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: The present application discloses an analyte detection apparatus having at least one reservoir area and a wicking membrane, wherein a labeled specific binding partner is impregnated on the reservoir area; and a region on the wicking membrane where at least one chemical component is immobilized.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention describe an apparatus for generating calibration factors for a spectral detector instrument. The calibration factors are derived from a calibration plate containing one or more spectral species in each well of the calibration plate. Each well is then exposed to an excitation source that causes the one or more spectral species in each of the wells to fluoresce. The signal response is measured and associated with each spectral species at each different well position in the calibration plate. Next, the measured signal response from each spectral species at each well position in the calibration plate is compared with a predetermined signal response for each spectral species. The results of this comparison can be used to determine a calibration factor for each well and spectral species to compensate for the difference between the measured signal response and the predetermined signal response.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is a method for discriminating between and counting at least two populations of biological elements carrying specific characteristics, optionally present in a sample. The invention allows the clear and unambiguous detection of at least three populations of biological elements by the use of only two detection means, which means that at least two populations of biological elements are detected by one and the same detection means. The invention can be carried out if three different probes are used, each recognizing and becoming fixed to one of the populations of biological elements to be detected, each of the probes being itself rendered detectable by a different marker, two of said markers having two emission spectra having at least one common part (overlapping emission spectra) and the third having an emission spectrum having essentially no part in common with the other two (non-overlapping spectrum).

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for supercritical fluid chromatography. The apparatus comprises a binary pump; an autosampler; a sampling valve; a first and second port switching valve; a first and second manifold; two or more channels, each having a check valve assembly, a separation column and one or more detectors operatively connected thereon; and a backpressure regulator. The apparatus also includes computer software and hardware to control distribution of fluid through the apparatus, including switching between a multi-channel mode or a single channel ode; 2) analyze data collected by the one or more detectors; and 3) optimize separation of analytes by controlling solvent combinations, concentration gradients, pressure and temperature. The apparatus excludes additional backpressure regulators or pumps on individual channels.

Abstract: Method and devices for rapidly fabricating monolithic aerogels, including aerogels containing chemical sensing agents, are disclosed. The method involves providing a gel precursor solution or a pre-formed gel in a sealed vessel with the gel or gel precursor at least partially filling the internal volume of the vessel and the sealed vessel being positioned between opposed plates of a hot press; heating and applying a restraining force to the sealed vessel via the hot press plates (where the restraining force is sufficient to minimize substantial venting of the vessel); and then controllably releasing the applied restraining force under conditions effective to form the aerogel. A preferred device for practicing the method is in the form of a hot press having upper and lower press plates, and a mold positioned between the upper and lower plates. Doped aerogel monoliths and their use as chemical sensors are also described.

Abstract: A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample.

Abstract: A method and sensor for the detection of luminescence radiation generated by at least one luminophore is disclosed.

Abstract: Nanocrystals having a ZnTe core and methods for making and using them to construct core-shell nanocrystals are described. These core-shell nanocrystals are highly stable and provide quantum yields and stability suitable for applications such as flow cytometry, cellular imaging, and protein blotting, medical imaging, and other applications where cadmium toxicity is an issue.

Abstract: A multi-modal data acquisition system for detecting target material on a biological reaction surface, the system comprising a radiation source for generating an incoming beam that impinges on the biological reaction surface at an oblique incidence angle and produces a reflected beam, an interferometric detector for detecting an interferometric signal from the illuminated surface, the reflected beam being directed to the interferometric detector, a fluorescence detector for detecting a fluorescence signal from the illuminated surface; the fluorescence detector being positioned to substantially minimize the incidence of the reflected beam; and a processing system for receiving the interferometric and fluorescence signals and determining the presence or absence of target material on the biological reaction surface. A reaction surface conditioned for the simultaneous collection of fluorescence, interferometric and other signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying an antigen that is present in different amounts in two different samples. In general, the methods involve generating a first and second distinguishably labeled population of antibodies that reactive to the two samples, contacting the first and second labeled populations of antibodies with a plurality of antigens; and identifying any resultant antigens that are differentially bound by the first and second populations of antibodies. The antigens may be on the surface of cells e.g., animal cells, or on a solid support. Once identified, the nucleic acid encoding an antigen of interest may be identified and sequenced to reveal the identity of the antigen of interest. Kits for performing the methods are also provided. The methods find most use in medical and research applications, in particular, for identifying cell surface targets for immunotherapy and drug discovery.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting particles of interest that are dispersed in a fluid mix, which typically includes other particles. The apparatus typically is associated with an interrogation platform arranged to operate in harmony with an opaque member having an orifice sized to promote single-file travel of the particles there-through. A currently preferred embodiment includes a light pipe configured to impinge stimulation-radiation substantially transverse to a direction of fluid flow through the opaque member. Particles of interest may be tagged using antibody-binding, fluorescing molecules. Stimulation radiation from the source causes the tagged particles to undergo a Stokes-shift emission of fluorescence. The resulting fluorescence is detected by the radiation detector and indicates passage of the particles of interest. One workable opaque member is advantageously included in a thin film assembly carried on a removable and disposable card that is adapted for reception in the interrogation platform.

Abstract: A method for detecting optical signals, a microfluidic mixing chip having light emitting compound and a system thereof are provided. The microfluidic mixing system comprises the microfluidic mixing chip, an electrode pairs and a power supplier. The microfluidic mixing chip comprises a first side cavity, a second side cavity and a mixing cavity. The mixing cavity is disposed between the first side cavity and the second side cavity. The mixing cavity further contains the light emitting compound, a catalyst and a redox reagent. The electrode pair is respectively disposed to the first side cavity and the second cavity. The power supplier supplies a power source with high frequency alternating current electric field. By utilizing the power source with alternating current electric field, the light emitting compound, the redox reagent and the catalyst are mixed in the mixing cavity to generate a chemiluminescence or bioluminescence optical signal to detect.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical sensing device for detecting an analyte. The device comprises a light source; at least one luminescent reagent which is capable of luminescing when irradiated by the light source wherein the luminescence of the luminescent reagent is modifiable by the analyte thereby changing the generation of heat, which change in heat generation is proportional to the concentration of the analyte, a transducer having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing the change in heat to an electrical signal, and a detector which is capable of converting the electrical signal into an indication of the concentration of the analyte. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel fluorescent compounds derived from non-fluorinated dipyrromethene-boron, to a method for preparing same and to the use thereof for the fluorescent marking of biological molecules. The invention also relates to biological molecules marked with said fluorescent compounds, and to the use thereof in detection methods such as medical diagnosis methods. More particularly, the detection methods of the invention are particularly useful for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A microplate for use within an interrogation system and a method of using the microplate are disclosed. The microplate contains within the bottom of each well, an optical waveguide grating based sensor. Approximate to each sensor is a mask having an aperture of predetermined size. The aperture regulates the light that enters and exits the sensor upon successive scans and ensures repeatable readings from the sensor. In an extended embodiment, a method of detection is disclosed that utilizes a launch and receive system while employing the aforementioned microplate.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for the enumeration of in vivo gene mutation. The method utilizes differential staining of GPI-anchor deficient erythrocyte populations to distinguish between wild-type and pig-a gene mutants. Quantitative analyses can be conducted on erythrocytes and/or reticulocytes, and is based upon fluorescent emission and light scatter following exposure to an excitatory light source. Counting of mutant erythrocytes or reticulocytes relative to the number of total erythrocytes or reticulocytes can be used to assess the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous chemical agent, the DNA-damaging potential of an exogenous physical agent, the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify endogenously-induced DNA damage, and the effects of an exogenous agent which can modify exogenously-induced DNA damage. Kits for practicing the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cells are genetically modified to express a luminophore, e.g., a modified (F64L, S65T, Y66H) Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP, EGFP) coupled to a component of an intracellular signalling pathway such as a transcription factor, a cGMP- or cAMP-dependent protein kinase, a cyclin-, calmodulin- or phospholipid-dependent or mitogen-activated serine/threonin protein kinase, a tyrosine protein kinase, or a protein phosphatase (e.g. PKA, PKC, Erk, Smad, VASP, actin, p38, Jnk1, PKG, IkappaB, CDK2, Grk5, Zap70, p85, protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1C, Stat5, NFAT, NFkappaB, RhoA, PKB). An influence modulates the intracellular signalling pathway in such a way that the luminophore is being redistributed or translocated with the component in living cells in a manner experimentally determined to be correlated to the degree of the influence.

Abstract: The teachings provided herein are directed to compounds and methods for detecting nerve agents using rhodamine-derived detection compounds. A rhodamine-derived detection compound for nerve agents can include any rhodamine derivative that can bind to a nerve agent and produce a detectable signal for detection of the nerve agent. In some embodiments, the rhodamine-derived detection compound comprises rhodamine B-hydroxamate and the nerve agent can be detected in amounts as low as about 10 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention, in some aspects, relates to systems and methods for determining oxidized proteins, including nitrosylated proteins such as S-nitrosylated proteins. The systems and methods of the invention can be used in vitro (e.g., in cell or tissue culture) or in vivo. For instance, in some cases, the invention can be used to spatially determine the location and/or concentration of oxidized proteins within cells and/or tissues (e.g., through visual detection). In one set of embodiments, a nitrosylated or otherwise oxidized moiety on a protein may be reacted with a detection entity, which may be, for example, fluorescent, radioactive, electron-dense, able to bind to a signaling entity or a binding partner in order to produce a signal, etc. In some embodiments, other moieties on the protein may be altered or blocked before reaction of the protein with the detection entity.

Abstract: A method for extracting proteins from heterogeneous fluids by precipitation using microfluidics. The method uses an automated protocol for precipitation of proteins onto surfaces, rinsing the precipitates to remove impurities, and resolubilization in buffer for further analysis. The method is compatible with proteins representing a range of different physicochemical properties, as well as with complex mixtures such as fetal bovine serum and cell lysate. In all cases, the quantitative performance (measured using a fluorescent assay for % recovery) was comparable to that of conventional techniques, which are manual and require more time.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to optical nanosensors comprising photoluminescent nanostructures are generally described.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector.

Abstract: The present invention employs image intensification for medical procedures within the human body. Methods and systems of the invention utilize infrared radiation (e.g. greater than about 750 nm) illumination and visualization of a surgical treatment area. Preferred methods and systems of the invention incorporate use of an infrared radiation visualization system which may be known as “night vision” systems.

Abstract: A sequential flow analysis tool comprising a microti iridic device having a fluid path defined within a substrate between an input and an output is described. The device includes a capture chamber provided within but offset from the fluid path, the capture chamber extending into the substrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fluid path such that operably particles provided within a fluid flowing within the fluid path will preferentially collect within the capture chamber.

Abstract: A sample cup for retaining a sample material to be subjected to an x-ray spectrochemical analysis. The sample cup comprises a cell body of a cylindrical configuration having an open top end and an open bottom end and defining a hollow between the two open ends, the open top end having an outer wall and an inner wall encircling the open top end. The outer wall and the inner wall extend axially and are positioned in concentric relationship with one another and form an internal reservoir space therebetween.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring concentrations of fuel mixtures using depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence is a fluorometer equipped with a sample container holder that is movable in the path of the beam from the light source. Fluorescent emissions from the sample mixture pass at 90° to the excitation light path through a slit that is narrow enough that the emission intensity is effectively produced by a thin layer of the sample and focused on a monochromator, with successive thin layers receiving nonuniform excitation radiation due to reduction of intensity along the excitation light source path with increasing depth penetration and due to reabsorption of emitted fluorescence from adjacent layers. The method has a first mode in which the emission spectrum is scanned at a fixed depth, and a second mode in which the sample is moved relative to the emission monochromator slit to vary the depth while keeping the emission wavelength fixed.

Abstract: A method for determining a concentration of an analyte is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening a new drug candidate using a liquid chromatography/microfluidic device/mass spectrometry system, and to a liquid chromatography/microfluidic device/mass spectrometry system. The present invention involves the detection of an interaction between molecules on a real-time basis through adjustment of a microreaction between traces of natural material or synthesized new drug candidates and a target material (protein or cell, etc.), thus developing materials for new drug candidates at a lower cost and with high efficiency, while improving quality of life and reducing medical costs. The present invention can be valuably used in increasing new scientific technology through the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and analytical chemistry technology.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for labeling tetracysteine-tagged proteins with biarsenical fluorophores with increased specificity, including compositions, methods and kits particularly adapted for labeling of tetracysteine-tagged proteins to be resolved within an electrophoresis gel.

Abstract: A sensor-chip includes a sensor-portion having at least a metal-layer deposited on a surface of a dielectric-plate. A fluorescent-label binding-substance in an amount corresponding to the amount of a detection-target-substance in a liquid-sample binds onto the sensor-portion. The amount of the detection-target-substance is detected based on the amount of light generated by excitation of a fluorescent-label in the fluorescent-label binding-substance. A fluorescent-substance the charge state of which changes in the liquid-sample according to the pH of the liquid-sample, and which contains a plurality of fluorescent-dye-molecules enclosed by a material that transmits fluorescence output from the fluorescent-dye-molecules, is used as the fluorescent-label.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that introduction of hydrophilic sulfoalkyl substituents and/or hydrophilic linkers derived from homocysteic acid, cysteic acid, glycine peptides, tetraethylene oxide, and the like, offset the hydrophobicity of the acridinium ring system to produce a more soluble label which can be attached to an antibody at higher loading before precipitation and aggregation problems are encountered. Additional compounds described herein contain linkers derived from short peptides and tetraethylene oxide which increase aqueous solubility due to hydrogen bonding with water molecules. The present invention also embraces reagents for multiple acridinium labeling for signal amplification composed of a peptide bearing several acridinium esters with sulfonate groups at regularly spaced intervals for increased solubility. The invention also embraces assays employing the above-described compounds.

Abstract: The ionic conjugates include an inorganic particle electrostatically associated with a macromolecule which can interact specifically with predetermined chemical species or biological targets.

Abstract: A sampling device for analysis of a substance which is chosen from the group consisting of isocyanates, aminoisocyanates, amines, and isothiocyanates, and which is present in an air flow intended to pass through the sampling device is disclosed, as well as a method for the production of said sampling device, and a method for the analysis of said substance in the air flow.

Abstract: A homogeneous immunoassay method and system for quantitative determination of total immunoglobulin E and specific antibody levels to a plurality of allergens, in which a relatively small sampling of blood is required. The method utilizes relatively small microparticles in aqueous suspension. The immunoassay procedure is an immunometric sandwich procedure preferably utilizing biotin-streptavidin signal amplification techniques and R-phycoerytherin fluorescent labels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated picking of animal cell colonies is described. A picking head comprising a plurality of hollow pins is provided. The apparatus has an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A homogeneous immunoassay method and system for quantitative determination of total immunoglobulin E and specific antibody levels to a plurality of allergens, in which a relatively small sampling of blood is required. The method utilizes relatively small microparticles in aqueous suspension. The immunoassay procedure is an immunometric sandwich procedure preferably utilizing biotin-streptavidin signal amplification techniques and R-phycoerytherin fluorescent labels.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for high precision scanning of hydrogel microparticles. The high precision is achieved by one or more modifications to the microparticle composition, or microfluidics apparatus that align the microparticles in a detection channel, or method of preparing a sample for introduction into the apparatus, or some combination. An apparatus comprises a body structure having formed therein a central channel and multiple focusing channels in fluid communication with the central channel through multiple junctions. A width of the central channel is smaller in a portion downstream of each junction. A particle comprises a hydrogel matrix and a probe molecule. The particle has an aspect ratio greater than about three. A method includes loading into a sample fluid inlet a mixture, wherein a number of particles lies within a range from about 15 to about 20 particles/?l.

Abstract: A lab on a valve analytical system includes a rotary sample preparation assembly having a stator and a rotor. The rotor includes a plurality of integral syringe pumps which can be aligned with passages formed within the stator. The stator passages can be connected with fluid inlet connector which connect the sample preparation assembly with fluid sources, and fluid outlet connectors which connect the sample preparation assembly with one or more wet chemical analytical devices. Some embodiments can include a mixer and optical sensor connected with the fluid outlets. One or more drive motors can be used to control simultaneous actuation of one or more of the syringe pumps, thereby providing for simultaneous delivery of metered volumes of fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interrogating a target having a plurality of plasmon resonant particles (PREs) distributed in the target are disclosed. In the method, a field containing the target is illuminated, and one or more spectral emission characteristics of the light-scattering particles in the field are detected. From this data, an image of positions and spectral characteristic values in the field is constructed, allowing PREs with a selected spectral signature to be discriminated from other light-scattering entities, to provide information about the field. Also disclosed are a novel PRE composition for use in practicing the method, and a variety of diagnostic applications of the method.

Abstract: Coelenterazine analogues with different luminescence properties from conventional ones and coelenteramide analogues with different fluorescence properties from conventional ones have been desired. The invention provides coelenterazine analogues modified at the 8-position of coelenterazine and coelenteramide analogues modified at the 2- or 3-position of coelenteramide.

Abstract: Systems for filling sample array by droplet dragging are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an array filling system for filling a platen having a platen surface and an array of receptacles, the receptacles having an internal surface and the receptacles separated by the platen surface, the system comprising: a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid; and a controller configured to position the liquid transfer device in proximity to the platen surface and to move the liquid transfer device across the surface and over the receptacles to be filled so as to cause sequential communication of liquid in the liquid transfer device with the interior surface of each receptacle.

Abstract: A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system is disclosed in which self-encoding microspheres having distinct characteristic optical response signatures to specific target analytes may be mixed together while the ability is retained to identify the sensor type and location of each sensor in a random dispersion of large numbers of such sensors in a sensor array using an optically interrogatable encoding scheme. An optical fiber bundle sensor is also disclosed in which individual microsphere sensors are disposed in microwells at a distal end of the fiber bundle and are optically coupled to discrete fibers or groups of fibers within the bundle. The identities of the individual sensors in the array are self-encoded by exposing the array to a reference analyte while illuminating the array with excitation light energy.

Abstract: A test device and method for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a fluid sample, the test device including a support or member bearing a mark thereon, and a matrix or member containing a capture zone. In operation, an observation area in the test device becomes transparent, thereby allowing the user to view a mark that is present on a support that is disposed beneath the observation area. Typically, the mark on the underlying support is configured as a minus (?) sign. In the absence of analyte in the sample, the test device presents a negative result as a minus (?) signal. In the presence of analyte in the sample, however, the mark operates in concert with a perpendicular test line on the observation area to present a positive result as a plus (+) signal that is visible to the user.

Abstract: A flow cell for chemiluminescence analysis. The flow cell has a flat, thin, opaque plate, with a groove machined into one side of the plate. An inlet port at the center, and an outlet port at the outside end of the groove pass through the plate, which is sandwiched between a flat sapphire window and a cell cap of a housing. The groove side faces the sapphire window, forming a flow channel with one wall being the sapphire window. A light detector is inserted into the housing until it butts up against that part of the housing holding the sapphire window, placing it very close to the generated light. The other side of the plate mates with inlet and outlet ports of the housing cap.

Abstract: An IgG1? monoclonal antibody to the immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus has improved properties. In particular, this monoclonal antibody, designated 1H6, has reduced cross-reactivity to several tacrolimus metabolites. This antibody is suitable for performance of immunoassays such as homogeneous immunoassays to detect or determine the presence or concentration of tacrolimus in samples such as blood samples. The invention further includes derivatives of tacrolimus derivatized at a non-binding portion of the molecule useful in immunizing antibody-producing animals and in producing such monoclonal antibodies, as well as labeled derivatives of tacrolimus useful as tacrolimus analogues in such assays. The invention further includes immunoassay methods for the detection of tacrolimus and test kits useful in performing such immunoassays.

Abstract: A sample collection apparatus which measures biological samples and can be used to provide the early detection of respiratory diseases, for example tuberculosis induced by the pathogen mycobacterium tuberculosis. The sample collection apparatus has a sample collection unit and a corresponding complementary reader unit. The collection unit collects a sample exhaled from the user through a collection vessel with an optical interrogation region. The sample is spread on the inside of the vessel over the interrogation region and subsequently analyzed. The test results are displayed via the reader unit.