry out until it is time to analyze an unknown sample, the set of preparation steps including a pre-preparation step in which stirring, etc., is performed when an analysis reagent kit is mounted on the analyzer, and a step for correcting a standard curve in which correction samples that correspond to analysis items are used. This makes it possible to perform analysis after the preparation states of a plurality of analysis reagent kits are collected as needed, enabling high-precision analysis of a set item.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring gas permeability of a polymer membrane, for example, by evaluating polymer-structure influence on gas permeability in of a polymer membrane.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for analysis of physical parameters and chemical constituents of small volume samples of bodily fluids with at least two analyte sensors. The sensor assembly including a separation panel with an upper surface and a lower surface and upper and lower fluid channels disposed within the upper and lower surfaces respectively. The fluid channels extending substantially between the first and second ends and when in an operating mode bodily fluid is in fluid communication with both the upper and lower fluid channels. The sensor assembly including a potentiometric chip positioned atop and an amperometric chip positioned beneath the separation panel with at least one analyte sensor positioned above and beneath each of the fluid channels and when the sensor assembly is in an operating mode the fluid is in fluid communication with the analyte sensors. A bonding media is disposed beneath the amperometric chip.

Abstract: An H2S sensor includes at least one acoustic wave transducer and a film having a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix includes carboxylate functional groups and lead or zinc cations. The film may have a thickness of between a hundred nanometres and a 2 microns The H2S sensor optionally includes an antenna to remotely interrogate the H2S sensor.

Abstract: While an insulating film having a near-field light generating element placed thereon is being irradiated with light in an electrolytic solution, or after the film that has been irradiated with light is disposed in the electrolytic solution, a first voltage is applied between the two electrodes installed in the electrolytic solution across the film, a second voltage is then applied between the two electrodes, and a value of a current that flows between the two electrodes due to the application of the second voltage is detected. This procedure is stopped when the current value reaches or exceeds a pre-set threshold value, whereby a hole is formed at a desired location in the thin-film.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and method of operating the microscope uses a resonant material between a metallic probe tip and a surface of a sample with at least one material having a dielectric constant ?. When electromagnetic radiation from a light source is transmitted to an interface between the metallic probe tip and the sample, absorption of the electromagnetic radiation by the resonant sensor material that is dependent on the dielectric constant of the at least one material of the sample is detected.

Abstract: Methods are provided for correcting an analyte concentration measurement that may be influenced by hematocrit (HCT), especially a glucose concentration measurement. The methods include determining by means of a reference instrument a HCT reference value of a reference blood sample taken from a specific user, applying a fresh blood sample of the user on a disposable analytical test element, measuring the glucose value of the fresh blood sample by single use of the test element in a glucose meter, determining a HCT correction value using at least the HCT reference value, and adjusting the measured glucose value using the HCT correction value to receive an adjusted glucose value. Also provided are devices and system incorporating or for performing the methods.