Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, cartridges, methods, and kits for detecting or quantifying at least two different analytes using at least two different techniques, in a single sample. The cartridges typically comprise at least two test sites and the location of at least one test site is not dependent on a corresponding measurement device. The systems generally comprise a device, memory, and a processing module. The device comprises a light source, an array detector, and a port configured to accept at least a portion of a cartridge. The processing module is configured to perform an image analysis of the cartridge. The methods comprise the steps of acquiring calibration information, acquiring an image of the cartridge, performing an image analysis, and cycling through specific detection or quantification techniques corresponding to the techniques required by the test sites. Computer readable media are also described.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator system and method of using the system to determine efficacy of a sterilization process. The system includes a vial having a first compartment containing spores of one or more species of microorganism; a second compartment containing a growth medium with a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide in which the vial is free of monosaccharide; an enzyme, capable of acting upon the monosaccharide to yield reaction products and electron transfer, disposed on two or more electrodes adapted to carry an electrical signal resulting from the electron transfer, the pair of electrodes positioned to contact the combined contents of the first compartment and the second compartment during incubation; and an apparatus linked or linkable to the electrodes and adapted to detect and measure the electrical signal resulting from electron transfer when the enzyme acts upon the monosaccharide.

Abstract: An assay cartridge has a base member (26) that defines at least two wells (30, 32, 34, 36, 38), a pipette (108, 110) positionable in at least one of the wells and a cap member (86) arranged to carry the pipette. The cap member can be releasably fastened to the base member. An extension member (28) defines at least one further well (40, 42, 44) and can be fastened to the base member such that the pipette is then positionable in at least one of the wells of the base and in the further well of the extension member.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes microfluidic channels, elements for thermally and optically isolating the microfluidic channels, and elements for enhancing the detection of optical signal emitted from the microfluidic channels. The thermal and optical isolation elements may comprise barrier channels interposed between adjacently-arranged pairs of microfluidic channels for preventing thermal and optical cross-talk between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The isolation element may alternatively comprise reflective film embedded in the microfluidic chip between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The signal enhancement elements comprise structures disposed adjacent to the microfluidic channels that reflect light passing through or emitted from the microfluidic channel in a direction toward a detector. The structures may comprise channels or a faceted surface that redirects the light by total internal reflection or reflective film material embedded in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: The problem is to provide a multilayer analysis element for analyzing liquid samples, having improved adhesive force between a transparent support and a detection layer even by handling at the time of processing, while maintaining basic performances such as sensitivity and storage performance. The multilayer analysis element for analyzing liquid samples is characterized in that at least a detection layer containing a substance that generates a detectable change by a gaseous substance, a liquid blocking layer that selectively permeates the gaseous substance, and a spreading layer are integrally adhesion laminated in this order on a transparent support, and the detection layer contains an adhesive polymer and a water-insoluble vinyl polymer.

Abstract: A protein analysis instrument and method are disclosed. The method includes mixing a binding dye composition and a protein sample using a homogenizer, measuring a parameter selected from the group consisting of the speed of the homogenizer and the resistance of the mixture to the homogenizer, adjusting the speed of the homogenizer based upon the measured parameter, pumping unreacted dye composition from the mixture and to a calorimeter, and measuring the absorbance of the dye composition in the calorimeter. Aspects of the invention also include inserting a spout into a sample cup at a position where the spout opening is positioned to avoid foam and precipitate generated by the mixing step and above the bottom of the sample cup and thereafter pumping the dye composition from the mixture in the sample cup through the spout and to a colorimeter.

Abstract: Silylated nitrones and methods of detecting and/or superoxide using silylated nitrones are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of any specified substance in any medium. A sample of the medium is placed in a capsule, along with a solvent and a sensor configured to test for a target analyte. The solvent comes into contact with the medium in the capsule, and the capsule is agitated to create a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium. A release mechanism configured to cause conduction of the dispersion to the sensor, so that the sensor produces an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium. The apparatus uses a disposable capsule where the medium in question is placed and the disposable capsule is placed inside a reader and analyzed for presence of the harmful substance.

Abstract: An assembly determines an analyte concentration in a sample of body fluid. The assembly includes a test sensor having a fluid-receiving area for receiving a sample of body fluid, where the fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the sample. The assembly also includes a meter having a port or opening configured to receive the test sensor; a measurement system configured to determine a measurement of the reaction between the reagent and the analyte; and a temperature-measuring system configured to determine a measurement of the test-sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the opening. The meter determines a concentration of the analyte in the sample according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test-sensor temperature.

Abstract: A device for volumetric metering a liquid biologic sample is provided. The device includes an initial chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a first valve, a second valve and a third valve. The chambers are each configured so that liquid sample disposed in the respective chamber is subject to capillary forces. Each chamber has a volume, and the volume of the initial chamber is greater than the volume of either the second or the third chambers. The valves each have a burst pressure. The burst pressure of the first valve is greater than the third burst pressure. The first valve is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The second valve is disposed between, and is in fluid communication with, the initial chamber and the third chamber. The third valve is in fluid communication with the third chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting explosive compounds in an air sample in which the air sample is filtered with activated carbon treated with a weakly basic solution, after which the air sample is divided into two parts, with one part being heated at lower temperatures to decompose non-explosive nitrogenous compounds and the second part being heated at higher temperatures to decompose explosive nitrogenous compounds. Nitrogen dioxide is measured in both portions of the air sample with a spectrographic detector, and the presence or absence of explosive nitrogenous compounds in the air sample is determined.

Abstract: A device comprising a rigid substrate, a flexible cover element at least partially covering the substrate, a first structure formed in the substrate, adapted for accommodating liquids and adapted for releasing contents of one or more cells, spores, or viruses, the contents including the target molecules, a second structure formed in the substrate, adapted for accommodating liquids and comprising at least one binding member adapted for capturing the target molecules and for determining a value indicative of the presence and/or amount of the target molecules, a micro fluidic network interconnecting at least the first structure and the second structure, and an actuator member adapted for effecting a fluid flow between the first structure and the second structure by pressing the flexible cover element against the substrate to selectively close a portion of the micro fluidic network.

Abstract: A method for optimizing particle throughput in a particle analyzer includes determining an optimal concentration of particles in a sample for achieving a user defined coincidence rate; adjusting the concentration of the particles in the sample to the determined optimal concentration to achieve the user defined coincidence rate; acoustically focusing the particles in the particle analyzer; adjusting a flow rate of the particles to achieve a user defined transit time of the particles; and analyzing at least some of the particles with an interrogation source.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection of one or more analytes in a collected sample employs capillary action in a sample card containing a sample substrate, at least one test capsule and an absorbent pad. The absorbent pad absorbs the contents of the test capsule and delivers the same to the sample substrate, with the contents of the test capsule chemically reacting with at least one detection reagent to establish an optical indicator for the analyte(s). The sample card can be automatically tested within a reader device, which records and processes an optical signal produced by the chemical reaction and outputs a test result. The collected sample can then be further analyzed using a second device. Additionally, an adhesive component can be provided so that a sample can be collected thereon. Furthermore, the at least one detection reagent can include a surfactant.

Abstract: A method of fabricating biochip sensor comprising providing a precursor; depositing the precursor on a substrate to form a coating; and rapid melting/quenching treatment of the coating with an energy source to form micro/nanotextured surface with enhanced reflectance for fast chemiluminescence response of E-Coli bacteria.

Abstract: An endometriosis diagnostic in which a biological sample of a female mammal having had a menstrual cycle within 90 days of the biological sample having been obtained from the female mammal is subjected to an in vitro diagnostic procedure in which the biological sample is contacted with an apatite compound for an effective time to provide a responsive visual appearance. Based on the visual appearance, a determination is made whether the female mammal has endometriosis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product that includes an optical sensor; a target-responsive hydrogel matrix on a surface of the optical sensor (where the hydrogel matrix comprises one or more target-specific receptors and one or more target analogs), and one or more high refractive index nanoparticles within the hydrogel matrix, where a detectable change occurs in a refractive index of the hydrogel matrix when contacted with one or more target molecules. Sterile packages and detection devices containing the product, and methods of detecting a target molecule using the product, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.

Abstract: A cholesterol-level measuring apparatus including a portable body having a cholesterol level detecting means for identifying a cholesterol level in a blood sample, and a display screen communicatively coupled to the cholesterol level detecting means for illustrating a learned cholesterol level in the blood sample. Notably, the cholesterol level detecting means includes a disposable test strip having a color-changing reactive reagent that changes color in response to the learned cholesterol level in the blood sample.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for the detection and notification of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and/or explosive agent. The detection and notification system uses aptamers bound to a catalyst that is activated when the aptamer binds to the agent. The activated catalyst acts on a substrate to create a signal that is detected, indicating the presence of the agent. For example, the system can be a glove worn by a user that includes a catalyst/substrate pair that, in the presence of the target agent, produces a colorimetric and/or fluorescent signal in a time-efficient manner.

Abstract: An apparatus sensing two or more reactants or analytes in a sample is provided. The apparatus has an one or more light sources emitting energy with two or more detection targets having an immobilized reagent within the target surface. One or more detectors are provided where the two or more detection targets having immobilized reagent thereon are in communication with the sample and the immobilized reagent interacts with the sample. Energy is incident on the targets from the at least one light source such that the energy is changed by the interaction and the change is in turn detected by the at least one detector and associated with a measurement of the level of the reactant or analyte in the sample. A method of making a sensing apparatus and a method of sensing using the sensing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor system in a water treatment system has a housing, controller, one or more light sources, one or more sensors and one or more targets having an immobilized reagent thereon. Light source emits light energy into the housing that is incident upon the target with the immobilized reagent and the reagent being in contact with water from the system. The immobilized reagent interacts with a reactant in the water such that the interaction changes the state of the reagent. When energy from the light source is incident on the target with the immobilized reagent the energy shows a change detectable by the sensor such that the changed energy is detectable by and collected at the sensor and data on the energy is communicated to the controller. The data is then correlated as a representation of a desired variable to be measured for the water in the water treatment system.

Abstract: An optochemical sensor element suitable for sensing an analyte comprises a polymeric material in which at least a portion of the polymer material is solvent crazed to provide a multiplicity of pores of controlled nanometer size, and an indicator dye impregnated into the pores, in which optochemical sensor element the indicator dye is a long-decay photoluminescent dye selected from the group consisting of: phosphorescent platinum(II)—and palladium (II) complexes of porphyrin dyes such as octaethylporphine, coproporphyrin, octaethylporphine-ketone, benzoporphine, tetra (pentafluorophenyl) porphine, chlorin e6; fluorescent complexes of ruthenium (II), osmium(II), iridium(III) and europium (III); or derivatives or close analogs of these dyes. The sensor element in the presence of the analyte alters a photoluminescence parameter thus allowing sensing and/or quantification of the analyte.

Abstract: A chromatographic optical detection system includes an optical detector disposed to receive light scattered from a stream of particles and configured to convert the received light to an electrical signal; a signal-processing unit in signal communication with the optical detector to receive the electrical signal, and configured to convert the electrical signal to digital pulses and count the digital pulses to output a first signal corresponding to a number of particles detected in a time interval, and configured to integrate and digitize the electrical signal to output a second signal corresponding to the number of particles detected in the time interval; and a data station in signal communication with the signal-processing unit, and configured to select the first signal, if the number of particles detected in the time interval is less than a threshold criterion, and to select the second signal if the number of particles detected in the time interval exceeds the threshold criterion.

Abstract: Test elements are disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid. The test element include at least one strip-shaped carrier element and at least one test field having at least one test chemistry for detecting the analyte. The test element has a symmetrical shape such that the test element may be inserted in one of at least two different correct measurement orientations into a test element receptacle of a testing device, which includes a detection device. In the different orientations, at least one analyte-induced change in the test chemistry of the test field is detectable. Test systems including the test elements and methods of detecting at least one analyte in the body fluid using the test elements also are disclosed.

Abstract: An analytical system includes a laser disposed to direct light toward a microfluidic feature disposed in a feature layer of a multiple layer test cartridge, a sensor to receive reflections from capping layers disposed about the microfluidic feature in the feature layer, and a controller to determine a depth of the microfluidic feature as a function of the received reflections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the detection of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of analytes, comprising a microarray on a substrate, onto which probe molecules are immobilized on array elements, said microarray being disposed on a first surface of the device; and a detection chamber formed between the first surface including the microarray disposed thereon and a second surface, wherein the distance between the microarray and the second surface is variable, and wherein the second surface has a displacement structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple method which is capable of evaluating the binding activities of an antibody to both an antigen and an Fe receptor. Disclosed is a method of measuring the binding activities of an antibody to both an antigen or antigen epitope and an Fc receptor or a fragment thereof, comprising a step of mixing the antibody with the antigen or antigen epitope labeled with one member of a set of donor and acceptor capable of fluorescent resonance energy transfer and the Fc receptor or fragment thereof labeled with the other member of the set of donor and acceptor; a step of 10 irradiating the resultant mixture with light having a wavelength capable of exciting the donor; and a step of measuring the fluorescence level of the mixture. Also provided are a method of estimating the ADCC activity of an antibody, a method of controlling the quality of an antibody, a method of manufacturing an antibody, a method of screening for antibodies, and kits for use in these methods.

Abstract: Provided are a nitric oxide detection element capable of detecting NO gas contained in a mixed gas at a high speed even when the amount thereof is a super trace amount of ten and several parts per billion; and a process for producing the element. In a nitric oxide detection element having a substrate 12 and a sensing film 11 formed on a surface of the substrate, the sensing film is composed of nitric oxide sensing particles and a polymer adhesive. The nitric oxide sensing particles are produced by adsorbing a dye having a porphyrin skeleton and having, as a central metal, divalent cobalt onto surfaces of inorganic particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. The whole blood sample may be applied forthwith, without prior processing. The blood cells and blood plasma in the whole blood sample are separated by (lateral) flow migration. Also disclosed is an assembly of a sample support and a device dedicated to measure thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. Advantageously, the sample support comprises a separator medium allowing separation of whole blood into blood cells and blood plasma by means of (lateral) flow migration.

Abstract: An improved electronic diagnostic device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a casing having a display, a test strip mounted in the casing, a processor mounted in the casing, and a first sensor mounted in the casing and operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to receive a signal from the first sensor when the device is exposed to ambient light thereby causing the device to become activated. The device includes a light shield that exerts pressure across a width of the test strip to prevent fluid channeling along the length of the test strip. The processor is configured to present an early positive test result reading when a measured value exceeds a predetermined early reading threshold value at any time after a predetermined early testing time period.

Abstract: One embodiment is a SERS enhancing substrate which includes a porous substrate and a Raman enhancing material associated with a surface of the porous substrate. The Raman enhancing material may be a Raman enhancing metal or other Raman enhancing material. The Raman enhancing material may also be configured to improve binding of a taggant to the substrate. The substrate described above may be included in a sample vessel useful for the flow-through analysis of large sample volumes, or for the rapid analysis of very dilute samples. Other embodiments include methods and systems for detecting taggants with SERS and similar techniques.

Abstract: Methods for using focused light scattering techniques for the optical sensing of biological particles suspended in a liquid medium are disclosed. The optical sensing enables one to characterize particles size and/or distribution in a given sample. This, in turn, allows one to identify the biological particles, determine their relative particle density, detect particle shedding, and identify particle aggregation. The methods are also useful in screening and optimizing drug candidates, evaluating the efficacy and dosage levels of such drugs, and in personalized medicine applications.

Abstract: Rapid lateral flow immunoassays have an extensive history of use in both the clinical and home settings. These devices are used to test for a variety of analytes, such as drugs of abuse, hormones, proteins, urine or plasma components and the like. The present invention provides an improved procedural control that indicates to the test user that at least a portion of the applied sample has passed through the test result zone of the test strip, and optionally that the test is complete and the test results may be read.

Abstract: A compound comprising the structure: (SIG)-(SI-MOD)m. is provided in which SIG is a signaling molecule, SI is a self-immolative structure bound to SIG such that SIG has a reduced signal relative to the signal of SIG without SI, MOD is a moiety bound to SI that is subject to modification by an activator, and m is an integer from 1 to about 10. When MOD is modified by an activator, SI is destabilized and self-cleaved from SIG such that SIG generates an increased signal. Also provided are methods of determining whether a sample comprises an activator such as a nitroreductase, and methods of determining whether a mammalian cell is hypoxic using a compound of the formula (SIG)-(SI-MOD)m.

Abstract: An aquatic environment monitoring system and method that includes correction for adverse conditions in the monitoring system involving the development of confidence levels for certain conditions in the monitoring system using stored information related to the aquatic environment and/or the monitoring system. Corrections to adverse conditions may be made by the environment monitoring system automatically by the monitoring system and manually via communications to a user of the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring a light absorbance are provided. The method measures light absorbance of at least one detection chamber of a microfluidic device, including the detection chamber and at least one reference chamber. The detection chamber may accommodate a test subject. The method includes detecting a plurality of reference transmitted light intensities for the at least one reference chamber and estimating a value between the plurality of reference transmitted light intensities through nonlinear approximation. The estimated value is then applied to light absorbance measurement of the detection chamber to reduce a light absorbance error of the detection chamber.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: A method for controlling actuation of label particles in a biosensor device, e.g., using frustrated total internal reflection, includes applying a predetermined actuation force on the label particles and determining the effect of the applied actuation force in a binding volume or surface of a sensor cartridge of the biosensor device. A feedback control of the actuation force is applied.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of at least two analytes in a liquid sample, in which a substrate is provided wherein at least two different types of capturing molecules are immobilized on the substrate and wherein each type of capturing molecule has specific affinity for an analyte. The sample is contacted with capturing molecules, wherein for at least one analyte to be analyzed contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled detection molecule with specific affinity for the analyte, and for at least one another analyte to be contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled version of the analyte. A detectable signal is measured from the labelled detection molecule and the labelled analyte on the substrate, wherein the concentration of the labelled analyte is adapted to the concentration of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: In a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to the present invention, a beam applied from a light source to a chromatography test strip is formed into an elliptical shape by an optical means such as a cylindrical lens, a variation in absorbance that accompanies elution of a marker regent is detected while the elliptical beam is applied between a marker reagent hold part and a detection part, and a measurement is automatically started in a prescribed period of time since the detection of variation. According to the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus so configured, non-uniform coloration is reduced by shaping the beam elliptically with the optical means, whereby the accuracy of quantitative analysis is enhanced, and the apparatus can be operated easily.

Abstract: A filter element having filter media for filtering air passing therethrough and a detection strip attached thereto comprising a chemical compound that generates a chemical reaction with certain molecules that contact the detection strip.

Abstract: Color-change compositions for detecting urine and feces volatiles include the following pH indicator dyes: m-Cresol Purple, Basic Fuchsin, Brilliant Blue G, Brilliant Blue R, Cresol Red and Thymol Blue. The compositions may be applied to various substrates. Such substrates may be used in the construction of a personal care absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant or incontinence garment.

Abstract: A thin-layer chromatography method for detection and identification of common military and peroxide explosives in samples includes the steps of provide a reverse-phase thin-layer chromatography plate; prepare the plate by marking spots on which to deposit the samples by touching the plate with a marker; spot one micro liter of a first standard onto one of the spots, spot one micro liter of a second standard onto another of the spots, and spot samples onto other of spots producing a spotted plate; add eluent to a developing chamber; add the spotted plate to the developing chamber; remove the spotted plate from the developing chamber producing a developed plate; place the developed plate in an ultraviolet light box; add a visualization agent to a dip tank; dip the developed plate in the dip tank and remove the developed plate quickly; and detect explosives by viewing said developed plate.

Abstract: A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders.

Abstract: A chemochromic indicator is provided that includes a hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment that change from a first color to a second color in the presence of a hypergolic fuel. In a first embodiment, a chemochromic indicator is provided for detecting the presence of a hypergolic fuel such that the irreversible hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment includes potassium tetrachloroaurate (KAuCl4). There are several types of chemochromic indicators, for example, the article used to form the chemochromic indicators include, but are not limited to, wipe materials, silicone/TEFLON tape, manufactured parts, fabrics, extruded parts, and paints.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus contains an image detection unit and an analysis unit. The image detection unit contains a view field area that covers at least a reaction area and a background area in a test piece. The reaction area exhibits a reaction color when exposed to a test substance in a specimen. The analysis unit detects the test substance based on the reaction color and determines, during detection of the test substance, whether a state of the background area falls within an acceptable range set for the test substance.

Abstract: Optical reader systems and methods with rapid microplate position detection capability are disclosed. The optical reader system includes a scanning optical system configured to scan select position-detecting features to accurately determine the microplate position within the optical reader system. The method includes measuring positions of the position-detecting features in order of their respective amounts of position tolerance, from smallest to largest. The position measurement is carried out for a number of position-detecting features sufficient to determine the microplate position with the optical reader system to within a select microplate position tolerance.

Abstract: A living body phantom according to the present invention, which is used as a testing sample in a prepared slide in estimating the performance of a microscope objective lens with the image of the testing sample in the prepared slide acquired by an imaging means via the microscope objective lens and with optical characteristics obtained from the image of the testing sample, includes a non-gel-like solution at least including: a solvent which at least includes water, a refractive index adjustment agent, and a scattering body or which at least includes a refractive index adjustment agent and a scattering body; and a thickener.

Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a measurement sample free from a labeling substance from a blood sample and a hemolytic agent free from a labeling substance, a light information generation portion generating fluorescent information and at least two types of scattered light information from the measurement sample and a control portion performing a first classification of white blood cells in the measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of the fluorescent information and the two types of scattered light information.