Abstract: A gastrointestinal capsule (GIC) including a capsule housing having a longitudinal axis; a thrusting mechanism, disposed within the housing; and a battery adapted to power the and a battery adapted to power the thrusting mechanism; the thrusting mechanism having an active mode, and a passive mode with respect to the active mode, the thrusting mechanism adapted to exert a radial force on the housing, in a radial direction with respect to the axis, such that when the capsule is disposed within a gastrointestinal tract of a user, and the mechanism is in the active mode, the gastrointestinal capsule stimulates a wall of the tract; the active mode including a series of at least two pulses of the radial force, the series having a first duration, the passive mode having a second duration, wherein an activation cycle is defined by the series of pulses followed by the second duration.

Abstract: Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collection member (10) for a nasal aspirator (100), the collection member (10) having a shell (12) defining a cavity (14), which shell (12) is provided with a nasal insertion end (16) and a hose connection end (18), characterised by comprising: —a first tubular element (20) protruding from the nasal insertion end (16) into the cavity (14) such that a first inner end (21) of the first tubular element (20) is located in the cavity (14), and —a second tubular element (22) protruding from the hose connection end (18) into the cavity (14) such that a second inner end (23) of the second tubular element (22) is located in the cavity (14), and a collar (24) is provided around the second tubular element (22), and the first and second tubular elements (20, 22) are arranged such that the collar (24) is interposed between the first inner end (21) and the second inner end (23). The invention further relates to a nasal aspirator (100) comprising such a collection member (10).

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a sealing device coupled to a lancing end, a lancing shaft slideably coupled to the lancing end, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a release mechanism, a main shaft slideably coupled with a free end of the device body in communication with the release mechanism, a piston coupled to the main shaft, a vacuum spring coupled to the piston, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft. The system can include a lance tool having an insertion portion and a removal portion. A method can include creating a first portion of a vacuum, lancing a surface, and creating a second portion of a vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder inhaler with at least one specially sharpened needle, to ensure the precise piercing or cutting open of capsules and hence the optimum delivery of powdered medicament compositions, medicament formulations or medicament mixtures, as well as ensuring that little effort is needed to perforate or cut open the capsule.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling device for use on a patient includes at least one penetrating member positioned in the cartridge and a sample port for receiving a body fluid. A channel is coupled to the sample port and the sample chamber. At least a portion of the channel is a capillary channel positioned adjacent to the sample chamber. A mesh membrane is and provides that the body fluid contacts the channel regardless of an orientation of body fluid sampling device.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for collecting cord blood from the umbilical cord and placenta. The device includes a vascular access device, a portable tray container, and a perfusion pump device. The vascular access device includes two vascular access components (VACs) that clamp onto the umbilical cord at the time of delivery to accurately guide cannulation of the vein. After clamping on the VACs, the placenta and VACs are placed into the portable tray container. The portable tray container is a closable and disposable container which features a dock for accepting the VACs and impaling the umbilical vein for vascular access. The dock is also connected to perfusate and collection bags, located on the outside surfaces of the tray. The tray and perfusate and collection bags interfaced with the perfusion pump device to flush out and collect the stem cells from the umbilical cord and placenta.

Abstract: The invention provides a urine flow meter of gravitation or capacitance type in which a container is connected to a weight transducer or a capacitance sensor. An arrangement is provided to sense the level of urine in the container. An arrangement of siphon tube & solenoid valve is also provided to start and stop rinsing of the container automatically. The invention is easily adapted to a male or female type urinal. The collected urine in beaker is flushed by siphon after completion of test.

Abstract: A lancet housing assembly for use in a portable handheld medical diagnostic device for sampling bodily fluids from a skin site of a patient is provided. The lancet housing assembly comprises an outer facing side and an inner facing side. An opening is located at the outer facing side that is arranged and configured to align with a lancet port of the medical diagnostic device. A floor extends between the outer facing side and the inner facing side and having a reagent material. A lancet structure having a skin penetrating end and a blood transport portion adjacent the skin penetrating end is located in housing assembly. The blood transport portion is arranged and configured receive the amount of blood from the skin penetrating end and to carry the amount of blood away from the skin site and to the reagent material.

Abstract: Tissue collection systems and methods are provided. More particular, a modular system including one or more manifold elements is provided. Each manifold element includes a manifold barrel and a coupler to which a syringe body can be connected. An inlet of a first manifold element is connected to a first manifold cap having an inlet orifice. A second manifold cap having an outlet orifice is connected to the outlet of the first manifold element or to the outlet of a second manifold element. The manifold barrel can include a barrel inlet that is offset from a barrel outlet.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system for measurement of at least two hemoglobin species in a patient's blood sample by spectroscopy, and measurement of at least pH of the blood sample by biosensor. The system comprises a disposable cartridge adapted for insertion into a slot of an analyzer, and the results are used to monitor the acid-base status of a patient. A method for monitoring the acid-base status of a patient using the system is also provided.

Abstract: A glucose test device and its carrying unit are provided. The glucose test device includes a housing, the carrying unit, a first push rod, and a second push rod. The carrying unit is detachably assembled in the housing. The carrying unit includes a first cartridge, lancets, a second cartridge, and strips. The first cartridge has first perforated grooves, and the lancets are slidably disposed in the first perforated grooves respectively. The second cartridge is adjacent to the first cartridge, and the second cartridge has second perforated grooves. The strips are slidably disposed in the second perforated grooves respectively. The first push rod as corresponding to the first cartridge is movably disposed in the housing. The second push rod as corresponding to the second cartridge is movably disposed in the housing, wherein the first push rod is parallel to the second push rod.

Abstract: Methods and systems to collect a sample of bodily fluid from a patient using an integrated needle and test strip assembly are provided. The test strip and needle form one unit that captures the sample of blood or interstitial fluid from the patient once the apparatus is pressed to the skin. The hollow needle includes more than one opening at a distal end, each opening coming into contact with the bodily fluid when disposed within a cutaneous or subcutaneous layer of the patient's skin. The sample may flow through the needle onto a test region by capillary action and/or the positive pressure of the bodily fluid (e.g. blood or interstitial fluid) relative to the external environment. The disclosed test strip includes at least one reaction site for testing analyte concentrations and a means for interfacing with many commercially available test strip meters to provide readout of the analyte concentration.

Abstract: A method for stable support of a needle to be introduced into a patient, a body to be penetrated by the needle is arranged on the patient. The body is made of a substance corresponding in terms of its mechanical properties to body tissue (in particular corresponding to body tissue in terms of visco-elastic coefficients and density) and/or is made of a gel-like substance.

Abstract: A meter for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a memory device, electrical circuitry and a detection device for distinguishing between an alternative site test and a standard site test. The memory device is adapted to store information. The electrical circuitry is adapted to determine the analyte concentration of the fluid sample located on a test sensor. The electrical circuitry is in electronic communication with the memory device. The electrical circuitry communicates the determined analyte concentration to the memory device for storage.

Abstract: An exemplary insulin infusion set that further provides one or more set elements including the hub, hub adhesive, fluid line tubeset, connectors, catheters and insertion needles which can be impregnated with, coated with, or otherwise configured to contain and administer an anesthetic at the insertion and set placement locations to minimize user discomfort and the risk of complications associated with the use of infusion sets. To do so, the system and method provides steps for mixing at a step (22) at least two of a solvent, an anesthetic, and a lubricant, applying the mixed compound as a coating to at least one surface of the infusion set, patch pump, or an element thereof at a step (24), and then substantially removing the solvent after coating at a step (26) to provide at least one of an anesthetic layer and a lubricant layer upon the infusion set, patch pump, or an element thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a health monitoring device for measuring blood or tissue indicators and a strip cassette. The device comprises a body having first and second openings, a piercing means being connected to the body and having a piercing head, the piercing means being arranged to extend from the first opening and cockable and releasable for piercing the skin with the piercing head, and a space into which a number of sensor strips can be arranged so that the strips can be brought out from the body one at a time. The device further comprises a shutter that is functionally connected to the body and has a first position arranged to tightly close the first and second openings, and a second position for allowing one sensor strip to be pushed from the first opening into sampling position and for exposing the first and second openings.

Abstract: A syringe assembly for fluid collection includes a housing having a sidewall defining a hollow bore therein, and an elongate plunger with the distal end of the plunger forming a chamber within the hollow bore for containing a fluid therein. The plunger is adapted for slideable movement within the hollow bore between an initial position and a retracted position. The assembly includes a hub disposed at least partially within the hollow bore and at least partially supporting a cannula therewith. The hub is adapted to automatically transition from an initial position in which at least a portion of the cannula is disposed external to the housing, to a retracted position in which the cannula is fully shielded by the housing, upon transition of the elongate plunger from the initial position to the retracted position.

Abstract: The specification describes a cartridge for insertion into a meter, the interior of the meter comprising a boss having a main body and a protrusion extending from the main body. The cartridge comprises an orientation member provided at one end of the cartridge, the orientation member comprising a recess having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to that of the boss and configured to receive the boss therein, the orientation member further comprising a ramp surrounding at least part of the portion of the recess corresponding to the main body, the portion of the recess which corresponds to the protrusion adjoining the lower end of the ramp via a step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel system and method for transscleral delivery of therapeutic agents, including macromolecules, into a target site in intrascleral space using ultrasound. Advantageously, the present invention not only significantly enhances transscleral diffusivity of macromolecular therapeutic agents, but also causes little damages to ocular tissues and structure.

Abstract: A region of skin, other than the fingertips, is stimulated. After stimulation, an opening is created in the skin (e.g., by lancing the skin) to cause a flow of body fluid from the region. At least a portion of this body fluid is transported to a testing device where the concentration of analyte (e.g., glucose) in the body fluid is then determined. It is found that the stimulation of the skin provides results that are generally closer to the results of measurements from the fingertips, the traditional site for obtaining body fluid for analyte testing.

Abstract: The present invention inter alia relates to a method of treating or preventing an arterial insufficiency, wherein an NO donor is administered in an intermitting manner to a subject in an amount effective for the induction of arteriogenesis, and wherein the NO donor is a solid pharmaceutical preparation with the active substance glyceryl trinitrate for oromucosal or oral administration characterized in that it contains between 0.05 and 2 weight % glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), at least one diluent, one carrier material, and at least one substance that reduces the volatility of GTN, whereby this substance is a non-volatile ester stabilizer whose melting point is not higher than 60° C.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip-based platelet multi-function test apparatus. The apparatus includes a sample container configured to accommodate a blood sample therein, a stirrer that is installed inside the sample container and induces a shear flow in the blood sample, a parallel channel configured to divide and flow the blood stirred by the stirrer into a plurality of paths, a vacuum device that is connected to an end of each parallel channel, maintains constant pressure, allows the stirred blood to flow along the parallel channel, a light source that is installed in a rear side of the parallel channel and radiates light to the parallel channel, and an image sensor that receives light transmitted through the blood in the parallel channel, converts the light into an electrical signal, and measures a flowing distance of a blood flow.

Abstract: A sweat collection device includes an elongate concave sweat-collecting surface at a face thereof for placement over an iontophoresis-stimulated area of a patient's skin to collect sweat and pass it through an axial bore in the concavity. A length of flexible tubing is secured to the axial bore for receiving and storing the collected sweat. A chamber may be provided for holding the tubing in flat coiled condition. Collected sweat builds up within the tubing from the axial bore. The device can include markings to indicate when a minimum amount of sweat has been collected in the tubing and can indicated a range for collected sweat that takes into account variations in the tubing. An open end of the tubing can be flared for easy insertion of a blunt needle to extract sweat or a guide passage can guide insertion of the needle into the open end of the tubing.

Abstract: A micro flow device (11, 71) for separating or isolating cells from a bodily fluid or other liquid sample uses a flow path where straight-line flow is interrupted by a pattern of transverse posts (23, 81). The posts are spaced across the width of an expanded collection chamber region (17, 75) in the flow path, extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof; they have rectilinear surfaces, being curved in cross-sections, e.g. circular or tear-drop shaped, and are randomly arranged so as to disrupt streamlined flow. The device is oriented so that its lower surface is aligned at about 45° to the horizontal. Sequestering agents, such as Abs, which are attached to surfaces of the collection region via a hydrophilic coating, preferably a permeable hydrogel containing isocyanate moieties, are highly effective in capturing cells or other targeted biomolecules while the remainder of the liquid sample exits horizontally.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system has a housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the housing member. A tissue stabilizing member is coupled to the housing. A penetrating member sensor is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. The penetrating member sensor is configured to provide information relative to a depth of penetration of a penetrating member through a skin surface.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet and outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. The venting mechanism includes a blocking member to control the fluid flow in the venting mechanism so that it flows along the longest path through the vent. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle tip on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A method for soft tissue destruction comprises applying high voltage pulses causing irreversible electroporation alternating with low amplitude pulses of opposite polarity balanced to provide negligible average current and minimize risk of electrical shock. The method may be accompanied by tissue heating to reduce the electroporation threshold and negative pressure for skin shaping and optimal voltage distribution.

Abstract: A biological information acquisition method for acquiring information on a living body on a basis of a quantified value of a physiologically active substance originated from the living body, includes a step of collecting the physiologically active substance from a body surface of the living body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an integrated device for sampling and testing an analyte. The device generally comprises a housing, a lancing device for sampling an analyte, a test strip for substantially capturing at least a portion of the analyte, and a display unit for displaying a result corresponding to the captured portion of the analyte. The invention is further directed to methods for sampling and testing. For example, one method comprises performing a single operation to sample an analyte, to capture the sampled analyte, to perform testing on the sampled analyte, and to display a result corresponding to the performed test. A method such as this can be carried out using an integrated sampling and testing device of the invention, for example, by placing the device the device on a test site of a subject, such as a patient, and performing the single operation to obtain a test result.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: A storage unit is disclosed for at least one animal identification and/or animal tissue collecting device, capable of storing said at least one identification and/or collecting device. In several embodiments, such a set includes at least one container containing a specific agent designed to be applied at least partially to at least one element of said identification and/or collecting device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: One embodiment having features of the invention is directed to a guide block for an MRI device which has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and four parallel passageways extending between the two faces. The first passageway is centrally disposed, the second passageway is disposed vertical or horizontal to the first, the third passageway is located diagonal to the first and has a longitudinal opening in fluid communication with the first passageway, and the fourth passageway is diagonal to the first and in an opposite side of the body from the third passageway. In an alternative embodiment the guide block has at least one passageway that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Biological samples of mammary fluid or components thereof are obtained using a breast pump device coupled with an absorbent paper or membrane, optionally facilitated by administering oxytocin to the subject. The breast pump device stimulates expression of mammary fluid and provides for collection of diagnostic samples on the absorbent paper or membrane to evaluate breast disease, including cancer. The biological sample may include fluid containing one or more of cells or cellular components, proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired constituents comprising a breast disease marker. Absorbent paper or membrane, and methods relating to the paper or membrane, and a breast pump device are also provided.

Abstract: A dressing (2) and an apparatus (1) comprising the dressing, for cleansing the wounds (5) in which an irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable would dressing and would exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (18) (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow Path (6, 7, 9, 10) which passes through the dressing with a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, to provide a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting would healing over the would bed.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising: a body comprising a handle and a head; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head; an oral member coupled to the body, the oral member comprising a water-soluble material; a reservoir in the body; and a fluid pathway in the body, the fluid pathway in fluid communication with the oral member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances, such as blood, from subjects. In one embodiment, devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject employ devices including a substance transfer component (such as one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In certain embodiments, substances may be received from and/or delivered to the subject with relatively little pain. The pain may be assessed, for example, using pain scales such as the WONG BAKER FACES Pain Scale. The device may be self-contained, applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood using sensors or agents in the device or an external apparatus.

Abstract: A self-serve kiosk includes a blood, fluid or tissue test device for obtaining a blood, fluid or tissue sample from a user, analyzing the sample, and generating in vitro diagnostic data. The kiosk may also have non-invasive test devices for obtaining vitals measurements from the user, such as a weight scale, a blood pressure device and a heart rate monitor. A user interface such as a touch screen obtains input of personal health information from the user. The test measurements and input data are analyzed, and a health snapshot, risk assessment, guidance plans and incentives are generated and provided to the user.

Abstract: A collection device includes a base housing member having at least one chamber. A cover housing member has at least one aperture therein, and the cover housing member is configured to cover the base housing member such that the at least one aperture is positioned in fluid communication with the at least one chamber. The cover housing member includes a cartridge holding interface configured to releasably engage with a cartridge that is configured to cover and receive a fluid from the at least one chamber via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to sampling blood and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, devices, and systems for high-efficiency isolation of analytes from blood, e.g., for sensitive detection of analytes present in blood at low concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for sampling blood by capillarity for separating a plasma phase of the blood from the cell phase. The device is a strip and includes a filter having a membrane with no clumping agents, a prefilter for spreading blood over the surface of the membrane; and an absorbent paper downstream from the filter. The membrane is dimensioned to cover only a part of the surface of the prefilter and the migration of blood by capillarity within the prefilter takes place essentially lengthwise relative to the strip before blood comes into contact with the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for formation of microconduits in tissue, particularly using an impedance sensing drill to form microconduits. One embodiment of the invention is an impedance sensing drill comprising a drilling assembly, a control module, mechanically connected to the drilling assembly for controlling the depth of drilling by the drilling assembly; and a sensor, electrically connected to the drilling assembly and control module for detecting a change in an electrical impedance of a material being drilled. Another embodiment is a method of forming a microconduit in a material, which comprises the steps of drilling into the material, monitoring an electrical impedance of the material, and stopping the drilling into the material when a change in the impedance is detected, thereby forming microconduit.

Abstract: A urine sampling device including: a housing including a urine sampling chamber, the housing of the urine sampling device being arranged such that the urine sampling device can be associated with a hygiene absorbent product, and the urine sampling device includes an inlet for said fluid, wherein said chamber includes a dry gel that can be swelled by urine, and wherein said urine sampling device possesses the ability to preserve a bacteria content from a urine sampled in the device, either by means of the properties of the dry gel in itself and/or by providing a preservative in the dry gel. A hygiene absorbent product and a urine examination kit.

Abstract: A region of skin, other than the fingertips, is stimulated. After stimulation, an opening is created in the skin (e.g., by lancing the skin) to cause a flow of body fluid from the region. At least a portion of this body fluid is transported to a testing device where the concentration of analyte (e.g., glucose) in the body fluid is then determined. It is found that the stimulation of the skin provides results that are generally closer to the results of measurements from the fingertips, the traditional site for obtaining body fluid for analyte testing.

Abstract: A interstitial fluid collection kit for collecting interstitial fluid extracted via micropores formed in a skin is disclosed. The kit includes a marker sheet that has an adhesive face and that defines a region in which micropores are to be formed; a transparent retention sheet having an adhesive face; and a collecting body that is retained by a part of the adhesive face of the retention sheet and that collects interstitial fluid extracted from the skin.

Abstract: A phlebotomy aid device may include at least two pads each having a body side. An adhesive may attach to the body side of the at least two pads. The at least two pads may be connected by a connecting mechanism. A tightening mechanism may be attached to the connecting mechanism. The device may be attached to skin on sides of a vein of a patient. The tightening mechanism may allow the connecting mechanism to pull on the at least two pads, which in turn, may pull on the skin attached to the at least two pads. The device may allow for the stretching of skin in order to immobilize veins while not encroaching on a sterile field.

Abstract: A sweat sensing device includes a plurality of sweat collection pads communicating with a sensor. Each of the pads is activated by a timing circuit which allows one or more of the pads to be activated at a selected time and subsequent deactivated after a defined period of time. This allows for selective collection of sweat from a plurality of pads over a prolonged period of time. An impedance measuring circuit can be employed to determine if one or more of the pads becomes disconnected, in order to avoid irritation. Further, the devices can use a common microfluidic device which both transports sweat activating substance, such as pilocarpine, to the surface of the skin and directs sweat away from the skin to a sensing device.

Abstract: A swab for collecting biological specimens is of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fibers with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fibers cover said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: An auto-calibration system for diagnostic test strips is described for presenting data individually carried on each test strip readable by a diagnostic meter. The carried data may include an embedded code relating to data particular to that individual strip. The data is presented so at to be read by a meter associated with the diagnostic test strip in order to avoid manually inputting the information.