Abstract: The current invention provides a detector and method suitable for sensing vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide. The detector utilizes a chemiluminescent material comprising a peroxide reactive compound, a dye and a solvent. Upon reaction with hydrogen peroxide, the chemiluminescent material will generate detectible light.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter includes a front attachment part to which a test piece is attached, a measurement part for measuring a component of blood collected via a blood guide passage in the test piece, and a monitor for displaying the measurement results obtained by the measurement part. When the device is placed on a horizontal plane by referring to the display face of the monitor as the upper side and the opposite side as the lower side and placing the display face of the monitor upward, the central axis of the test piece extends obliquely downward toward the front side. The blood glucose meter comprises a main part provided with the monitor and a linking part between the main part and the front attachment part. The top face of the linking part is placed roughly parallel to the central axis line and is provided with an ejector lever.

Abstract: Method and system embodiments of the present invention control the ascorbate concentration in produce treatments and particularly are exemplified in fresh cut fruit and vegetable treatments via measured refractivity and/or electrical conductivity of, and/or calcium ions present in, the treatment solution.

Abstract: Multi-layered optical sensor films are disclosed. The sensor films include a first reflective layer, a detection layer over the reflective layer, and optionally a second reflective layer over the detection layer. The detection layer contains a hydrophobic, amorphous, substantially microporous, analyte-sensitive organosilicate composition. The analyte-sensitive organosilicate composition provides an optical change in the film upon analyte exposure.

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

Abstract: Method and system embodiments of the present invention control the ascorbate concentration in produce treatments and particularly are exemplified in fresh cut fruit and vegetable treatments via measured refractivity and/or electrical conductivity of, and/or calcium ions present in, the treatment solution.

Abstract: Method and system embodiments of the present invention control the ascorbate concentration in produce treatments and particularly are exemplified in fresh cut fruit and vegetable treatments via measured refractivity and/or electrical conductivity of, and/or calcium ions present in, the treatment solution.

Abstract: A structure is configured to retain optical diagnostic assay components in a manner that enables them to be synergistically combined or coupled both mechanically and electrically with a conventional mobile electronic device (such as a smartphone), such that the pairing maintains a mutually advantageous relationship to provide a compact portable optical assay apparatus in which the optical assay portion has access to the image sensor, battery power, microprocessor, and data capture, analysis, storage, display and transmission capabilities of the smartphone, and the smartphone portion provides the overall apparatus with features of transportability, user interface, and information storage, analysis and retrieval, and transmission of assay results to a separate site, such as a site of records related to the provider of the sample being assayed. Methods of providing such structure and of performing an optical assay of sample material utilizing such structure are described.

Abstract: Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.

Abstract: A multi-compartment resealable container for testing for the presence of micro-organisms is provided with or adapted to receive a sample in a first substantially rigid transparent compartment, a growth medium in a second compartment, and a sanitizer in a third compartment, the compartments being separated by foil seals, the second and third compartments have an associated plunger which when depressed causes serrated cutters to puncture the foil seal and allow the contents to be added to the liquid containing or comprising the sample.

Abstract: A sensor material of the type comprising a long-decay photoluminescent, protonable dye embedded in a suitable polymeric matrix, is used for generating a specific optical response to two different analytes present in a sample, thus allowing selective determination of the two analytes in the sample. Also described is a method for the simultaneous sensing of a first and second analyte in a sample. The method comprises the steps of irradiating a sensor material of the type comprising a long-decay photoluminescent protonable dye embedded in a suitable polymeric matrix with light of one or two wavelengths, determining photoluminescence intensity and lifetime signals originating from the sensor, and correlating the photoluminescence intensity signal with a concentration of the first analyte and the photoluminescence lifetime signal(s) with the concentration of the second analyte.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a swipe with at least one ionization reagent associated with the swipe for detecting target analytes and methods of detecting the target analyte molecules that can indicate the presence of, for example, explosives, narcotics, chemical warfare agents, biological warfare agents, or toxins. The swipe can be used to transfer molecules from a surface to the swipe for further analysis. In particular, the swipes can include an ionization reagent that is preferably a low volatility compound and capable of forming ionization reagent-analyte complexes with target analytes. The swipe can also include multiple ionization reagents with different volatilities such that they are released sequentially during a thermal ramp-up. Alternatively, the swipe can have multiple ionization reagents associated with spatially separated portions of the swipe such that they can be releasable sequentially to detect multiple target analytes.

Abstract: Detection of detection target substances at a sensor portion is expedited and the efficiency thereof is improved in biological substance analysis, to enable accelerated analysis with high sensitivity. A biological substance analyzing cell equipped with a reaction chamber having a sample supply space, an acoustic matching layer which is provided at a predetermined region of an inner wall of the reaction chamber that faces another inner wall, and a sensor portion provided within the reaction chamber is employed. Ultrasonic waves are emitted such that a standing wave are generated between the acoustic matching layer and the inner wall of the reaction chamber that faces the acoustic matching layer. The detection target substance is concentrated by the capturing forces of the standing waves, and the concentrated detection target substance is detected at the sensor portion.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: A method for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The method includes operating multiple flow cytometer units to form separate fluid streams that each contain a mixture of particles and to classify particles in the mixtures by interrogating the streams with beams of electromagnetic radiation. A common processor receives and processes information from the units and sends a control signal in real time to adjust the unit's operation as a function of the information received by the common processor.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a fluidized bed detector for continuous detection of biological and chemical materials comprising a fluidized bed of detecting elements suspended in a continuous flow system wherein the detecting elements remain in the system when a first force trying to move the detecting elements to the bottom of the system is balanced with a second opposing force of a flowing gas or liquid trying to move detecting elements to the top of the system and wherein the presence of a target molecule in the flowing gas or liquid disrupts the balance of the first and second forces causing the detecting element to exit the system. The release of the detecting element indicates the presence of the target molecule and may be captured, concentrated, or both for further evaluation by other assays or other means. Also disclosed is the related method of detecting biological and chemical materials using a fluidized bed detector.

Abstract: A sensor main unit 1 is axially split into three sub-segments. A light-emitting element 2 is attached to one end portion, and a light-receiving element 3 is attached to the other end portion. A respiratory flow path 4 is formed so as to penetrate through the center portion. The sensor main unit 1 is attached to a position on the face below the nostrils, and respiratory gas from the nostrils is guided into the respiratory flow path 4 and is caused to cross over the optical axis connected the light-emitting element 2 and the light-receiving element 3, thereby measuring a carbon dioxide gas in the respiratory gas.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using changes in the defects in micrometer sized dispersed liquid crystal domains to detect or quantify analytes in a test sample, including endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are disclosed. The dispersed liquid crystal microdomains are exposed to the test sample, and any changes in the number of defects in the liquid crystal microdomains are detected by detecting changes in the anchoring configuration of the microdomains. Such changes in anchoring configuration indicate the presence of analyte in the test sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow-channel device for detecting light emission, which suppresses a noise originating in unnecessary light emission, and can be simply bonded with the use of an organic material. The flow-channel device having a flow channel is structured by the bonding of at least two substrates, wherein at least any one substrate has a first groove which constitutes the flow channel, and a second groove for arranging an adhesive therein which contains an organic material, and a light-shielding layer is provided on an inner wall of the second groove so as to block a light emitted from the second groove from penetrating into the first groove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for observing a biological microelectromechanical systems response to a fluid including combining an activator and a fluid wherein the fluid comprises a component from a subterranean formation, exposing the combined activator and fluid to a sensor in a wellbore to observe a biological microelectromechanical systems response, and integrating data from the observing with petrophysical data. A method and apparatus for observing a biological microelectromechanical systems response to a fluid including a housing comprising a biological microelectromechanical observation material, a signal analyzer in communication with the material, and a fluid preparation device positioned to allow fluid to flow to the surface, wherein the fluid comprises a component from a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: A test device to detect a detection object of a microfluidic device and a control method thereof are provided. The test device includes a light emitting element configured to emit light onto the microfluidic device, a light receiving element configured to capture an image of the detection object through light emitted from the light emitting element, and a controller configured to determine a signal value of a predetermined area of the image of the detection object, and adjust an exposure level of the light receiving element according to a difference between the signal value and a predetermined target value.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an aldehyde in a sample comprises steps of exposing the sample at room temperature to a test medium to catalyze the formation of optically detectable quantities of a product within a time period of no more than 60 minutes and without applying any external heat to the sample or test medium, the test medium comprising a indicator that is a nucleophilic compound having acidic protons at the nucleophilic center and at least one acid, and measuring the optical changes that occur as a result of the catalysis.

Abstract: A test device includes a microfluidic device to conduct a test for biomolecules and controlled to prevent errors in the test, and a control method thereof includes mounting a microfluidic device on a tray, positioning a rotary drive unit at a center of the microfluidic device, and moving the rotary drive unit up and down at least once such that the microfluidic device is seated on the rotary drive unit.

Abstract: A test device and a control method thereof are provided. The test device includes a rotary drive unit to rotate the microfluidic device, a light emitting element to emit light onto the microfluidic device, a detection module arranged at a position facing the light emitting element and provided with a light receiving element to receive light emitted from the light emitting element and transmitted through the microfluidic device, a detection module drive unit to move the detection module in a radial direction, and a controller to control the rotary drive unit and the detection module drive unit.

Abstract: A method to identify a compound of interest includes the step of subjecting a sample to a plurality of colorimetric spot tests to yield a plurality of resultant test colors. The resultant test colors are compared with reference colors to define a set of sample reference colors. Indexed reference color sets indexed for the compound of interest are provided. The indexed reference color sets are searched with one or more of the sample reference colors for a match with the set of sample reference colors. The identity of the sample as the compound of interest is then determined. A device and a system to identify compounds of interest are also disclosed.

Abstract: Three-dimensional microfluidic devices including by a plurality of patterned porous, hydrophilic layers and a fluid-impermeable layer disposed between every two adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layers are described. Each patterned porous, hydrophilic layer has a fluid-impermeable barrier which substantially permeates the thickness of the porous, hydrophilic layer and defines boundaries of one or more hydrophilic regions within the patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. The fluid-impermeable layer has openings which are aligned with at least part of the hydrophilic region within at least one adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. Microfluidic assay device, microfluidic mixer, microfluidic flow control device are also described.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to sensor compositions comprising a composite array of individual arrays, to allow for simultaneous processing of a number of samples. The invention further provides methods of making and using the composite arrays. The invention further provides a hybridization chamber for use with a composite array.

Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.

Abstract: Photomultiplier tubes differ in performance between individual products, and deteriorate over time. To appropriately use a nonlinear calibration curve, it is desirable that changes in signal level be strictly equalized. This invention includes means for, prior to sensitivity adjustment of a photomultiplier tube by application of high voltages, measuring a same sample under a plurality of high-voltage conditions, determining, from linear relationships between logarithms of each high voltage and those of signal levels, an optimal voltage for a measuring operation of predetermined order of execution in the plurality of measuring operations, and recording identification information for identifying each linear relationship; the invention assessing a healthiness level of the photomultiplier tube by assessing the linear relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the quantity of multiple analytes in a sample. The device is designed such that each of the analyte sensing elements is configured to measure the quantity of a predetermined analyte and where the machine executable instructions are configured to select the proper analyte sensing element corresponding to the analyte to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the quantity of multiple analytes in a sample. The device is designed such that each of the analyte sensing elements is configured to measure the quantity of a predetermined analyte and where the machine executable instructions are configured to select the proper analyte sensing element corresponding to the analyte to be measured.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing characteristics of particles in a fluid stream. The particles may be intermittently illuminated at an interrogation location with a pulsed laser. A time-varying signal produced in response to the illumination may be analyzed as a function of a timing signal in order to determine characteristics of the particles in the fluid stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functional, modified glucose-galactose binding proteins (GGBPs), that have a greater melting temperature (Tm) than a reference GGBP. The present invention also relates to biological sensors, e.g., glucose sensors, comprising these thermostable GGBPs. The present invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding these thermostable GGBPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for the detection of an analyte, comprising a fluid holder (8), an optical detection system (3, 9) for carrying out an optical detection at the fluid holder (8) and an electrical detection system (4) for measuring electric conductivity or resistance inside the fluid holder (8) and to a method comprising the use of such a sensor.

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

Abstract: There is provided at least a kit for marking, monitoring and/or detecting alteration of a fuel comprising: (i) at least one marker; and (ii) at least one substance, wherein the substance is capable of interacting with at least one laundering agent. In particular, the kit may comprise a substance which is capable of interacting with at least one laundering agent to protect and/or prevent the marker from being absorbed, adsorbed, or partially or completely removed by the laundering agent. There is also provided a method of marking fuel, the method comprising marking a fuel with: (i) at least one marker; and (ii) at least one substance, wherein the substance is capable of interacting with at least one laundering agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure water content and water pH of multiphase fluid mixtures of water and oil. The apparatus employs a water content sensor containing an infrared light source and a photodetector. The pH sensor includes a pH indicator that exhibits a color change in an oleophobic coating including an image recording device. The apparatus and method may be applied to measure water fraction and pH within oil/water pipelines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that permit an analyte concentration to be estimated from a measurement in the presence of compounds that interfere with the measurement. The method reduces the error in the analyte concentration in the presence of interferents. The method includes the use of a set of measurements obtained for a large population having a range of known analyte and interfering compound concentrations. From a sample measurement, which may or may not be one of the population, likely present interferents are identified, and a calibration vector is calculated.

Abstract: The invention describes methods that use nanostructures and quantum confinement to detect and manipulate chemical and biochemical molecules. To increase selectivity and sensitivity nanostructures are built to have the density of states similar to that in analyte that will be detected and operated. Using device that incorporates such nanostructures, measuring electrical and optical properties of nanostructures and analyte or charge and energy transfer between the nanostructures and analyte a rapid and sensitive continuous detection in fluids can be achieved. Detection can be further enhanced by controlling external environmental parameters and applying external fields. In addition to be detected analyte can be positioned, moved, separated, extracted, and controlled.

Abstract: A method of analyzing graphene includes providing a first graphene structure including graphene having grains and grain boundaries, and a support portion for supporting the graphene, generating a second graphene structure by oxidizing the first graphene structure, and detecting a shape of the graphene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing including a top portion having a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, a bottom portion separate from the top portion including a second substantially rigid zone, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The top portion and the bottom portion are bonded to form the cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to testing biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits for performing multiple, simultaneous real-time assays on a sample in a single-use disposable format. For example, the technology relates to an apparatus that finds use, for example, for point-of-care diagnostics, including use at accident sites, emergency rooms, in surgery, in intensive care units, as well as for non-medical applications.

Abstract: When FRET efficiency is measured quantitatively by removing uncertain elements of fluorescence detection information, calibration information prestored in a storage means while including at least the leak rate of donor fluorescence component emitted from a donor molecule, the leak rate of acceptor fluorescence component emitted from an acceptor molecule, and the non-FRET fluorescence lifetime of the donor fluorescence component when FRET is not generated out of the fluorescence of a measurement object sample is acquired. The FRET fluorescence lifetime of the donor fluorescence component is then determined using the intensity information and phase information of fluorescence of the measurement object sample, the leak rate of donor fluorescence component and the leak rate of acceptor fluorescence component, thus determining the FRET fluorescence efficiency.

Abstract: A quality control (“QC”) system for PET or SPECT radiopharmaceuticals is disclosed that contains a disposable, no-leakage, self-contained QC cassette, which interfaces with the QC system. The QC system may include a shield that substantially surrounds the cassette such that the area and the cassette are both shielded. The QC cassette may contain shielding also. The QC cassette contains components for conducting one or more QC tests. These components include sensor and devices for performing various QC tests on radiopharmaceuticals. The QC system may contain a number of sub-systems and devices for supporting the QC tests. The QC system may produce a QC report containing the test results.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a substrate having a surface comprising nanoparticles or groups of nanoparticles which the linear optical response does not depend on the polarisation of the incident field of a Gaussian beam having an axis of propagation that is directed perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate. The shape or arrangement of the groups of nanoparticles has a Cn-type axis of symmetry perpendicular to the surface, where n is a number equal to three or greater than four, and the shape of the nanoparticles has a Cn-type axis of symmetry perpendicular to the surface, where n is a number no less than three, to allow strong enhancement of the beam close to the surface. The disclosure relates to use of substrates for detection and/or measurement of chemical, biochemical or biological molecules, wherein the molecules can be present in trace amounts in a liquid or other medium.