Abstract: The invention relates to a pantyliner, in particular for pregnant women, with a liquid-impermeable lower layer and a liquid-permeable covering layer, where a test insert (3) provided with a test substance is arranged between the lower layer (1) and the covering layer (2).

Abstract: A method of alerting medical personnel of a problem during hemodialysis includes providing an active, fail-to-safe site sensor for a fistula needle at an access site during hemodialysis; and automatically alerting medical personnel of a problem during hemodialysis using the active, fail-to-safe site sensor during at least the following: failing of the active, fail-to-safe site sensor; insufficient powering to the active, fail-to-safe site sensor; partial fistula needle dislodging from the access site; and complete needle dislodging from the access site.

Abstract: The invention relates to attachable body fluid collection devices, each comprising at least one storage means for, when in use, storing a body fluid sample secreted by a body fluid secreting surface, characterised in that the or at least one of the storage means comprises silicon. Particular emphasis is placed on sweat patches and techniques for analysing sweat.

Abstract: The invention relates to the medicine and can be used for the prophylaxis and diagnostics of a number of disorders in human organism and also for the revealing of some states accompanied by the changes in the content of diagnostically important metabolites in biological liquids. The object of the invention is to make a basically new sanitary means providing an additional function—testing for the purpose of an organism state analysis—along with his designated purpose and intended for daily use for the patients. The widely used sanitary hygienic article such as pampers or feminine hygienic napkin is provided with the special functional diagnostic means. The functional diagnostic means according to the invention comprises at least one chemical reagent disposed so that it can react with biological liquids secreted by an organism with the following comparison of the change in the content of reference (diagnostically significant) metabolites in liquid biological samples.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent for water-absorbing resins which comprises (A) at least one halohydrin compound selected between (A1) a first halohydrin compound having per molecule at least two halohydrin groups (D) represented by the general formula (I), wherein R1 represents hydrogen or alkyl and X represents chlorine or bromine and (A2) a second halohydrin compound having per molecule at least two halohydrin groups (D) represented by the formula (I) and having per molecule at least one ammonium group (M) represented by the general formula (II), wherein R2's each independently represents a C1-4 hydrocarbon group or benzyl.

Abstract: A kit for generating a biological sample from a discharge emitted from a portion of a body includes an absorbent pad for deploying adjacent to the portion of the body and a portable device for preserving and/or pre-processing the sample. The pad includes a sampling membrane configured to retain at least one biological material. The portable device has a housing formed from a base portion and lid portion which together define a sealable sample chamber for receiving the sampling membrane. An injector device is configured to be activated by closing of the lid portion to inject sample extracting solution into the sample chamber.

Abstract: A strip-like microneedle device is provided that includes an array of hollow microneedles, a diaphragm pump to extract interstitial fluid from skin, and a sensor that detects the concentration of the fluid. The microneedle device can be interfaced to an external sensor to produce a reading, or can be self-contained. One version uses an attachable/detachable microneedle array as a single-use, disposable unit. The device is portable, and is used by placing one finger on the microneedle array, and actuating the diaphragm pump with another finger, thereby obtaining the fluid sample. Solid coated or transparent microneedles could instead be used as an in-situ sensor, with either electrodes or an optical sensor.

Abstract: Marker compounds indicative of variations in physiological conditions, genetic defects or disease states have been found to be present in apocrine sweat and, in many conditions, these markers are present in apocrine sweat in elevated levels when compared to blood. These markers are collected and/or detected in apocrine sweat and used as an indicator that a disease state or particular physiological condition exists. A skin patch, wipe or electronic detector for vapors released from apocrine sweat are used to indicate the existence of a disease state or changing physiological condition. The patch or wipe can include in monoclonal antibodies or other chemical compounds that can indicate the presence of specific markers. This may include indicators that render visible, the existence of a reaction between the monoclonal antibody or chemical compound and the marker compound to indicate the existence of the condition being tested for.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus and methods for measuring or detecting an analyte present in a biological system are provided. The methods entail use of the sensing apparatus that contains a reporter system specific for the analyte of interest, where the reporter system is either affixed to a planar backing or attached to particles that are delivered to the superficial layers of the skin. The reporter system includes a reporting reagent that absorbs or emits a detectable radiation and is placed in communication with the analyte, or in communication with tissue or body fluids suspected of containing the analyte. The sensing apparatus is illuminated, and a radiation signal from the reporting reagent is measured or detected and then associated with the presence or quantity of analyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable surface wipe having a sensor which detects bodily waste contamination on a surface and which provides a signal indicating the presence of such contamination, desirably by detecting a component of the waste normally present in waste excreted by healthy individuals and not a component infrequently present in the waste due to special circumstances related to the health or other transient condition of the excreter. The signal provided by the sensor can be visible to a user of the article, and the article can include a substrate which incorporates the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the article is a cleaning article which can efficaciously clean bodily waste contamination from a surface.

Abstract: A disposable article is provided that comprises a sensor adapted to detect one or more specific health and/or nutrition markers in the wearer's feces. The article may also signal the caretaker, the wearer, or an actuator of the occurrence.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a level of a chemical species in a body fluid includes a fluid collection layer adapted for receiving the body fluid. The fluid collection layer is dry prior to being brought into contact with the body fluid. A catalyst is provided in, on, or near the fluid collection layer so as to be in contact with the body fluid in the fluid collection layer. The catalyst facilitates a reaction of the chemical species in the body fluid. An indicator, responsive to the reaction of the chemical species, is also provided in, on, or near the fluid collection layer. A characteristic of the indicator changes in response to the reaction of the chemical species, thereby indicating the level of the chemical species in the body fluid. This apparatus can be used, for example, to monitor the level of lactate in perspiration during activities, such as exercise or other athletic exertions.

Abstract: A diaper having indicators incorporated therein for pH, nitrates, bilirubin, ketones, proteins, blood, and urobilinogen. The diaper allows a simple visual examination to obtain information related to the status of the urine emitted by the user, enabling rapid and continuous monitoring of urine status. As a result, appropriate treatment may be directed in a simple, reliable manner.

Abstract: The invention is useful for providing sweat collecting devices for the detection of chemicals or biochemicals in the perspiration of a living subject while reducing drug contamination from without (external sources), and for detecting tampering of the sweat collection device. The invention also provides a method for using the sweat collecting device which reduces and identifies prior chemical or biochemical contamination on the skin of the tested subject.

Abstract: Marker compounds indicative of variations in physiological conditions, genetic defects or disease states have been found to be present in apocrine sweat and, in many conditions, these markers are present in apocrine sweat in elevated levels when compared to blood. These markers are collected and/or detected in apocrine sweat and used as an indicator that a disease state or particular physiological condition exists. A skin patch, wipe or electronic detector for vapors released from apocrine sweat are used to indicate the existence of a disease state or changing physiological condition. The patch or wipe can include in monoclonal antibodies or other chemical compounds that can indicate the presence of specific markers. This may include indicators that render visible, the existence of a reaction between the monoclonal antibody or chemical compound and the marker compound to indicate the existence of the condition being tested for.

Abstract: A health examination card and its explainer wherein the health examination card can be used to test the biochemical items of blood (BLD), bilirubin (BIL), urobilinogen (URO), protein (PRO), nitrite (NIT), glucose (GLU), free calcium (Ca), etc and the card explainer can be used to analyze the test results of the above items so as to inspect the health status and provide the early indication of the diseases for finding diseases early. Besides, said examination card and its explainer is easy to use.

Abstract: An article capable of both collecting interstitial fluid and detecting an analyte in that fluid and a method for use of that article. Preferably, the article is also capable of measuring the amount of analyte in the interstitial fluid. The article can be used in conjunction with a meter that contains an appropriate detection element for determining the amount of analyte in the interstitial fluid.

Abstract: Differentiating breast ducts for cancer risk status is a key element in a procedure to screen women for breast cancer. The 6 to 9 breast ducts on the human breast can be differentiated to identify those of higher risk for cancer. The higher risk ducts merit access and analysis of the ductal fluid and monitoring and/or treatment.

Abstract: Methods for sampling an analyte present in a biological system are provided. The methods entail use of particle delivery methods to obtain a sample of an analyte of interest from the system.

Abstract: A percutaneous agent sampling device and method are provided. The device comprises a collector and a sheet having a plurality of microblades for piercing the skin for increasing transdermal flux of an agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable diaper that has one or more chemical reagents provided in the absorbent region of the diaper, which comes into contact with urine when a patient wearing the diaper urinates. These chemical reagents change color when they contact urine containing abnormal levels of substances, such as leukocytes, blood, glucose, nitrites, protein, ketones, bilirubin, or urobilinogen; which substances may indicate the presence of a medical abnormality. Such a color change provides a visible indication of an abnormality in the urine and thus a possible incipient medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection, diabetes mellitus, hematuria, or the like. Such a color change is easily assessed by personnel having limited medical training, allowing such personnel to screen patients for these medical conditions and refer them to the appropriate medical personnel.

Abstract: A urinalysis stick for animals comprising a chemical reaction agent at an end, a color sample showing the discoloration stage at a rear end, and a half cut portion or a half fold portion provided in the middle of the stick for tearing off or folding the stick into half, so that an owner can easily examine urine of animals such as dog, cat and the like by himself/herself.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the permeability of a biological membrane, including the skin or mucosa of an animal or the outer layer of a plant to a permeant is described utilizing microporation of selected depth and optionally one or more of sonic, electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal energy and a chemical enhancer. Microporation is accomplished to form a micropore of selected depth in the biological membrane and the porated site is contacted with the permeant. Additional permeation enhancement measures may be applied to the site to enhance both the flux rate of the permeant into the organism through the micropores as well as into targeted tissues within the organism.

Abstract: An article for the identification of the premature rupture of a membrane during pregnancy is disclosed. The article comprises a pad having an upper outer layer, a lower outer layer, and an intermediate pH-responsive component. A double-sided adhesive strip is attached to the lower outer layer. The upper outer layer is composed of a liquid permeable material. Intermediate of the upper out layer and the inner outer layer is a pH-sensitive component. This intermediate layer is a pH-sensitive material and may be one of a variety of such materials, although a preferred material is nitrazine paper. In the presence of an alkaline fluid, such as amniotic fluid, the pH-sensitive material responds by turning to a purple-blue color. The change in color acts as a visual indicator to the wearer of the possible presence of amniotic fluid outside of the amniotic sac.

Abstract: A diagnostic patch comprising at least an adsorption carrier adsorbing a substance secreted from a living body, which is useful particularly for the diagnosis of mammary cancer or atopic dermatitis, and a method for the diagnosis of mammary cancer or atopic dermatitis with said preparation.

Abstract: A device (2) comprising a sheet member (6) having a plurality of microprotrusions (4) extending from a bottom edge (5) for penetrating the skin of a patient. The sheet member (6) when in use being oriented in an approximately perpendicular relation to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the concentration of an analyte, particularly a chloride ion, in a liquid sample are particularly useful to screen for cystic fibrosis in an individual. In a preferred embodiment, the device takes the form of a patch comprising an absorbent material sandwiched between two liquid-impermeable layers. Chloride ions in the liquid sample complex with a chloride-detecting agent dispersed throughout the absorbent material to form a visible precipitate, preferably silver chloride. A pH indicator is also dispersed throughout the absorbent material, allowing the position of the water front to be monitored thereby permitting calculation of chloride concentration from a partially filled patch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode assembly for use in a transdermal analyte sensor operating in an alternating polarity mode in which a single electrode element provides both the counter electrode and iontophoretic electrode functions. By combining both the functions of the iontophoretic and counter electrode, the surface area of the electrode with respect to each function may be made larger. In turn this increases the ability of the electrode to deliver the required electrical field over a larger area when operating in the iontophoretic mode as well as increasing the ability of the counter electrode to compensate for the larger sensing electrode facilitated by this new design.

Abstract: A dermal patch to be worn on the skin for increasing the concentration of an analyte expressed through the skin in perspiration to a conveniently measurable level. Included are patches and methods of using such patches to determine the quantity of an analyte in a given volume of perspiration, to determine a subject's sensitivity to an allergen, to allow an analyte to be detected with conventional detection systems, and to dissolve the structural components of a patch to facilitate analyte detection.

Abstract: A method for continuous tracking of blood alcohol, is comprised of 1) a potential- and diffusion-controlled electrochemical solid polymer electrolyte sensor that continuously and concurrently measures very low concentrations of ethanol vapor at the surface of the skin as well as skin properties such as temperature and ionic conductivity, 2) a sensor control circuit, and 3) a data acquisition-recording device. Sensitive and reproducible measurements of ethanol over a wide population range is obtained by simultaneously maintaining the potential of the sensing electrode constant at a voltage above the rest potential of the platinum/air (O.sub.2) electrode and by use of a thin, permselective diffusion-control membrane over the sensing electrode, and in series with the human stratum corneum membrane. The electrochemical oxidation current is a direct measure of the local ethanol vapor concentration over the skin surface.

Abstract: A non-occlusive dermal patch for collecting vapor phase perspiration from a subject's skin and retaining an analyte such as ethanol in the perspiration is disclosed. A method of collecting vapor phase perspiration containing an analyte such as ethanol over a period up to several days and detecting the analyte to determine the wearer's consumption of the analyte during the period when the patch was worn is disclosed.

Abstract: A membrane (250) comprising an adhesive is secured to the skin (12) of a subject. The membrane (250) retains concentrated analyte in or on the membrane (250) itself, in the adhesive, and in the desquamated keratinized stratum corneum cells of the skin (12).

Abstract: A dermal patch to be worn on the skin for increasing the concentration of an analyte expressed through the skin in perspiration to a conveniently measurable level. Included are patches and methods of using such patches to determine the quantity of an analyte in a given volume of perspiration, to determine a subject's sensitivity to an allergen, to allow an analyte to be detected with conventional detection systems, and to dissolve the structural components of a patch to facilitate analyte detection.