Abstract: It is disclosed a method for calibrating an electronic device for measuring the concentration of a biological compound, in particular bilirubin. The method comprises the step a) of performing (10) a plurality of reflectance measurements for each reference strip of a plurality of reference strips (110-1, 110-2, . . .

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting an analyte concentration/presence in a body fluid sample that include providing a set of at least two different evaluation rules, each evaluation rule adapted to derive a set characteristic values from an optical measurement curve, where at least one first characteristic value is derived from at least one first evaluation rule and at least one second characteristic value is derived from at least one second evaluation rule. The methods also include performing at least one multivariate analysis of the at least one first and second characteristic values by using at least one predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm to derive at least one estimate value for at least one target variable Y of the state variables. The methods also include determining at least one analyte concentration by using the at least one target variable Y. Also provided are computer programs and devices that incorporate the same.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring an erythrocyte sedimentation rate based on a change in conductivity of blood over time. The apparatus for measuring an erythrocyte sedimentation rate may include: a chamber for holding blood; a pair of electrodes being partially or completely brought into contact with the blood; and a conductivity meter measuring the conductivity through the pair of electrodes. The apparatus and method according to the present invention are less time-consuming than the Westergren method and can acquire a variety of information (for example, hematocrit, dynamics of the sedimentation rate and aggregation of erythrocytes, a relationship between the sedimentation rate and aggregation of erythrocytes, and the like).

Abstract: The present application provides apparatus and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator. Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.

Abstract: Provided is a method for checking a blood status including: a step of supplying blood to the centrifugal container of a disk; a step of rotating the disk to centrifuge the blood cells and blood plasma in the centrifuge container, and detecting the actual moving distance per hour of the blood cells in the centrifugal container; and a step of establishing a first graph which represents the actual moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and a second graph which represents the theoretical moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and thereafter calculating the hematocrit of the blood cells and the viscosity of the blood plasma by comparing the first graph with the second graph.

Abstract: Electrochemical blood test strips and diagnosis systems are presented. An electrochemical blood test strip for measuring HCT% and prothrombin time includes an electrode plate having electrode circuit patterns on an insulator substrate; a separation plate disposed on the electrode plate defining a blood sample region, a channel and three reaction regions; and a cover plate disposed on the separation plate having a blood sample inlet and vents. In measuring, one of the three reaction regions is used for detecting hemoglobin and hematocrit and the other two reaction regions are biochemical reaction regions and used for detecting prothrombin time.

Abstract: An analytical test cartridge is provided. The analytical test cartridge can be used for medical analyses of liquid samples removed from a patient, for example blood. The analytical test cartridge is configured to provide for titration experiments. An example of a titration experiment that can be performed with the arrangement, is titration of heparin with protamine. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: A method for determining prognosis, diagnosis and theronosis of a sepsis infection in a patient is disclosed. The method involves measuring the age, mean arterial pressure, hematocrit, patient temperature, and the concentration of one or more metabolites that are predictive of sepsis severity. The method can involve obtaining a blood sample from said patient and determining the concentration of the metabolite in the patient's blood; and then determining the severity of sepsis infection by analyzing the measured values in a weighted logistic regression equation.

Abstract: A method for checking blood status comprises: a step of supplying blood to the centrifuge container of a disk; a step of rotating the disk to centrifuge the blood into blood cells and blood plasma in the centrifuge container, and detecting the actual moving distance per hour of the blood cells in the centrifuge container; and a step of establishing a first graph which represents the actual moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and a second graph which represents the theoretical moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and thereafter calculating the hematocrit of the blood cells and the viscosity of the blood plasma by comparing the first graph with the second graph.

Abstract: A sensor chip is configured to measure the temperature of a blood sample and includes a capillary section and an electrode unit. The capillary section allows the blood sample to be introduced therein. The electrode unit is configured to measure the temperature of the blood sample and includes a working electrode and a counter electrode. The working electrode and the counter electrode respectively include a reaction reagent layer containing an electrolyte. Further, the electrode unit is configured to receive a predetermined voltage to be applied in measuring the temperature of the blood sample for allowing a result of the measurement to be less affected by increase and reduction in a glucose concentration and the like.

Abstract: A urine sample testing apparatus comprises: a urine qualitative measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine qualitative measurement items; a urine sediment measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine sediment measurement items; an operation part that is operable by a user to specify a combination of one of the plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and one of the plurality of urine sediment measurement items; an information processing unit configured to determine whether or not a first measurement result of the urine sample obtained by the urine qualitative measuring section and a second measurement result of the urine sample obtained by the urine sediment measuring section have a predetermined relationship with respect to the urine qualitative measurement item and the urine sediment measurement item included in the specified combination.

Abstract: The present application provides apparatus (300, 400) and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator (108, 109, 110). Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample disposed within an analysis chamber, the method including the steps of: a) imaging at least a portion of the sample that contains one or more red blood cells and one or more areas void of red blood cells; b) determining a representative optical density value for a plurality of image units optically aligned with portions of the red blood cells, and assigning an optical density first boundary value to those image units; c) determining a representative optical density value of a plurality of image units optically aligned with the one or more regions of the sample devoid of red blood cells, and assigning a second optical density boundary value to those image units; and d) determining the hematocrit of the sample.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a method for measuring a target component in an erythrocyte-containing specimen with high reliability while suppressing the influence of the Ht value of the specimen. [Solution to Problem] In the measurement method of the present invention, first, prior to measurement, a relationship between amounts of the target component and a plurality of signals corresponding thereto is provided. Then, a plurality of signals derived from the target component in the erythrocyte-containing specimen are acquired with a biosensor. With reference to the relationship, the amount of the target component in the specimen is determined based on the thus-acquired plurality of signals.

Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge may include a sample collection reservoir, an absorbance measurement channel, and an optical light scattering measurement channel. One or more valves may be disposed between the sample collection reservoir and the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull sample from the sample collection reservoir through the one or more valves and into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. Once the sample is pulled into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel, the one or more valves may be closed. With the one or more valves closed, and in some cases, a pusher fluid may be provided to push the fluid sample to other regions of the disposable fluid blood analysis cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid flow device, in particular a capillary testing device provided as a chip, comprising a second pathway which intersects the first pathway at a downstream point of convergence, so that the two pathways share an outlet and when liquid in the second pathway reaches the point of convergence, liquid flow in the first pathway stops. Means for measuring the distance travelled by liquid in the first pathway are provided to determine the extent of liquid flow and to enable correlation with the amount of analyte in the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, method, system for the determination of the aggregation rate of red blood cells. More specifically, the invention concerns a method, system, and the relative apparatus used to determine the aggregation rate of red blood cells, and other parameters related to these, such as viscosity, deformability, elasticity, density, in the field of in vitro medical analyses, using optical systems after or during inducted forces for red blood cell disruption and redistribution generated by ultrasound waves.

Abstract: A hand-held test meter for use with an analytical test strip in the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes a housing; a microcontroller block disposed in the housing; and a phase-shift-based hematocrit measurement block. The phase-shift-based hematocrit measurement block includes a signal generation sub-block, a low pass filter sub-block, an analytical test strip sample cell interface sub-block, a transimpedance amplifier sub-block, and a phase detector sub-block. In addition, the phase-shift-based hematocrit measurement block and microcontroller block are configured to measure the phase shift of a bodily fluid sample in a sample cell of an analytical test strip inserted in the hand-held test meter and the microcontroller block is configured to compute the hematocrit of the bodily fluid sample based on the measured phase shift.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining sickle-cell zygosity in a subject. The method involves forming a first solution which includes a sample from the subject, a phosphate buffer, a detergent, and a reducing agent and subjecting the first solution to centrifugation to form a second solution and a supernatant; and taking a color reading of the supernatant and of the second solution; optionally filtering the second solution to form a filtrate and a precipitate, and optionally measuring the amount of the precipitation and the absorbance of the filtrate or taking a color reading of the filtrate.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Integrated apparatus and method for hematological analyses, wherein the apparatus, comprises, arranged substantially in line and integrated substantially in a single machine, a device (14) of the optical type to detect substantially instantaneously the speed of blood sedimentation (ESR) by measuring the optical density, or absorbance, of the blood sample, and a measuring assembly (18) with a cell-counter function or suchlike.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that comprising: a first reagent container to hold a first reagent container with a first record section which contains a first reagent management information; a second reagent container holder to hold a second reagent container with a second record section which contains a second reagent management information; a first information reader; a second information reader; a registration section for registering the combination of the first reagent and the second reagent based on the first reagent management information; a measurement section for conducting a measurement of a predetermined analysis item by using the first reagent and the second reagent corresponding to the combination registered by the registration section; and a processing section for processing a measurement result obtained by the measurement section, and for obtaining an analysis result of the sample.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a bi-stable oscillator circuit for detecting a load imparted to a surface. The bi-stable oscillator comprises an electrical amplifier, at least one resonator comprising an electrical transducer having a resonant frequency, a surface of the resonator forming the surface on which the load is to be detected and an impedance network having a resonant frequency.

Abstract: A method for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis; 2) imaging at least a portion of the quiescent sample, which sample portion contains the red blood cells and one or more lacunae to determine an optical density of the imaged portion of the sample on a per image unit basis; 3) selecting optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells; 4) selecting optical density values of the image units aligned with the one or more lacunae; and 5) determining the hematocrit of the sample using the selected optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells and the lacunae.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.

Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system with a ratiometric model determines hematocrit values for a hemodialysis patient, from which hemoglobin values for the patient are estimated. The ratiometric model is calibrated, normally against a cell counter, using blood from a blood bank. The blood from a blood bank is preserved in a long term preservative which is typically different than that found in clinical settings. The hematocrit value determined by the ratiometric model is scaled by scaling factor so that the estimated hemoglobin level output from the monitor consistently matches that measured in a clinical setting. The hematocrit scaling factor is substantially about 1.033 when the patient's blood sample is stored in a short term preservative ethylene diamine tetra acetic, and is substantially about 1.06 when the hematocrit is measured in the blood sample without preservative being added to the blood sample. The hemoglobin value can also be adjusted for altitude.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of respond immediately when a need to perform analysis of multiple items arises. The sample analyzer 1 includes a table 12 capable of holding a first rack 320 and a second rack 330; a reagent dispensing arm 120 which comprises a pipette part 121; a reagent dispensing driving section 120a for moving the reagent dispensing arm 120; a reagent barcode reader 350; and a control section 501 for controlling the reagent dispensing driving section 120a so as to move the pipette part 121 to a predetermined reagent aspirating position according to the identification information obtained by the reagent barcode reader 350.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.

Abstract: A method for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored red blood cell (RBC) units, thereby yielding information to improve decisions regarding their respective allocation, patient suitability, and use. The method comprises: a hemolysis step; an optical analysis step; and a computation step. The method is amenable to clinical implementation as well as indicative of any given unit's relative viability and thus prospective efficacy. This would provide clinicians with actual data on RBC quality when making decisions about which and how many units to use for transfusion of a given patient. Moreover, deploying this testing throughout the supply chain will improve distribution, planning, and inventory control decisions. A vital aspect of this testing method is the accumulation of copious output and other associated data and the mathematical analyses thereof to optimize algorithms by which to characterize each subsequent test output as meaningfully as possible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample. A sample holder for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample includes a flexible compartment and a rigid exoskeleton that supports the flexible compartment. The flexible compartment may have at least one reservoir with a height to volume ratio of about 0.1 cm/mL to about 5 cm/mL. An automated device for extracting a fraction of interest from the sample includes a sample holder with a flexible compartment supported by a rigid exoskeleton, a support for the sample holder connected to one or more fluid extraction devices, and a motor for moving the extraction device relative to the sample holder. The automated device may include an optical sensor and may include a clamp for clamping the flexible compartment.

Abstract: A sample analyzer: measures a measurement sample including a sample and a reagent; creates a calibration curve based on first measurement data obtained by measuring a measurement standard sample including a standard sample and the reagent; provides calibration curve specifying information for specifying the calibration curve to the calibration curve; acquires an analysis result by processing second measurement data obtained by measuring the measurement sample based on the calibration curve; and stores the analysis result and the calibration curve specifying information provided to the calibration curve used in the process of the second measurement data in correspondence to each other.

Abstract: A method for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by the interior surfaces of first and second panels and a height extending there between, wherein both panels are transparent, and the height is such that at least some of the red blood cells within the sample contact both interior surfaces of the panels and one or more lacunae within the quiescent sample extend between the interior surfaces; 2) imaging at least a portion of the quiescent sample, which sample portion contains the red blood cells and one or more lacunae to determine an optical density of the imaged portion of the sample on a per image unit basis; 3) selecting and averaging the optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells contacting the interior surfaces, and assigning an upper boundary value of 100% to the average optical density value of those im

Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system with a ratiometric model determines hematocrit values for a hemodialysis patient, from which hemoglobin values for the patient are estimated. The ratiometric model is calibrated, normally against a cell counter, using blood from a blood bank. The blood from a blood bank is preserved in a long term preservative which is typically different than that found in clinical settings. The hematocrit value determined by the ratiometric model is scaled by scaling factor so that the estimated hemoglobin level output from the monitor consistently matches that measured in a clinical setting. The hematocrit scaling factor is substantially about 1.033 when the patient's blood sample is stored in a short term preservative ethylene diamine tetra acetic, and is substantially about 1.06 when the hematocrit is measured in the blood sample without preservative being added to the blood sample. The hemoglobin value can also be adjusted for altitude.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for detecting a false result in an assay for determining a concentration of an analyte in a whole blood sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises determining by means of the assay a concentration of the analyte utilizing a hemolyzed portion of the blood sample to obtain concentration value 1 and determining by means of the assay a concentration of the analyte utilizing a non-hemolyzed portion of the blood sample and multiplying the concentration times a hematocrit factor to obtain concentration value 2. A ratio of concentration value 1 divided by concentration value 2 is determined and is compared to a predetermined ratio of known reliability. If the ratio is less than the predetermined ratio, a false result is indicated.

Abstract: A sample analyzer and sample analyzing method perform following: a) mixing a sample with at least one of a first reagent and a second reagent, thereby preparing a measurement specimen; b) storing, in a memory, standard curve data corresponding to a reagent to be used in the step a) for preparing a measurement specimen; c) measuring the measurement specimen thereby obtaining measurement data; d) processing the measurement data based on the standard curve data, thereby obtaining an analysis result; and e) when the first, reagent and the second reagent are of the same type, determining a reagent to be used for the measuring between the first reagent and the second reagent, based on information regarding standard curve data stored in the memory.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample. A sample holder for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample includes a flexible compartment and a rigid exoskeleton that supports the flexible compartment. The flexible compartment may have at least one reservoir with a height to volume ratio of about 0.1 cm/mL to about 5 cm/mL. An automated device for extracting a fraction of interest from the sample includes a sample holder with a flexible compartment supported by a rigid exoskeleton, a support for the sample holder connected to one or more fluid extraction devices, and a motor for moving the extraction device relative to the sample holder. The automated device may include an optical sensor and may include a clamp for clamping the flexible compartment.

Abstract: A device and method measuring at least one parameter related to the blood of a subject, by emitting light with at least one emitter at least one wavelength within the spectral range of 380 980 nm toward a body part containing at least one wavelength. Spatially resolved reflectance measurements are obtained by capturing light reflected by the body part with at least one reflectance detector. At least one of the absorption coefficient and the reduced scattering coefficient of the blood component of the body part at each of the wavelengths is extracted from the measurements. The temporal derivatives of the at least one of the absorption coefficient and the reduced scattering coefficient is extracted, and at least one blood related parameter is calculated using the temporal derivatives.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus that enable rapid and automatic determination of the coagulant injection rate in a process of water treatment through coagulation and sedimentation. Using a coagulation analyzer comprising sample tanks 1A to 1D each for keeping a predetermined amount of raw water, a water supply pump 7, water supply/discharge valves 4, 6 for raw water and washing water, mixers 3A to 3D, a coagulant injection unit 21, and a detector 30 for determining the particle size and the particle number of flocs, the time within which the coagulant 20 injected into the sample tanks is dispersed by mixing and the particles begin to agglomerate (agglomeration start time) is determined, and based on the thus-determined agglomeration start time, the coagulant injection rate is determined, or the amount of the coagulant to be injected is controlled.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing in situ hematocrit adjustments during glucose testing using glucose-monitoring products and using those adjusted values to estimate the hematocrit value of blood samples to reduce or eliminate the assay bias caused by the different hematocrit levels of blood samples. One method involves measuring the glucose value, Glum, of the blood sample; measuring the resistance of the blood sample (Rcell) using a biosensor reagent; measuring the resistance of plasma (Rplasma) using the biosensor reagent; determining the calculated resistance of red blood cells, RRBC, of the blood sample according to the relationship RRBC=Rcell?Rplasma; calculating the percent hematocrit, % Hctc, of the blood sample; determining whether to adjust the glucose value, Glum, to an adjusted glucose value, Gluadj; and using the percent hematocrit, % Hctc, and either the glucose value, Glum, or the adjusted glucose value, Gluadj, to adjust for any bias of the biosensor reagent.

Abstract: A method for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber operable to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by the interior surfaces of first and second panels and a height extending there between, wherein both panels are transparent, and the height is such that at least some of the red blood cells within the sample contact both interior surfaces of the panels and one or more lacunae within the quiescent sample extend between the interior surfaces; 2) imaging at least a portion of the quiescent sample, which sample portion contains the red blood cells and one or more lacunae to determine an optical density of the imaged portion of the sample on a per image unit basis; 3) selecting and averaging the optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells contacting the interior surfaces, and assigning an upper boundary value of 100% to the average optical density value of those i

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the volume fractions of the phases in a suspension includes a body, a channel structure, which is formed in the body, and an inlet area and a blind channel, which is fluidically connected to and capable of being filled via the same. Furthermore, a drive for imparting the body with rotation, so that phase separation of the suspension in the blind channel takes place, is provided. The blind channel includes such a channel cross-section and/or such wetting properties that, when filling same via the inlet area, higher capillary forces act in a first cross-sectional area than in a second cross-sectional area, so that at first the first cross-sectional area fills in the direction from the inlet area toward the blind end of the blind channel and then the second cross-sectional area fills in the direction from the blind end toward the inlet area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a first measurement on a biological fluid or control, which first measurement varies with both the concentration of a first component and at least one of the presence and concentration of a second component. The method and apparatus perform a second measurement on the biological fluid or control, which second measurement varies primarily only with the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component to develop an indication of the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component. The first and second measurements may be made sequentially or simultaneously. The method and apparatus then remove an amount representative of the indicated presence or concentration of the second component from the concentration of the first component indicated by the first measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a first measurement on a biological fluid or control, which first measurement varies with both the concentration of a first component and at least one of the presence and concentration of a second component. The method and apparatus perform a second measurement on the biological fluid or control, which second measurement varies primarily only with the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component to develop an indication of the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component. The first and second measurements may be made sequentially or simultaneously. The method and apparatus then remove an amount representative of the indicated presence or concentration of the second component from the concentration of the first component indicated by the first measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the properties of blood using ultrasound. The present invention is particularly suitable for measuring HCT, HGB, MCV, RBC, MCHC, MCH or TPC of blood.

Abstract: In a device for measuring the pressure of a medium, in particular a liquid medium, the device including a measuring chamber through which the medium can flow and which has at least one elastically deformable wall, at least one wall that is more rigid by comparison to the elastically deformable wall, and an inlet and outlet for the medium, at least one excitation electrode is provided in or on the at least one more rigid wall of the measuring chamber, and at least one signal electrode is provided on the elastically deformable wall, for impedance measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatically determining the endogenous thrombin potential of a blood or plasma sample.

Abstract: Improvements in blood collection and testing. In one aspect, an improved method of manufacturing a blood collection tube, particularly illustrated for use in sedimentation rate testing, including providing an elongated glass tube with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, formed with a closed end opposite the first end; and applying to a substantial portion of the receptacle a containment barrier. The improvements also pertain to resulting blood collection tubes, additives for blood collection tubes that permit reliable sedimentation test data after 8 hours from the blood draw, and methods of administering health care using the aforenoted tubes, additives or both.

Abstract: A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reference solution for use in instruments that determine hematocrit levels in biological samples by measuring the resistance and/or conductivity of the biological samples. A reference solution according to the invention achieves conductivities representative of known hematocrit levels in blood, while maintaining tolerable levels of interference with the measurement of other analytes in the reference solution.

Abstract: Integrated apparatus and method for hematological analyses, wherein the apparatus, comprises, arranged substantially in line and integrated substantially in a single machine, a device (14) of the optical type to detect substantially instantaneously the speed of blood sedimentation (ESR) by measuring the optical density, or absorbance, of the blood sample, and a measuring assembly (18) with a cell-counter function or suchlike.