Abstract: The present invention demonstrates that the diagnosis and prediction of clinical behavior in patients with hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia, can be accomplished by analysis of proteins present in a plasma sample. Thus, in particular embodiments the present invention uses plasma to create a diagnostic or prognostic protein profile of a hematologic malignancy comprising collecting plasma samples from a population of patients with hematologic malignancies; generating protein spectra from the plasma samples with or without fractionation; comparing the protein spectra with clinical data; and identifying protein markers in the plasma samples that correlate with the clinical data. Protein markers identified by this approach can then be used to create a protein profile that can be used to diagnose the hematologic malignancy or determine the prognosis of the hematologic malignancy. Potentially these specific proteins can be identified and targeted in the therapy of these malignancies.

Abstract: A sample analysis system includes a reagent preparation unit and a measurement unit. The reagent preparation unit has: a state detector which detects at least one of a state of the reagent preparation unit and a state of the reagent preparation; and a transmission unit which transmits the detected state information to a computer arranged outside the reagent preparation unit. The computer displays the received state information on a display.

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. The combination comprises (i) the sample, (ii) a releasing agent for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties, and (iii) a selective solubility agent that provides for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The selective solubility agent comprises 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 comprise a hemolytic agent, is incubated under conditions for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

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 method for determining the volume of a test liquid aliquot used to calibrate a liquid delivery device. The method is useful for determining the volume of an aliquot of a test liquid which is complex, non-aqueous or both. A mixture contains the test liquid and a stock solution including a first dye, the first dye having absorbance characteristics which are measurably distinguishable from the absorbance characteristics of a second dye. The mixture is mixed with a diluent including the second dye to form a sample solution used to measure absorbances of the first dye and the second dye. The test liquid and the stock solution are combined gravimetrically in a controlled ratio so that the flow characteristics of the test-stock mixture correspond to the flow characteristics of the test liquid and without affecting the ability to distinguish the absorbance characteristics between the first dye and the second dye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump device 50 which is usable to dilute a sample 52 before analysis. A first pump 54 pumps the sample to a mixing region 58 where it mixes with a diluent 66. A second pump 64 pumps the diluted sample to the analysis instrument. The flow of the diluent to the mixer is equal to the difference of the flow of the sample to the mixer and the flow of the diluted sample to the instrument. Pumps 54 and 64 are independently controllable by a controller unit which is arranged so that data from the instrument can be used to determine the dilution factor of the sample. Thus, the controller can control this dilution factor in real time, upon receipt of such data from the instrument, by change either one of (or both) the pump's flow rate.

Abstract: The invention provides ways to determine the impact of diluting a solution wherein the diluting may be carried out for any of a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the method enables accurate volume dispensation calculations independent of meniscus shape. In another embodiment, the method enables accurate determination of plate washing efficiency. In yet another embodiment, the method enables the accurate determination of dilution ratio over a plurality of dilution steps. The methods described may be carried out using one or more systems arranged to perform the steps. A kit of the invention includes instructions for carrying out the steps of the methods and, optionally, one or more solutions suitable for conducting photometric measurements.

Abstract: Method for the automatic analysis of a blood sample in which: an analysis solution containing the blood sample, a diluent, and at least one compound to lyze the erythrocytes; at least one compound to stabilize the haemoglobin in the form of a chromogenic complex, is formed in a single dilution and analysis tank, the haemoglobin level is measured in this analysis solution by spectrophotometry in the tank after the lysis of the erythrocytes; and an appropriate quantity of this analysis solution is taken from the tank on which a leucocytic differentiation is carried out by an optical elements characterized in that the analysis solution also contains at least one compound to protect the leucocytes, allowing the distinguishing of at least four main leucocyte sub-populations. A haematological analysis apparatus for the implementation of such a method is disclosed.

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

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for microfluidic processing and/or analysis of samples. The systems include a microfluidic device having a substrate and a thin-film layer formed on the substrate. The thin-film layer may be included in electronics formed on the substrate. The electronics may provide electronic devices configured to sense or modify a property of the sample. The thin-film layer defines an opening for routing movement of fluid and/or sample within the device.

Abstract: The invention provides ways to determine the impact of diluting a solution wherein the diluting may be carried out for any of a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the method enables accurate volume dispensation calculations independent of meniscus shape. In another embodiment, the method enables accurate determination of plate washing efficiency. In yet another embodiment, the method enables the accurate determination of dilution ratio over a plurality of dilution steps. The methods described may be carried out using one or more systems arranged to perform the steps. A kit of the invention includes instructions for carrying out the steps of the methods and, optionally, one or more solutions suitable for conducting photometric measurements.

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

Abstract: 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. The combination comprises (i) the sample, (ii) a releasing agent for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties, and (iii) a selective solubility agent that provides for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The selective solubility agent comprises 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 comprise a hemolytic agent, is incubated under conditions for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure (a solution introducing structure) for introducing a plurality of solutions (a sample and/or a reagent solution) in highly accurate volume, in high amount and simply, into a channel, in particular a channel of a micro fluidic device, a micro fluidic device having said structure, a method for introducing a solution using said device, a method for separation of a substance, and a method for separating a complex between an analyte or analogue thereof, and a substance binding to said analyte or analogue thereof (hereinafter may be abbreviated as a complex forming substance or CFS) which is obtained by reacting a plurality of solutions introduced by these, and said CFS or analogue not involved in formation of said complex, rapidly, simply and in high accuracy, along with a method for measuring an analyte or an analogue thereof in a sample in high sensitivity.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

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

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

Abstract: A procedure for analyzing a fluid residual product, consisting of a rinsing solution and product loss, from a process for cleaning objects that are part of a manufacturing process. The procedure is characterized in that it includes the steps of measuring the flow of residual product at repeated occasions at a physical location in the cleaning process, measuring a magnitude corresponding to the contents of product loss in the cleaning system at the same repeated occasions at the same location in the cleaning process, determining based on this information the amount of product loss that flows past during a time period (T0?t1), and reporting this information related to the final product or raw materials of the manufacturing process. The invention also concerns a system for the execution of the process.

Abstract: A sample carrier comprising a frame and one or more sample tube receiving structures pivotally connected to the frame. Each sample tube receiving structure includes a bottom member adapted to receive a plurality of sample tubes and a top member having a plurality of aligned apertures sized to receive sample tubes therethrough. The sample tube receiving structures can be releasably locked relative to a support wall of the frame, thereby substantially immobilizing sample tubes that are held by the sample carrier.

Abstract: A detection method for detecting a plurality of different substances contained in a specimen using a label, includes sequentially the steps of flowing the specimen through a detecting element having a first substance trapping portion immobilizing a first substance trapping body, a second substance trapping portion immobilizing a second substance trapping body, and a channel, and flowing a solution containing the label through the first substance trapping portion immobilizing the first substance trapping body and the second substance trapping portion immobilizing the second substance trapping body. Additional steps include flowing a solution for generating a signal from the label through the first substance trapping portion immobilizing the label to thereby acquire a signal from, and flowing a solution for generating a signal from the label through the second substance trapping portion immobilizing the label to thereby acquire a signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of staining proteins in gels and membranes using stain alta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution introducing structure for introducing a plurality of solutions (a sample and/or a reagent solution) in highly accurate volume, in high amount and simply, into a channel (1) of a micro fluidic device, said channel (1) comprising not less than three side channels (2) for drain and not less than two side channels (3) for introducing a sample or a reagent solution.

Abstract: A bulk sample is fed with a liquid into a mixing tank (1) where it is stirred to form a dispersion. A proportion of the dispersion is recycled from the bottom of the tank through a line to the top of the tank so that at least the dispersion in the recycle loop (3) is substantially homogeneous, and a representative sample of the dispersion is taken from the recycle loop, e.g. using a slurry sampler (5).

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for characterizing particles suspended in a liquid, especially a self-contained disposable cartridge for single-use analysis, such as for single-use analysis of a small quantity of whole blood. The self-contained disposable cartridge facilitates a straightforward testing procedure, which can be performed by most people without any particular education. Furthermore, the apparatus used to perform the test on the cartridge is simple, maintenance free, and portable.

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

Abstract: A device and a method for diluting a sample are disclosed. A sample is first diluted by a porous tube type diluter configuration. Then the diluted flow is further diluted by a ejector type diluter configuration. Further a heat exchange based on serrature heat exchange elements inside said porous tube type diluter configuration is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fluid sample for use in a fluid analyte monitor, the method including drawing a fluid sample into a capillary channel in a body having a septum piercing projection; piercing a first septum covering a treatment solution chamber with the septum piercing projection, thereby exposing the fluid sample in the capillary channel to the contents of the treatment solution chamber; mixing the fluid sample with the contents of the treatment solution chamber; and piercing a second septum covering the treatment solution channel such that the mixed fluid and treatment solution chamber contents are received into a fluid analyte meter. The method may also include shaking the treatment solution chamber with the capillary channel therein, thereby mixing the fluid sample with the contents of the treatment solution chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a method of determining the solubility of a chemical compound containing one or more acidic or basic groups. The method involves preparing a close to saturated solution with solid present of said chemical compound; measuring the pH of the test solution at regular intervals until a consistent rate of pH change; adding a known aliquot of base or acid titrant to the test solution to adjust the pH slope; and repeating steps (b) and (c) until the measured pH slope changes sign. The solubility of the compound is determined as the concentration of unionised compound in solution when the measured pH slope is interpolated to zero.

Abstract: A method of producing multiple batches of a radiopharmaceutical, such as FDG. The method includes the steps of transferring the appropriate liquids to a production apparatus, processing the liquids to produce the radiopharmaceutical, delivering the radiopharmaceutical to a container, automatically cleaning the apparatus, and repeating the previous steps, as desired. The apparatus for multi-batch production of FDG includes a reagent delivery system, a reaction vessel, a filter assembly, and a control system. The combination of these components provides a method that is capable of producing multiple batches of a radiopharmaceutical with minimal operator intervention and, consequently, minimal radiation exposure.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for optimizing process flows in a facility, for example, a refinery, having stores, for example an oil tank, with a minimum and maximum fill level. Different raw materials, such as different types/grades of crude oil, are supplied sequentially in a predetermined quantity of batches at predetermined time periods and transported to the stores. The batches are then processed in at least one processing facility, such as a crude oil distillation plant, into primary products which are stored in additional stores and are optionally available for processing in another production stage or for delivery. The optimal sequence for supplying and processing the batches in the predetermined time period is determined by sequentially optimizing the rank order of each batch so as to minimize or eliminate the sum of infeasibilities, such as overfill and underfill time intervals, for the stores and the additional stores.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for preparing a solution of a solid with a liquid and/or a dilution of a liquid with another liquid includes a balance with a weighing pan, a display- and operating unit, a processor, a storage memory, and a data interface. The device includes at least one electronic dosage delivery device for liquids, in particular an electronic pipette, with a microprocessor, a memory unit, and a data interface, so that a communication can be established between the respective data interfaces of the balance and the at least one electronic dosage delivery device. An identifier element signals when the electronic dosage delivery device has been selected. A program is configured to perform calculations in the processor of the balance based on instructions given by the attendant, based on substance data stored in the memory of the balance and in certain cases based on weighing results.

Abstract: A method for blending at least two hydrocarbon liquids, the method comprising: (a) determining the critical solvent power for each hydrocarbon liquid by (i) mixing each hydrocarbon liquid with predetermined amounts of a paraffin; (ii) centrifuging each resulting mixture; (iii) recovering and weighing any resulting precipitated insolubles from step (ii); and (iv) correlating the weight of the insolubles in step (iii) to the solvent power at which asphaltenes begin to precipitate out of the hydrocarbon; (b) determining the solvent power for each hydrocarbon liquid by: (i) determining the distillation curve and density of each hydrocarbon liquid; (ii) numerically integrating the distillation curve of each hydrocarbon liquid, producing the volume average boiling point for each hydrocarbon liquid; (iii) calculating the characterization K factor for each hydrocarbon liquid using the volume average boiling point in step (ii); and (iv) determining the solvent power of each hydrocarbon liquid using the characterizatio

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: A thermophoresis-resistant dilution apparatus for dilution of gas from an emission source, such as a combustion engine, for example a gasoline, diesel or natural gas engine. The apparatus is designed to simulate atmospheric dilution, mixing and cooling processes, enabling sampled emission gas and dilution air to thoroughly mix and cool to ambient temperature, allowing some volatile and semi-volatile gas-phase organics to nucleate, condense and coagulate to their usual aerosol phase. The apparatus is designed to resist thermophorectic forces acting on the particulate matter in the sampled emission gas, thereby preventing particulate matter losses. In addition, the apparatus evenly distributes the dilution air into the sampled gas for improved mixing.

Abstract: A method and an array filling system for loading a plurality of disparate sample containers, the sample containers comprising an integral structure. Each receptacle is characterized by a hydrophilic surface, and the receptacles are separated by a hydrophobic surface. The system has a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid and adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: An electrochemical potentiometric titration method that entails titration of a known volume of a catholyte containing an unknown amount of hydrogen peroxide in a titration cell having two electrodes, a platinum working electrode and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. A known concentration of a titrant is added to the catholyte in the titration cell. Simultaneously, as the titrant is added the potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is monitored. The point at which all of the hydrogen peroxide has been consumed is signaled when the cell potential changes abruptly. Since the concentration of the titrant is already known, the amount of titrant added (concentration multiplied by volume) is directly related to the amount of hydrogen peroxide consumed. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is calculated from the volume of catholyte and the moles of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method of directed automated analysis of a plurality of analytes of a process solution includes providing a sample of the process solution containing a plurality of the analytes, admixing an enriched isotope spike for each of the plurality of analytes to be analyzed with the process solution sample thereby effecting admixture of the enriched ratio of isotopes with the naturally occurring ratio of each analyte to be analyzed, creating ions from the spikes, introducing the ions into a mass spectrometer for determination of the identity and quantity of each analyte and delivering the information to a microprocessor. If desired, the process solution sample may be diluted and/or subjected to the addition of reagents or standards prior to initiation of the analysis. The ions may be created by an atmospheric pressure ionization interface. The information obtained is processed in a computer which serves to control other portions of the practice of the method.

Abstract: A method is provided for multiple target screening for drug assays utilizing a nanocalorimeter. The method includes depositing a drop containing a plurality of drug targets and another drop containing a plurality of drug candidates upon a test substrate. The drops are merged and a determination is made as to whether a reaction has occurred between the drops. If such a reaction has occurred, the reacting drug targets and drug candidates are tested individually.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials between these carousels. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a body structure comprising at least a first microscale channel network disposed therein. The body structure has a plurality of ports or wells disposed in the body structure, where each port is in fluid communication with one or more channels in the first channel network. The devices also include a cover layer comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the cover layer. The cover layer is mated with the body structure whereby each of the apertures is aligned with a separate one of the plurality of ports. First and second rings are preferentially disposed between the cover layer and the body structure and located circumferentially around each of the apertures of the cover layer. An annular groove is also preferentially disposed between the ring structures to help further minimize the leakage of adhesive or other bonding material into the ports or wells of the device when the cover layer is mated to the body structure.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is automated even when measuring a small amount sample and is capable of improving a measurement precision. The sample analyzer S comprises a sample preparation section for preparing a measurement sample; a detector D3 for detecting an analyte contained in the measurement sample; and a controller 100 being configured to 1) control the sample preparation section so as to prepare a first measurement sample of a first dilution ratio, when measuring an ordinary amount sample; and 2) control the sample preparation section so as to prepare a second measurement sample of a second dilution ratio higher than the first dilution ratio, when measuring a small amount sample.

Abstract: An analytical test element for blood analyses is provided having at least a substrate body having a channel structure for the flow transport of a blood sample from an application site to at least one analytical site. The channel structure has a dilution channel that can be loaded with the blood sample and is provided with a separation component for retaining corpuscular blood components and has a sample channel which conveys a blood sample aliquot to be diluted and joins the dilution channel at a mixing site.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention provides a microsystem platform and a micromanipulation device for manipulating the platform that utilizes the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels. These assays may be performed for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to screening of drug candidate compounds, life sciences research, and clinical and molecular diagnostics. Methods specific for the apparatus of the invention for performing any of a wide variety of microanalytical or microsynthetic processes are provided.

Abstract: A hybrid manual-electronic pipette combines a manually driven piston with real-time electronic measurement of liquid volume and piston displacement while compensating for both pipette-specific and pipette model-specific variations. The hybrid nature of the pipette facilitates increased accuracy and improved ease of use, and enables additional functionalities not practicable with traditional manual pipettes.

Abstract: An on-chip chemical compound dilution system for providing dilution of a chemical compound in a microfluidic application includes at least one sample well for providing a selected chemical compound to be diluted, a dilution well for providing a diluent for diluting the chemical compound, a network of channels for carrying the chemical compound and diluent, a first syringe pump for effecting dilution, a second syringe pump, a detector and a plurality of valves for selectively controlling the flow of liquid through the channels. The dilution system may be a multiple-stage dilution system for precisely mixing a plurality of chemical compounds in a diluent. The dilution system allows for accurate calibration to compensate for variations due to manufacturing, thereby providing precise dilution ratios. The dilution system further enables flushing to allow re-use of the system with another chemical compound.

Abstract: A bulk sample is fed with a liquid into a mixing tank (1) where it is stirred to form a dispersion. A proportion of the dispersion is recycled from the bottom of the tank through a line to the top of the tank so that at least the dispersion in the recycle loop (3) is substantially homogeneous, and a representative sample of the dispersion is taken from the recycle loop, e.g. using a slurry sampler (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for processing, sampling, and diluting a fluid and for detecting an analyte within the processed, sampled, and diluted fluid. In the device for processing, sampling, and diluting a fluid, an amount of fluid to be processed, sampled, and diluted is accepted by a compressible porous membrane; a portion of the membrane saturated with the fluid is isolated thereby defining a predetermined sample volume of fluid; and the predetermined fluid volume sample is then released from the isolated membrane with a specified quantity of a fluid diluent to provide a diluted fluid sample. Analytes within the diluted fluid sample are detected by test strips in fluid contact with the diluted fluid sample.

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.