Abstract: The present invention relates to a stool sample processing method and stool sample processing container the a stool sample processing container provided with a stool collection tool, a suspending solution holding portion and a processing solution holding portion, wherein stool sample preparation solutions consisting of a suspending solution and a stool sample processing solution are respectively housed in a suspending solution holding container and a processing solution holding container, after first mixing a stool sample with the suspending solution and suspending therein, a sealant is released into the suspending solution holding container by pressing on the lower portion of the processing solution holding container, and the resulting stool suspension mixes with the stool sample processing solution that stabilizes the nuclide acid.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the analysis of polar metabolites and provides methods for analyzing polar metabolites including extracting a biological sample with a extraction buffer containing a phase separator and a volatile neutral ammonium salt under conditions which allow for immediate disruption of cells in the biological sample, separating the polar metabolites in the extract by chromatography, and analyzing the separated polar metabolites. Moreover, a method for quenching a biological sample containing cellular material is contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of evaluating CHO cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies, said antigenic molecules carried by the erythrocytes consisting of antigenic molecules carried not only by the erythrocytes, but also by at least one other cell population, other than the blood group antigen molecules, said method comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes or erythrocyte membrane fragment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies of an individual, comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes, erythrocyte membrane fragments or blood group antigens.

Abstract: Hemoglobin in a sample solution is quickly and reliably denatured; at the same time, quick and accurate measurement of hemoglobin and a hemoglobin derivative is realized. In a method for measuring hemoglobin and a hemoglobin derivative, and a reagent composition, a measurement kit, an analysis device, and an analysis system used in the method, a sample solution containing a blood component is treated with a nonionic surfactant, an oxidizing agent, and a metal salt to denature hemoglobin in the sample solution to measure the hemoglobin, and thereafter the amount of a hemoglobin derivative in the sample is measured by an immunological method using an antibody specifically binding to a denatured site of the denatured hemoglobin derivative.

Abstract: A method for measuring glycated hemoglobin includes hemolyzing a blood sample with a hemolysate; reacting the hemolyzed blood sample with bead conjugates in which beads are conjugated with glycated hemoglobin binding materials; measuring the amount of total hemoglobin in the reacted blood sample; isolating normal hemoglobin from the glycated hemoglobin conjugated with the bead conjugates; measuring the amount of glycated hemoglobin isolated from the normal hemoglobin; and determining the percentage of the glycated hemoglobin in the blood sample on the basis of the measured amounts of total hemoglobin and glycated hemoglobin. The isolation of normal hemoglobin is performed by absorbing the normal hemoglobin using an absorption pad that is a porous pad having pores, each of which has a size greater than the size of the normal hemoglobin and smaller than the size of the bead.

Abstract: Endothelial cells are detected in a blood sample by enriching the endothelial cells from the blood sample followed by performing on the enriched endothelial cells an immunoassay capable of detecting antigens expressed by the endothelial cells. The immunoassay is capable of detecting antigen expressed from 300 endothelial cells per milliliter of blood. The method can be used for assaying mature circulating endothelial cells or circulating endothelial progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of DHA and EPA. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting DHA and EPA by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a monoclonal antibody and corresponding hybridoma cells and antigens suitable for isolating fetal cells from maternal blood. The inventive monoclonal antibody reacts with a surface antigen present on fetal red blood cells including their nucleated precursor cells, but not with surface antigens on adult erythroid cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for performing photoreactions of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The invention features a vessel defining a chamber and a light source. The chamber has a chamber volume, a first window, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is placed in fluid communication with a source of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The first window is transparent to light transmission and is placed in optical communication with a light source to receive photons. The chamber receives a solution of one or more photo-reactive compounds over time to define a dwell time. The device further includes a light source, in optical communication with the first window, for emitting photons which photons are received by the first window and transmitted into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials as a filtration material pervious to nitrogen dioxide and impervious to ozone. The invention also relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials having a specific surface, measured by the BET method, of 15 to 40 m2/g inclusive and a form factor, equal to the ratio (highest dimension/lowest dimension) of the nanomaterial, of 5 to 250 inclusive, as material for filtering a gas mixture containing nitrogen dioxide and ozone, being pervious to the nitrogen dioxide and impervious to the ozone. The invention can be used in the field of air pollution.

Abstract: A method to remove detergents from a biological protein sample that is to be analyzed by mass spectroscopy (MS). The method uses a high performance cyclodextrin polymer resin to remove detergents, which interfere with MS analysis, from a sample containing proteins, peptides, amino acids, etc.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a biotechnological method for preparing and/or processing a biological sample, in particular for isolating at least one target biomolecule therefrom, which characterised in that at least one malodour counteractant is used for preventing, reducing, masking and/or suppressing malodour and/or malodour formation during the preparation and/or processing of said biological sample.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of amending a biological sample with magnetic sacrificial beads opsonized to leukocytes, binding leukocytes in the sample to the magnetic sacrificial beads, and magnetically retaining the beads out of contact from an immunosensor.

Abstract: A device and method for extending the useful life of a bulk liquid used in an automated clinical analyzer. Air from the atmosphere surrounding the automated clinical analyzer that displaces the bulk liquid consumed from a container is routed through a gas scrubber in order to remove or at least reduce the quantity of at least one contaminant present in that air. The gas scrubber is positioned between the bulk liquid in the container and the atmosphere surrounding the container. The gas scrubber contains a reagent that is capable of reacting with a contaminant in the atmosphere, whereby a required characteristic(s) of the bulk liquid does (do) not change excessively prior to the date that the bulk liquid is consumed. For example, if the contaminant is carbon dioxide, and the required characteristic of the bulk liquid is the level of pH of the bulk liquid, the reagent in the gas scrubber prevents the level of pH of the bulk liquid from changing excessively prior to the date that the bulk liquid is consumed.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for measuring a level of cholesterol therewith are provided. The cholesterol measurement apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a plurality of chambers and at least one channel through which the plurality of chambers are interconnected. The plurality of chambers include a reaction chamber which contains a capture binder, a buffer chamber which contains an elution buffer and is connected to the reaction chamber, and at least one detection chamber which contains a cholesterol measurement reagent and is connected to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid separator for separating target components of a fluid by filtration is described. Methods for separating target components of a fluid by filtration and methods for processing blood on a large scale with the microfluidic fluid separator are provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with one or more leukocidal reagents that reduce or eliminate the metabolic activity of leukocytes, and performing an immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of analyte in the sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with one or more enzymes and optionally one or more enzyme substrates and cofactors.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for the analysis of delta 5 steroid compounds in a sample using supported liquid extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for determining antioxidant activity of a test sample in intact cells. The method includes determining the antioxidant capacity of a test sample in intact red blood cells, wherein the test sample is added to intact red blood cells and oxidative damage is measured by alteration of fluorescence intensity of an oxidation-sensitive fluorescent indicator dye.

Abstract: A sample preparation system for an analytical system for determining a measured variable of a sample liquid, comprising: a transport unit connected with a sample taking location via a first fluid conducting line; a sample collecting unit, which serves the analytical system as a staging area for automated removal of liquid samples, based on which the measured variable is determined; a filter unit arranged between the sample taking location and the transport unit; and at least one reservoir connected via a second fluid conducting line with the filter unit for providing a cleaning medium for cleaning the filter unit; wherein the transport unit is embodied to transport sample liquid from the sample taking location through the filter unit into the sample collecting unit. The cleaning medium includes an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent for analysis of immature leukocytes comprising: a surfactant which can damage cell membranes of erythrocytes and mature leukocytes, a solubilizing agent which can shrink the damaged blood cells and a dye for staining nucleic acid, wherein the reagent has an osmotic pressure of not lower than 10 mOsm/kg and lower than 150 mOsm/kg.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for preventing interfering substances from affecting the accuracy of a lateral flow immunoassay. In preferred embodiments, a test strip includes a capturing zone that includes at least one mobile capturing reagent that separates at least one interfering substance from the analyte. The capturing zone is preferably located upstream of the sample application zone. In some embodiments, the reagent/conjugate zone is also located upstream of the sample application zone. The capturing zone may be located upstream, downstream, or overlapping with the reagent/conjugate zone in these embodiments. In other preferred embodiments, one or more mobile capturing reagents are included in the elution medium/running buffer. In yet other embodiments, the capturing reagent is incorporated into a sample collection device of a sample collection system, preferably separate from the chromatographic test strip. A lysis zone is also included in some preferred embodiments.

Abstract: The method for processing a sensor chip in accordance with the present invention has: 1) providing an acoustic wave operation system and a biochemical sensor chip, wherein the acoustic wave operation system has a piezoelectric transducer generating at least one cycle of longitudinal acoustic waves by a driving voltage and wherein a probe is immobilized on a surface of the biochemical sensor chip; 2) arranging the piezoelectric transducer at a distance from the biochemical sensor chip and filling therebetween with a medium for transmitting longitudinal acoustic waves; and 3) applying longitudinal acoustic waves to the biochemical sensor chip to remove an adsorbate bound to the probe.

Abstract: The invention provides kits and methods for detecting or monitoring the number of cells in sample. The cell comprises a cell surface associated protein (CSAP) comprising a cytoplasmic (cytosolic) and an extracellular (ecto) domain. The kit comprises: (i) a chromatographic device; and (ii) a CSAP-binding agent. The method comprises: (i) optionally contacting the sample with an agent capable of lysing or permeabilizing CSAP bearing cells; (ii) contacting the sample with a CSAP-binding agent that binds to the cytoplasmic domain of the CSAP; and (iii) directly or indirectly evaluating the level or presence of bound CSAP in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a sample for chromatographic separation processes, in which a sample vessel (1) is partially filled with a substance to be examined and is closed, the substance to be examined is subjected to a thermo-chemical reaction in which at least one sample component is converted into another substance, and in which by means of a removing device samples are removed from the sample vessel (1) for analytical examination, characterised in that the sample vessel (1) forms a cavity, into which the substance to be examined is introduced as a core and a heating section for indirect heat transfer is applied along the filling of substance to be examined.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing antibody mediated graft rejection and blood typing.

Abstract: The present invention is related to accurate detection methods for the measurement only of myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels or neutrophils, preferably equine neutrophils, in complex biological samples. The present invention is further related to ELISA and SIEFED assays for such detection. SIEFED detection sensitivity of active peroxidase activity was found to be enhanced by the addition of nitrite. Such MPO measurement finds its use in many applications such as the prediction, diagnosis and/or monitoring of pathologies correlated with neutrophil activation and/or destruction; the evaluation of drugs and/or immunomodulators; the assessment of immune responses, either natural and/or after treatment with immunomodulators and/or drugs; and the study of cells and their ability to fight microorganisms and/or to destroy them.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of amending a biological sample with magnetic sacrificial beads opsonized to leukocytes, binding leukocytes in the sample to the magnetic sacrificial beads, and magnetically retaining the beads out of contact from an immunosensor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in competitive analyte immunoassays. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with sacrificial beads opsonized for leukocytes; and (b) performing a competitive immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG-coated sacrificial beads.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay, and in particular in non-competitive immunoassays. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with sacrificial beads; and (b) performing a non-competitive immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG-coated sacrificial beads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pretreatment of a sample of whole blood in a discrete fluid analyzing instrument comprises automated means for handling and analyzing the sample and means for performing a pretreatment step on the sample or a sub-sample of the sample. The means for pretreatment are used for immobilizing at least one substance or analyte from the sample or sub-sample wherein the substance or analyte is reversibly immobilized. Usually, the apparatus further comprises means for eluting the substance or analyte from the capture means prior to analysis.

Abstract: A sample processing device is disclosed, which sample processing device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, where the first substrate has a first surface comprising two area types, a first area type with a first contact angle with water and a second area type with a second contact angle with water, the first contact angle being smaller than the second contact angle. The first substrate defines an inlet system and a preparation system in areas of the first type which two areas are separated by a barrier system in an area of the second type. The inlet system is adapted to receive a sample liquid comprising the sample and the first preparation system is adapted to receive a receiving liquid. In a particular embodiment, a magnetic sample transport component, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, is arranged to move magnetic beads in between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: An automated assay processing method including transferring a first number of samples from respective sample containers to a first intermediary vessel, determining the testing adequacy of a second number of samples in a second intermediary vessel, preparing a third number of samples in a third intermediary vessel for downstream testing; and transferring a fourth number of samples from a fourth intermediary vessel to an output sample tray. These steps are all performed essentially simultaneously within the duration of a single clock cycle and are repeated during one or more subsequent clock cycles. The clock cycle may be relative to each intermediary vessel. The clock cycle also may be universal to the first, second, third and fourth intermediary vessels.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for pretreating a sample suspected of containing a hydrophobic drug for conducting an assay method for detecting the hydrophobic drug. A combination is provided in a medium that includes the sample, a releasing agent for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties, and a selective solubility agent that provides for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The selective solubility agent includes a water miscible, non-volatile organic solvent and is present in the medium in a concentration sufficient to provide for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The medium, which may further include a hemolytic agent, is incubated under conditions for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties. The pretreated sample may be subjected to an assay for determining the hydrophobic drug.

Abstract: A container for use in processing a biopsy sample. Biopsy sample and materials are received within a sample processing area of the container. A semi-permeable barrier is positioned at a downstream portion of the sample processing area and prevents the prevent passage of the biopsy sample. A cap is positioned at the downstream side of the barrier, and holds fluids within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for removing water and concentrating an analyte in solution, wherein the concentrated analyte sample is delivered directly to a vial, such as an autosampler vial that is capable of use in a gas chromatography autosampler.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to processing and preparing samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, systems, and kits for removing assay inhibitors from samples comprising nucleic acids.

Abstract: A reagent for classification of leukocytes includes (a) at least two cationic surfactants; (b) at least one organic compound bearing a hydrophobic group and an anionic group; (c) a buffer for adjusting pH into a range of approximately 2-8. Also disclosed is a method for classifying leukocytes with the reagent. With the reagent and method, erythrocytes are lysed rapidly and classification of leukocytes into five groups is achieved in the same channel. The reaction may be carried out at approximately between 10-40° C. and scattered light signals may be detected at two angles for measuring the classification of leukocytes into five groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for pre-processing a sample for mass spectral analysis, comprising cleaving proteins in the sample to peptides and immunodepleting highly abundant and/or well-ionizing and/or proteotypic peptides from the sample. Also described are methods for identifying well-ionizing peptides for use in this and other methods; analytic (diagnostic) methods using antibodies against highly ionizable peptides from a protein target of interest; and compositions, kits and devices comprising antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: A collection device with double outputs and a method of using the same are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods incorporate mucolytic agents into a point-of-care testing device. The sample is loaded, and then the sample travels until it encounters one or more lysis agents and/or mucolytic agents. The mucolytic agent is preferably pre-loaded onto the collection device. In a preferred embodiment, the mucolytic agent is localized between the sample application zone and the conjugate zone. In embodiments with a sample compressor, one or more mucolytic agents may be pre-loaded and dried on the sample compressor, the sample collector, in various locations on the test strip, or in the running buffer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparation of lipoproteins from a biological sample, including HDL, LDL, Lp(a), IDL, and VLDL, for diagnostic purposes utilizing differential charged particle mobility analysis methods. Further provided are methods for analyzing the size distribution of lipoproteins by differential charged particle mobility, which lipoproteins are prepared by methods of the invention. Further provided are methods for assessing lipid-related health risk, cardiovascular condition, risk of cardiovascular disease, and responsiveness to a therapeutic intervention, which methods utilize lipoprotein size distributions determined by methods of the invention.

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

Abstract: A consumer food testing device for testing for the presence of harmful contaminants in a food sample, includes a system for producing a visual cue upon detection of a harmful chemical, biological, and/or ionizing radiation contaminant; and a processing system responsive to the detection of a harmful contaminant, for transmitting the global position of the consumer testing device, the identity of the harmful contaminant, and the time and date to a remote monitoring facility.

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 of Integrated Versatile and Systems Preparation of Specimens relates an open module technology which integrates synchronously the methods of protection, isolation and alteration of specimens into the “One for All” product or kit. The product or kit comprises a core module without or with Plug-in modules and a set of comprehensive protocols which can simultaneously or individually isolate systems biomolecules including DNA/ccfDNA, Large RNA/mRNA/ccfRNA, Small RNA/miRNA/ccfmiRNA, Protein, Lipid, Carbohydrates, and Metabolite versatilely from a vast variety of specimens including solid specimens and liquid specimens. The product or kit can accept new and custom Plug-in modules to expand functions and applications.