Abstract: Provided are an automated analyzer and an automatic analysis method for highly accurately determining presence or absence of abnormality based on reaction process data obtained when concentration of a chemical component or an activity level of an enzyme is measured. The reaction process data is approximated by a function, and shape feature quantities indicating features of a shape of a curve section at an early stage of reaction are calculated. The obtained shape feature quantities are used to determine the presence or absence of abnormality.

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, the chamber defined by the interior surfaces of first and second panels and a height extending there between, wherein both panels are transparent, and the height is such that at least some of the red blood cells within the sample contact both interior surfaces of the panels and one or more lacunae within the quiescent sample extend between the interior surfaces; 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 and averaging the optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells contacting the interior surfaces, and assigning an upper boundary value of 100% to the average optical density value of those im

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for moving a mobile component such as a sample and a reagent, in an analyzing article. A method of analyzing a sample according to the present invention includes a first movement step of moving a mobile component from a fluid entrance port (61) to a first goal (511) in a passage (51), and a second movement step of moving the mobile component from the first goal (511) to a second goal (512) in the passage (51), in an analyzing article (Y1). The analyzing article (Y1) further includes a branch passage which branches from the first goal (511), and a first opening for releasing gas from within the branch passage. The first movement step is carried out by establishing communication between inside and outside of the branch passage via the first opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for data acquisition and image analysis that utilize twisted nematic liquid crystals (“TNLCs”) to create maps of bio/chemical functionality patterned on surfaces. The method involves the acquisition of a series of images of TNLC film that contacts the analytic surface followed by analysis of the series of images to yield maps of twist angle of the liquid crystal across the surface. This analysis technique effectively condenses a large data set (stack of images) into a compact form (map of twist angle), revealing features on the surface that were not apparent in the individual images comprising the original stack.

Abstract: Process of placing a sample of known concentrations of known elements in a spectrometer; measuring the intensity II, I2 . . . In of the different elements included in the sample, by relating known concentrations C1, C2 . . . Cn for the elements included in the sample to the measured intensities II, I2 . . . In so as to calculate a fictive intensity for a 100%-pure element for each of the elements included; calculating calibration constants K1, K2 . . . Kn for each of the elements as the relationship between measured intensity II, I2 . . . In and the calculated intensity of respective 100%-pure elements; placing a sample of unknown concentrations of the elements in the spectrometer and reading-off the intensity of the different elements; and calculating the concentration of respective elements in the last mentioned sample as the measured intensity multiplied by respective calibration constants for the elements present in the sample.

Abstract: A cartridge and cartridge system for use in an apparatus for analyzing a sample are provided. The cartridge has one or more light sources and/or optical systems and other components that are specific for a certain type of application such as fluorescence, absorbance, or luminescence. The light source, optical systems, and other components for a specific application are housed in a single cartridge. The system has a plurality of cartridges for different applications for a multimode instrument. The cartridges are removably engaged with the apparatus in a “plug-in” format such that one cartridge may be removed from the apparatus and another cartridge may be easily installed.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: A sample acquiring device for volumetric enumeration of white blood cells in a blood sample comprises a measurement cavity for receiving a blood sample. The measurement cavity has a predetermined fixed thickness. The sample acquiring device further comprises a reagent, which is arranged in a dried form on a surface defining the measurement cavity. The reagent comprises a hemolysing agent for lysing red blood cells in the blood sample, and a staining agent for selectively staining white blood cells in the blood sample. A system comprises the sample acquiring device and a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus comprises a sample acquiring device holder, a light source, and an imaging system for acquiring a digital image of a magnification of the sample. The measurement apparatus further comprises an image analyser arranged to analyse the acquired digital image for determining the number of white blood cells in the blood sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for simultaneously detecting hemoglobin and glycohemoglobin in blood. The device includes a lateral flow assay strip, a laser-induced epifluorescence detection device, and an LED detection device. The present disclosure further provides a method for simultaneously quantifying hemoglobin and glycohemoglobin in blood by an immunological method using the same.

Abstract: Spectroscopic analysis systems and methods for analyzing samples are disclosed which exploit inelastically scattering radiation to amplify optical signals from an irradiated sample. Samples are irradiated in a chamber having a resonant cavity containing a plurality of affixed reflectors, where selective Stokes scattered radiation is transmitted to a detector for determination of sample identity. Coupling the spectroscopic analysis system and method with a nucleic acid sequencing system is also disclosed for determining nucleic acid sequences.

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 laboratory degradation test system for testing degradation of a test specimen in a test fluid flow includes a reactor assembly, which reactor assembly comprises: a reactor vessel, the reactor vessel having a reaction space, an inlet and an outlet and a specimen holder for retaining a test specimen inside the reactor vessel, a heater for heating the reactor vessel, a fluid circulation system generating a test fluid flow over the test specimen, which fluid circulation system comprises: a circulation line which extends between the outlet of the reactor vessel and the inlet of the reactor vessel, which circulation line is arranged outside the reactor vessel, a pump for providing fluid circulation through the circulation line and the reactor vessel, which pump is arranged in the circulation line. The volume available to the test fluid inside the reaction space after insertion of the degradation test specimen is less than or equal to 10 ml.

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. Response data obtained by the detector is indicative of the optical absorbance of the sample mixture as a function of time. A processor analyzes the response data to determine a corresponding best fit linear relationship. Depending upon an expected concentration range, the initial absorbance and/or the slope of the best fit equation are used to calculate the concentrations of the peracid and peroxide in the use composition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for chemical warfare agent detection training are provided. More particularly, methods and apparatus are provided to simulate the detection of low volatility chemical warfare agents by simulating the use of currently fielded U.S. Army detection kits without exposure to hazardous agents. A simulant is disposed in a sample heating assembly. The sample heating assembly is placed over a detection window of a detector, and the simulant is heated in order to make a simulated detection.

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 temperature stabilized optical cell is disclosed which enhance consistency of response data obtained from the optical detector, especially when the use composition monitor is utilized on site.

Abstract: A chip for nucleic acid analysis includes a body (2, 9), in which a detection chamber (7) is formed for accommodating nucleic acid probes (12, 12?). A waveguide (8) is integrated in the body (2, 9) is and is arranged at the bottom of the detection chamber (7) so that an evanescent wave (EW), produced at an interface (8a) of the waveguide (8) when a light radiation is conveyed within the waveguide (8), is irradiated towards the inside of the detection chamber (7). An apparatus for inspection of nucleic acid probes includes: a holder (22), on which a chip (1) for nucleic acid analysis is loaded, the chip containing nucleic acid probes (12, 12?); a light source (24) for supplying an excitation radiation to the nucleic acid probes (12, 12?); and an optical sensor (25) arranged so as to receive radiation coming from the nucleic acid probes (12, 12?).

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for the collection of a solid or semi-solid sample and analysis for the presence, absence, or quantity of an analyte. The invention provides a collection slide having a first card and a second card. The first card has a sample collection area. The first and second cards have orifices allowing the passage of fluid through the sample collection area, and the cards are hingeably connected to each other. The invention also provides an assay device having a housing with a test element, a results window, and a docking area for receiving and engaging the collection slide. In one embodiment the collection slide and device can be used to detect the presence of fecal occult blood (human hemoglobin) in a stool sample. Many other embodiments are described herein.

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 compact biosensor cartridge in which biosensors can be set with simple operation so that they can be tested one by one, and which protects the biosensors from moisture until they are set. A biosensor dispensing device is also disclosed. A biosensor cartridge (6) to be installed in a biosensor dispensing device (1) includes a pushing member (31) and a pushing rotating member (34) both used for ejecting biosensors (10) stacked in a case one by one and ejecting each sensor (10) through a sensor ejecting port (26). This structure presents the biosensor cartridge (6) to be made small and thin.

Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal microfluidic device having a sample distribution structure and a centrifugal microfluidic system including the centrifugal microfluidic device. The centrifugal microfluidic device includes: a rotatable platform; a sample chamber which is disposed in the rotatable platform and houses a fluid sample; a distribution channel connected to an outlet of the sample chamber; a valve which is disposed in the outlet of the sample chamber; a plurality of non-vented reaction chambers which are disposed in the rotatable platform outside of the distribution channel in the radial direction; and a plurality of inlet channels connecting the distribution channel with the reaction chambers.

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 device and method for enhancing rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in chromatography strip-type rapid IVD devices useful in, for example, clinical, point-of-care, laboratory or over-the-counter settings. The device drives a flow fluid, primarily under the force of gravity alone, through a first chamber having a porous dam structure to enhance and substantially complete the first affinity binding reaction between a source of mobilizable labeled binding members and an analyte in the fluid. Flow through the dam causes a delay, mixing and trapping of the typically chemically disuniform initial fluid front so that fluid exiting the dam exhibits a more uniformly high degree of first affinity binding and decreased non-affinity binding.

Abstract: There is provided a simplified analyzer including a see-through hermetic container having powdery or granular color reaction reagent, and a tap member partially inserted in the hermetic container in an extractable state. The tap member is provided at one end with a finger stopper larger in diameter than another portion, so as to be drawn out while holding the finger stopper with user's fingers to form a through hole for letting air out of the hermetic container and applying suction to the testing liquid to be analyzed. By using the tap member prepared in advance, the through hole having a suitable diameter for applying suction to the testing liquid to be analyzed can be formed at the appropriate point in the container. According to the analyzer of the invention, differences among individuals in performing an analyzing test do not occur.

Abstract: Test device for detection and visual indication of a specific analyte in a liquid sample such as a body fluid. The device includes a biodegradable housing, a test strip and a lid. The device is configured for placement in concentrate or dilute test liquid that is for example contained in a vessel. One end of the test strip wicks the liquid being tested into the housing and across a control site and test site which provide visual indication that the device is working correctly and whether the analyte being tested is present in the test liquid. An antibody specific to the antigen being tested may be provided on the test strip. The test device for example detects specific antigens in dilute urine, such that the device may be placed in a toilet bowl after urination.

Abstract: A nonhemolytic sensor for determination of analytes in erythrocyte-containing biological fluids is disclosed that comprises an optical material having a deposit on a surface thereof, where this deposit includes an analyte-reactive reagent and a particulate means for suppressing hemolysis of erythrocytes in an erythrocyte-containing biological fluid, such as whole blood. Thus, a porous array of negatively charged particles, e.g., polymeric beads having a plurality of carboxylate surface groups, are disposed on a sampling surface of an optical sensor, and suppress hemolysis of erythrocytes coming into contact with the sampling surface. In the case of an optical sensor, such particles can simultaneously enhance reflectance of a light beam transmitted through the optical material to the sampling surface site.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for differentiating and counting cellular components present in a biological fluid sample comprising a primary cytological analysis step typically implemented by a flow cytometry equipment (1) to obtain a set of primary results enabling the set of cellular components of the sample to be differentiated and counted in different populations; and a complementary step of cytological analysis of a particular type of cellular components, based on an identified cellular peculiarity, to obtain complementary results enabling at least one cell population or subpopulation of the sample to be differentiated and counted for identification of said cellular peculiarity. The invention is applicable in particular to hematological analyses.

Abstract: A diagnostic tape cassette especially for blood sugar tests comprises a test tape which is provided with a plurality of test fields for analysing body fluid, and a housing for receiving the test tape. The housing may have at least one housing part formed from a metal support and moulded-on plastic with integrated functional elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test strip for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved test strip and scale for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen.

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: 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: Disclosed herein is test device and method for detection of sample analytes in which after sampling has occurred a closure is provided. Such a test device and method can be usefully employed to detect a variety of analytes including microorganisms.

Abstract: An absorption spectrometric analysis microchip with a chamber for holding a sample, a chamber for holding a reagent which reacts with this sample, a mixing chamber for mixing the reagent with the sample with the formation of a mixture and a sensing part with a sensing chamber for holding the mixture with a light incidence surface for the entry of light into the sensing chamber and a light exit surface for emergence of light from the sensing chamber. At least one of the light incidence surface and light exit surface is located in a recess area of the sensing part.

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 drug disposal and verification device includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has an injection port for receiving wasted drug solution and a disposal volume. A positive displacement flow measuring device positioned between the injection port and the disposal volume is used to measure the volume of wasted drug solution injected into the device. The positive displacement flow measuring device is also adapted to divert a small portion of the wasted drug solution to the second chamber. The second chamber holds a breakable test reagent ampule for quantitative testing of the wasted drug solution. The disposal volume of the first chamber may include at least one test strip for qualitative testing of the wasted drug solution.

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: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: A test strip and method for detecting an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: A detection method and indicator are disclosed that includes quantum dots that fluoresce under illumination of a first light having a first wavelength to indicate the presence of a predetermined condition, and in particular, a corrosion condition. The quantum dots are surrounded by a shell material that under normal conditions reflect the first light and reacts in the presence of the predetermined condition to permit the first light to illuminate the quantum dot to excite the quantum dot to emit a second light having a second wavelength, which when detected, indicates the presence of the predetermined condition.

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 operable to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by the interior surfaces of first and second panels and a height extending there between, wherein both panels are transparent, and the height is such that at least some of the red blood cells within the sample contact both interior surfaces of the panels and one or more lacunae within the quiescent sample extend between the interior surfaces; 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 and averaging the optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells contacting the interior surfaces, and assigning an upper boundary value of 100% to the average optical density value of those i

Abstract: Methods for reducing time to result in blood bank diagnostic testing with an agitation device and a low ionic strength solution are disclosed. Specifically provided are methods for reducing incubation time for antigen-antibody reactions in an immunohematologic assay by subjecting the assay reactants to incubation with agitation and optionally additionally a low ionic strength diluent.

Abstract: The enumeration of cells in fluids by flow cytometry is widely used across many disciplines such as assessment of leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or of bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. For many applications the cost, size and complexity of the instruments prevents wider use, for example, CD4 analysis in HIV monitoring in resource-poor countries. The novel device, methods and algorithms disclosed herein largely overcome these limitations. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. The labeled sample, in a chamber or cuvet, is placed between two wedge-shaped magnets to selectively move the magnetically labeled cells to the observation surface of the cuvet. An LED illuminates the cells and a CCD camera captures the images of the fluorescent light emitted by the target cells.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning the process chambers of microfluidic sample processing devices in the proper focal plane of a microplate reader are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may be adaptable to position the sample processing devices at different heights as may be necessary for processing in different microplate readers. A positioning device is used in connection with the sample processing device to locate the process chambers within the focal plane of the microplate reader.

Abstract: A process for the detection of antibodies in a test sample by preparing a suspension of erythrocytes with a test serum or plasma by mixing a test serum or plasma with erythrocytes; incubating the suspension of erythrocytes at a temperature of from 37° C. to 45° C. to bind any antibodies in the test serum or plasma to the surface of said erythrocytes; combining the suspension of erythrocytes with an amount of a solution of a macromolecule which is effective to agglutinate the erythrocytes; packing the resultant red cell agglutinates by centrifuging the suspension of erythrocytes; and, determining the presence of anti-erythrocyte antibodies by observing if antibody-dependent erythrocyte agglutination has occurred.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test system for analyzing body fluids of the type comprising a test element tape carrying a plurality of test elements, a tape deflector for the test element tape for the selective application of body fluid, and a light source as well as a detector for optically analyzing test elements to which body fluid has been applied. The tape deflector has a rotatable optical element which acts as a deflection roller during transport of the test element tape. The optical element is positioned in the optical path between the light source and the detector.

Abstract: A fluid property measurement system for measuring free stream particulates includes a fluid movement device positioned within a fluid container which is configured to cause fluid flow within the fluid container along a fluid flow path when a fluid is present. A constricted region along the fluid flow path generates a region of concentrated streamlined flow within the constricted region and mixing of the fluid outside of the constricted region. A property measuring device is positioned with respect to the constricted region to measure fluid properties in the region of streamlined flow.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a sample solution and a reagent into a container in a chemical analyser includes a first step of dispensing a reagent into a container, a second step of dispensing a sample solution into the container after the first step, and a third step of dispensing the reagent into the container after the second step. A dilution cup includes an inner face where a diameter of a horizontal section increases on at least one position from a bottom to a top, an opening portion surrounding an opening, where a sample solution is dispensed, located on or near the top, a reagent aperture portion surrounding an aperture where a reagent is dispensed such that the sample solution and the reagent create an upswing spiral flow, and a drain aperture portion surrounding a drain aperture, where a mixed solution of the sample solution and the reagent is discharged, located on or near the bottom.

Abstract: Apparatus or systems which employ luminescence quenching to produce an oxygen concentration indicative signal. Components of such systems include: (1) an airway adapter, sampling cell, or the like having a sensor which is excited into luminescence with the luminescence decaying in a manner reflecting the concentration of oxygen in gases flowing through the airway adapter or other flow device; (2) a transducer which has a light source for exciting a luminescable composition in the sensor into luminescence and a light sensitive detector for converting energy emitted from the luminescing composition as that composition is quenched into an electrical-signal indicative of oxygen concentration in the gases being monitored; and (3) subsystems for maintaining the sensor temperature constant and for processing the signal generated by the light sensitive detector. Sensors for systems of the character just described, methods of fabricating those sensors, and methods for installing the sensors in the flow device.

Abstract: A device for analysis used for transferring a solution to a measurement spot 38 by a centrifugal force and reading in which a reaction liquid located at the measurement spot 38 is optically accessed. An operation cavity 30 and a receiving cavity 32 are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transfer. The operation cavity 30 and the receiving cavity 32 communicate with each other via a connection section 59 to transfer the solution of the operation cavity 30 to the receiving cavity 32. The connection section 59 is located inside the liquid level of a diluted solution retained in the operation cavity 30, relative to a rotation axis 102.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which can go to make up mesostructured porous hybrid organic-inorganic materials (MPHOIMs) and can serve, within these materials, as probe molecules for the detection or quantitative determination of halogenated gaseous compounds. It also relates to MPHOIMs in which these compounds are grafted by covalent or iono-covalent bonding, to a process for manufacturing these MPHOIMs, and also to chemical sensors for the detection or quantitative determination of halogenated gaseous compounds and comprising these MPHOIMs as sensitive materials. The invention applies, in particular, to the detection and quantitative determination of halogenated gaseous compounds used in the microelectronics field and, more especially, halogenated boron complexes.

Abstract: A micro structure includes a silicon substrate, an adhesion layer on the silicon substrate, a bias layer on the adhesion layer, and structure layers on the adhesion layer. The two or more structure layers comprise different material compositions and a plurality of holes through at least two of the structure layers. Widths of the plurality of holes are in the range of 0.5-500 nm.