Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling device 100. The sampling device 100 comprises a separate compartment 110 that is ejected creating an increased space or volume for a sample to be stored. The sampling device 100 of the present invention is suitable for collecting a sample in an aquaculture environment, enclosed system or in the gastrointestinal tract of a human or an animal. The invention also relates to a method of orally administering the device 100 to an animal and recovering the device 100 and/or separate compartment 110 to carry out analysis on the collected sample for diagnosing the health of the gastrointestinal tract and determining nutrient absorption and digestibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling device 100. The sampling device 100 comprises a separate compartment 110 that is ejected creating an increased space or volume for a sample to be stored. The sampling device 100 of the present invention is suitable for collecting a sample in an aquaculture environment, enclosed system or in the gastrointestinal tract of a human or an animal. The invention also relates to a method of orally administering the device 100 to an animal and recovering the device 100 and/or separate compartment 110 to carry out analysis on the collected sample for diagnosing the health of the gastrointestinal tract and determining nutrient absorption and digestibility.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator.

Abstract: An ingestible gastrointestinal capsule (GIC) for mechanically stimulating a segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) wall by alternately and repeatedly pressurizing, and/or vibrating it is provided. The GIC is programmed to being activated following a predefined time delay. The activated GIC agitates, shakes, rattles, jolts, vibrates and/or moves in a reciprocal expanding and contracting motion thereby mechanically stimulating the adjacent segment of the GI wall at a targeted location. Activation of the GIC may include a number of automatically accomplished partial activations, such as when the time elapsed from the moment of setting the GIC on equals a predefined time delay; when the mechanical load applied onto the GIC exceeds, and/or gets lower than a respective predefined level of mechanical load; when the ambient pH reaches a predefined level, or changes, and/or a temperature associated with the user reaches a predefined threshold. Agitation is accomplished by an agitation mechanism embedded in the GIC.

Abstract: A non-invasive system for sampling gastrointestinal microbiota with their associated environment for discovery, characterization, medical research, diagnostics, and treatment using an ingestible, non-digestible sampling capsule. The capsule device, with ports open for acquiring a sample of gastrointestinal microbiota and content, is placed inside an immediate or delayed release capsule. When the outer capsule dissolves according to its specifications, enteric fluid and content enters the sampling capsule through the ports triggering a hydrophilic stop to release a pulling force to close the ports by enveloping the capsule outer casing over the inner casing, capturing the sample, and holding it sealed until it completes passage through the digestive track, and is recovered from feces for analysis.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator.

Abstract: A physiotherapy device and a method for controlling the physiotherapy device are provided. The physiotherapy device includes a vibration capsule. The vibration capsule further includes a shell, a vibration motor being placed in the shell, a control panel connecting with the vibration motor electrically, and one or more batteries connecting with the vibration motor and the control panel electrically. The vibration motor includes a rotor closed to an end of the shell and a rotary magnet fixed on the rotor.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for detection of at least one analyte present in a fluid, the system comprising a detector comprising an assay configured to detect presence of the analyte in the fluid, the detector comprising a specimen sampling region for the fluid and a protective seal partially covering the detector, wherein only the specimen sampling region is uncovered by the fluid-protective seal, and wherein the fluid-protective seal provides resistance to acid. The system can be fully submerged in an acidic solution and still retain is functionality.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that track a deliverable to a user. The system includes an identifier or tag secured to the deliverable, a computer system for interrogating the identifier, and a personal device in communication with the computer system, wherein the personal device is held by the user at the time the user is administered the deliverable to detect the unique identity associated with the identifier device and confirms delivery of the deliverable to the user. The method includes attaching an identifiable tag that produces a unique signature to the deliverable, interrogating the tag at about the time of delivery to the user, and confirming that the user has been administered the deliverable through detecting the identifiable tag.

Abstract: The vibration capsule device includes a movement generation unit, a movement control unit, a wireless communication unit and a power supply. The movement control unit provides instructions to the movement generation unit, which generates movements in configurable frequencies and duty cycles. The power supply unit provides power to the movement generation unit through movement control unit, which also decides work period and rest period for the capsule device. The vibration capsule device further comprises a capsule movement detection unit, which comprises at least one sensor unit and provides information to the wireless communication unit.

Abstract: The vibration capsule has a movement generation unit, a movement control unit, a wireless communication unit and a power supply. The movement control unit provides instructions to the movement generation unit, which generates movements in configurable frequencies and duty cycles. The power supply unit provides power to the movement generation unit through movement control unit, which also decides work period and rest period for the capsule device. The vibration capsule device further includes a capsule movement detection unit, which includes at least one sensor unit and provides information to the wireless communication unit.

Abstract: A method and device for linearizing an optical sensor in a dialysis apparatus. The method includes introducing a sensor to the dialysate-side drain line, determining the linear range of the optical sensor, backwards extrapolating the data from the linear range and correcting the data from the non-linear range.

Abstract: Devices and a system for detection of blood within in-vivo fluids are provided. A device comprises a housing that includes a gap. The gap has at least one opening through which in-vivo fluids may enter and/or exit the gap. The device further comprises an illumination source for illuminating the in-vivo fluids in the gap, a light detector for detecting light which passes through the in-vivo fluids in the gap, and flexible fins disposed on the housing in the vicinity of the gap's opening for covering the opening when the fins are folded and for pumping fluids into and out of the opening by repeated closure and opening of the opening by the fins, due to repeated peristaltic waves. This pumping effect may lead to continuous flow of fluids into and out of the opening and thus into and out of the gap of the device.

Abstract: A semen collection device includes a core member, a mounting unit, and a position sensing module. The core member defines an insertion space having an inlet at an end. The mounting unit includes a main body having a main portion and a receiving portion extending from an end of the main portion, a cover detachably installed on the receiving portion. The cover and the receiving portion cooperatively define a cylindrical chamber for fixedly receiving the core member, and further define an opening communicating with the chamber for exposing the end of core member having the inlet. The position sensing module is located in the main portion substantially close to the opening and configured to detect a variation of amplitude and frequency of a position of the core member.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly controlling a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator using magnetic resonant coupling (MRC). The SMA actuator is part of a receiver circuit including an actuator coil, where the SMA actuator is configured into a certain shape. The system includes a transmitter circuit having a transmitter coil and a controller, where the transmitter coil receives an AC current that causes the transmitter coil to generate an oscillating magnetic field in resonance with the actuator coil in the receiver circuit and be magnetically coupled thereto. The current induced in the actuator coil creates heat that reconfigures the SMA actuator to provide the actuation.

Abstract: A core member for semen collection device includes a flexible body and a built-in piece. The flexible body has a flexible base and an annular sidewall extending from the flexible base to form the cylindrical structure. The built-in piece is disposed in the sidewall of the flexible body. The built-in piece is made of a hard resin material, and the flexible body defines the insertion space having the inlet at the end of the flexible body.

Abstract: An electronic capsule (100) is provided. The capsule (100) has a discrete drive element (300) comprising: a housing (109), electronics for making the electronic capsule (100) operable, a pumping mechanism (115) for dosing and displacing a substance, a power source (105) for powering the electronic capsule (100) and enabling the electronics and the pumping mechanism (115) to operate, and a locking mechanism (130); and a discrete payload element (200) comprising: a housing (109), a reservoir (210) for storing the substance, one or more openings (250) in the housing (109) for releasing the substance from the reservoir (210) and a locking mechanism (230) for engaging the drive element locking mechanism (130). Engagement of the drive element locking mechanism (130) with the payload element locking mechanism (230) secures the drive element (300) to the payload element (200), thereby making the electronic capsule (100) operable and specific.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a collection system for oral fluids. Some embodiments of the implement may include a body comprising a head, a handle, and a neck located between the head and the handle, the head having a front surface and an opposite rear surface. Tooth cleaning elements may extend from the front surface of the head. A collecting member may be coupled to the body and a reservoir may be located within the handle or the neck of the body. A fluid pathway may extend from the collecting member to the reservoir so that an oral fluid can pass through the collecting member and into the reservoir for storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic biopsy-instrument and use thereof for enriching specific sample material from the body. The invention also relates to a biopsy-kit and use thereof for enriching specific sample material.

Abstract: Devices and methods for substantially reducing the caloric efficiency of the digestive tract by capturing food being digested in the stomach 10 and/or anywhere else in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, absorbing or encapsulating the captured food into multiple capturing members and moving such multiple capturing members containing the ingestible encapsulated food down the GI tract, practically out of reach of the GI absorption organs, thus excluding the entrapped ingredients from being involved in the digestion and\or absorption process. The device is designed for oral delivery. The system can be comprised of liquid, food bars or a capsule system. The capsule system is comprised of an external capsule that dissolves in accordance with a temporal or ph dependent preset, which allows the food intake to be at least partially fluidic. The capsule system is further comprised of a mechanism designed to capture and isolate a portion of the food being digested.

Abstract: A non-invasive endometrial sample collector has an outer body of absorbent material configured for insertion into a vaginal cavity of a patient such that a distal end of the body is positioned proximate a uterine cervix of the patient. The collector has an internal collection assembly disposed within the outer body of absorbent material. The internal collection assembly includes a funnel having an opening at the distal end of the outer body configured to face the uterine cervix when the outer body is positioned in the vaginal cavity, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the funnel. During a menstruation cycle of the patient when endometrial tissue cells are shed within menstrual fluid that passes through the uterine cervix, or during any type of normal or abnormal bleeding episode, at least a portion of said fluid is directed to the reservoir via the funnel under the force of gravity.

Abstract: An ingestible gastrointestinal capsule (GIC) for mechanically stimulating a segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) wall by alternately and repeatedly pressurizing, and/or vibrating it is provided. The GIC is programmed to being activated following a predefined time delay. The activated GIC agitates, shakes, rattles, jolts, vibrates and/or moves in a reciprocal expanding and contracting motion thereby mechanically stimulating the adjacent segment of the GI wall at a targeted location. Activation of the GIC may include a number of automatically accomplished partial activations, such as when the time elapsed from the moment of setting the GIC on equals a predefined time delay; when the mechanical load applied onto the GIC exceeds, and/or gets lower than a respective predefined level of mechanical load; when the ambient pH reaches a predefined level, or changes, and/or a temperature associated with the user reaches a predefined threshold. Agitation is accomplished by means of agitation means embedded in the GIC.

Abstract: A pediatric saliva collection system includes a pacifier portion, a stiffener, a collector, and a pad compression tube. The pacifier portion includes a receiver having a first interior cavity and nipple having a second interior cavity in fluid communication with the first interior cavity, the nipple including a plurality of apertures. The stiffener is insertable into the pacifier receiver, and adapted to receive the collector therein, the collector including a handle, an absorbent pad extending out from the handle and a seal; the collector removably insertable into the pacifier portion; and, the pad compression tube insertable over the collector to compress the absorbent pad and express liquid sample.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device for collecting a specimen of oral fluids. The device includes an elongate tubular member with a first end being configured to come into contact with a mouth of a subject. The device also includes a coupler, wherein the first end of the coupler is configured to couple to a second end of the elongate tubular member and wherein the second end of the coupler is configured to couple the device to a collection vial. A chamber is defined by the outer wall of the elongate tubular member and positioned proximate to the second end of the elongate tubular member, and a filter is disposed within the chamber. An exhaust port is defined by the coupler to allow pressure to escape from the device to ease the collection of the specimen.

Abstract: A non-invasive endometrial sample collector has an outer body of absorbent material configured for insertion into a vaginal cavity of a patient such that a distal end of the body is positioned proximate a uterine cervix of the patient. The collector has an internal collection assembly disposed within the outer body of absorbent material. The internal collection assembly includes a funnel having an opening at the distal end of the outer body configured to face the uterine cervix when the outer body is positioned in the vaginal cavity, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the funnel. During a menstruation cycle of the patient when endometrial tissue cells are shed within menstrual fluid that passes through the uterine cervix, or during any type of normal or abnormal bleeding episode, at least a portion of said fluid is directed to the reservoir via the funnel under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A cassette (2600) for use with a medical waste collection system (30). The cassette includes a housing (2602, 2612) shaped to be removably attached to a receptacle (1699) integral with the housing. A sleeve (2640) is attached to the cassette so as to be located forward of the housing. The sleeve is formed with a void space. A fitting (2664) for collection to a suction line is attached to the sleeve. A screen (2714) is removably fitted in the sleeve void space. The screen is fitted in the sleeve void space when it is desirable to catch tissue that may be entrained in the fluid stream from the suction line.

Abstract: A sample collection kit includes a sample collector, a polycarbonate container, and a preservative solution. The sample collector includes an absorbent pad with a collecting element that receives a sample of oral fluid. The absorbent pad also includes an interior portion that extends into a handle. The handle includes an upper casing and a lower casing. The collecting element can be treated with a surfactant to optimize recovery of analytes from the oral sample and/or their absorbance onto the absorbent pad. A polycarbonate container receives the absorbent pad or the sample collector and stores it for testing of analytes. A dextran sulfate preservative solution is included in the polycarbonate container that inhibits enzymatic activity on a collected sample.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions such as devices, pills, beads, capsules, products of manufacture, particles, microparticles, nanoparticles, gels, liquid gels, liquid gel capsules, capsules, tablets, geltabs, liquids, sprays, emulsions, suspensions, pastes or yogurts, for the detection and isolation of biomarkers, nucleic acids, proteins or peptides, proteoglycans, lipids, fats, sugars or polysaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract for e.g., detecting the presence of particular exogenous or endogenous nucleic acids, e.g., DNA or RNA, or proteins, in the gastrointestinal tract, for example, to diagnose the presence of an infectious or exogenous agent such as a virus, a fungus, a parasite, a bacteria, intestinal helminths and protozoan parasites, and the like, or a biomarker such as a cancer-causing or cancer-predisposing allele, e.g., mutations of the KRAS2 oncogene in pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for automatic monitoring of fluid of a patient are disclosed, comprising a patient line, a transfer disk which receives the fluid and controllably transfers the fluid to test substrates, and a sensor disk which houses the test substrates. The sterile transfer disk may be configured to maintain the sterility of the patient sampling assembly while transferring samples to non-sterile components, such as the sensor disk.

Abstract: A system for noninvasively monitoring cancerous cells within bodily fluid accumulated due to ascites, pleural effusion or pericardial effusion is provided including an implantable pump having control circuitry; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge and communicate with the implantable pump to retrieve performance data; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable pump and charging and communication system. The implantable pump is configured to move fluid containing cancerous cells from a body cavity to the bladder such that the fluid may be excreted during urination, collected and analyzed with an analysis station to assess progress of the cancer or efficacy of a cancer treatment program.

Abstract: A bolus for insertion in a body fluid includes a housing, a chamber in the housing admitting body fluid therein, and a transducer in the housing providing a signal through the body fluid for measuring the pH level and/or temperature of the body fluid. The transducer also generates a signal in response to vibrations to detecting one or more additional physiological parameters.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for tissue dissection and testing are disclosed herein. A method for tissue dissection and testing may comprise inserting a tissue dissecting wand (TD) through an incision in a patient's body. The TD may comprise a tip having a plurality of protrusions with lysing segments positioned between the protrusions to dissect and/or modify tissue. The TD may also comprise a sensor dock positioned on top of the TD that is configured to allow tissue and/or body fluid contact to a sensor. After separating tissue using the lysing segment(s) to access a target region, the sensor may be activated and moved around within the target region to assess tissues.

Abstract: A bite block for use during intraoperative monitoring of nerves is provided. The bite block is formed of a resilient material to inhibit injury to one or more teeth or the tongue of the patient. The bite block includes at least one access port angled with the respect to a plane and sized to slidingly receive an electrode. The electrode may be advanced through the access port and into the tongue of the patient.

Abstract: Meconium stained amniotic fluid can indicate intrauterine fetal distress. The invention provides a system and method for detecting meconium in released amniotic fluid in pregnant women, including a collection body such as a hygienic pad, having a meconium detector. This invention is designed to be employed mainly by a lay person at home; it also may provide possible etiologies for fetal distress.

Abstract: A sample collection system capable of collecting, storing and dispensing a liquid sample is disclosed. The collection system includes a collector composed of a material which has the unique ability to express constituents of interest at levels which are more concentrated than their levels in the fluid samples from which they are expressed, where the expressed highly concentrated sample can then be used with modern rapid screening/testing protocols, such as solid phase assays, to test for the constituents of interest. Thus, it is now possible to obtain analytes of interest, such as the HIV protein antibodies, from saliva samples at concentrations that are representative of that found in serum or plasma. The collector is sized and shaped to fit within a recovery container, which, in turn, is sized and shaped to fit within a collection tube. The recovery container includes an aperture which does not permit passage of fluid under ambient conditions, but facilitates transfer thereof when subject to pressure.

Abstract: A device, system and method for in-vivo sampling. An in-vivo device and method for use thereof may include a sampling chamber and a gating mechanism. The sampling chamber may store a sample of a body lumen substance, and the gate may close and open an opening of the sampling chamber.

Abstract: The present invention additionally provides a kit for collecting the sinonasal specimen to analyze which pathogenic microbes cause a disease in a mammal, how to test the drug sensitivity against the infectious microbes in sinonasal cavities, and to help the selection of a pharmaceutical composition to selectively treat a disease of a mammal. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a chemical compound or a herb extract or the combination having at least one of the activities of antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, anti-cancer, promoting membrane healing or immunomodulating, for the treatment and prevention of a disease of a mammal. The invented method of treating a human disease reduces infectious and inflammation without causing antibiotic resistance or clinically noticeable adverse event.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an amniotic fluid collector is configured so as to be inserted and positioned inside the vagina of a birthing mother in order to collect amniotic fluid from the womb of the birthing mother. In particular, the amniotic fluid collector of the present invention comprises: a receiving member, in the side of which an opening is defined, which is inserted into the vagina of the birthing mother and which has a receptacle defined therein for receiving the amniotic fluid; and a positioning portion for positioning the receiving member inside the vagina. Thus, the effects of alleviating pain and psychological anxiety of a birthing mother and eliminating the danger of the occurrence of complications can be achieved, as well as those of easily and smoothly collecting amniotic fluid from the womb of the birthing mother.

Abstract: An oral testing device has a housing comprising a window for visually exposing test strips within the housing and a donor sample pad coupled to a first end of the housing. In addition, the oral testing device has a mirror hingedly coupled to a second end of the housing positioned for viewing the test strips when the donor sample pad is inserted within a donor's mouth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for collecting amniotic fluid from the uterus. In order to collect the amniotic fluid from the uterus through the external orifice of the cervix of a pregnant woman, an amniotic fluid collecting unit is adapted to bring a mouth, which is foldably formed at the upper end of an amniotic fluid collecting bag, into close contact with an end of the external orifice of the cervix. Thereby, the apparatus not only significantly decreases the risk occurring when a needle is directly inserted into the uterus in order to carry out the amniocentesis (amniotic fluid testing), but also eliminates pain and anxiety caused by the direct insertion of the needle.

Abstract: A closed specimen collection system for blood samples includes a collection tube that has a shaped nozzle adapted to fit sealably into a port connected to a centrally inserted venal catheter. A protective cover for the nozzle is attached to the collection tube and has an internal, female thread that mates to a male thread on the port. A specimen container has a hollow body, a front end and a back end. The front end has an aperture sized and shaped to attach to the collection tube. The aperture is sealable after removal of the collection tube. A piston fits closely within the hollow body and is attached to an actuating rod. When the port is connected to the collection tube, the collection tube is connected to the specimen container and the actuating rod is pulled toward the back end, blood will flow into the container in a sterile condition.

Abstract: A sampling device adapted for transcervical sampling of biological materials from a pregnant patient comprising: an elongate insertion tube (4) having a first end (5) adapted for insertion through the external orifice (external os) of said patient's cervix and a second end (6) including a handle means (7) for manipulating said tube; a measuring means for determining the position of said first end of said tube within said cervix, wherein said first end (5) includes a sampling head (9, 14) adapted to collect biological material including cells, mucus and biological fluids, and wherein said measuring means is adapted to determine the extent of insertion and transcervical position of said first end to optimise the transcervical sampling site.

Abstract: An oral testing device has a housing comprising a window for visually exposing test strips within the housing and a donor sample pad coupled to a first end of the housing. In addition, the oral testing device has a mirror hingedly coupled to a second end of the housing positioned for viewing the test strips when the donor sample pad is inserted within a donor's mouth.

Abstract: There is provided a device for sampling bodily fluids. Some embodiments have a handle, a lumen, and a diverter valve. The distal end of the handle is adapted to connect with a sampling device and is in fluid communication with the lumen. There is a vacuum connection on the proximal end of the handle that is also in fluid communication with the lumen. A suction valve may desirably be located in the lumen to control the application of vacuum from the vacuum connection to the sampling device. The diverter valve directs the flow through the lumen such that a sample from the patient goes into a sputum trap when the trap is connected. The device may further have a saline port in fluid communication with the lumen, located distal to the suction valve, for rinsing the tube and diluting secretions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: Devices for collecting a fluid sample from the oral cavity, the device including a mouthpiece that includes a chamber, the chamber including front and rear inner walls; and means for collecting the fluid sample from the oral cavity; and methods of collecting and analyzing samples of fluid from the oral cavity, including the steps of placing the device in the oral cavity, collecting the fluid sample and conducting an analysis of the fluid sample.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for permeabilizing fetal membranes including an active ingredient having a log K in the range of 2 to 4, where K is the octanol/water partition coefficient. The active ingredient may be, for example, bupivacaine, sodium lauryl sulfate or oleic acid. Further provided is a system for transfetal membrane transport. The system includes a probe unit adapted for insertion into a female reproductive tract and releasing a substance onto fetal membranes that permeabilizes the membranes. The system is also configured to apply ultrasound radiation to the fetal membranes to further increase the membrane permeability.

Abstract: A measuring method for the concentration of intragastric objects wherein a first concentration of a feeding liquor is measured. The intragastric objects and concentration thereof of the testee are measured to obtain the second concentration value. The feeding liquor of predefined volume is filled into the stomach of the testee. The intragastric contents are mixed and diluted to form an intragastric mixture. The stomach is then given time to digest the feeding liquor. The intragastric mixture is extracted and measured to obtain the third concentration value. The volume of intragastric objects is calculated as a relative value, so a relative volume could be measured by the volume of intragastric mixture and feeding liquor. According to the changes of said relative value with respect to the concentration and volume, the tester could judge the absorbing state of the testee's stomach as a basis of continuous feeding and feeding dose.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include various compositions that include a pH modifier composition and/or a buffering capacity modifier composition. In some examples, the pH modifier compositions include a dose of pH modifier to raise the pH in a patient's mouth from about 1 to about 2 pH levels. The compositions are then incorporated into various confections for oral ingestion or application that allow a patient to easily use the composition with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers. For example, compositions with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers can be incorporated within chewing gum, tablets, lozenges, breath strips, hard candy, oral sprays, and other confections. Another embodiment of the invention includes a testing device to test the pH and buffering capacity within a patient's mouth.