Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a holder for biological sample containers such as well plates. The holder comprises a flat vacuum bed surrounded by a seal. A container is placed within the seal and a vacuum is applied, pressing and flattening the lower surface of the sample container against the flat vacuum bed. Samples in all portions of the container may then be imaged without the need to refocus on each portion of the container. For imaging, a sample in a well can be illuminated by a beam of light arranged so that a part or all of the sample is illuminated by direct rays that have not passed through the well plate. The beam is redirected to other parts of the well if a single illumination does not cover the whole well, so that the sample is imaged using a series of partial images.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing particulates. A liquid having a plurality of particulates substantially linearly ordered in a streamline can be externally controlled to provide flow in first and second directions, where, generally, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. A target particulate can be measured from the plurality of particulates at or near a measurement area while the liquid flows in the first flow direction. The flow direction can be reversed and measured at the measurement area while flowing in the second direction. The particulates substantially retain the same linear order during at least one cycle, a cycle being defined by movement in the first direction followed by movement in the second direction.

Abstract: An ammonia gas sensing device includes a housing defining a fluid flow path. The fluid flow path includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an access port. A gas permeable/liquid impermeable membrane is mounted on and sealed against the housing at the access port such that the membrane is exposed to the fluid flow path but fluid is blocked from flowing outward of the access port around rather than through the membrane. An ammonia sensor is mounted on the housing at the access port in a position outward of the membrane. A system for using the ammonia sensing device includes the ammonia gas sensing device, a light source directed at the ammonia sensor, a photo detector to measure the light reflected off the ammonia sensor from the light source, and a controller for controlling the light source and optical sensor.

Abstract: The measuring device of the invention includes: a first container and a second container for holding a sample; and an optical measurement part for carrying out an optical measurement. The first container has a first sample supply inlet for supplying a sample containing an analyte to the first container and at least one electrode. The second container has a second sample supply inlet for supplying the sample to the second container and a reagent holding part for holding a reagent for the optical measurement.

Abstract: A method for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis; 2) imaging at least a portion of the quiescent sample, which sample portion contains the red blood cells and one or more lacunae to determine an optical density of the imaged portion of the sample on a per image unit basis; 3) selecting optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells; 4) selecting optical density values of the image units aligned with the one or more lacunae; and 5) determining the hematocrit of the sample using the selected optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells and the lacunae.

Abstract: An assay for screening potential hydrolysis enhancing agents capable of facilitating the hydrolysis of a substantially water insoluble halogenated compound such as mustard gas (HD) in an aqueous reaction mixture is disclosed. The assay includes at least one chamber adapted for receiving and retaining the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound and a potential hydrolysis agent in an aqueous reaction mixture, and a pH indicating agent adapted to produce a visible color change corresponding to the amount of the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound hydrolyzed in the aqueous reaction mixture wherein the rate of hydrolysis can be established by measuring the change in the detectable signal over time.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: A method for assaying a sample for each of multiple analysis is described. The method includes contacting an array of spaced-apart test zones with a liquid sample (e.g., whole blood). The test zones are disposed within a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel is defined by at least one flexible wall and a second wall which may or may not be flexible. Each test zone includes a probe compound specific for a respective target analyte. The microfluidic device is compressed to reduce the thickness of the channel, which is the distance between the inner surfaces of the walls within the channel. The presence of each analyte is determined by optically detecting an interaction at each of multiple zones for which the distance between the inner surfaces at the corresponding location is reduced. The interaction at each test zone is indicative of the presence in the sample of a target analyte.

Abstract: Diffraction gratings comprising a substrate with protrusions extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the protrusions are made of a porous material, for example porous silicon with a porosity of greater than about 10%. The diffraction grating may also be constructed from multiple layers of porous material, for example porous silicon with a porosity of greater than about 10%, with protrusion of attached thereto. In some embodiments the protrusions may be made from photoresist or another polymeric material. The gratings are the basis for sensitive sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors are functionalized with selective binding species, to produce sensors that specifically bind to target molecules, for example chemical or biological species of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.

Abstract: The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples.

Abstract: A system and method for purifying an aqueous contaminated fluid from colloidal contaminants using a closed-loop feedback control system are disclosed. Contaminated fluid flows into a mixer and mixed with a purifying agent, such as diatomaceous earth, to facilitate metathesis reaction between the purifying agent and the contaminants. The purifying agent entraps the contaminants, and is subsequently removed in a separator into sediments. An estimation of the amount of the purifying agent to dispense is performed using pre-defined equations or look-up tables stored in the database, including relationship between the concentration of contaminants in the fluid and the concentration of the added purifying agent. An automated feedback control is applied to fine tune the purification process into compliance with regulations. High accuracy of measurements is ensured by selecting the same material for both the purifying agent and the trapping medium of analyzers, and additionally by the design of the analyzers.

Abstract: Packaged NERS-active structures are disclosed that include a NERS substrate having a NERS-active structure thereon, and a packaging substrate over the NERS substrate having an opening therethrough, the opening in alignment with the NERS-active structure. A membrane may cover the opening in the packaging substrate. In order to perform nanoenhanced Raman spectroscopy, the membrane may be removed, and an analyte placed on the NERS substrate adjacent the NERS-active structure. The membrane may be replaced with another membrane after the analyte has been placed on the substrate. The membrane may maintain the pristine state of the substrate before it is deployed, and the replacement membrane may preserve the substrate and analyte for archival purposes. Also disclosed are methods for performing NERS with packaged NERS-active structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for point-of-care and/or distributed testing services. The methods and devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device can be modified to allow for more flexible and robust use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical, laboratory, and other applications. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention can allow for effective use of samples by improved sample preparation and analysis.

Abstract: Detection and characterization of immunologically detected substances are performed electronically on human and animal biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, milk, pleural and peritoneal fluids, and semen, which fluids are contained in a thin chamber forming a quiescent fluid sample, which chamber has at least two parallel planar walls, at least one of which is transparent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relics on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for use in product packaging is disclosed that includes a polymeric sensing substrate coupled to a package such that a front sensing surface thereof is in contact with a portion of a product, e.g., a fungible product, stored in the package and a back surface thereof is accessible via an environment external to the package. The system further includes a radiation source adapted to direct radiation to the substrate's back surface such that the radiation would interact with one or more molecular species of the product that are in contact with the substrate's sensing surface. The system also includes a detector that is adapted to detect radiation returning from the substrate in response to its illumination by the radiation source. The front surface of the sensing substrate can comprise a plurality of micron-sized or submicron-sized ridges having a discontinuous or continuous metal coating, e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides a chip comprising a substrate with at least one surface and a layer of particles having a non-metallic core and a coating made of a metal or a metal alloy, characterized in that each non-metallic core, on average, forms a metal-surrounded contact point with at least one other non-metallic core and/or the substrate surface. The invention also provides a method for preparing a chip, comprising the steps of, adsorbing non-metallic particles on said surface of the substrate, and, subsequently, adsorbing colloids of a metal on said non-metallic particles to provide the shell made of a metal or a metal alloy, and a chip which is obtainable by said method. The chip can be employed in optical devices for the detection of analytes.

Abstract: Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for performing assays, especially for determining the presence and/or amount of one or more analytes. In particular, the invention relates to a device for the detection of analytes, comprising a reversibly compressible matrix located between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is located opposite to the first surface, and wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is variable. The invention also relates to a corresponding method using such a device for the detection of one or more species of analytes.

Abstract: The present invention related to a pregnancy test device that can selectively detect hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG-H) in a liquid sample. The sample can be deposited on a proximal portion of the device for transport to a distal portion of the device. The device can include a release medium formed of a first material and including a detectable label thereon and a capture medium, including a capture site, in fluid communication with the release medium and formed of a second, different material. At least one of the release medium and the capture medium includes a binding member that exhibits a moderate to high affinity for hCG-H and is selectively or preferentially reactive with hCG-H.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.

Abstract: An analytical biochemistry system featuring a substrate with reactants immobilized thereon at fixed, known locations, a holder supporting the substrate and a manipulator for transporting the holder to a fixed sample and to an inspection station. The reactants are binding agents for a target biomolecule in a sample which forms a bound substance having a detectable characteristic. The holder may be a standard pipettor, optionally carried by a robot arm or hand as the manipulator to contact the sample for detection of the presence of target biomolecules within the sample. In one embodiment, the holder is a pipette tip within which the substrate is housed, or it may be a pipette adapter which bears the substrate and fits within the sample wells of a standard microtiter plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the recording of process parameters of reaction fluids in several microreactors which are continuously agitated, at least until the termination of the reaction in all the microreactors. The process parameters in the microreactor are recorded during the reaction by means of at least one sensor optical system. According to the invention, the reliability of the method may be increased, whereby, during the recording of the value of a process parameter, for example, on recording an instantaneous value of the auto-fluorescence of the reaction fluids, the sensor optical system is held stationary.

Abstract: A system and method of characterizing an at least partially hydrophobic sample. The method includes providing an ethanolic solution of ethanol and sodium hydrogen cyanamide, adding a first portion of the ethanolic solution to a sample to produce a reagent-sample mixture, performing infrared spectroscopic testing of the reagent-sample mixture to generate mixture absorption data representing at least one absorption characteristic of the reagent-sample mixture, and generating acidity data for the sample based on the mixture data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a specimen carrier for the study of cell growth, comprising a substrate with a reservoir with a bottom, wherein the reservoir is filled up to a predetermined height of the side wall, which is smaller than the complete height of the reservoir, with a carrier material for cell growth and the side wall of the reservoir is formed such that a predetermined contact angle of the carrier material can be adjusted with respect to the side wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensory pigments for use in foods, packagings, pharmaceutical products, paper and electronic products. Said pigments are characterized by the fact that a chemically reactive polymer layer that is 5 to 500 nm thick is applied to metallic particles, metal particles or particles containing at least one metal-oxygen compound, said particles being preferably platelet or fiber-shaped, and a layer of chromophore particles that are between 1 and 100 nm in size is applied to the polymer layer, said particles having a color that is visible to the human eye and that changes after contact with an analyte.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting stained particles in a fluid stream, each of the method and apparatus including an epi-illumination optics system with a focusing lens. The optics system being operable to direct a beam of electromagnetic radiation through the focusing lens in a forward direction along a beam axis intersecting particles in the fluid stream at the first location so that the particles pass through the beam, resulting in the fluorescence emissions from the particles being directed along the beam axis in a rearward direction.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device which comprises a holographic element comprising a medium comprising a phenylboronic acid group and, disposed therein, a hologram, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property of the medium, and wherein the variation arises as a result of interaction between the medium and an analyte present in an ocular fluid.

Abstract: Formats for optical analysis of fluid samples are provided with platforms and wells for contacting fluid samples and bringing reagents in contact with fluid samples. Formats may be made in opposing platform-and-well constructions, allowing a platform protruding from one format member to enter a well contained within an opposing format member. A sample fill nose accepts sample fluid from a sample collection opening and transports the sample fluid through the format.

Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus is provided for depositing liquid materials onto prescribed areas. The apparatus includes a sensing and delivery pin and a photo sensor. The apparatus is sized to deliver a droplet of liquid material to the surface of a target area without coming into contact with the target surface. The apparatus is also capable of drawing geometric features, such as lines and grids of liquid material. The photo sensor measures the intensity of light during a processing cycle. Measured reflected-light intensity can be compared in real-time to a reference curve which is based on test process cycles representing the light intensity expected when the process proceeds in the preferred fashion to produce a normal spot having an expected droplet size. The light intensity measurements can also be fitted with a mathematical function such as an asymmetric double sigmoidal curve.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device that can automatically perform various types of biological blood analysis. In the microfluidic device, a specimen is centrifugally separated and the centrifugally separated specimen is diluted into various dilution ratios. Also, at least two reagents that are required for one reaction and that need to be separately stored are stored in separate chambers, and they are mixed when a reaction is needed. Thus, various conventional blood analyzing reagents can be used as they are or after being minimally processed in the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: A biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. The biological material fixed region enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle that performs suction and discharge of gas, and an opening through which inflow and outflow of fluid is possible by means of the suction and discharge of gas; a fixing region provided in the tip form vessel, in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable in a plurality of different positions that are determined beforehand that are distinguishable from the exterior; and an enclosing section that encloses the fixing region within the tip form vessel such that the fixing region is able to make contact in an immovable state with the fluid that has flown into the tip form vessel from the opening.

Abstract: A flow cytometry nozzle and method for orienting sperm cells in a fluid flow path including an interior surface of a nozzle. The interior surface of the nozzle having a first, a second and a third axially tapered region for progressively accelerating the speed of a fluid stream in a downstream direction toward a nozzle exit. At least two of the regions having generally elliptical cross sectional shapes oriented in different directions for applying torsional forces to a fluid stream passing there through, tending to bring sperm cells in the stream into a desired orientation.

Abstract: An assay device allowing for the testing for multiple analytes in a liquid sample simultaneously by employing a multiplicity of analyte testing strips which protrude from a housing containing slots for each assay test strip and wherein the flow of sample of the test strip is controlled by a cover over the sample contact pad which is inserted into the sample.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting a mixture of stained particles including a digital signal processor for analyzing and classifying the digital information generated from the particles and providing a sorting signal to a sorting system as a function of the analyzed and classified digital information.

Abstract: A do-it yourself test kit as a diagnostic agent for the detection of malonyldiadeyde and other aldehydes in the urine, which are formed in the course of the lipid peroxidation process caused by the free radicals. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of the test, including suggested formulations of antioxidants as body's protectors against oxidative stress to the cells and help to reduce the risk of developing diseases due to the attack of free radicals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a fluid sample collection device, comprising: loading a fluid sample collection device with a fluid sample, said device comprising a housing having at least one substantially planar surface that includes an orifice in fluid communication with an internal fluid sample holding chamber which terminates at an internal capillary stop; and slidably moving a sealing element over at least a portion of said substantially planar surface in a way that displaces any excess fluid sample away from the orifice, seals the fluid sample within said holding chamber, and inhibits the fluid sample from prematurely breaking through the internal capillary stop.

Abstract: A container with a rotatable lid for reading and handling diagnostic reagents in tape form comprising a body portion, a lid portion, a continuous tape, a reagent-sensing device, and a storage device. The body portion includes an inner and outer surface. The lid portion is attached to the body portion and is adapted to rotate from a closed position to an open position. The continuous tape includes a diagnostic reagent. The reagent-sensing device is attached to either the body portion or the lid portion and adapted to read the diagnostic reagent. The storage device is attached to the body portion that is adapted to hold and dispense an unused portion of the continuous tape. During the rotation of the lid portion, the continuous tape is advanced from the first storage device and is extended over the reagent-sensing device.

Abstract: A tamper-proof, point-of-collection specimen assay apparatus including three selectively connectable and sealable chambers, including a first chamber for receiving a specimen, a second chamber housing a specimen testing device and a specimen transfer site positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber for selectively depositing a portion of the specimen from the first chamber into the second chamber and a third chamber having inlets for depositing another portion of the specimen from the first chamber into the third chamber.

Abstract: A method for enumerating cellular elements and particulates within a biologic fluid sample is provided.

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: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a nanowire waveguide with first and second ends, the second end comprising a nanoparticle, the nanowire waveguide configured to transmit radiation from the first end to the second end to illuminate the nanoparticle, the apparatus configured such that the nanoparticle is capable of being in close proximity to an analyte to allow for detection of said analyte.