Abstract: A system, mixing-enhanced microfluidic container, and methods for small volume sample collection and/or analysis is disclosed. Namely, the invention is directed to a small volume sample collection system that includes a mixing-enhanced microfluidic container and a durable reusable actuation chuck. The mixing-enhanced microfluidic container is used to collect small volumes of sample fluid and includes a means for mixing the sample fluid with reagents disposed within the microfluidic container. The mixing means utilize an array of surface-attached structures (e.g., a micropost array). The application of an “actuation force,” such as a magnetic or electric field, actuates the surface-attached structures into movement, wherein the actuation chuck in close proximity to the mixing-enhanced microfluidic container provides the “actuation force.

Abstract: A sample collection and testing device for analyzing blood is provided that includes a controller, a fluid flow pathway, a pump configured to move fluid through the fluid pathway, and an optical fluid measurement element configured to measure a light intensity of the fluid in the fluid flow pathway. The controller is configured to: start the pump to move a blood sample in the fluid flow pathway, receive a signal from the optical fluid measurement element indicating a detection of a leading edge of the blood in the fluid flow pathway, stop the pump to stop the moving of the blood in the pathway, receive a plurality of light intensity measurements from the optical measurement element, each light intensity measurement measured at a corresponding point of time, and provide a mapping of the light intensity measurements into an indication of a coagulation of the blood sample over a time period.

Abstract: The measuring device for viscometric analysis on a biological fluid, comprises a base frame and a support element associated with the base frame, having an elongated shape and with: a first ending part associable with motor means to set in rotation the support element around an axis of rotation (A); a second ending part opposite to the first ending pan and positionable in contact with a fluid to be analyzed contained in a collecting vessel; sensor means adapted to measure the viscosity values of the fluid; wherein the sensor means comprise a first sensor element and a second sensor element associated with the support element and operable in rotation around the axis of rotation (A) at a predefined rotational speed, and operatively connected to optical means adapted to detect a speed change between the sensor means depending on said viscosity values.

Abstract: A coagulation test device for measuring clotting time and clot characteristics of a whole blood sample under different hemostatic conditions. Results of the test are used as an aid in management of patients with coagulopathy of unknown etiology in order to help the physician determine appropriate clinical action to arrest bleeding in a patient.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a blood test kit and a blood analysis method, which are for performing quantitative analysis of components by precisely obtaining a dilution factor. According to the present invention, provided is a blood test kit for analyzing a concentration of a target component in a blood sample using a normal component which is homeostatically present in blood, the kit including a diluent solution for diluting the blood sample, a first storing instrument for storing the diluent solution, a separation instrument for separating and recovering blood plasma from the blood sample diluted with the diluent solution, a holding instrument for holding the separation instrument, a second storing instrument for storing the recovered blood plasma, and a sealing instrument for keeping the stored blood plasma within the second storing instrument, in which the separation instrument is composed of glass fiber coated with a resin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a coagulation analyzer and a coagulation analysis method which relate to the technical field of medical instruments. The coagulation analyzer includes an optical coagulation analysis module, a sample interference analysis module, a magnetic coagulation analysis module, and a test transfer module. The coagulation analyzer uses the sample interference analysis module to determine whether an interferent in the sample has effect on the coagulation test result of the optical coagulation analysis module. If the interferent in the sample has no effect on the coagulation test result, the optical coagulation analysis module is used to perform the coagulation analysis and report the test result. If the interferent in the sample has effect on the coagulation test result, the test transfer module is used to transfer the test to the magnetic coagulation analysis module to perform the coagulation analysis and report the test result.

Abstract: Systems and methods to analyze blood or other fluid sample. The systems and methods utilize bi-directional magnetic forces to push or pull a magnetic object along a post in a chamber housing the fluid sample both before and after clot initiation has been implicated. The magnetic object can be threadably connected to the post. In other embodiments, the chamber is configured such that the magnetic object does not rotate but only slides along the post. Once a clot has been detected, the washer can be moved either up or down to apply either compressive force or strain within the clot, as desired, to evaluate elastic properties or firmness of the clot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, in particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analyzing method, for analyzing a blood specimen, which includes: mixing a blood specimen and a thrombin-containing reagent to coagulate the blood specimen, and obtaining a coagulation waveform; obtaining a value of a parameter concerning differentiation of the coagulation waveform, based on the coagulation waveform; and obtaining information concerning an amount of antigen of fibrinogen based on the obtained value of the parameter.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to clotting time tests detect clotting time based on the viscosity changes of a fluid sample, using a disk dropped within a test chamber containing the fluid sample from a disk maximal position to a disk minimal position, which is a point at which the disk settles within the fluid sample. Changes in the disk minimal position as multiple test cycles are conducted are used in assessing formation of a clot within the fluid sample. Methods of assessing such changes in the disk minimal position are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for separation of serum or plasma from blood cells without application of an external force, such as centrifugation or pressure. The device comprises a hollow body having a top open end and a bottom end comprising a porous membrane. Particularly, the pore size of the porous membrane is between 10 nm and 20 ?m. The invention also pertains to methods of separating serum or plasma from blood cells, the methods comprising introducing into the device a mixture of serum or plasma and blood cells and incubating the device in a substantially vertical position for between about one minute and thirty minutes to allow the separation of serum or plasma from blood cells under gravity.

Abstract: A device (10) and method for analyzing blood coagulation in a blood sample. The device (10) includes a housing (12) having an analytical membrane (14) partially enclosed in a housing. The analytical membrane (14) includes a porous hydrophilic sample portion (34), a porous hydrophilic analytical portion (36), and a porous hydrophilic wicking portion (38). The porosity of the analytical portion (36) differs from the porosity of the sample portion (34). The method utilizes the device to analyze blood coagulation in a whole blood sample from the distance travelled by the red blood cell leading edge (50) in a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic analysis apparatus for inspecting blood coagulation, which is capable of miniaturizing device configuration and reducing device costs. The automatic analysis apparatus includes: a reaction container in which a specimen and a reagent are mixed with each other and the mixed solution is reacted; a sample dispensing mechanism which dispenses the specimen into the reaction container; a blood coagulation time measuring unit in which the reaction container is mounted to measure a coagulation time of the mixed solution within the reaction container; a reaction container accommodating unit which accommodates a plurality of reaction containers provided to the blood coagulation measuring unit; a reaction container transfer mechanism which grasps the reaction container and transfers the reaction container to the blood coagulation measuring unit; and a control unit which controls the reaction container transfer mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood sample determination method including: emitting light to a measurement specimen prepared by mixing a clotting time measuring reagent and a blood sample suspected to be derived from a subject having lupus anticoagulant or a coagulation factor inhibitor, to obtain optical information about an amount of light from the measurement specimen; obtaining at least one parameter regarding derivative of clot waveform, based on the obtained optical information; and determining, based on a value of the obtained parameter, whether the blood sample is suspected to be a sample derived from a subject having lupus anticoagulant or is suspected to be a sample derived from a subject having a coagulation factor inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for testing a multi-function and a drug response of platelet based on a centrifugal microfluidics. The testing apparatus according to the present invention may include: a rotatable disk; a sample chamber arranged at the center of the disk such that a blood sample is accommodated therein; stirring chambers respectively connected to the sample chamber in multiple radial directions so as to introduce a shear flow in the blood sample; microchannels connected to the stirring chambers such that adhesion and cohesion of platelets occur during the movement of the blood sample; and a waste sample chamber in which the blood sample is accommodated after passing through the microchannels. According to the present invention, multiple drug tests can be performed on a single blood sample at one time in multiple channels such that multiple tests is possible with respect to complex platelet functions, and thus testing time is reduced and testing costs can be saved.

Abstract: A blood coagulation system analysis device capable of analyzing a blood coagulation system with high accuracy, and a method and a program for analysis of a blood coagulation system are proposed. The blood coagulation system is observed as a temporal change in permittivity before the viscoelasticity manifestation timing (timing at which blood starts to clot from the viewpoint of viscoelasticity (in greater detail, timing at which active polymerization of fibrin monomers starts)). A permittivity of blood which is positioned between a pair of electrodes is measured at predetermined time intervals after the anticoagulant effect acting on the blood is ended, and from the measurement result, a degree of the action of the blood coagulation system is analyzed.

Abstract: In some examples, a device applies an electrical potential difference across a blood sample. The device measures an electrical signal that passes through the blood sample over a duration of time to obtain a plurality of measurements representing a measurement function of time. An accumulative property of the measurement function may be determined such that the accumulative property correlates to a blood coagulation characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of administering Factor IX; methods of administering chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor IX; polynucleotides encoding such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides; cells comprising such polynucleotides; and methods of producing such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides using such cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating functional disability and/or pain associated with joints, tendons or connective tissue diseases, disorders or injuries comprising oral administration of a composition comprising heterologous platelet-rich plasma. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and nutritional compositions comprising heterologous platelet-rich plasma and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention lies in the field of platelet function diagnostics and relates to devices and methods for determining the platelet function in a centrifugal analyzer.

Abstract: A method of monitoring thrombus formation is described, which comprises flowing anticoagulated blood into a thrombus formation chamber, in at least a part of which a thrombus formation inducer inducing thrombus formation is provided, while releasing the anticoagulant treatment or promoting blood coagulation to thereby monitor thrombus formation in the thrombus formation chamber.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides fluidic systems having a plurality of reaction sites surrounded by optical barriers to reduce the amount of optical cross-talk between signals detected from various reaction sites. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing fluidic systems and methods of using the systems.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of coagulation diagnostics and relates to in vitro methods for determining thrombocyte function using measuring cells, particularly measuring cells of the PFA system. The methods make it possible to obtain standardized measured results which are comparable, irrespective of the type of measuring cell used.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for determining a property of a sample. The apparatus has a chamber (11, 13) for receiving at least a part of the sample and contains a rotor (15) adapted to rotate within the chamber (11, 13). The apparatus (1) also has a space (17) between the rotor (15) and the chamber (11, 13) which may be at least partially occupied by the sample, driving means (14) for rotating the rotor (15), and a detector (39) arranged to detect the rate of rotation of the rotor (15). The apparatus may also have two parts, a sample strip (5) for receiving the sample and a receiving member (3) for receiving the sample strip (5) and carrying out measurements on the sample. The rotor (15) may be magnetized across its diameter. The driving means (14) may be a magnetic driving means. The sample may be a blood sample. The property to be determined by the sample may be the prothrombin time of the blood or plasma.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a label-free viscosity-based analyte detection system using paramagnetic beads as an asynchronous magnetic bead rotation (AMBR) microviscometer. It is disclosed herein that the bead rotation period is linearly proportional to the viscosity of a solution comprising analytes surrounding the paramagnetic bead. Optical measurement of asynchronous microbead motion determines solution viscosity precisely in microscale volumes, thus allowing an estimate of analyte concentration. The results demonstrate the feasibility of viscosity-based analyte detection using AMBR in microscale aqueous volumes.

Abstract: A microfluidic sensor (10), such as an electrochemical blood test strip, with more accurate measurement comprises a plurality of channels (24) through which a fluid to be tested flows via a capillary action. One or more electrodes (30) are located under the channels (24). As the fluid flows over the electrodes (30) in the channels (24), the impedance between the electrodes (30) may be measured to determine fluid properties. In order to increase the accuracy of the measurements, the electrode deposition may be configured to be less than 10 ?m in thickness via a printing process with high process consistency, thereby reducing the disruption of the electrode deposition on the fluid flow.

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: A device for measuring blood coagulation time is formed from a first substrate; a second substrate; a spacer layer disposed between the first and second substrates, said spacer layer having an opening formed therein defining a sample receiving chamber, a vented sink chamber, and an elongated reservoir forming a conduit for liquid movement between the sample receiving chamber and the sink chamber; a first electrode disposed on the first substrate, said first electrode being exposed in the reservoir portion through a first opening in the spacer layer; and a second electrode disposed on the second substrate, said second electrode being exposed in the reservoir portion through a second opening in the spacer layer. The device of the invention is used in combination with an apparatus that is connected to the first and second electrodes for measuring current flow between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A blood coagulation analysis device and method in which information relating to the coagulability of blood is evaluated based on a change generated in a permittivity measured in a coagulation process of the blood due to addition of a substance that activates or inactivates platelets to the blood.

Abstract: An analytical device for analysis of chemical or biological samples, a method of using such a device, based on rotation of the device, integrated sample dosing and optical detection, and a system comprising such a device are disclosed. The analytical device comprises a device body having a liquid processing unit. The liquid processing unit comprises a mixing chamber for mixing a sample with a reagent, a sample dosing chamber for delivering a defined volume of the sample to the mixing chamber, and a reagent channel for delivering the reagent to be mixed with the sample, wherein the mixing chamber also serves as a detection chamber.

Abstract: A method for determining the area of an analysis chamber covered by a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber is provided. The chamber has a first panel with an interior surface, and a second panel with an interior surface, both of which panels are transparent.

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: The invention includes systems, apparatuses and methods to evaluate the strength of clotting in addition to or separate from activated clotting time. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of energy employed to move an object within blood. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of time for fibrinolysis to occur. The strength of clotting may be determined by a system in which a ferromagnetic material is moved within blood.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting either the signal measured or activity calculated by an instrument or a predefined calibration curve for a medical diagnostic test, performed on an instrument with pre-calibrated reagents. A calibration adjuster for a blood clotting diagnostic test is further provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining haemostasis parameters by measuring vibration parameters of a resonator having a measuring surface which contacts a platelet containing sample fluid. The invention is characterized by the analysis of the characteristic of a vibration parameter over time, based on which the platelet function will then be assessed and a distinction will be made between the presence of an adhesion disorder or that of an aggregation disorder.

Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention proposes novel salt compounds for use in the diagnosis or therapy of a patient as well as drugs, medical products, diagnostic compositions or blood products containing a salt compound according to the invention. The salt compounds according to the invention comprise the cation of a metabolisable basic amino acid and the anion of a metabolisable carboxylic acid or an anion of carbonic acid. Those salt compounds therefore have the advantage that they are fully metabolisable and thus do not adversely affect the electrolyte balance or the acid-base balance of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, in particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid.

Abstract: A device utilizing agglutination and its method of use to diagnose diseases or conditions. The diagnostic device may comprise a substrate having pores, an agglutination zone, and a test readout zone wherein said agglutination zone is functionalized with an agglutinating agent to cause agglutination of the sample.

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: High range activated clotting time (HR-ACT) tests detect blood clotting time in blood samples which have high levels of heparin. Reagents such as calcium chloride and kaolin within the test apparatus trigger clotting. The cartridge is treated with a strong surface treatment process, such as an atmospheric plasma treatment, to increase the hydrophilic property of the test chamber, there may be a significant reduction in the kaolin concentration required to activate the blood sample and initiate the coagulation process. The kaolin concentration may be further reduced if the buffer component used in the buffer saline contains phosphate. The reduction of the kaolin concentration allows more calcium to be released from the kaolin to participate in the clotting process. The combined effect of adding a surface treatment to the cartridge to increase the hydrophilic property of reaction chamber and adding phosphate into buffered saline allows for clot detection of blood samples containing 5˜6 U/mL heparin.

Abstract: The invention includes systems, apparatuses and methods to evaluate the strength of clotting in addition to or separate from activated clotting time. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of energy employed to move an object within blood. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of time for fibrinolysis to occur. The strength of clotting may be determined by a system in which a ferromagnetic material is moved within blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to methods for detecting and quantitating plasma-derived protein and recombinant protein in a sample based on the difference in protein glycosylation, when the plasma protein and the recombinant protein are essentially the same protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing hypercoagulability associated with carbon monoxide exposure in a subject. The method comprises obtaining a plasma sample from the subject, dividing the sample into at least two portions, and determining the clot strength of the first portion. The method further comprises exposing the second portion to an organic reductant, determining the clot strength of the second portion after exposure to the organic reductant, and comparing the clot strength of the first portion with the clot strength of the second portion. A diagnosis of hypercogulability associated with carbon monoxide exposure is made when the clot strength of the second portion is decreased compared with the cloth strength of the first portion.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for assessing clot activity in blood under various conditions in vitro. The apparatus includes a plurality of test receptacles that receive the blood, at least one flow generating mechanism in communication with the test receptacles, and a clot detector configured to analyze an amount of clot formation that occurs within the blood in each receptacle. Blood contacting surfaces of a first subset of the test receptacles are coated with a first surface substrate and blood contacting surfaces of a second subset of the test receptacles are coated with a different second surface substrate. The flow generating mechanism is configured to generate a first blood flow rate through a third subset of the test receptacles and to generate a different second blood flow rate through a fourth subset of the test receptacles.

Abstract: A microchip for measuring platelet function by allowing blood to flow through a channel to induce platelet aggregation, wherein the microchip has a channel provided inside thereof, wherein at least a part of the channel is coated with collagen for allowing adhesion of platelets; a plurality of walls extend along the direction of the flow of blood in the channel and divide the width of the channel to form a channel dividing section; and the walls are treated to have a surface roughness (Ra) of 10 to 200 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for obtaining a coagulogen raw material which can irreversibly inactivate the activity of a coagulase while retaining the function of coagulogen in an LAL reagent, a LAL reagent contaminated by an organism-derived biologically active substance or the like, and which can be used in a reagent. An LAL reagent is heated at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time to deactivate only the activity of an enzyme contained in the LAL reagent irreversibly, wherein such an activity inherent in coagulogen that coagulogen can be hydrolyzed with the activated coagulase and converted to coagulin to induce gelatinization or an agglutination reaction is retained.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for automated diagnostic testing may include cuvette dispensing, test sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, incubation, photo-optical measuring, and a control in operative communication with the cuvette dispensing unit, the test sample dispenser, the reagent dispenser, the incubation unit, and the measuring unit. A cuvette removal location, a reagent removal location, a measuring location, and a collection receptacle may be situated along a first common circular arc having first geometric center. A cuvette-moving arm and a reagent-dispensing arm have a common axis of rotation passing through this geometric center. A sampling position, a sample dispensing position, an additional rinsing position, and an additional washing position, may all be provided on a second circular arc having second geometric center that has a second axis of rotation for a rotatable sampling arm of the test sample dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for platelet multi-function analysis using measurement of electrical characteristics, and a stirring microchip are provided. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis includes a stirring microchip that has a sample storage chamber formed therein to hold a blood sample, and in which an inner part of the sample storage chamber is coated with reagents composed of collagen and epinephrine, or collagen and ADP. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis further includes a microstirrer installed inside the stirring microchip to stir the blood sample and the reagents in the stirring microchip and a stirring induction unit configured to facilitate stirring of the microstirrer. Therefore, the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can be performed using a trace of blood, and the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can also be performed using the whole blood taken from the veins through a vacuum tube containing an anticoagulant.

Abstract: Device, method, and computer program product for determining a material parameter of a blood coagulation cascade based on parameters of light diffused at a biofluid sample. In one example, the biofluid sample includes a blood sample. Laser light scattered by the sample is collected by the optical system in reflection and/or transmission mode. An image of the sample in so collected light is formed, and data representing fluctuations of laser speckle intensity with is processed to derive numerical descriptors associated with blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. In a specific case, such numerical descriptors are derived based on temporal dynamic of a viscoelastic characteristic of the blood sample.