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 to be imaged using a series of partial images.

Abstract: A transparent plastic slide has a recessed chamber which receives a transparent plastic cover. The cover has a fluid inlet opening which overlies a recessed center well in the slide. The well has a sloping ramp which extends to a viewing platform which has a surface which is closely spaced from the underside of the cover to define a constant thickness viewing cavity surrounding the well. An overflow channel surrounds the viewing platform. A vent hole extends through the cover above the overflow channel. The sample is introduced into the center well through the fluid inlet opening. The fluid flows into the viewing cavities by capillary action, and is free to overflow the viewing cavities and be received within the overflow channel, thus reducing boundary effects. An inlet port may be provided above the viewing platform to permit substances to be added to a sample while it is under observation.

Abstract: A specimen testing device having a folding top having a top inside and a top outside; a back portion having a back inside and a back outside, the back portion in folding communication with the folding top; a front portion in folding communication with the back portion and the folding top covers at least a portion of the front portion when the front portion is in a folded closed position; a reagent test sheet in communication with at least a portion of the back portion; at least one enclosed bubble containing developer attached to at least one of the back portion and the front portion, wherein a fecal sample is placed on the reagent test sheet and the at least one enclosed bubble is pierced to release the developer to the fecal sample to indicate the presence of fecal occult blood.

Abstract: A liquid analyser has a reactor portion and an associated measurement portion. A sample pump is operable to deliver a liquid sample to a reactor vessel. A base pump supplies a base solution to the reactor vessel. An ozone generator supplies ozone to the reactor vessel. The liquid sample is oxidised in the reactor vessel by means of hydroxyl radicals which are generated using the base solution and ozone to reduce complex components of the liquid sample to their lowest state in solution. The oxidised sample solution is delivered to an optical detector in the measurement portion to determine the concentration of one or more selected materials such as nitrogen, phosphorous or a heavy metal in the oxidised sample solution.

Abstract: A lateral flow immunoassay test device is provided that includes a housing with an elongated slot for holding a test sample collector; an elongated holder member for securing at least one immunoassay test strip therein; a first chamber for storing a first, pre-treatment reagent; and a second chamber for storing a second reagent. Methods of conducting lateral flow immunoassays are also provided. The device and methods of conducting lateral flow immunoassays as provided herein are advantageous in that they allow pre-treatment and pre-incubation of the test sample so that the sample flows onto the test strip more easily and provide for increases in the sensitivity of the assay.

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 device for automation of biological and medical tests wherein test subjects or specimens that are placed in test vessels are subsequently treated by different liquid reagents, including: at least two test vessels of dimensions providing accommodation of specimens, a hydraulic gravity feeding system to deliver the liquid reagents into the two test vessels, a hydraulic gravity discharging system to remove waste liquid or spent reagents from the test vessels and directing them into an apparatus for accommodation of the such waste liquid or spent reagents, and a control system operating the device. A mechanical system is provided for agitating the test vessels.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention relate to characterizing lipoproteins in a sample. The system includes a light source that delivers electromagnetic energy in a predetermined range of wavelengths to the sample and a sensor that senses an intensity spectrum which emerges from the sample when the sample is illuminated by the light source. A processor determines a chemical composition of the sample to determine the presence of lipoprotein particles. The processor then characterizes lipoproteins that are within in the sample by deconvoluting the intensity spectrum into a scattering spectrum and absorption spectrum. The method includes illuminating the sample with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined range of wavelengths and sensing the electromagnetic energy that emerges from the sample. The method further includes transducing the sensed electromagnetic energy which emerges from the sample into an intensity spectrum that determines the types of lipoproteins that are within the sample.

Abstract: An extraction method and apparatus is provided for obtaining quick, safe and highly sensitive testing of any of a variety of body fluids including saliva, blood, urine or other fluids for drugs of abuse or other analytes. The apparatus includes a latchable extraction wand for obtaining body fluid samples from a subject which is adapted to maximize the portion of the body fluid sample that will go into a graduated bottle containing a buffer solution, and a testing device wherein the sample will be received and into which test strips can be inserted to determine levels of drugs of abuse or other analyte in the sample. In one of the methods of the invention, energy is imparted to the sample and buffer solution, such as by shaking, and this facilitates the reduction of sample viscosity, such as by promoting the breakdown of mucins when the sample is saliva.

Abstract: An assay system having a channel bounded by first and second reflective surfaces adapted to accommodate a fluid material therebetween and defining a plurality of regions in an array between those surfaces with each region defining a resonant cavity and adapted to receive a capturing material on a surface thereof whereby a source of radiation illuminates each region to provide a standing wave of radiation of within the cavity indicative of binding of said capturing agent to material under investigation, a binding thereof being detected in response to radiation from each cavity indicative of a change in the standing wave pattern.

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 camber 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 system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement for a series of cuvettes (C) forming a strip (2) fixed by means of a film (3) in an automatic analytical device (1), comprising at least one toothed belt (12), the teeth of which engage with the corresponding forms of the cuvettes. The above finds application in an automatic analytical device, particularly for the determination of the rate of change of the physical state of a medium.

Abstract: An assay technique for label-free, highly parallel, qualitative and quantitative detection of specific cell populations in a sample and for assessing cell functional status, cell-cell interactions and cellular responses to drugs, environmental toxins, bacteria, viruses and other factors that may affect cell function.

Abstract: Optical assay apparatus and methods are provided having an optical assay cup for detecting analytes in a sample fluid. The cup's sidewall may include an optical waveguide having a detection coating on its inner surface. During use, the waveguide receives evanescent or darkfield interrogation light, interrogates at least part of cup's interior volume with it, and emits signal light as a function of the analytes. The detection coating may have fluid or non-fluid detection layers, at least part of which may form at least part of a waveguide for the interrogation light. The cup may be spun during use, such as to centrifugally-concentrate any high-density analytes towards cup's sidewall. The assay apparatus may further include an interrogation light source, a cover or spinning apparatus for the cup, and an optical detector for the signal light.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a surface-enhanced optical property of an analyte using a flexible structured substrate having a metal layer conformably disposed on nanostructure, a flexible structured substrate, and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A calorimeter is provided for measuring a quantity of heat. The calorimeter has a liquid constrained so as to allow expansion of the liquid solely in one dimension along a single axis such that liquid expansion may be measured on the basis of light impinging along the single axis of liquid expansion by means of a non-contact displacement transducer. Interferometric optical means for remote measurement of multiple microcalorimeters permits parallel monitoring of multiple chemical reactions and the performance of parallel biochemical assays.

Abstract: A method of rapidly detecting trace materials including biohazards, toxins, radioactive materials, and narcotics in situ is disclosed. A corresponding apparatus is disclosed. A trace of the material is collected on a pad of the card component, collected by swiping the pad on suspected surface or exposure to the suspected air volume. A novel card component is disclosed that when inserted in a chemical detection unit (CDU), releases reaction chemicals from flexible walled capsules in desired sequence. The exposed pad containing trace material and chemicals are heated in the chemical detection unit to produce a spectral pattern that is analyzed by the optical electronics in the CDU and results are displayed, stored and/or transmitted over a communications network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of analyzing plasma from a sample of whole blood. The method includes a) obtaining a sample of whole blood from a subject in a container, the container having a first end and a second end, the first end of the container for receiving a sample of whole blood; b) centrifuging the container under conditions to separate the whole blood into a cell layer, a gel layer and a plasma layer, wherein the centrifuging produces in relative juxtaposition the first end of the container, the cell layer, the gel layer, the plasma layer and the second end of the container; and c) inserting into a spectrophotometric device the second end of the container which includes the plasma layer in closest relative juxtaposition, to analyze the plasma from the whole blood.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: An optical reader system and method are described herein that can detect a lateral and/or angular misalignment of one or more biosensors so that the biosensors can be properly re-located after being removed from and then reinserted into the optical reader system. In one embodiment, the biosensors are incorporated within the wells of a microplate.

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: The invention concerns test elements and methods for the optical detection of an analyte in a sample. The test element includes a support having at least one transparent portion, and a one-layer film positioned on the support. The film has a thickness when dry of less than about 10 ?m. The method includes contacting the sample with the test element and determining the analyte concentration in the sample.

Abstract: An analyzing cartridge and method for using it to analyze a sample having a plurality of reservoirs and capillaries connected for communication between these reservoirs and is provided therein with a reagent required for analysis. The reservoirs are provided with openings leading to the outside of the cartridge, and the openings are covered with vents each consisting of a gas-permeable/non-liquid-permeable, hydrophobic, porous membrane. The analyzing cartridge requires only trace amounts of a sample and a reagent and no maintenance. It is provided with a non-fluid reagent in vent-carrying reservoirs thereby making it possible to formulate a very trace amount of reagent solution in the cartridge by injecting a reagent dissolving liquid into the reservoirs immediately before analyzing. A liquid feed control device controls the feeding of the liquid between the reservoirs via the capillaries when it is attached to the cartridge to allow or control the entry/exit of air via the vents.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: Analyzers and methods of analysis are described for performing blood cell counting and immunoassay on a whole blood specimen in one measurement section. An assay sample is prepared by blending carrier particles sensitized with an antibody or an antigen against a substance to be immunoassayed and a fluorescent dye for staining blood cells with the whole blood specimen. Optical information is detected from a particle in the assay sample, and the blood cells are differentiated and counted based on the detected optical information. A rate of agglutination of the carrier particles is obtained based on the detected optical information, thereby enabling detection of the substance to be immunoassayed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device.

Abstract: Improvements in blood collection and testing. In one aspect, an improved method of manufacturing a blood collection tube, particularly illustrated for use in sedimentation rate testing, including providing an elongated glass tube with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, formed with a closed end opposite the first end; and applying to a substantial portion of the receptacle a containment barrier.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a biological sample associated with a container is disclosed. A universally unique identifier is associated with each container. In one or more embodiments, the identifier comprises one or more markings having a specular reflectance which differs from the specular reflectance of the outer surface of the container adjacent the markings. A detection apparatus detects the differences in specular reflectance light to identify the identifier associated with the container. The identifier is associated with certain information regarding the container and biological sample. From that point forward, any information about the contents of the container may be retrieved by searching on its container ID. Because the container ID is assured by its manufacturer to be universally unique, the container and sample may move from one organization to another under the same identifier, and information about the contents of the container may be shared by querying on its container ID.

Abstract: A diagnostic test apparatus comprising: a shaft having a first end and a second end; a swab or a biopsy punch mounted on the first end of a shaft; and a cap for fitting over the first end of the shaft, said cap containing at least one diagnostic test reagent; wherein the shaft comprises at least one cap engagement element located proximate to the first end, said element extending radially outwardly of the swab or the biopsy punch for engagement with the cap to retain the cap on the shaft. Also provided are diagnostic caps for use in the test apparatus having a small internal volume and at least one diagnostic test reagent located in or on an absorbent plug inside the cap. Also provided are diagnostic caps for use in the test apparatus having a housing extending from a sample receiving port, said housing defining a lateral flow path for the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for screening a library of materials. Materials are provided in a plurality of locations on a substrate. The locations include first regions that are sufficiently transparent to a first form of radiation to permit analysis of the portion of the sample material supported in the first region using a first analytical technique, and second regions that are sufficiently transparent to a second form of radiation to permit analysis of a portion of the sample supported in the second region using a second analytical technique, but are insufficiently transparent to the first form of radiation to permit analysis of the portion of the sample material supported in the second region using the first analytical technique. Sample materials are screened at one or more sample locations of the substrate using the first analytical technique in the first region and the second analytical technique in the second region.

Abstract: This invention provides protein or polypeptide imprinted polymers with integrated emission sites (PIPIES) for detecting the presence of a protein or polypeptide analyte comprising templated sites which are specific for the analyte. At or near the templated sites are selectively placed reporter molecules. A method is also disclosed for the preparation of the PIPIES and the use of these for the detection of analytes.

Abstract: A self-contained system for testing for the presence of occult blood in a specimen has been provided. The system includes a housing holding a test element and a container for releasing a developing medium onto the test element. The housing includes a base portion encasing both the container and the test element, and a cover. The system further includes specimen openings and results openings having different configurations, one from the other, which provides enhanced visualization of test results. The system also includes structure, such as channels, effective to control a rate of flow of developing medium to the specimen openings.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling a fluid flow over a sensing surface within a flow cell. The methods employ laminar flow techniques to position a fluid flow over one or more discrete sensing areas on the sensing surface of the flow cell. Such methods permit selective sensitization of the discrete sensing areas, and provide selective contact of the discrete sensing areas with a sample fluid flow. Immobilization of a ligand upon the discrete sensing area, followed by selective contact with an analyte contained within the sample fluid flow, allows analysis by a wide variety of techniques. Sensitized sensing surfaces, and sensor devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Airborne particles are impacted on a collection surface, analyzed, and then the collection surface is regenerated. Thus, the same collection surface can be used in numerous cycles. The analysis can be focused on one or more properties of interest, such as the concentration of airborne biologicals. Sensors based on regenerative collection surfaces may be incorporated in many networks for applications such as building automation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to magnetic particles comprising one or more fluorescence detectable moieties positioned asymmetrically with respect to the magnetic pole regions of the particles are described. The compositions are useful for detecting analytes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: A pre-dosed, pre-packaged mixing system and associated method for mixing, storing, and dispensing a two-part dental composition that becomes less stable upon mixing. The mixing system includes a pre-dosed, pre-packaged quantity of a first component contained within a first chamber, and a pre-dosed, pre-packaged quantity of a second component contained within a second chamber. The chambers are separated by separation means so as to separate the two-components prior to mixing. Once mixed, the practitioner is able to record a mixing and/or expiration date on at least a portion of the mixing system so as to indicate a shelf-life of the less stable mixed dental composition.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for carrying out on a same biosensor both of the measurement of the amount of a physiologically active substance immobilized on a biosensor substrate and the measurement of the biological activity of the above physiologically active substance, thereby analyzing the interaction of a substance with the above physiologically active substance that maintains its activity. The present invention provides a measurement method using a biosensor substrate, wherein both the amount of a physiologically active substance immobilized on the substrate and the biological activity of the physiologically active substance immobilized on the substrate are measured on said same biosensor substrate.

Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope includes a cantilever, a scanning mechanism which relatively scans the cantilever and a sample which exist in liquid, and an application mechanism which applies photolytic light to a caged compound existing in the liquid or the sample.

Abstract: A specimen testing device having a folding top having a top inside and a top outside; a back portion having at least one flap opening, the back portion in folding communication with the folding top; a front portion having at least one opening with the folding top covering the front portion when in a folded closed position and the front portion in folding communication with the back portion; a reagent test sheet in communication with at least a portion of the back portion and interposed between the front portion and the back portion; at least one enclosed bubble containing developer attached to the inside of the flap opening of the back portion, wherein a fecal sample is placed on the reagent test sheet, the folding top is in a folded closed position and the enclosed bubble releases the developer to indicate the presence of fecal occult blood.

Abstract: An irreversible humidity exposure dose indicator device, including a housing sealed at a first end thereof and adapted at a second end thereof to admit ambient gas ingress into an interior volume containing chromogenic material. The chromogenic material in contact with water irreversibly absorbs such water to produce a change whose extent is correlative of cumulative exposure of the device to humidity. The device may be configured as an indicator card including an intermediate permeable membrane coated on a first side thereof with a layer of a deliquescent solid and being in contact on a second side thereof with a layer containing a reactive indicator, with a water-permeable layer adjacent to the layer containing the deliquescent coating, enclosed within a water-impermeable transparent enclosure.

Abstract: An assay implementation in a microfluidic format in a cartridge relating to a point-of-care instrument platform for monitoring and diagnosing infectious diseases (e.g., AIDS and malaria). The platform may also provide a complete blood count. The instrument platform may hold the cartridge and a portion of an optical system for fluorescent and scattered light related analyses of blood sample in a flow channel of the cartridge.

Abstract: Medical and environmental diagnostic devices are described and claimed. Preferred embodiments feature cup within cup configurations wherein one cup is dedicated, for the most part, to sample collection and another cup is dedicated, for the most part, to assay performance. Communication between the cups is afforded by what is believed to be a unique valve assembly and lid tandem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting very small quantities of particles. The inventive method is based on a detection of antigen-antibody reaction products and provides a very high detection sensitivity all the way to the femtomolar or attomolar range.

Abstract: The present invention provides test devices for detecting an analyte suspected of being present in a liquid sample. The devices contain a reservoir compartment, a test compartment, and a port for a sample collection well. The devices also have a rotatable sample collection well located in the port. The device has an upper chamber for insertion of a sample applicator, an expression plate for wringing out the sample applicator and applying sample to the device, a lower chamber, and an aliquot outlet and a reservoir outlet for the movement of sample through the device. The device also contains test elements for detecting the analyte of interest. By rotating the sample collection well, the operator is able to direct distribution of collected sample in the device. Methods of using the devices and kits containing the devices are also provided.

Abstract: Analytical reagents and mass spectrometry-based methods using these reagents for the rapid, and quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins. The methods employ affinity labeled protein reactive reagents having three portions: an affinity label (A) covalently linked to a protein reactive group (PRG) through a linker group (L). The linker may be differentially isotopically labeled, e.g., by substitution of one or more atoms in the linker with a stable isotope thereof. These reagents allow for the selective isolation of peptide fragments or the products of reaction with a given protein (e.g., products of enzymatic reaction) from complex mixtures. The isolated peptide fragments or reaction products are characteristic of the presence of a protein or the presence of a protein function in those mixtures. Isolated peptides or reaction products are characterized by mass spectrometric (MS) techniques.

Abstract: A method of single parameter and multiparameter characterizing of cells, particularly immunophenotyping of cells, is provided. The method preferably uses antibody coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. One or more sets of coated microspheres are added simultaneously or sequentially to a suspension of cells and bind the cells they are adapted to bind. Cells may bind to one or more microspheres. The suspension is then filtered to trap bead-cell complexes. The complexes are preferably stained and then examined to characterize the cells, preferably the cells bound to the microspheres. A kit and apparatus for performing the method are also provided.