Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting biomolecular interactions. The detection can occur without the use of labels and can be done in a high-throughput manner. The invention further relates to self-referencing colorimetric resonant optical biosensors and optical devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring platelet function in a mammal by passing blood removed from the body of the mammal through a passageway to contact an obstruction or irregularity in the passageway to generate a platelet mass in the passageway, and monitoring the flow or composition of the blood in the passageway to detect the platelet mass. The flow and composition change in response to the formation of a platelet mass in the passageway. Devices, articles, and kits for performing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.

Abstract: A metering tip for use in a clinical analytical apparatus includes a tapered body having at least one interior stepped areas. Each of the stepped areas include a sharp diametrical edge for latching a fluid meniscus being dispensed from the tip and for reducing fluid oscillation during metering.

Abstract: A method for detecting aberrant phenotypes expressed by neoplastic cells includes the steps of: 1) staining one or more normal/reactive samples and one neoplastic sample with multiple combinations of monoclonal antibodies, 2) measuring fluorescence emissions associated to the stained cells, 3) storing two independent list mode data files of information on light scatter and fluorescence characteristics of each cell, 4) creating new data files by mixing list mode data from the data file containing information the neoplastic sample into the data file containing information on the normal samples, 5) defining corresponding to normal cells and areas corresponding to empty spaces in normal/reactive samples that may be occupied by tumor cells in neoplastic samples, 6) identifying events corresponding to neoplastic cells and events corresponding to normal cells coexisting in a multidimensional space, and 7) establishing the most relevant phenotypic aberrations displayed by the neoplastic cells as compared to their nor

Abstract: This invention relates to a device usable in an automatical apparatus for the determination of the rate of change of the physical state of a medium. This device has a series of cuvettes having two opposites shoulders which extend in the plane of the opening of the cuvette and a flexible film which is fixed on the shoulders. This film is provided with a series of oblong opening respectively arranged above the cuvette openings. An optical detection station is provided which has a light source generating a light beam which illuminates the upper face of the cuvette bowls and an optoeleclectronic detector placed below the bottom of the bowls.

Abstract: A method for characterizing highly parallelized liquid handling technology using microplates and test kit for carrying out the method. Possibilities for characterizing a multi-channel or many-channel handling technology are known in principle. However, especially with regard to more highly parallelized devices and very small volumes, particularly under conditions corresponding to the actual application conditions, these possibilities were relatively expensive and presented problems especially with respect to the accuracy of evaluation and with respect to correctness and precision. The present method enables a more economical and very exact characterization for applications of this kind.

Abstract: Array scanning methods that focus on the far side and devices configured for use in the same are provided. In reading arrays according to the subject methods, an array is placed in a reading position of a scanning device so that the nominal focal plane of the scanning device is present within the array substrate at a predetermined fixed substrate thickness fraction distance from the far-side of the array, and the array is then read by the device. As such, the subject scanner devices of the present invention are configured to hold an array substrate in a reading position of the device in which the device's nominal focal plane is present within the array substrate. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including both genomic and proteomic applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for amplifying a preselected polynucleotide in a sample by conducting a polynucleotide polymerization reaction. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port and a mesoscale flow system, which extends from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system includes a polynucleotide polymerization reaction chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port which is provided with reagents required for polymerization and amplification of a preselected polynucleotide. In one embodiment the devices may be utilized to implement a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the reaction chamber (PCR chamber).

Abstract: A multilayer test strip that measures concentrations of multiple analytes from a single whole blood sample. The test strip includes a test matrix of several layers held together in constant contact by a test strip holder. The invention is characterized in that it has no moving parts, which is made possible by the novel use of an elongate disbursement layer that spreads blood throughout its entire length, despite having layers with known wicking properties adjacent to and in contact with it. Since the invention relies primarily on a vertical flow format, the test strip is advantageously quite compact. With a single 30-50 microliter sample of blood applied thereto, the novel test strip can provide readings of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. From these, LDL can be calculated, thereby providing a full “lipid panel.” Other analytes such as glucose and ketones may be included in the test strip in addition to or in lieu of one or more of the other analytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test device for determining the concentration of LDL-cholesterol in a sample. The test device has a continuous solid surface with at least one reaction area on the continuous solid surface, and the reaction area has, in dry form, a non-LDL inhibitor and a system for determining the concentration of cholesterol.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring of the adhesion of platelets ex vivo. In this method, monodisperse polymer particles are added to blood, and the number of platelets in the blood are measured before and after shaking of the sample. The level of adhesion of the platelets is determined by comparing the number of platelets prior to shaking with the number of platelets after shaking. Methods of establishing an adhesion index and diagnosis of a patient are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system. The method for sampling disclosed herein comprises the steps of pre-wetting the sampling swab to a level below that of absorptive saturation; wiping a surface to be sampled with the swab with sufficient pressure to expel the wetting solution onto the surface; and, after reducing the pressure exerted on the sampling swab, further wiping the surface to re-absorb the moisture from the surface.

Abstract: The reactor plate preferably includes a sealed reactor, a reactor flow channel connected to the reactor, a sample container constituted from a sealed container provided separately from the reactor, a sample container flow channel to be connected to the sample container, a syringe for sending a liquid, a switching valve for connecting the syringe to the reactor flow channel or the sample container flow channel, and a projecting flow channel connected to the end of the sample container flow channel located on the sample container side. The sample container has a penetrable portion through which the projecting flow channel can penetrate and which is provided to be opposed to the projecting flow channel and is located at a position such that the projecting flow channel penetrating the penetrable portion is brought into contact with a liquid contained in the sample container.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for chemical and biological agent sensing. The sensing apparatus includes a resonator having a resonance frequency. The resonator includes a coil of a photonic crystal fiber. The photonic crystal fiber has a solid region configured to guide a substantially single optical mode of light having an evanescent tail, a first cladding surrounding an exterior of the solid region, and a polymer coating the first cladding. The polymer has an embedded indicator. The first cladding and polymer are together configured to extend a portion of the evanescent tail into the polymer. The resonator is configured to produce a resonance shape centered at the resonance frequency. A predetermined change in the resonance shape or the free spectral range indicates a reaction of the indicator to the agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow quantitative assay method which can measure one or more analyte species at the same time, with high sensitivity. Also, the present invention relates to a strip which can measure one or more analyte species at the same time, with high sensitivity and a package in which the strip is integrated with a laser-induced surface fluorescence detector. The present invention can quantify multiple analytes with a minimum detection limit of pg/ml. Therefore, the present invention provides an advantage capable of quantifying a plurality of analytes at the same time using a simple lateral flow assay strip.

Abstract: A device for analysis of a sample, the device comprising: a first layer having a network of passages and chambers through which fluid is caused to flow during analysis; a second layer in which a plurality of chambers are formed, the chambers containing fluids for use in the analysis; an inlet in either the first or the second layer into which a sample to be analysed can, in use, be placed, and a third layer providing a frangible fluid seal between the chambers of the second layer and the network of the first layer so that, in use, a break in the third layer permits fluid from a chamber in the second layer to pass into the network of the first layer to enable analysis of the sample to be carried out.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for simultaneously carrying out the detection or measurement of a substance interacting with a physiologically active substance immobilized on a biosensor and the analysis of the effects of the above substance on the biological activity of the physiologically active substance. The present invention provides a method using a biosensor formed by immobilizing a physiologically active substance on a substrate, wherein the detection and measurement of a substance interacting with said physiologically active substance and the measurement of the biological activity of said physiologically active substance are carried out on said single biosensor.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: A method for preparing receptor-coated particles is described which comprises the following steps: a) providing a support body, b) conducting a liquid containing particles into or onto the support body, c) immobilizing the particles on at least one surface area of the support body, d) conducting a liquid which contains receptors or receptor building blocks for synthesizing polymeric receptors over the immobilized particles, e) coupling the receptors or receptor building blocks location—or/and time-specifically to the immobilized particles at in each case predetermined positions of the support body, f) repeating, where appropriate, the steps (d) and (e), until the desired receptors have been synthesized on the immobilized particles at the in each case predetermined positions of the support body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical grating sensor configured to detect a phase change in light passing though the system due to a binding event caused by an analyte. The grating sensor may include a light source that may be, for example, a coherent light source. The invention may also include a first diffraction grating having a first period. A micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) may be displaced from the first diffraction grating and may be configured to modulate the light received form the coherent light source. An analyte recognition material may be disposed on the surface of the first grating. A detector may be configured to receive light form the coherent light source after the light has been diffracted from the first diffraction grating and modulated by the MEMS. In another embodiment of the present invention, the grating sensor may be configured to operate in two modes. The first mode may be a mode the detect a phase change in the light due to a binding event.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte within a test sample is provided. The device utilizes multiple zones, one of which serves as an indicator of whether or not the analyte in the test sample is within the “hook effect” region. Based on this indication, a technique may be selected for correlating a measured signal intensity to an analyte concentration or range of concentrations. For example, when it is determined that the test sample falls outside the “hook effect” region, the analyte concentration may be determined using one portion of a dose response curve. On the other hand, when it is determined that the test sample falls within the “hook effect” concentration, the analyte concentration may be determined using another portion of the dose response curve. Alternatively, the sample may simply be diluted for re-performing the assay.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit and to a method of using the kit for the in situ detection of trace quantities of drugs on any surface. The method involves using a sampling means that is purposefully designed to sample trace elements of a drug to sample an unknown drug, chemically reacting the sampled drug with a buffer or digesting solution to produce a composition which is detectable, by immunological techniques. To test the reacted sample it is placed in a well in a detection tablet that has been impregnated with a detecting chemical and produce a visible indication of the presence of absence of a particular drug.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, transporting and storing biological specimens. The apparatus includes a base having a tray portion for receiving the biological specimen and a lid operably connected to the base and moveable with respect to the base between a first closed position in which the tray portion is covered by the lid and a second open position wherein the tray portion is exposed for receipt or removal of the biological specimen.

Abstract: A self-calibrated, magnetic binding assay (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.) for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The magnetic binding assay includes detection probes capable of generating a detection signal (e.g., fluorescent non-magnetic particles) and calibration probes capable of generating calibration signal (e.g., fluorescent magnetic particles). The amount of the analyte within the test sample is proportional to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal.

Abstract: A method for analyzing formation fluid in earth formation surrounding a borehole includes storing analytical reagent in a reagent container in a fluids analyzer in a formation tester and moving the formation tester, including the reagent, downhole. Reagent from the reagent container is injected into formation fluid in the flow-line to make a mixture of formation fluid and reagent. The mixture is moved through a spectral analyzer cell in the fluids analyzer to produce a time-series of optical density measurements at a plurality of wavelengths. A characteristic of formation fluid is determined by spectral analysis of the time-series of optical density measurements.

Abstract: A liquid testing device for determining the value of at least one property of a liquid. The liquid testing device includes a planar base and at least one test section, located on the planar base, with a reference color section located adjacent to the test section, which exhibits a color according to the value, as a result of reaction of a reagent with the liquid. The reference color section includes a plurality of different reference colors arranged for easy visual color comparison with the test result. The reference color section is placed adjacent to and in contact with the test section, with the test section having sufficient length so that it substantially encompasses the entire reference color section with its plurality of different reference colors. Thus, when the test section exhibits a reaction color, the visual comparison is simplified since the reference color which matches the reaction color becomes substantially visually merged and self-aligned therewith.

Abstract: A reaction of a sample mixture liquid is detected accurately, by allowing a solid reagent to be dissolved and reacted in a liquid sample quickly and accurately. A disc main body, and at least one sample mixing unit provided at the disc main body are provided, and the sample mixing unit is provided with: a liquid sample reserve unit; a reagent chamber capable of disposing a plurality of the solid reagents; and a measurement chamber to which a sample mixture liquid containing a liquid sample and a solid reagent mixed in the reagent chamber is supplied. The reagent chamber has a form which allows a plurality of the solid reagents to be disposed in the direction substantially parallel to the radial direction of the disc in which centrifugal force is generated, or in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the disc.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot cavity has a pair of partially transmissive, partially reflective, surfaces. A first of the surfaces is flexibly suspended adjacent and parallel to a second of the surfaces. A gap exists between the surfaces. A variable electrostatic potential permits this gap to be adjusted. A translucent chemical layer is disposed on the first surface. A photosensor is attached to the second surface. Light irradiates the photosensor through the chemical layer and the first and second surfaces wherein the light is also partially reflected between the surfaces. A sensing environment is provided wherein an agent undergoes a reaction with the chemical layer as well as an environment wherein the reaction does not occur. The output of the photosensor is measured to assess a change in spectrum and spectral intensity for each of the sensing environments. The gap between the surfaces as well as the light used are selected to provide an optimum photosensor output.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for fluid sample collection and analyte testing, including a sample receiving member and at least one membrane test strip, and optionally a sample retention member, fingerprint acquisition pad, and/or fluid collector. It also provides a fluid collection apparatus having an absorbent material, compression element, and closure element, and optionally a lid that allows the apparatus to be used in conjunction with a fluid container. Also provided are methods of collecting, testing, and retaining a fluid sample and verifying the identity of one or more individuals associated with the sample, such as the test subject, test administrator, and/or witnesses.

Abstract: A gunpowder particle test kit for determining gunpowder residue includes a transparent sleeve having a closed end and an open folded end sealed with a clip forming a sealed cavity carrying a test strip and a crushable ampoule carrying a diphenylamine solution. The test strip has an adhesive area on a front surface. An opaque label is provided on a rear surface on the sleeve opposite the adhesive area. In use, the clip is removed to open the cavity, the test strip removed and applied to possible residue areas on a subject. The strip is returned to the cavity; the clip reapplied to seal the cavity. Thereafter, the ampoule is crushed to release the solution, which develops a distinctive coloration observable against the label to indicate the presence of possible gunpowder residue.

Abstract: A system to detect and identify various aerosol agents, such as biological agents which have been aerosolized, is disclosed. The system generally includes a mechanism to collect a selected sample of atmosphere which may include the aerosol agent, a sub-system to detect the presence and type of agent, and a sub-system to communicate the type of agent detected.

Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid, comprising contacting the fluid with a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, wherein the variation arises as a result of interaction between the medium and the analyte, and wherein the reaction and the variation are reversible; and detecting any change of the optical characteristic.

Abstract: The invention in particular embodiments provides an evanescent wave sensor which includes a ligand bound to a sensor substrate via a NCYX linker moiety, as defined herein. Methods of making the subject evanescent wave sensors are also provided which include contacting a first reactive moiety which has an isocyanato (or isothiocyanato) moiety with a second reactive moiety which has an hydroxyl, thiol, or amino moiety, as further described herein. Also provided by the invention are methods in which a subject evanescent wave sensor is contacted with a sample, and binding of analytes in the sample to the sensor is assessed by evanescent wave detection. The invention also provides kits and systems for performing the subject methods.

Abstract: A method for measuring properties of a fluid including placing a quantity of fluid in a container; inducing flow in the fluid wherein the flow is substantially streamlined in at least a measuring region of the container by constricting flow, and wherein the fluid is recirculated through the measuring region. A mixing region can be created separate from the measuring region sufficient to substantially mix the fluid. Free stream particulates in the fluid can be measured in the streamlined region. The invention is of particular interest in the assessment of blood platelet function. The method provides specific localized regions of thorough mixing that enable reproducible platelet aggregation, and also provides specific localized regions of streamlined flow that enable certain modalities of assessing aggregation. Both of these regions of flow are induced such that damage to platelet aggregates and other blood components as well as undesirable agglomeration on device surfaces is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is a rapid method of determining the concentration of the major components in a chemical stream. The present invention is also a simple, low cost, device of determining the in-situ concentration of the major components in a chemical stream. In particular, the present invention provides a useful method for simultaneously determining the concentrations of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and sodium carbonate in aqueous kraft pulping liquors through use of an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) tunnel flow cell or optical probe capable of producing a ultraviolet absorbency spectrum over a wavelength of 190 to 300 nm. In addition, the present invention eliminates the need for manual sampling and dilution previously required to generate analyzable samples.

Abstract: A method for rapidly detecting the presence of formaldehyde in a urine sample (e.g., urine or a urinary material associated therewith, such as headspace gas located associated with urine) is provided. The method includes contacting the urine sample with a substrate on which is disposed a colorant that is capable of undergoing a detectable color change in the presence of formaldehyde. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that oxidation of the colorant by formaldehyde induces either a shift of the absorption maxima towards the red end of the spectrum (“bathochromic shift”) or towards the blue end of the spectrum (“hypsochromic shift”). The absorption shift provides a color difference that is detectable, either visually or through instrumentation, to indicate the presence of formaldehyde within the urine sample. For example, prior to contact with a urine sample, the colorant may be colorless or it may possess a certain color.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte in a test sample is provided. The device comprises a chromatographic medium that defines a detection zone, wherein a crosslinked network is non-diffusively immobilized within the detection zone. The crosslinked network contains a small molecule indicator that is configured to undergo a detectable color change in the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A multi-well assay plate structure (54) and assay apparatus and a method for performing chemical biochemical assays is described. The multi-well assay plate structure (54) defines a relatively shallow substantially enclosed space (71) above a plurality of wells (76), with the enclosed space (71) having an inlet (72) and an outlet (22) separate from the inlet. Fluid introduced via the inlet (72) flows into the space (71) and/or wells (76) by displacing air. Withdrawal of the fluid via the inlet (72) or outlet leaves fluid in the wells (76) allowing various tests to be performed. Various embodiments of the structure are described. The preferred arrangement embodies the structure on a transparent plastic disk which can be used with automatic fluid handling apparatus (80) and the results assessed using optical assessment apparatus (81).

Abstract: Test kit whereby the sponge portion of kit is used to swab saliva. The saliva is then extracted from sponge by either squeezing it out or through the use of a centrifuge. The sponge portion of the kit is attached to a collection container when used in the centrifuge. A filter can be placed between these two portions of the kit to filter out only substances of certain molecular weights and to clean saliva. When the saliva is collected by squeezing, the sponge is placed in soft walled vial that is squeezed to extract saliva. After extracted from the sponge, the collected saliva can be removed from kit by twisting off cap. This test kit can be used for, but not limited to, testing for HIV antibodies, hepatitis and drugs.

Abstract: A method to fabricate an optical scattering probe and the method includes the steps of a) depositing an conductive layer on a substrate followed by depositing a noble metal layer on top of the conductive layer and then an aluminum layer on top the noble metal layer; b) anodizing the aluminum layer to form a porous aluminum oxide layer having a plurality of pores; and c) etching the plurality of pores through the aluminum oxide layer and the noble metal layer for forming a nano-hole array. In a preferred embodiment, the step of etching the plurality of pores through the aluminum oxide layer and the noble metal layer further comprising a step of widening the pores followed by removing the aluminum oxide layer for forming a plurality of noble metal column on top of the conductive layer.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample are provided. Devices of the present invention comprise a means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface. In one embodiment, the means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface comprises a syringe that can be used to draw a sample from an opening to a test surface. In other embodiments, the device also provides means for diluting a sample. In yet other embodiments, the device also provides a means.

Abstract: A side-entry excitation arrangement is provided with a multi-channel analyte-separation device. In various embodiments, a plurality of channels are disposed in an array, with a laser disposed to direct an excitation beam of light along a beam path that crosses the longitudinal axes of the channels, so as to simultaneously irradiate a region of each of the channels. Devices of the invention can be useful, for example, in the separation and analysis of bio-molecules, such as DNA, RNA, etc.

Abstract: An immunoassay cartridge for sensing at least one analyte in a biological sample is disclosed. The immunoassay cartridge comprises a supporting plate, a reaction cavity made within the supporting plate and having at least one analyte-binding molecule immobilized therein, a sample receiving end connected to the reaction cavity to allow the biological sample to flow into the reaction cavity for forming at least one complex of the analyte and the analyte-binding molecule, a first package containing a recognizing molecule, a first channel communicating the first package and the reaction cavity to allow the recognizing molecule to flow into the reaction cavity for forming a first product of the complex and the complex-binding molecule, a second package containing a buffer solution and a second channel communicating the second package and the reaction cavity to allow the buffer solution to flow into the reaction cavity.

Abstract: Gas focusing flow cytometers are fabricatable employing simple and inexpensive manufacturing techniques. When such cytometers or conventional cytometers are combined with fiber optical light paths and laser diode and semiconductor photodetectors, light weight and handheld, optionally disposable devices which maintain high performance are possible.

Abstract: A cytometer having two or more chambers or regions in a containment structure of sheathing fluid that may be used to provide hydrodynamic focusing of another fluid having particles to be observed. The latter fluid may be a core stream which may have its lateral position in a flow or measurement channel affected by control of at least one of the parameters of the several segments of the sheathing fluid. The lateral position of the core stream may be aligned with a light source and detector for a count and observation of the particles. Electrical signals from the detector may be fed back to a processor which may control one or more parameters of the sheathing fluid in the various chambers or regions via pumps, valves, and flow and pressure sensors. This control of parameters may provide for the positioning of the core stream. This cytometer may be miniaturized.

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: Disclosed is a lateral flow quantitative assay method which can measure one or more analyte species at the same time, with high sensitivity. Also, the present invention relates to a strip which can measure one or more analyte species at the same time, with high sensitivity and a package in which the strip is integrated with a laser-induced surface fluorescence detector. The present invention can quantify multiple analytes with a minimum detection limit of pg/ml. Therefore, the present invention provides an advantage capable of quantifying a plurality of analytes at the same time using a simple lateral flow assay strip.

Abstract: A calibration method for a flow cytometer with a multichannel detector module. During calibration, the fluorescence intensity data values for the different detector channels are used to calculate normalization factors needed to adjust subsequent data collected by each of the channels. By using a multichannel detector module, the results from the different flow cells can be reliably compared, so that multiple stages of flow cells can be arranged in series along a common flow path, for example to measure the same sample at defined time intervals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixed focus handy ovulation tester, the said ovulation tester comprising an inner casing (1), having a top and a bottom end; a controllable 5 illuminating assembly (2) located inside the inner casing and near the bottom end of the inner casing and being sealed at the bottom by a bottom face plate (3) and a fixed focus eye piece assembly (4) having a bottom inner portion for placing a biological specimen and a top outer portion for viewing the specimen being removably located at the top end of the inner casing.