SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160131588 | DEGRADABLE CATIONIC SURFACTANTS AND USE THEREOF IN ENHANCING CHEMILUMINESCENCE - The present invention relates to methods of enhancing chemiluminescence from a chemiluminescent label comprising contacting a chemiluminescent label with an acid in the presence of a degradable cationic surfactant and hydrogen peroxide followed by the addition of a base. Related kits containing such degradable cationic surfactant are also provided. The degradable cationic surfactant can compress light emission time of the chemiluminescent label to an extent that is comparable to or shorter than conventional surfactants. The degradable cationic surfactant can also increase chemiluminescence of the chemiluminescent label, providing increased light emission output that is comparable to conventional surfactants. | 05-12-2016 |
20160109367 | LIGHT AND SHUTTER FOR A SAMPLE ANALYZER - A sample analyzer has a support for an assay sample vessel, a detector, and a shutter assembly. The assay sample vessel contains an assay sample within an assay sample reservoir. The detector has an optical axis aligned with the assay sample reservoir, so as to detect luminescence from the assay sample. The shutter assembly includes an illuminator and is positioned between the detector and the support, intersecting the optical axis, such that the illuminator causes luminescence of the assay sample. Thus both illumination and detection occur on the same side of the assay sample vessel. | 04-21-2016 |
20160103141 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING VITAMIN D - Compounds include carbamate derivatives of vitamin D including vitamin D | 04-14-2016 |
20160074857 | NON-CONTACT MICRO DROPLET DISPENSER AND METHOD - A liquid deposition system comprises a liquid delivery assembly including a dispensing probe having a sidewall including a first end having a liquid port and a second end having a tip, and a flow path opening at the tip and fluidly connected with the liquid port. The system includes a gas injection assembly with a manifold having a gas nozzle, a nozzle opening, and a gas port, the gas nozzle configured to eject a substantially laminar gas stream so that the gas stream travels through a travel path, the tip of the dispensing probe extending into the travel path. The liquid port is fluidly connectable with a liquid source and the gas port is fluidly connectable with a pressurized gas source, so that a liquid micro droplet is formed at the tip. The laminar gas stream separates the micro droplet from the tip and carries it through the travel path. | 03-17-2016 |
20160041152 | OPTICAL INTERPRETATION OF ASSAY RESULTS - The inventive concepts disclosed herein are generally directed to the use of a hand-held mobile computing device, such a smartphone or tablet, to interpret the results of a medical assay device. By controlling conditions like image placement and illumination and correcting for imperfect illumination, accurate results can be obtained with hand-held mobile computing device. | 02-11-2016 |
20160038938 | MICROFLUIDIC CHIP WITH SEALED ON-BOARD REAGENT - A microfluidic product pouch assembly may be used in a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic product pouch may include a pouch surrounding an inner chamber and having a rupturing portion and an inner membrane positioned within the inner chamber. The inner membrane may separate the inner chamber into a first cavity and a second cavity. A reagent may be positioned within the first cavity and/or the second cavity. The microfluidic product pouch assembly may also include a rupturing structure. The rupturing structure may be configured to selectively break the rupturing portion of the microfluidic product pouch. | 02-11-2016 |
20160033443 | LUMINESCENT OXYGEN CHANNELING IMMUNOASSAYS UTILIZING ELECTROCHEMICAL DISCHARGE OF SINGLET OXYGEN AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF - Chemiluminescent detection systems, kits, and microfluidics devices containing same, as well as methods of production and use thereof, are disclosed. | 02-04-2016 |
20160033417 | HETEROGENEOUS LUMINESCENT OXYGEN CHANNELING IMMUNOASSAYS - A chemiluminescent detection system, kits and microfluidics devices containing same, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. | 02-04-2016 |
20160025757 | TUBE TRAY VISION SYSTEM - Images of a tube tray, which fits within a drawer and holds tubes in slots arranged in rows and columns, are captured to determine characteristics related to the tube tray. By analyzing the images, features of the tubes are determined, providing valuable information in an IVD environment in which a sample handler is processing the tubes. Each row of the tube tray is encoded to allow for detection of a new row moving into focus of cameras. The cameras capture an image of the tube tray, and the image is stored in a memory buffer. When the next row moves into focus, a subsequent image is taken and stored. The result is a series of images providing multi-perspective views of the rows of the tube tray. The images are analyzed to determine characteristics of the tubes, which are utilized by the sample handler in processing the tubes. | 01-28-2016 |
20160025756 | TUBE CHARACTERIZATION STATION - Systems and methods for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting may include an automation track, a plurality of carriers configured to carry a plurality of sample vessels along the automation track, and a characterization station including a plurality of optical devices. A processor, in communication with the characterization station, can be configured to analyze images to automatically characterize physical attributes related to each carrier and/or sample vessel. A method may include receiving a plurality of images from a plurality of optical devices of a characterization station, wherein the plurality of images comprise images from a plurality of perspectives of a sample vessel being transported by a carrier, automatically analyzing the plurality of images, using a processor, to determine certain characteristics of the sample vessel, and automatically associating the characteristics of the sample vessel with the carrier in a database. | 01-28-2016 |
20160025754 | CONTROL OF pH IN AQUEOUS UREA-CONTAINING SOLUTIONS UTILIZING AMINO ACID-CONTAINING COMPOSITIONS - Aqueous calibration or quality control reagents that include urea are disclosed; the reagents may further include at least one amino acid-containing composition to provide pH stability thereto. Methods of production and use thereof are also disclosed. | 01-28-2016 |
20160025736 | HETEROGENEOUS LUMINESCENT OXYGEN CHANNELING IMMUNOASSAYS AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF - Chemiluminescent detection systems, kits and microfluidics devices containing same, as well as methods of production and use thereof, are disclosed. Immunoassay technologies are widely used in the field of medical diagnostics. One example of a commercially used immunoassay is the induced luminescence Immunoassay (LOCI) technology. The currently available LOCI′″ technology involves a homogeneous assay {i.e., no wash steps involved) that has high sensitivity, and the assay uses several reagents and requires that two of these reagents (referred to as a ““sensibead” and a “chemibead”) held by other immunoassay reagents to be in dose proximity to achieve a signal. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023220 | CENTRIFUGE LOADING/UNLOADING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Disclosed is a loading and unloading system to load/unload a sample processor (e.g., a centrifuge). The system includes a staging area containing inserts, at least one being a common insert, the sample processor having locations receiving inserts containing unprocessed sample containers, one or more robots operable to move unprocessed and processed sample containers to and from the common insert as well as move the inserts between the staging area and the sample processor, and a controller commanding the one or more robots to carry out a sample container movement sequence to load and unload unprocessed and processed sample containers to and from the common insert at the staging area, wherein the common bucket insert contains both processed and unprocessed sample containers at a same time. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects. | 01-28-2016 |
20160016183 | CENTRIFUGE LOADING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Disclosed is a loading apparatus and system adapted to load unprocessed sample containers in a centrifuge and provide improved balance thereof. The apparatus has a staging platform containing at least two bucket inserts, a weight scale operable to determine a combined weight of each of the bucket inserts, a centrifuge configured to receive the bucket inserts as pairs, a robot operable to insert an unprocessed sample container into the bucket inserts, and a controller operable to command the robot to carry out placement of the unprocessed sample container into a highest priority empty receptacle of a lowest combined weight bucket insert. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects. | 01-21-2016 |
20160016162 | SELF ALIGNING WEDGE CONTAINER WITH ANTI-EVAPORATION TUBE - A fluid container includes a container body configured to hold one or more fluids. The container body has a first side wall and an opposing second side wall. The fluid container also includes one or more container alignment features disposed on an outer surface of the first side wall and configured to self-align the container body with a datum. The fluid container also includes one or more anti-evaporation tube alignment mechanisms disposed on one or more inner surfaces of the container body and configured to self-align an anti-evaporation tube within the container body. | 01-21-2016 |
20160003861 | CAP CLOSURE WITH CANNULA - An analyzer for use with in vitro diagnostics includes one or more containers. Each container includes a container body configured to hold one or more fluids, a closure device disposed on the container body and housing a movable cannula, and a sealing portion configured to seal off the one or more fluids in the container body from matter outside the container body when the sealing portion is closed. The system also includes one or more pick and place devices configured to move the one or more containers between different locations. The movable cannula is configured to move downward responsive to a force from the one or more pick and place devices and cause an opening in the sealing portion. | 01-07-2016 |
20160003860 | REAL-TIME VOLUME CONFIRMATION DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHODS - A method of confirming volume during dispensing of a liquid using pressure. The method includes attempting to dispense a volume of the liquid from a dispense port, measuring a pressure associated with the attempted dispense of the liquid and providing a measured pressure signal, determining a liquid dispensing start time and a stop time based on a slope of the measured pressure signal, integrating the measured pressure signal between the start time and the stop time to provide an integrated pressure value, and comparing the integrated pressure value to one or more preset threshold values. Liquid dispensing apparatus are provided, as are other aspects. | 01-07-2016 |
20150378518 | Windowing System and Method for Companion Software Products - Windows corresponding to independent applications in a windowed computing environment can be linked to have unified behavior. A host application can monitor window activity to determine if windows are intended to be grouped. Commands applied to one or more windows in a group are applied to at least some other windows in the group. Windows can be grouped or ungrouped according to various criteria including a priori configuration or user action. The window grouping permits a unified user interface behavior to be established for two or more independent applications. | 12-31-2015 |
20150369832 | HYBRID METHOD FOR COLLISION AVOIDANCE AND OBJECT CARRIER MANAGEMENT - An automation system for use in in-vitro diagnostics includes an automation surface configured to provide one or more paths between a plurality of testing stations, which also includes a plurality of predetermined risk zones. A plurality of carriers include an onboard processor configured to make local trajectory decisions and to control the motion of each carrier into the plurality of predetermined risk zones in response to authority granted by a traffic manager. A traffic manager includes at least one processor configured to assign destinations to the plurality of carriers and grant authority to carriers to enter the plurality of predetermined risk zones. Each carrier can be configured to hold one or more fluid vessels and move the one or more fluid vessels to one of the plurality of testing stations. | 12-24-2015 |
20150369827 | REDUCTION OF FALSE POSITIVE ON REAGENT TEST DEVICES - Methods and systems are disclosed including a reagent analyzer, comprising a test analyzing mechanism, such as an optical imaging system, configured to read a first sample of a specimen combined with a reagent configured to react with the sample in a presence of an analyte of interest and a second sample of the specimen that is not combined with a reagent, and to output one or more first signals indicative of the test analyzing mechanism reading the first and second samples; and a processor receiving the one or more first signals and executing logic to analyze the second sample responsive to the processor determining that the analyte of interest is present in the first sample. The processor may execute logic to analyze the second specimen utilizing one or more ratio algorithm and comparing the results of the algorithm against predetermined values indicative of expected color. | 12-24-2015 |
20150369747 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF HUMIDITY-COMPROMISED URINE TEST STRIPS - The timing of the reaction of moisture-sensitive reagents for detecting the presence of analytes, e.g. leukocytes in urine samples, is used to detect when the reagents have been compromised by excess humidity. The ratio of light reflectance at wavelengths characteristic of the products of reaction between the reagents and the analyte and an infra-red reference dye is measured at two preset times after a urine sample has been applied to a test strip and used to determine whether the reagents have been compromised by excessive humidity. The presence of unusually dark samples is determined from the reflected light at 470 and 625 nm in order to confirm that the test strips are humidity-compromised. | 12-24-2015 |
20150366196 | MICROBICIDAL COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION USE THEREOF - Microbicidal compositions that exhibit enhanced microbial efficacy are disclosed, as well as methods of producing and using the microbicidal compositions. | 12-24-2015 |
20150355211 | MULTIPLE PAYLOAD TYPE CARRIER - An automation system for use with in vitro diagnostics includes a track configured to provide one or more paths and a plurality of payload carriers having payload carrier types. One or more of the plurality of payload carrier types has a different pay-load carrier dimension in a direction of travel than another payload carrier type. The system includes a plurality of carriers configured to move along the track in the direction of travel. Each of the plurality of carriers has a substantially identical carrier dimension in the direction of travel and configured to hold any one of the plurality of payload carrier types. The system includes a controller configured to navigate the plurality of carriers along the track based on at least one of: (i) the substantially identical carrier dimension in the direction of travel; and (ii) one or more of the different payload carrier dimensions in the direction of travel. | 12-10-2015 |
20150355208 | AUTOMATION TUBE POSITIONING METHODOLOGY - Methods and systems allow characterization of sample vessels and carriers in an automation system to determine any physical deviation from nominal positions. In response, an offset can be calculated and applied when positioning a carrier relative to a station, such as a testing or processing stations (or vice-versa). This may allow for precise operation of an instrument with a sample vessel on an automation track, while compensating for deviation in manufacturing and other tolerances. | 12-10-2015 |
20150355207 | TEST MENU EXPANSION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automation system for use with an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a track and a plurality of carriers configured to move along the track and hold one or more of a plurality of samples and one or more of a plurality of reagents having reagent types. The system also includes one or more testing stations, one or more local reagent storage areas located at or proximate to the one or more testing stations and one or more central reagent storage areas. The system further includes a control system configured to direct the one or more reagents from the one or more local reagent storage areas to the one or more testing stations based on received reagent information and direct the one or more reagents from the one or more central reagent storage areas to the one or more testing stations based on the received reagent information. | 12-10-2015 |
20150352548 | ADDRESSABLE ACTUATOR SYSTEM - Microfluidic chips may include one or more microfluidic elements and one or more channels providing fluid communication throughout the microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chips may also include an identifier for identifying a predetermined configuration of the one or more microfluidic elements and the one or more channels from a set of predetermined different configurations of the one or more microfluidic elements and the one or more channels. | 12-10-2015 |
20150338427 | THROUGHPUT OPTIMIZING REAGENT DISTRIBUTION - Methods and systems for performing tests in an in vitro diagnostic environment provide for a substantially optimized distribution of testing reagents amongst a plurality of analyzers. The system and method can include steps of identifying a plurality of expected tests to be performed by a plurality of analyzer modules, determining information about the capabilities of the plurality of analyzer modules, and receiving, at the processor, data reflecting which of the plurality of tests are incompatible. Further steps can include calculating a substantially optimal distribution of the plurality of expected tests amongst the plurality of analyzer modules, allocating reagents to each of the plurality of analyzer modules by facilitating distribution of a plurality of reagents to selected analyzer modules in response to the step of calculating, and automatically scheduling a plurality of samples to undergo tests at the plurality of analyzer modules. | 11-26-2015 |
20150323220 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS PROVIDING A TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED PROCESS LIQUID - Disclosed are systems and apparatus adapted to control a temperature of a process liquid in a metering line of an instrument. In one aspect, a temperature-controlled liquid delivery apparatus has a pre-flux member operable to control a first temperature set point SP | 11-12-2015 |
20150301072 | MULTIPLE CARRIER AND SLEEVE TRAY - An automation system for use with in-vitro diagnostics that includes a track configured to provide one or more paths and a plurality of sleeves. Each sleeve is configured to hold one of a plurality of fluid containers. The system also includes a plurality of carriers configured to travel along the track. Each carrier is separable from each sleeve and configured to hold one of the plurality of sleeves. The system further includes a tray having a plurality of rows. Each row is configured to hold at least one of: (i) one or more of the plurality of sleeves; and (ii) one or more of the plurality of carriers. The tray is configured to at least one of: (i) unload the plurality of sleeves or the plurality of carriers from the tray; and (ii) load the plurality of sleeves or the plurality of carriers to the tray. | 10-22-2015 |
20150299814 | Reagents and methods for HIV coreceptor tropism genotyping - The present disclosure relates to oligonucleotide sequences for amplification primers and their use in performing nucleic acid amplifications of HIV, in particular regions that encode the V3 region of the env glycoprotein. In some embodiments the primers are used in nested PCR methods for the detection or sequencing of the V3 region of the env glycoprotein. The oligonucleotide sequences are also provided assembled as kits that can be used to detect or sequence the V3 region of the env glycoprotein. Control nucleic acids for use in methods and kits of the present disclosure are also provided. | 10-22-2015 |
20150279148 | FEEDER SYSTEM FOR FEEDING ITEMS - A feeder system for item feeding is presented. The feeder system may include a container having a plurality of walls, an actuator, a selector, and a chute. The container receives a plurality of items. An opening is formed in the container. The items flow through the opening towards the selector by a gravitational force. The selector singulates the plurality of items into one item. The chute receives the singulated item one at a time from the selector. The actuator is attached to the container and agitates the container to maintain a flow of the plurality of items passing through the opening. | 10-01-2015 |
20150276775 | MODULAR WORKCELLS FOR LAB AUTOMATION - Systems and methods are provided for performing a work-flow, which may be in an IVD environment. A plurality of workcells can be used to perform tasks, while vessels can be automatically transported between the workcells using bulk transport trays along an inter-cell track, allowing each workcell to be independently adapted to one or more tasks in the work-flow. | 10-01-2015 |
20150276774 | MULTIPLE SLOT PLACE AND PICK CARRIER - An automation system for use with in-vitro diagnostics includes a plurality of fluid containers configured to hold one or more fluids. The system includes a plurality of carriers having a plurality of slots configured to hold one of the plurality of fluid containers. The system also includes a place and pick device configured to place the plurality of fluid containers into the plurality of slots and remove the plurality of fluid containers from the plurality of slots. The system further includes a controller configured to control the place and pick device to place a first fluid container into an empty slot of a carrier of the plurality of carriers while a second fluid container is in an occupied slot and control the place and pick device to subsequently remove the second fluid container from the occupied slot of the carrier. | 10-01-2015 |
20150276534 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING ASPIRATION PRESSURE AT LOW ASPIRATION VOLUMES - A method adapted to allow aspiration verification of a liquid such as a biological liquid or liquid reagent at low aspiration volumes (e.g., less than 25 μL). The method includes attempting to aspirate a volume of a liquid into a probe at an aspiration frequency, measuring an aspiration pressure associated with the attempted aspiration of the liquid and providing a measured pressure signal, and filtering the measured pressure signal with a filter. The filter has a passband frequency containing the aspiration frequency and excluding the frequencies of a disturbance causing noise in the measured pressure signal. Apparatus for carrying out the method are provided, as are other aspects. | 10-01-2015 |
20150275291 | SEQUENCING-BASED QUANTIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACID TARGETS - The present disclosure relates to quantification and sequencing of biological targets, particularly nucleic acids derived from patient samples. The protocols described herein can simultaneously provide the sequence of nucleic acid targets and an approximate quantification of the amount of the target in a sample, dramatically increasing the accuracy, capacity and efficiency of previously separate measurements. Particular embodiments of the invention are applicable to the simultaneous determination of HIV tropism and viral load. | 10-01-2015 |
20150273691 | AUTOMATION MAINTENANCE CARRIER - Maintenance carriers can include one or more tools to perform a maintenance operation. These carriers may include removable cartridges that include the tool or consumables, such as a cleaning fluid, compressed gas, or disposable items. Maintenance carriers can also be configured to move along with other carrier traffic in the automation system and may be selectively deployed. | 10-01-2015 |
20150269415 | IMAGE CAPTURE-BASED PREDICTIVE CONTROL DEVICE - A system and method for identifying objects being carried by an operator who is approaching an instrument. The system includes image-, motion-, and depth-capturing sensors that are in communication with the instrument. The captured image, motion, and depth data are compared to data stored in a database and the objects are identified. Once the objects have been identified, an action that corresponds to the identified objects is initiated in the instrument. | 09-24-2015 |
20150253314 | CYSTATIN C AND GALECTIN-3 AS BIOMARKERS FOR PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION - Cystatin C (CysC) and Galectin 3 (Gal-3) are biomarkers for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), wherein elevated levels of one or other or both CysC and Gal-3 indicates a likelihood of PAH. Also provided are methods for identifying candidates for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment and methods for monitoring therapeutic treatments of pulmonary arterial hypertension by monitoring levels of CysC and Gal-3 in the subject undergoing therapy. | 09-10-2015 |
20150247806 | CLAM-SHELL LUMINOMETER - A clam-shell luminometer that, when closed, completely encloses an assay reaction mixture-containing reaction vessel and some portion of a reaction carousel or ring. The luminometer includes first and second portions that are coupled to each other, a photomultiplier tube, and plural fiber optic bundles that are optically coupled to the photomultiplier tube. First ends of the fiber optic bundles are disposed adjacent to the reaction vessel in the second portion so that the fiber optic bundles completely surround the perimeter or periphery of the reaction vessel. | 09-03-2015 |
20150241457 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING SPECIMEN AND/OR SAMPLE CONTAINER CHARACTERISTICS WHILE IN TRANSIT - Methods of identifying a characteristic of a clinical analysis specimen or a sample container containing the specimen are disclosed. The methods include moving the sample container along a track while causing translation and rotation of the sample container, and capturing two or more images of the sample container during the translation and rotation. The track may have one or more moveable belts contacting a carrier to rotate and translate the carrier holding the sample container. Image analysis may be used to read a barcode label of the sample container, determine HIL, and/or physical characteristics of the sample container. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects. | 08-27-2015 |
20150224503 | PIPETTOR, REAGENT, AND WASH SOLUTION HEATER - A heater for heating fluidic elements and fluids is provided. The heater quickly and efficiently heats elements and samples without occupying a lot of space in in vitro diagnostic environments. The heater includes an induction coil, sized and configured to allow for a fluidic element to be placed therein, and induction circuitry coupled to the induction coil that facilitates induction heating through electromagnetic induction. A current is generated to pass through the induction coil, creating a field within the induction coil that generates heat that is transferrable to conductive objects placed within the field. In this manner, heat is transferred to the fluidic element and to fluids in contact with the fluidic element. | 08-13-2015 |
20150211966 | BIOLOGICAL LIQUID COLLECTION VESSELS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A biological liquid collection vessel is adapted to contain a biological liquid to be centrifuged. The collection vessel has a vessel body having an open upper end and a closed lower end, a continuous wall, a target area at the upper end, and a solids area at the lower end that is connected to the target area. The target area is extended in length. In some embodiments, a volume capacity of both of the target area and the solids area are configured so that a red blood cell portion of the centrifuged biological liquid (e.g., blood) is substantially contained in the solids area, and the serum or plasma portion of the centrifuged biological liquid is substantially contained in the target area. Methods of and systems using the liquid collection vessels are provided, as are other aspects. | 07-30-2015 |
20150208206 | Location-based, Virtual Network Computing-Switching System - A system that combines an indoor positioning system (IPS), virtual network computing (VNC), and at least one mobile processing device, e.g., a tablet computer. The IPS determines the location of the mobile processing device, from which information a most proximate instrument, device, and/or system can be determined. Once the most proximate instrument, device, and/or system is determined, the mobile processing device is adapted to launch a remote desktop session with the instrument, device, and/or system via the VNC. Advantageously, the launched remote desktop session automatically authenticates with the software of the instrument, device, and/or system and, moreover, displays data from the instrument, device, and/or system on the at least one mobile processing device in a format with which an operator is most familiar. | 07-23-2015 |
20150204894 | RELATIVE ROUTING PRIORITY FOR TEST REQUESTS - Workflows for testing in automated laboratory environment are managed and controlled to permit prioritization and dependencies to be implemented for individual tests. Test groups can be specified to include analytical and non-analytical test requests. Instrument test status and/or sample location is used to determine whether workflow criteria is met. Each test can be assigned a completion criteria, which can foe used to retake other tests or operations contingent on the outcome of another test. Automation of the laboratory is enhanced with greater flexibility in controlling testing. | 07-23-2015 |
20150197491 | SYNTHESIS OF ACRIDINIUM COMPOUNDS BY N-ALKYLATION OF ACRIDANS - A method is provided for N-alkylation of acridine compounds by reduction of acridines to corresponding acridans to improve the reactivity of the acridine nitrogen, and subsequent N-alkylation of the acridans in ionic liquid solvents to provide the corresponding acridinium compounds in high yield. This inventive process improves chemical conversion, and does not require the use of highly toxic alkylating agents, such as 1,3-propane sultone. | 07-16-2015 |
20150176143 | READER DEVICE AND METHOD OF SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION - Fluid collection devices, analysis instruments and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The fluid collection device is provided with a device and an electrochemical cell. The device has first and second walls defining a microfluidic channel, and a sample application port communicating with the microfluidic channel. The first wall and the second wall are spaced a distance less than 150 microns. The electrochemical cell is disposed on the first wall to contact a sample travelling through the micro-fluidic channel. The electrochemical cell comprising molecule receptors such that a physical property of the first electrochemical cell is effected upon one or more of the molecule receptors binding to an electroactive species within the sample. | 06-25-2015 |
20150157276 | PRE-ECLAMPSIA SCREENING METHODS - The present invention relates generally to methods for treating early and late onset pre-eclampsia, as well as to methods of screening for and predicting the likelihood that a pregnant female patient will develop early and/or late pre-eclampsia, by assessing specific combinations of factors. In the methods of the invention, the a priori risk of developing early preeclampsia may be calculated utilizing coefficients for each of the maternal factors (binary variables), the coefficients being generated utilizing logistic regression analysis. The a posteriori risk of developing early preeclampsia may be calculated utilizing coefficients for each of the patient-specific factors, the coefficients being generated utilizing logistic regression analysis. | 06-11-2015 |
20150152407 | Method of Normalizing Biological Samples - The present disclosure relates to normalization of biological samples, particularly samples comprising nucleic acids to be sequenced. The normalization protocols described herein may be utilized across multiple samples to cap total stoichiometric input and minimize variations in transcript abundance on a per-sample basis in a multiplexed fashion to dramatically increase the accuracy, capacity and efficiency of nucleic acid sequencing. | 06-04-2015 |
20150142171 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO CALIBRATE AN ORIENTATION BETWEEN A ROBOT GRIPPER AND A CAMERA - Disclosed are methods adapted to calibrate a robot gripper to a camera. The method includes providing a robot with a coupled moveable gripper, providing one or more cameras, providing a target scene having one or more fixed target points, moving the gripper and capturing images of the target scene at two or more imaging locations, recording positions in the gripper coordinate system for each of the imaging locations, recording images in a camera coordinate system, and processing the images and positions to determine a gripper-to-camera transformation between the gripper coordinate system and the camera coordinate system. The transformation may be accomplished by nonlinear least-squares minimization, such as the Levenberg-Marquardt method. Robot calibration apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed, as are other aspects. | 05-21-2015 |
20150140679 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR LIQUID MIXING ASSESSMENT - Compositions include an aqueous solution of an organic dye of molecular weight in the range of about 300 to about 1,000 and a density-enhancing material. An amount of the density-enhancing material in the aqueous solution is sufficient to achieve a density of about 1.0 to about 1.3 g/mL. The composition has a viscosity of about 3.5 to about 5.0 centipoise. The compositions are useful in assessing the adequacy of a liquid handling mixing device to mix a reaction mixture. | 05-21-2015 |
20150140668 | NON-CONTACT OPTICAL ENCODING SCHEME FOR INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION PUCK - An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. The intelligent carriers can include one or more image sensors to observe the relative motion of the track as the carrier traverses it. The carriers can also observe position marks on the track surface to provide absolute position information, which can include additional data, such as routing instructions. Synchronization marks may be provided to correct errors in the observed trajectory. | 05-21-2015 |
20150132780 | MELITTIN PEPTIDE CONJUGATES AND METHODS EMPLOYING SAME - Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays for IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen. A reagent comprises a conjugate of a small molecule linked to a terminal glycine amino acid of a synthetic 26 amino acid melittin peptide. In the method a combination is provided that comprises a sample and the aforementioned reagent. The combination is subjected to conditions for binding of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen to the reagent to form a complex. One or both of the presence and amount of the complex is detected and related to one or both of the presence and amount in the sample of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen. | 05-14-2015 |
20150129071 | ROTARY SHEAR VALVE WITH THREE-POINT STATOR SEATING - A rotary shear valve having three-point stator seating is provided. Three contact points are predetermined between a bottom of the stator and a valve body rim and three clamping pads may also be predetermined. The three clamping pads and the three points of contact between stator and the valve body rim are corresponding and aligned when the rotary shear valve is assembled so that the clamping or compression forces on both sides of the stator directly oppose one another, thereby effectively canceling each other. In one embodiment, the stator includes three contact points on the bottom surface proximate the periphery of the stator to contact the valve rim and a gasket includes three clamping pads proximate the periphery of the gasket web to apply a compression force on the top surface of the stator above the three contact points. | 05-14-2015 |
20150122614 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING SAMPLE TUBES - A sample tube transport system that includes a track adapted to provide a path for one or more carriers between a plurality of modules. The system includes at least one upper conveyor system having an upper belt configured to wrap around a first upper pulley and a second upper pulley, and a plurality of upper magnets affixed to the upper belt to move the one or more carriers along the track adjacent the upper belt. The at least one lower conveyor system includes a lower belt spaced vertically below the upper belt and configured to wrap around the first lower pulley and the second lower pulley, and a plurality of lower magnets affixed to the lower belt. Each of the plurality of lower magnets are positioned to attract and move the one or more carriers along the track adjacent the lower belt. | 05-07-2015 |
20150101911 | ARTICULATED SAMPLE CONTAINER RACK APPARATUS, RACK CONVEYOR SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF CONVEYING SAMPLE CONTAINERS - An articulated sample rack apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect, the articulated sample rack apparatus has a plurality of coupled rack components wherein at least some of the rack components have a receptacle having a bottom to receive a sample container, the rack having free ends and at least one hinge allowing articulation between at least some of the rack components. Conveyor systems and methods to convey sample racks are provided, as are other aspects. | 04-16-2015 |
20150099310 | SAMPLE INTRODUCTION SYSTEM - A sample port system/device associated with a fluid collection device is provided and is configured to receive fluid-containing devices of varying diameters. A method of improving the work flow and safety involved in acquiring and/or testing fluid samples using such sample port system/device is also provided. | 04-09-2015 |
20150099309 | MULTI-CHANNEL LIGHT MEASUREMENT METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS HAVING REDUCED SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO - Disclosed is a multi-channel light measurement system adapted to illuminate and measure a test sample in a vessel. The multi-channel light measurement system has at least one photodetector per channel and a variable integrate and hold circuit coupled to each photodetector, the variable integrate and hold circuit allows adjustment of a sampling factor selected from a group of an integration time, a value of capacitance, an area of a discrete photodetector array, or any combination thereof. The system may readily equilibrate reference intensity output for multiple channels. Methods and apparatus are disclosed, as are other aspects. | 04-09-2015 |
20150097124 | SHUTTER ASSEMBLY FOR A LUMINESCENCE-BASED SAMPLE ANALYZER - A shutter assembly includes a first shutter blade having a first toothed arm extending therefrom and a first light transmitting aperture therein, and a second shutter blade positioned adjacent and parallel to the first shutter blade. The second shutter blade has a second toothed arm extending therefrom and a second light transmitting aperture therein. The first and second shutter blades are supported to allow parallel linear motion. A motor gear is disposed between, and meshed with, the first and second toothed arms such that rotation of the gear causes the first and second shutter blades to move linearly in opposite directions between an open position in which the first and second light transmitting apertures are in an overlapping relationship with respect to one another, and a closed position in which the first and second light transmitting apertures are in a non-overlapping relationship with respect to one another. | 04-09-2015 |
20150094231 | Oligonucleotides and Methods for Detecting KRAS and PIK3CA Mutations - Provided are oligonucleotides that are capable of detecting KRAS and PIK3CA mutations in both cancer patients and healthy individuals with high specificity in kPCR assays. When the oligonucleotides are used as forward primers in conjunction with a defined genotyping algorithm spreadsheet, the primers are capable of enhancing detection of KRAS codon 12, 13, and 61 and PIK3CA codon 542, 545, and 1047 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a background of wild-type sequences. The oligonucleotides of the present invention are also capable of preventing pseudogene amplification when the oligonucleotides are hybridized as reverse primers or detection probes to the mismatch sequences. | 04-02-2015 |
20150086386 | MULTI-CHAMBER PUMP APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Disclosed are apparatus adapted to dispense and/or aspirate liquids, such as in a clinical analyzer. In one aspect, a multi-chamber pump apparatus is disclosed that has a pump body containing first and second chambers, a piston having a first piston portion of a first pump area A1 received in the first chamber, and a second piston portion of a second pumping area A2 received in the second chamber, and an actuator coupled to the piston. The first and second chambers can be selectively accessed to improve metering accuracy at dissimilar flow volumes from the chambers. Methods and systems including the multi-chamber pump apparatus are provided, as are other aspects. | 03-26-2015 |
20150082874 | SENSOR ARRAY - A sensor assembly has a substrate with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one analyte sensor positioned on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate, and at least one electrical contact positioned on the substrate in electrical communication with a corresponding one of the at least one analyte sensor. The substrate is configured to define a tube having an interior surface, and an exterior surface. At least a portion of the first surface of the substrate defines the interior surface of the tube, and the at least one analyte sensor is disposed on at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the tube. | 03-26-2015 |
20150079695 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING PRIORITY SAMPLES THAT PRESERVES A FIFO PROCESSING QUEUE - Methods and systems for processing samples in an analyzer utilizes a track system with a plurality of track portions. A queue of samples for processing can be handled on a first portion, while priority samples may be handled on another portion. An instrument in a module may process samples in queues and priority samples. The instrument may process priority samples while a queue of samples remains on the first portion and resumes processing the queue of samples along the first portion upon completion of processing the priority sample. | 03-19-2015 |
20150064802 | MODULE TRANSPORT SYSTEM THAT CAN BE COMBINED INTO AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM - An integrated automation system for use in transporting samples between modules, the system can include a plurality of modules configured to be connected to one another for processing samples, each of the plurality of modules having an internal transport system. Each internal transport system includes one or more periphery track portions integrated within a respective module, each of the periphery track portions having two ends and one or more transverse track portions integrated within the respective module, the one or more transverse track portions intersecting at least one of the one or more periphery track portions. The internal transport systems can be configured to connect to one another via one end of the two ends connecting to one end of the two ends of adjacent periphery track portions, thereby forming a continuous periphery track running through and connecting the plurality of modules. Samples are transported along the continuous periphery track and the one or more transverse track portions. The continuous periphery track and the one or more transverse track portions form a plurality of paths along which the samples are transported. | 03-05-2015 |
20150064775 | RANDOM ACCESS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION TESTING - A random access, high-throughput system and method for preparing a biological sample for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing are disclosed. The system includes a nucleic acid isolation/purification apparatus and a PCR apparatus. The nucleic acid isolation/purification apparatus magnetically captures nucleic acid (NA) solids from the biological sample and then suspends the NA in elution buffer solution. The PCR testing apparatus provides multiple cycles of the denaturing, annealing, and elongating thermal cycles. More particularly, the PCR testing apparatus includes a multi-vessel thermal cycler array that has a plurality of single-vessel thermal cyclers that is each individually-thermally-controllable so that adjacent single-vessel thermal cyclers can be heated or cooled to different temperatures corresponding to the different thermal cycles of the respective PCR testing process. | 03-05-2015 |
20150047725 | MODIFIED FLUOROPOLYMER TUBING FOR ROBUST FLUID STREAM CONTINUITY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - The present invention discloses a section of tubing including a fluoropolmer tubular body which has an interior surface defining a fluid passage through the tubular body. At least a first portion of the interior surface has a first hydrophobicity which is less than that of the remainder of the tubular body. At least a first portion of the interior surface can have a molar ratio of fluorine to oxygen of no greater than | 02-19-2015 |
20150037797 | IMMUNOASSAY FOR DETECTION OF SPECIFIC NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCES SUCH AS MIRNAS - The invention relates to a method of detecting nucleic acid molecules by immunoassay detection. Detection of a specific nucleic acid molecule of interest is achieved by using a nucleic acid probe in solution which hybridizes in solution to the nucleic acid molecule of interest. Immunoassay detection is achieved by using an antibody specific for the hybrid formed by hybridization of the nucleic acid probe to the nucleic acid molecule of interest. | 02-05-2015 |
20150031135 | CALIBRATION METHOD FOR REAGENT CARD ANALYZERS - A method for calibrating an imager of a reagent analyzer, comprises positioning a dry reagent pad at a first read position in a field of view of the imager, the first read position illuminated by an illumination source with a first intensity, detecting a reference optical signal by the imager, indicative of a first reflectance value of the dry reagent pad at the first read position, positioning the dry reagent pad at a second read position, the second read position illuminated with a second intensity different from the first intensity, detecting a first optical signal by the imager, indicative of a second reflectance value of the dry reagent pad at the second read position, and calculating, by a processor, a calibration factor for the dry reagent pad at the second read position based on a difference between the reference optical signal and the first optical signal. | 01-29-2015 |
20150025678 | INTELLIGENT BIDIRECTIONAL MULTIFUNCTIONAL CARRIER AND INTEGRATED AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSPORTATION - An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. A central management controller can communicate wirelessly with the carriers to direct the carriers to carry a fluid sample to testing stations along a track within the automation system. The carriers control local motion and navigate decision points, such as forks in the track, to reach the appropriate testing station independently. The carriers can utilize landmarks and distance encoding to reach destinations accurately and quickly, including, for example, within less than the time for a single operation cycle of an automated clinical analyzer. | 01-22-2015 |
20150020532 | ACTIVE, MICRO-WELL THERMAL CONTROL SUBSYSTEM - Devices and systems for active thermal control of sample holding devices for bDNA testing, polymerase chain reaction testing, chemiluminescent immuno-assay testing, and so forth. The thermal control subsystem includes a fluidic circuit, first and second heater assemblies, a centrifugal pump, and a heat exchange device. The first and second heater assemblies include a heat removal device and a controllable thermo-electric device. One or both of the heater assemblies can include a heat spreader. A controller actively controls the pump, the heat removal device, and the thermo-electric devices, to thermally-control sample-containing vessels retained in the holding device. | 01-22-2015 |
20150010437 | ENCODING SCHEME EMBEDDED INTO AN AUTOMATION TRACK SURFACE - An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. A central scheduler can communicate wirelessly with the carriers to direct the carriers to carry a fluid sample to testing stations along a track within the automation system. The carriers can utilize landmarks and distance encoding to reach destinations accurately and quickly, including, for example within less than the time for a single operation cycle of an automated clinical analyzer. The distance encoding can include optical marks repeated at regular intervals (pitch), where the intervals are conveyed to the carriers wirelessly or via optical encoding. The pitch of the encoding can differ for different sections of track depending on the position precision desired. | 01-08-2015 |
20150008122 | PATIENT SERUM/PLASMA SAMPLE RESISTIVITY FOR ELECTROLYTE RESULT VERIFICATION - Verification of patient sample electrolyte results using a separate quantitative measurement of sample resistivity. Sample resistivity may be used to measure small differences in resistivity of one sample to the next, and in comparison to a standard solution, in order to verify the results of sample electrolyte measurements being measured at the same time by, for example, individual ion selective electrodes (ISE) in a clinical analyzer. Providing a separate or secondary quantitative means for verification of the measured results of sample electrolytes using sample resistivity solves the problem of electrolyte result variability in sample electrolyte measurements. The process may compare a measured sample resistivity to an expected resistivity value as a verification of the accuracy of individual electrolyte results. Suspect samples—e.g., where the electrolyte resistivity results do not fit the expected resistivity—may be flagged. This separate verification step provides added confidence in the measured electrolyte results and can identify when problems occur or interferences are present in real time. | 01-08-2015 |
20140377755 | Universal Tags with Non-natural Nucleobases - The present invention relates to amplification primers with a universal tag and sequencing primers comprising at least one non-natural nucleobase capable of hybridizing to a complementary non-natural nucleobase. The present invention further relates to amplification methods of nucleic acid amplification and sequencing using an amplification primer with a universal tag and sequencing primers, as well as kits and solid supports comprising such primers and tags. | 12-25-2014 |
20140374480 | BARCODE READING TEST TUBE HOLDER - Tube holders for use in a lab environment include an optical device to allow the observation of barcode information on a sample tube. The optical device can include a lens or camera. Tube holders can also include reflective surfaces or mechanical mechanisms to allow the tube to be rotated such that reading a barcode does not require a strict initial orientation of the tube when placed in the tube holder. Arrays of tubes can include optical guides to allow barcodes to be read by an external imaging device. | 12-25-2014 |
20140373747 | POWER SOURCE FOR AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM MECHANISM - Power systems for an independent carrier for transport of payloads in an automation system for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) applications. The independent carrier may include an onboard power source and an onboard electrical system electrically connected to the onboard power source for controlling movement of the carrier. The independent carrier may include an onboard propulsion system electrically connected to the onboard power source for propelling the carrier and electrically connected to the onboard electrical system for receiving a command to control the movement of the carrier. Onboard power sources may include: replaceable batteries, rechargeable batteries, induction battery charging, photovoltaic power, Peltier effect power, and external combustion engines. | 12-25-2014 |
20140373596 | LIQUID TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CALIBRATION THEREOF - Disclosed are methods adapted to calibrate a liquid transfer system. The methods include providing a probe having a fluidly-coupled pressure sensor, the pressure sensor adapted to sense an aspiration pressure associated with the probe, performing one or more air aspirations and taking one or more pressure readings with the pressure sensor, and using one or more of the pressure readings to calibrate the pressure sensor. A novel liquid transfer system is also disclosed, as are other aspects. | 12-25-2014 |
20140370608 | STATUS DISPLAYING SAMPLE CARRIERS - An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. To aid in operator handling of payloads and carriers, carriers include an electronically rewritable display on a surface visible to an operator. The display can include an LCD, E-ink, or other rewritable display and can utilize color, pattern, or text to convey status information of the payloads to the operator. | 12-18-2014 |
20140367255 | INTERDIGITATED ARRAY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - An automated feed manufacturing product is disclosed. The automated feed manufacturing product is provided with a flexible substrate having a plurality of card zones with the card zones defining sensing areas with sensor units formed within the sensing areas. The sensor units have a first electrode having first fingers, and a second electrode having second fingers and with the first fingers interleaved with the second fingers and with the first fingers spaced away from the second fingers. The sensor units also comprising biomolecule receptors on the flexible web between the first electrode and the second electrode such that a physical property of the first electrode relative to the second electrode is effected upon one or more of the biomolecule receptors binding to a biomolecule. The automated feed manufacturing product can be formed as a continuous web, or discrete sheets formed using a sheet feeder that picks up and processes the discrete sheets. | 12-18-2014 |
20140356885 | Reducing Non-Specifically Bound Molecules on Supports - Methods and reagents are disclosed for preparing a support for reaction of the support with an assay molecule. In the method the support is treated with a detergent at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 5% (by weight) at a temperature of about 4° C. to about 50° C. for a period of about 1 hour to about 24 hours and subsequently the support is washed. The support is contacted with the assay molecule under conditions for covalently binding the assay molecule to the support to form a conjugate of the support and the assay molecule. | 12-04-2014 |
20140349409 | REAGENT CARD ALIGNMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A reagent card analyzer comprises an optical signal source configured to transmit an optical signal and an optical signal detector spaced a distance from the optical signal source to define an optical signal path into which the optical signal is transmitted, the optical signal detector configured to detect the optical signal and to output an electrical signal indicative of the optical signal. A reader is configured to read a reagent pad of a reagent card. A reagent card moving mechanism is configured to move the reagent card having the reagent pad including a leading and trailing end through the optical signal path. An optical detector interface is electrically coupled with the optical signal detector and configured to receive electrical signals and to output a pad detect signal indicative of at least one of the leading and the trailing end as the reagent card is moved through the optical signal path. | 11-27-2014 |
20140336084 | COATED SUBSTRATES FOR HIGH ENERGY CAPTURE PHASE BINDING AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF - A substrate, which is useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays, and a method for preparing the substrate are provided. The substrate has an upper surface with a coating disposed thereon. The coating comprises a charged polymer, a non-ionic polyether, and a silicate compound. The substrate can increase capture phase binding and reduce non-specific binding of biomolecules for a biological microarray. | 11-13-2014 |
20140308751 | Assays for Analyte Homologs - Methods include adjusting a contribution of one of two analyte homologs to an amount of signal obtained in an assay for determining a total amount of the two analyte homologs in a sample. A non-assay receptor is employed that has a greater binding affinity for whichever of the two analyte homologs whose contribution to the amount of signal is to be adjusted. An amount of the non-assay receptor is sufficient to achieve an adjustment of the contribution of the analyte homolog to the signal. The assay for determining the total amount of the two analyte homologs is conducted where the assay utilizes at least one assay antibody. | 10-16-2014 |
20140308690 | DEVICES CONTAINING DRIED REAGENTS FOR RECONSTITUTION AS CALIBRATION AND/OR QUALITY CONTROL SOLUTIONS, AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF - Devices contain dried reagents that may be reconstituted and used in the calibration and quality control of sensors. Methods of producing and using the devices are also disclosed. | 10-16-2014 |
20140295575 | ZWITTERION-CONTAINING ACRIDINIUM COMPOUNDS - Hydrophilic, chemiluminescent acridinium compounds containing zwitterions are disclosed. These acridinium compounds, when used as chemiluminescent labels in immunochemistry assays and the like, exhibit decreased non-specific binding to solid phases and provide increased assay sensitivity. | 10-02-2014 |
20140287440 | Melittin Peptide Conjugates and Methods Employing Same - Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays for IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen. A reagent comprises a conjugate of a small molecule linked to a terminal glycine amino acid of a synthetic 26 amino acid melittin peptide. In the method a combination is provided that comprises a sample and the aforementioned reagent. The combination is subjected to conditions for binding of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen to the reagent to form a complex. One or both of the presence and amount of the complex is detected and related to one or both of the presence and amount in the sample of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen. | 09-25-2014 |
20140267702 | OPTICAL METROLOGY BY LIGHT BEAM ANALYSIS - Methods and systems are disclosed including a first light source producing a first light beam and a second light source producing a second light beam into a detection area; the first light beam overlapping the second light beam at a predetermined distance above the inspection base; at least one image processing system comprising one or more light detectors adapted to remotely sense the first and second light beam and generate one or more output signals indicative of one or more patterns produced on a top of an object by the first and second light beam; and one or more processors running computer executable instructions that when executed by the processor causes the image processing system to receive the output signal and determine height of the object by analyzing location of the first light beam relative to the second light beam in the one or more pattern. | 09-18-2014 |
20140242615 | Methods and Reagents for Determining Isomeric Analytes - Methods include determining in a sample an amount of a first isomeric analyte and a second isomeric analyte. A first measurement value and a second measurement value are determined. The first measurement value represents a total amount of the first isomeric analyte and the second isomeric analyte. The second measurement value represents an amount of the second isomeric analyte only. The second measurement value is subtracted from the first measurement value to obtain a resulting value and the resulting value is equated to an amount of the first isomeric analyte in the sample. | 08-28-2014 |
20140235495 | CELL RESPONSE ASSAY FOR CANCER AND METHODS OF PRODUCING AND USING SAME - A cell response assay for cancer is provided. In the assay, the levels of a cancer cell type biomarker, a chemo resistance biomarker and a metastatic potential biomarker are simultaneously measured in a biological sample. | 08-21-2014 |
20140234892 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR SEPARATING CELLS FROM A FLUID - A microfluidic device for separating one or more cells having a diameter and a first surface energy from a bulk fluid having a second surface energy. The microfluidic device has a base portion having a capillary gap with an inlet capillary, an outlet capillary, a bottom surface, a gap height with the ratio of the gap height to the diameter of the one or more cells ranging from 5 to 1 to 100 to 1. The base portion defines a first flow path therethrough, at least one groove formed in the bottom surface of the capillary gap, the at least one groove having a depth, a width, and a third surface energy, and oriented perpendicular relative to the first flow path. The ratio of the groove width to the diameter of the one or more cells ranges from about 5 to 1 to about 100 to 1, and the third surface energy is higher than the first and second surface energies. | 08-21-2014 |
20140221626 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DETECTION OF METHADONE METABOLITE - Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays for EDDP. The reagents include a moiety selected from the group consisting of poly(amino acid) label moieties, non-poly(amino acid) label moieties, poly(amino acid) immunogenic carriers, non-poly(amino acid) immunogenic carriers, non-label poly(amino acid) moieties, and non-immunogenic carrier poly(amino acid) moieties linked to 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine at the 3-position of one of the phenyl rings. Antibodies produced from immunogenic EDDP conjugates and labeled EDDP conjugates are employed in assays for determining the presence and/or amount of EDDP in samples suspected of containing EDDP. | 08-07-2014 |
20140212987 | Signal Ratio in Assay Calibrators - Methods of enhancing signal ratio between calibrators in an assay for an analyte include conducting an assay for the analyte with zero concentration of analyte in a first calibrator to determine a first signal level. The reagents employed in the assay comprise an antibody reagent comprising an antibody for the analyte wherein a hinge region of the antibody is conjugated to a moiety. The assay for the analyte is also conducted with a second concentration of analyte in a second calibrator to determine a second signal level wherein the second analyte concentration is greater than zero and wherein the reagents employed in the assay comprise the antibody reagent. A ratio of the first signal level to the second signal level is determined and evaluated. | 07-31-2014 |
20140203173 | Methods, Systems, and Apparatus for Sample Illumination - Disclosed are methods and apparatus adapted to aid in an illumination of a test sample in a test vessel. The method includes sequencing multiple wavelength light sources by turning OFF all but the light source of interest and taking a reading. The illumination apparatus has a bracket with a first and second arms and a space between them adapted to receive a test vessel, an array of light sources and a lens array coupled to the first arm, an array of bandpass filters adapted to filter light signals from each light source, at least one aperture array adapted to limit an extent of light emitted to the test vessel, and a single photo detector coupled to the second arm adapted to receive light signals from each of the light sources without moving the test vessel. Systems are disclosed, as are other aspects. | 07-24-2014 |
20140186236 | METHOD FOR PURIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS, PARTICULARLY FROM FIXED TISSUE - The invention relates to a method for purification of nucleic acids, to a kit for performing the method according to the invention and to a new application of magnetic particles for purification of a biological sample. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) accommodating of the sample in a first sample vessel in an aqueous solution and lysing of the sample under non-chaotropic conditions; suspending of first magnetic particles in the solution and inserting of the first sample vessel in a sample vessel holder, wherein the sample vessel is inserted in the annular interior space of a ring magnet associated with the sample vessel holder; separating of the solution from the magnetic particles; and isolating of the nucleic acids from the solution. | 07-03-2014 |
20140168398 | BODY FLUID IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD, AND DEPTH OF FIELD EXTENSION IMAGING DEVICE - Disclosed in the present invention is a body fluid imaging system, a body fluid imaging method and a depth of field extension imaging device. The depth of field extension imaging device includes: an interface unit for receiving the light refracted and/or reflected by the body fluid sample in a current body fluid sample container; and a depth of field extension unit for carrying out wavefront coding and convergence processing on the light received by said interface unit. By means of the system, method and device of the present invention, the time needed by the imaging process can be reduced, thus improving the productivity of the system; and error generated due to frequently adjusting the relative position between the body fluid sample container, the depth of field extension imaging device and the image sensor can be avoided, thus improving the reliability of the system. | 06-19-2014 |
20140154706 | Compounds and Methods for Determination of FKBP-Binding Immunosuppressant Drugs - Compositions are disclosed for releasing an FKBP-binding immunosuppressant drug from endogenous binding substances in a sample suspected of containing the FKBP-binding immunosuppressant drug. The compositions include sirolimus derivatives that are modified with a bulky organic radical in the triene portion of the sirolimus molecule. The compositions may be employed in conjunction with assays for an FKBP-binding immunosuppressant drug in a sample suspected of containing the drug. | 06-05-2014 |
20140152820 | Method and Apparatus for Remote Multiple-process Graphical Monitoring - A network of controllers for controlling and monitoring associated assay testing systems coupled to a remote monitoring unit for monitoring and controlling the controllers and/or the assay testing systems is disclosed. Each controller transmits a display image representing the status of the respective assay testing system. The remote monitoring unit automatically detects if the number of display images from the controllers is greater than a threshold number of displayable, static thumbnail images and, when the threshold is exceeded, displays thumbnail images dynamically in a scrolling or streaming motion. The thumbnail images, whether static or dynamic, are updated in real-time or pseudo-real-time to reflect updated status of the assay testing systems. | 06-05-2014 |
20140134750 | TEST DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE - A test device for analyzing fluid samples. The test device includes a planar support member for supporting reagent pads, and a handle attached to, or for attaching to the planar support member. The test device can be treated with a fluid sample by disposing a fluid sample on the reagent pads. The fluid sample can be disposed onto the reagent pads by the handle, or by dipping the test device into the fluid sample. | 05-15-2014 |
20140134605 | Reagents and methods for detecting HCV - The present disclosure relates to oligonucleotide sequences for amplification primers and their use in performing nucleic acid amplifications of HCV, in particular regions that encode the NS3 polypeptide. In some embodiments the primers are used in nested PCR methods for the detection or sequencing of HCV NS3. The oligonucleotide sequences are also provided assembled as kits that can be used to amplify and detect or sequence HCV NS3. | 05-15-2014 |
20140127715 | REDUCTION IN FALSE RESULTS IN ASSAY MEASUREMENTS - Methods and reagents are disclosed for detecting a false result in an assay measurement for determining a concentration of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises measuring assay signal resulting from background only and measuring assay signal resulting from the presence of analyte in the sample plus background and subtracting the first measurement from the second measurement to determine the concentration of analyte in the sample. For example, a measurement result 1 is determined by means of an assay conducted on a portion of the sample where analyte in the sample is substantially sequestered and a measurement result 2 is determined by means of the assay conducted on an equal portion of the same sample where analyte in the sample is substantially non-sequestered. Measurement result 1 is subtracted from measurement result 2 to determine the concentration of analyte in the sample. | 05-08-2014 |
20140105766 | FACE DRIVE FLUID PUMP - A fluid pump comprising a fluidic manifold comprising a plate constructed of a fluid-impermeable material. The plate has a pump platen, first fluid connectors, and second fluid connectors, and one or more channels formed therein for connecting the first connectors to the second connectors. The fluid pump has a fluid-impermeable membrane positioned on the plate and covering the one or more fluid channels to form one or more fluid paths. The fluid pump also has a pump tubing positioned on the pump platen, the pump tubing having a first part connected to a first one of the first fluid connectors and a second part connected to a second one of the first fluid connectors such that the pump tubing is fluidly connected to the channels via the first one and the second one of the first fluid connectors. | 04-17-2014 |
20140094424 | MICROBICIDAL COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION USE THEREOF - Microbicidal compositions that exhibit enhanced microbial efficacy are disclosed, as well as methods of producing and using the microbicidal compositions. | 04-03-2014 |
20140093890 | QUANTITATIVE ASSAYS FOR RAS P21 IN BODY FLUIDS - The present invention is directed to the detection and quantification of total ras p21 in body fluids, particularly serial changes of total ras p21 levels in a subject's body fluids. Further, the invention is directed to detecting and quantitating total ras p21 in conjunction with one or more other proteins, such as, oncoproteins, angiogenic factors, tumor markers, inhibitors, growth factor receptors, metastasis proteins, and tumor suppressors. The disclosed methods are diagnostic/prognostic for preneoplastic/neoplastic diseases, and useful to select therapies for patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic diseases. The disclosed methods are further useful to monitor the status of a patient's preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and/or to monitor how a patient is responding to an anticancer therapy. | 04-03-2014 |
20140063241 | MULTI-VIEW STEREO SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TUBE INVENTORY IN HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS - A multi-view stereo approach generates an inventory of objects located on an object holder. An object may be a sample tube and an object holder may be a tube rack as used in lab automation for healthcare diagnostics. A processor performs 3D tracking of the object holder and the geo-metric analysis of multiple images generated by a calibrated camera. A homography mapping between images is utilized to warp a second image to a viewpoint of a first image. Plane induced parallax causes a normalized cross-correlation score between the first image and the warped second image of a location on the holder that has an object that is significantly different from a normalized cross-correlation score of a location that has not an object and enables the processor to infer tube inventory and absence or presence of a tube at a location in a rack. | 03-06-2014 |
20140045673 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING THE ANGLE OF A POLAR COORDINATE SYSTEM DEVICE TO THE AXIS OF AN END-EFFECTOR - A method, system, and apparatus for aligning the index angle of a polar coordinate system device, such as the rotor of a centrifuge, with the vertical axis of a Cartesian coordinate system device, such as a robotic end-effector. The apparatus includes a first registration device, that is removably attached to the gripping means of the end-effector and a second registration device, that is removably insertable into a pivoting platform, such as a bucket to a centrifuge rotor. As the first registration device is lowered into the second registration device, the fixed orientation of the notches of the second registration device and the rigid nature of the first registration device cause a linear ball slide to displace and the bucket to rotate until the primary axis of the linear ball slide is in compliance with the cross pin axis of the first registration device | 02-13-2014 |
20140038890 | ADIPONECTIN RECEPTOR C-TERMINAL FRAGMENTS (CTF)-IMMUNOGLOBULIN - Methods of detecting a first species' Ig-CTF in a biological sample comprising exposing the biological sample to a first antibody of a second species that preferentially binds the first species' Ig-CTF or an antigen binding fragment of the antibody, forming a mixture, exposing the mixture to a second antibody or antigen-binding fragment of a third species that preferentially binds the first species' Ig, and detecting the Ig-CTF in the biological sample. | 02-06-2014 |
20140032125 | Environment and Method for Rapid Analysis of Genomic Sequence Data - In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a method that may include receiving an indication of selection of a first diagnostic algorithm of two or more of diagnostic algorithms for analyzing genetic sequence data, where the indication is associated with an identifier. The method may further include retrieving, from a storage medium, first genetic sequencing data associated with the identifier and analyzing, by one or more processors, the first genetic sequencing data using the first diagnostic algorithm to obtain at least one diagnostic result. | 01-30-2014 |
20140028857 | HIGH FLUX COLLIMATED ILLUMINATOR AND METHOD OF UNIFORM FIELD ILLUMINATION - A device including an optical reader, a first light source, and a second light source. The optical reader has a field of view comprising a first surface point and a second surface point horizontally offset from the first surface point along the field of view. The first light source is positioned a first distance from the first surface point. The first light source is operably connected to a first control channel and has a first luminous output. The second light source is positioned a second distance from the second surface point and has a second luminous output. The first distance is different from the second distance, and the first luminous output is different from the second luminous output such that the illumination at the first surface point is substantially equivalent to the illumination at the second surface point of the field of view. | 01-30-2014 |
20140026002 | METHODS FOR HIERARCHICALLY IDENTIFYING ROOT CAUSE ERRORS - A method associates errors by causal relationship in software systems where multiple threads share access to hardware and/or software components. Where a software object, such as a lock, is provided, a thread can place an error ID into the object if encountered while the first thread controls the object. A second thread can retrieve the error ID and associate it as a parent error for any time-out error encountered while waiting for the software object. Errors can be reported and displayed in a causal graph for determining root causes. Errors can have a severity that can facilitate the display of errors to a user. Root cause errors can be assigned the severity of the most severe of its child errors to assist a user in determining a root cause. Errors can further be displayed or masked based on the severity assigned to the errors and/or their parent or child errors. | 01-23-2014 |
20140024133 | METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING VERTICAL PROBE ALIGNMENT USING DIAGNOSTIC MIXING ROUTINES - A method and apparatus for adjusting the height of a tip of a mixing element, such as a needle probe, compares the mixing efficiency observed at two heights separated by a predetermined distance. The heights can be incrementally adjusted to determine the location of the bottom of a mixing vessel and, by extension, the approximate location for placing the mixing element for efficient mixing of solutions in the mixing vessel. | 01-23-2014 |
20140005829 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATION OF AN ORIENTATION BETWEEN AN END EFFECTOR AND AN ARTICLE | 01-02-2014 |
20130345894 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CALIBRATION OF A POSITIONAL ORIENTATION BETWEEN A SAMPLE CONTAINER AND NOZZLE TIP - Disclosed are methods to aid in a calibration of a vertical orientation of a nozzle tip to a sample container in a processing or testing system. The method includes positioning the nozzle over a calibration target at a home height location (HM), moving the nozzle downward a distance (D) until contact with the calibration target is sensed, positioning the nozzle over the sample rack and moving the nozzle downward until contact with a registration location is sensed, imaging the sample rack and calibration target to determine a height (H) between the registration location and calibration target, and calculating a translation ratio (TR) between the height (H) measured in pixel space and the distance (D) measured in machine space. The translation ratio (TR) may be used to drive the nozzle tip to a predetermined depth. A robot calibration system is disclosed, as are other aspects. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345357 | Composition for Use as an Assay - A composition for use as an assay reagent comprises a solid support comprising a member of a signal producing system and a coating of a synthetic copolymer. The synthetic copolymer comprises a first polymerized monomer comprising a pendant moiety comprising a reactive functionality or a derivative of a reactive functionality and a second polymerized monomer comprising a pendant moiety comprising at least 1 carbon atoms and at least 2 heteroatoms. In some embodiments the copolymer comprises a polyethylenic backbone comprising the pendant moiety comprising a reactive functionality or a derivative of a reactive functionality and the pendant moiety comprising at least 1 carbon atom and at least 2 heteroatoms. | 12-26-2013 |
20130344515 | RADIAL FLOW IMMUNOASSAY AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF - A radial flow immunoassay includes a membrane having a plurality of immobilized distinct antigens disposed thereon. Methods of producing the immunoassay, and methods of utilizing same to detect immunoglobulin present in a biological sample, are also disclosed. | 12-26-2013 |
20130287630 | HYDROPHILIC COATING FOR NONPOROUS SURFACES AND MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES INCLUDING SAME - A coating formula and method for surface coating non-porous surfaces. Microfluidic devices including said coating achieve desired properties including increased hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, stability and optical clarity. | 10-31-2013 |
20130261611 | Modular Diagnostic Instrument Workstation Architecture and Method - A workstation architecture for one or more medical diagnostic instruments is provided using a modular approach. Elements common to operations for the instruments are grouped together as a set of service components that are made available to instrument specific software applications. Application developers can develop software specific to the instrument while accessing the common service components to speed software development. A user interface tool is provided to permit a customized user interface to be developed for the instrument, within a generally consistent interface environment. The resulting user interfaces have a consistent look and behavior among different instrument types to facilitate a simplified and familiar user experience. The common service components provide a broad variety of services that are useful to developers and are easily integrated with instrument specific software. Features such as language variability and secure access points are provided in a distributed environment. | 10-03-2013 |
20130236918 | SANDWICH ASSAY FOR IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT DRUGS - Methods are disclosed for determining an immunosuppressant drug in a sample suspected of containing an immunosuppressant drug. The method includes providing in combination in a medium the sample, a first monoclonal antibody for the immunosuppressant drug, and a second monoclonal antibody for the immunosuppressant drug. The second monoclonal antibody binds to a portion of the immunosuppressant drug other than the portion to which the first monoclonal antibody binds to the immunosuppressant drug. The medium is incubated under conditions for binding of the first monoclonal antibody and the second monoclonal antibody to the immunosuppressant drug. The medium is examined for the presence of an immunocomplex comprising the immunosuppressant drug, the first monoclonal antibody and the second monoclonal antibody. The presence and/or amount of the immunocomplex indicates the presence and/or amount of the immunosuppressant drug in the sample. | 09-12-2013 |
20130230868 | Screening process for finding samples having a functionality disorder of the GPIb-von Willebrand factor interaction - The invention relates to a screening process for determining a disordered von Willebrand factor (VWF)-GPIb interaction in a patient's sample. This comprises contacting the sample with isolated GPIbα protein, with VWF protein and with a solid phase associated with an antibody specific for said isolated GPIbα protein, and determining complex formation. | 09-05-2013 |
20130220027 | Real Time Measurements of Fluid Volume and Flow Rate Using Two Pressure Transducers - To provide accurate determinations of volumetric flow rate and thus of total liquid volume transported over a given time period, two pressure transducers are disposed a predetermined distance apart along a conduit. Precise pressure measurement readings are generated from which volumetric flow rate can be derived with accuracy. Integration of the volumetric flow rate over time yields an improved measure of the total liquid volume that has flowed through the conduit during the respective temporal interval. The two pressure transducers are disposed along the conduit a predetermined distance apart with no obstruction or restriction in the conduit between the transducers. A controller can be used to determine the volumetric flow rate using the Hagen-Poiseuille Equation. | 08-29-2013 |
20130210003 | COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN DETECTION OF MULTIPLE ANALYTES - Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The methods are directed to determining the presence or relative amounts of two or more components in a medium. A combination is provided comprising a medium suspected of containing the components, at least two sensitizer reagents and at least one reactive reagent activatable by singlet oxygen. The sensitizer reagents are capable of generating singlet oxygen and are distinguishable by wavelength of sensitization. The combination of sensitizer reagents and reactive reagents allows differential detection of the components. The sensitizer reagents are differentially activated. The amount of signal generated as a result of the activation of said reactive reagent is determined wherein the amount thereof is related to the amount of each of the components in the medium. | 08-15-2013 |
20130207812 | Method and Device for Optical Alert Recognition - A method for remotely displaying an error state of a controller or an assay testing instrument via a network. The method includes generating and transmitting display image data representing the operating status of the controller; receiving the display image data transmitted by the controller at a remote monitoring unit; displaying the display image data on a display device; comparing high resolution display image data to alert (error) image data stored in a database; and generating an error alert message indicative of the error state when any of the display images matches one of the error alert image. | 08-15-2013 |
20130203076 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DETECTION OF METHADONE METABOLITE - Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays for EDDP. The reagents include a moiety selected from the group consisting of poly(amino acid) label moieties, non-poly(amino acid) label moieties, poly(amino acid) immunogenic carriers, non-poly(amino acid) immunogenic carriers, non-label poly(amino acid) moieties, and non-immunogenic carrier poly(amino acid) moieties linked to 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine at the 3-position of one of the phenyl rings. Antibodies produced from immunogenic EDDP conjugates and labeled EDDP conjugates are employed in assays for determining the presence and/or amount of EDDP in samples suspected of containing EDDP. | 08-08-2013 |
20130196353 | DETECTION OF SOLUBLE ADIPONECTIN RECEPTOR PEPTIDES AND USE IN DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPEUTICS - The present invention relates to soluble C-terminal fragments of the adiponectin receptor and their use in the diagnosis and management of disorders. | 08-01-2013 |
20130189702 | Curve Processor Algorithm for the Quality Control of (RT-) qPCR Curves - The invention is in the field of analytical technology and relates to an improved procedure for determining the concentration or activity of an analyte in a sample. Specifically the invention provides an automated algorithm for the quality control of (RT-)qPCR reactions. Plotting the fluorescence intensity of a reporter dye divided by the fluorescence intensity of a passive reference dye against the cycle number leads to a so-called sigmoid function which is characterized by a background phase, an exponential growth phase and a plateau phase. Since the fluorescence intensity as a function of cycles relates to the initial number of template molecules in the sample, qPCR curves can be used to quantify the amount of RNA or DNA fragments in the sample by determination of a so-called Cq value. | 07-25-2013 |
20130183710 | Reference sample for quality control in molecular diagnosis - The present invention relates to a reference sample for quality control purposes in molecular diagnosis of biological samples, which reference sample comprises a mixture of cells from at least one reference cell line which exhibits a particular gene expression profile, and at least one type of lymphocytes. Furthermore, the invention relates to productions methods for such references samples as well as to methods of their use. | 07-18-2013 |
20130183234 | Compositions Useful for Target, Detection, Imaging and Treatment, and Methods of Production and Use Thereof - Compositions useful for target detection, imaging and treatment, as well as methods of production and use thereof, are disclosed herein. | 07-18-2013 |
20130149720 | DETECTION OF SOLUBLE ADIPONECTIN RECEPTOR PEPTIDES AND USE IN DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPEUTICS - The present invention relates to soluble C-terminal fragments of the adiponectin receptor and their use in the diagnosis and management of disorders. | 06-13-2013 |
20130143239 | Melittin Peptide Conjugates And Methods Employing Same - Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays for IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen. A reagent comprises a conjugate of a small molecule linked to a terminal glycine amino acid of a synthetic 26 amino acid melittin peptide. In the method a combination is provided that comprises a sample and the aforementioned reagent. The combination is subjected to conditions for binding of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen to the reagent to form a complex. One or both of the presence and amount of the complex is detected and related to one or both of the presence and amount in the sample of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen. | 06-06-2013 |
20130136569 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS ADAPTED TO HANDLE STICKY SAMPLE CONTAINERS - Disclosed are methods and systems adapted to aid in a handling of sample containers (e.g., sample containers) in a processing or testing system. The method includes a sequence of motions of gripper fingers and a seater to accomplish a pick and place operation of a sample container where the sample container includes a sticky surface. A sample container positioning system is disclosed, as are other aspects. | 05-30-2013 |
20130112761 | Methods, Systems, And Apparatus Providing Temperature-Controlled Process Fluid - Disclosed are systems and apparatus adapted to control a temperature of a process fluid in an instrument. In one aspect, the systems and apparatus are adapted to control fluid temperature provided to a feed tank. The feed tank may feed a metering system and metering line of an instrument such as a clinical analyzer. The fluid temperature control system includes a process fluid inflow, a process fluid outflow, a first fluid path fluidly coupled to the process fluid inflow and outflow, and at least one heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first fluid path, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to extract heat for at least one heat-generating component of the instrument. Controlling a temperature of the process fluid at the feed tank improves metering accuracy. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects. | 05-09-2013 |
20130095496 | Soluble Quencher to reduce Background in qPCR assays - Soluble Quencher to reduce Background in qPCR assays The invention is in the field of is in the field of analytical technology. In particular, it is useful for conducting (RT-)quantitative PCR (qPCR) reactions for detection of DNA and RNA involving fluorescent probes. The distinguishing feature of the invention is to decrease the background not of an individual probe, but of all probes carrying the same fluorescent label. This is achieved by adding a soluble quenching dye to the qPCR reaction mix. The soluble quenching dye has an absorption of at least 40% of its maximal absorbance at the excitation wavelength and/or at the emission wave length of the fluorescent dye label This dye then acts as a “soluble shield” and allows to reduce the fluorescent background brought in by a large number of identically labeled probes. Depending on the nature (i.e. absorption spectrum) of the quenching dye, it is possible to selectively reduce the background of a single detection channel, while maintaining the signal strength of the other detection channels: This provides more flexibility, in case not all channels exhibit the same high background. | 04-18-2013 |
20130090863 | Estimation of delta-Cq values with confidence from qPCR data - The invention describes how to estimate delta-Cq values from measured (raw-)Cq values gained from PCR measurements and how to calculate confidence intervals for them. This is realized by the following processing steps: A noise model, which might be constructed on some training PCR data, calculates the distribution of the true target material concentration of a single well for an observed measurement results. Said distribution is calculated for all types of measurement results including “Numeric” raw-Cq values as well as Cq being “Undetected”, which denotes that no fluorescence signal was detected during all cycles and thus corresponds to no or very few target molecules. | 04-11-2013 |
20130084592 | METHODS FOR CORRECTING ASSAY MEASUREMENTS - Methods are disclosed for correcting an assay measurement for determining a concentration of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. An assay signal is measured at a first wavelength corresponding to the analyte in the sample and an assay signal is measured at a second wavelength corresponding to background that is multiplied by a correction factor. An assay signal value is determined by subtracting assay signal at the second wavelength times the correction factor from assay signal at the first wavelength. The assay signal value is related to the amount of the analyte in the sample. | 04-04-2013 |
20130065325 | ZWITTERIONIC REAGENTS - Zwitterion-containing compounds for the modification of hydrophobic molecules to improve their solubility and/or to lower their non-specific binding as provided. The zwitterion-containing compounds may be suitable for modification of detectable labels such as biotin and fluorescein to improve their solubility. The zwitterion-containing compounds may also be useful for the preparation of conjugates of proteins, peptides and other macromolecules or for crosslinking molecules and/or macromolecules. | 03-14-2013 |
20130059825 | Antibodies to 25-HYDROXY Vitamin D2 and D3 and Uses Thereof - Provided herein are antigenic molecules that can be used to generate antibodies capable of binding to a vitamin D derivative, such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and/or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, or a 25-hydroxyvitamin D analog, such as a vitamin D-C22 immunogenic molecule or compound. Antibodies produced using these antigenic molecules, and related antigenic compounds, are also described. In addition, disclosed herein are methods for detecting vitamin D deficiency in a subject, methods for treating a subject suspected of having a vitamin D deficiency, methods for monitoring progression of vitamin D deficiency in a subject, and methods for monitoring treatment of vitamin D deficiency in a subject in need thereof. Also provided are methods and reagents for the detection or quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3, methods for stabilizing vitamin D analogs, and methods for separating 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3 from vitamin D binding protein in a biological sample. | 03-07-2013 |
20130041236 | SAMPLE ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A sample collection device having a sample container and microfluidic device having one or more microfluidic circuits, the system for analyzing biological samples. The microfluidic device has a sample inlet port, a microconduit in communication with the inlet port and with reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is connected to an air vent via another microconduit. Air may be vented from the microfluidic circuit via the air vent of the microfluidic circuit via an air vent in the sample container. | 02-14-2013 |
20130040843 | Increasing Multiplex Level by Externalization of Passive Reference in PCR Reactions - Methods for increasing multiplex level by externalization of a passive reference in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) are provided. An exemplary method comprises providing a first mastermix including a passive fluorescence dye in at least a first well of a plate; providing a second mastermix including an active fluorescence dye in at least a second well of the plate; wherein the passive fluorescence dye and the active fluorescence dye emit a same spectrum and an intensity of the spectrum is adapted to be measured; and wherein the first mastermix is devoid of an active fluorescence dye emitting the same spectrum and the second mastermix is devoid of the passive fluorescence dye emitting the same spectrum. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 02-14-2013 |
20130017621 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS PROVIDING REAGENT MIXING - Disclosed are methods and systems adapted to provide mixing of a liquid reagent in an automated clinical analyzer. The methods include aspirating an air separator (e.g., an air slug) into the interior of a probe. A relatively small volume of reagent liquid is also aspirated into the probe adjacent to the air separator; the volume of liquid reagent being entirely contained within the probe. The volume of liquid reagent may be repeatedly aspirated and dispensed at a relatively high frequency to accomplish reagent mixing in the reagent container. Improved sample and reagent mixing may be promoted using a similar method. Systems carrying out the methods are provided, as are other aspects. | 01-17-2013 |
20130004988 | DISPENSING OF A DIAGNOSTIC LIQUID ONTO A DIAGNOSTIC REAGENT - Biological fluid samples are deposited by methods that produce a uniform layer of the sample over a reagent-containing surface. In one embodiment, a nozzle having multiple openings is used to deposit a sample over the reagent-containing surface simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, single droplets of the sample are deposited in a pattern on the surface, preferably in a sequence of parallel lines. The reaction between the biological sample and the reagents is read from a spectrographic image of the reagent-containing surface obtained by optical methods. | 01-03-2013 |
20120295358 | Magnetic Conveyor Systems, Apparatus and Methods Including Moveable Magnet - Disclosed are magnetic conveyor systems and apparatus having a magnetic coupling with a housing and moveable magnet therein. The moveable magnet is substantially constrained in one dimension and adapted to move in another. The moveable magnet is adapted to magnetically couple with an attracting portion of a sample rack and move the rack along a conveying surface. Ease of transfer of sample racks is provided while minimizing spillage from the open sample containers therein. Method of operating the conveyor system are provided, as are other aspects. | 11-22-2012 |
20120291532 | Methods, Systems, And Apparatus To Determine A Clot Carryout Condition Upon Probe Retraction During Sample Aspiration And Dispensing - A method of determining a condition of clot carryout from a sample container containing a sample fluid is disclosed. During aspiration of a fluid sample (e.g., blood), a level sensor, such as a capacitance sensor, is used to measure ascending and descending liquid level readings. A difference between the ascending and descending liquid level readings may be compared to a predetermined threshold. Non-ideal conditions, such as a clot carryout condition wherein a clot is carried out of the sample container on the exterior surface of the probe may be detected thereby. Systems and apparatus for carrying out the method are provided, as are other aspects. | 11-22-2012 |
20120288863 | Oligonucleotides and methods for detecting KRAS and PIK3CA mutations - Provided are oligonucleotides that are capable of detecting KRAS and PIK3CA mutations in both cancer patients and healthy individuals with high specificity in kPCR assays. When the oligonucleotides are used as forward primers in conjunction with a defined genotyping algorithm spreadsheet, the primers are capable of enhancing detection of KRAS codon 12, 13, and 61 and PIK3CA codon 542, 545, and 1047 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a background of wild-type sequences. The oligonucleotides of the present invention are also capable of preventing pseudogene amplification when the oligonucleotides are hybridized as reverse primers or detection probes to the mismatch sequences. | 11-15-2012 |
20120283867 | AUTOMATED, REFRIGERATED SPECIMEN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An automated, refrigerated specimen management system (ARSIMS) to hold sealed and/or opened sample/specimen tubes and/or containers that can be in the pre-analytical, in-process, or post-analytical phase of processing. The ARSIMS ensures that each sample/specimen tube, whether it is sealed, capped, closed or open, can be stored at an ideal storage temperature according to the particular phase of processing and as appropriate for the combination of sample/specimen type and analyte(s) to be tested. | 11-08-2012 |
20120237550 | Maintaining Antibody-Binding Activity Of Immunosuppressant Drug Conjugates - Methods and reagents are disclosed for maintaining the antibody-binding activity of a conjugate of an immunosuppressant drug and a conjugative moiety. The method comprises combining with the conjugate an effective amount of a chelating agent. Compositions include in an aqueous medium (i) a conjugate of an immunosuppressant drug and a conjugative moiety and (ii) a chelating agent in an amount effective to maintain an antibody-binding activity of the conjugate of the immunosuppressant drug and the conjugative moiety. The compositions may be employed in assays for the determination of analytes that include immunosuppressant drug analytes and antibodies for an immunosuppressant drug. | 09-20-2012 |
20120227771 | Apparatus, Systems, And Methods Adapted To Rinse And Dry Clinical Analyzer Sample Probes - A rinsing and drying apparatus of a clinical analyzer probe drain station is provided. The rinsing and drying apparatus has a group of nozzles that are offset from a longitudinal axis of a probe passage and may be inclined and oriented to provide tangentially oriented fluid-jet trajectories exiting into the sample probe passage. The offset nozzles, nozzle orientation, and cavity geometrical features of the device permit the drying capacity of probe-impinging planar air-knife jets to be maximized by stabilizing local internal fluid movement to form a swirling (e.g., helical) gas flow field directed away from a drying region and toward a vacuum exhaust. The rinsing and drying apparatus eliminates rinse water re-circulated entrainment and up-wash (spitting) during the air-knife drying operation. Therefore, the rinsing and drying apparatus significantly reduces water carryout on sampling probes thereby reducing sample/reagent dilution. | 09-13-2012 |
20120225497 | ZWITTERION-CONTAINING ACRIDINIUM COMPOUNDS - Hydrophilic, chemiluminescent acridinium compounds containing zwitterions are disclosed. These acridinium compounds, when used as chemiluminescent labels in immunochemistry assays and the like, exhibit decreased non-specific binding to solid phases and provide increased assay sensitivity. | 09-06-2012 |
20120220524 | ASSAYS FOR CANCER PATIENT MONITORING BASED ON LEVELS OF ANALYTE COMPONENTS OF THE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR SYSTEM IN BODY FLUID SAMPLES - The present invention describes methods of examining, screening over time, and monitoring the outcome of a cancer patient who is undergoing treatment or therapy. More specifically, the invention provides a method of monitoring the progression of disease, or the effectiveness of cancer treatment, in a cancer patient by measuring the levels of one or more analytes of the plasminogen activator (uPA) system, namely, uPA, PAI-1 and the complex of uPA:PAI-1, in a sample taken from the cancer patient, preferably, before treatment, at the start of treatment, and at various time intervals during treatment. An increase or elevation in the levels of one or more of the PA system analytes in the cancer patient compared with the levels one or more of the respective PA system analytes in normal control individuals serves as an indicator of cancer advancement or progression. | 08-30-2012 |
20120219975 | Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose-Macromolecule Conjugates And Methods Employing Same - Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays for IgE. Embodiments of the present reagents comprise a conjugate of a macromolecule and a compound comprising a galactose-α-1,3-galactose epitope. Embodiments of the present methods are directed to determining the presence and/or amount of an IgE specific for a galactose-α-1,3-galactose epitope in a sample. A combination is provided in a medium, which comprises the sample and a reagent for determining the presence and/or amount of an IgE specific for a galactose-α-1,3-galactose epitope in a sample wherein the reagent comprises a conjugate of a macromolecule and a compound comprising a galactose-α-1,3-galactose epitope. The combination is subjected to conditions for binding of the IgE to the reagent to form a complex. The presence and/or amount of the complex are detected and the amount of the complex is related to the presence and/or amount of IgE in the sample. | 08-30-2012 |
20120214978 | Reducing Non-Covalently Bound Polysaccharide On Supports - Methods and reagents are disclosed for reducing an amount of non-covalently bound polysaccharide on a support. The method comprises contacting a support comprising both covalently bound polysaccharide and non-covalently bound polysaccharide with an aqueous solution comprising an amount of a chaotropic agent effective to remove non-covalently bound polysaccharide from the support. | 08-23-2012 |
20120208297 | COMPOSITION FOR USE AS AN ASSAY REAGENT - A composition for use as an assay reagent comprises a solid support comprising a member of a signal producing system and a coating of a synthetic copolymer. The synthetic copolymer comprises a first polymerized monomer comprising a pendant moiety comprising a reactive functionality or a derivative of a reactive functionality and a second polymerized monomer comprising a pendant moiety comprising at least 1 carbon atoms and at least 2 heteroatoms. In some embodiments the copolymer comprises a polyethylenic backbone comprising the pendant moiety comprising a reactive functionality or a derivative of a reactive functionality and the pendant moiety comprising at least 1 carbon atom and at least 2 heteroatoms. | 08-16-2012 |
20120191248 | Fast-Error/Fast-Exception Handling Scheduler - A method of scheduling an operation and a method of salvaging a launched test on a sample analyzer having a plurality of system resources for which there is a discrete, redundant subsystem Methods include scheduling real-time actions for execution on the subsystem or its redundant subsystem, linking the subsystem or a first redundant subsystem to another subsystem or to a second redundant subsystem, commanding the subsystem or the redundant subsystem to execute the actions for execution, executing each of the actions, monitoring execution of the actions, and re-scheduling an action for execution on a first subsystem on a corresponding discrete, redundant subsystem when an error or malfunction has occurred that may impact the launched test If re-scheduling is not possible, then the method includes trying to pause the launched test When pausing fails, the method includes marking the test bad an removing the test with minimal interference. | 07-26-2012 |
20120190002 | METHOD SYSTEM AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR WEB BASED TRAINING ON AN INSTRUMENT OR PIECE OF EQUIPMENT - Disclosed are methods and systems adapted to provide a single-source, e-training platform for generating an e-training plan and providing e-training courses directed at various competencies in the operation, maintenance, calibration, control testing, and/or troubleshooting of an instrument or piece of equipment. The system includes an e- training module having a content library sub-module of e- training courses, a trainee planner, and a validation sub- module adapted to validate a completion of a practical portion. An administrator module adapted to generate an invite to a trainee, and allow generation of an e-learning plan for a trainee. Computer-readable medium containing an executable version of the methods are provided, as are other aspects. | 07-26-2012 |
20120149599 | COMBINED RAPID SUSCEPTIBILITY ASSAY AND MICROORGANISM IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - In response to the need for highly-sensitive antibiotic susceptibility assays and identification assays that do not require extensive incubation times, the present invention provides automated assay methods and systems that permit the determination of antibiotic susceptibilities and/or microorganism identification in a timeframe that is substantially shorter than has previously been attainable using a hybrid system that combines turbimetric and fluorescence determinations using a single, clear-plastic assay platform. Related devices, kits, and components thereof are also disclosed. | 06-14-2012 |
20120149027 | Method for Determining the Risk of Metastasis as an Indicator for Diagnostic Imaging - The present invention pertains to the field of in vitro diagnostics and relates to a method for determining the risk of metastasis of a tumor, wherein a high risk of metastasis shows that subsequent examinations by means of imaging methods are indicated for the patient. | 06-14-2012 |
20120142004 | Universal Tags With Non-Natural Nucleobases - The present invention relates to amplification primers with a universal tag and sequencing primers comprising at least one non-natural nucleobase capable of hybridizing to a complementary non-natural nucleobase. The present invention further relates to amplification methods of nucleic acid amplification and sequencing using an amplification primer with a universal tag and sequencing primers, as well as kits and solid supports comprising such primers and tags. | 06-07-2012 |
20120140230 | Methods And Apparatus For Ascertaining Interferents And Physical Dimensions In Liquid Samples And Containers To Be Analyzed By A Clinical Analyzer - A method of inspecting a clinical specimen for a presence of one or more interferents, such as those that might be found within clinical analytical blood specimens by subjecting the specimen to centrifugation to separate the specimen into a red blood cell portion and a blood serum or plasma portion is provided. Subsequent to the centrifuging procedure, the serum or plasma portion of the clinical analytical specimen may be tested for the presence of one or more interferents such as hemolysis, icterus, lipemia, or liquid nonuniformities therein. Additionally, physical dimensional characteristics of the sample container and/or specimen may be determined. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects. | 06-07-2012 |
20120135916 | MONOMERIC AND DIMERIC FORMS OF ADIPONECTIN RECEPTOR FRAGMENTS AND METHODS OF USE - Methods are disclosed for determining progression of a condition, onset of a condition, or efficacy of treatment of a condition characterized by an adipocyte imbalance in a patient. In addition, methods are disclosed of treating diabetes, abnormal adipocyte activity, and insulin resistance using monomeric, homodimeric, and heterodimeric forms of certain C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor. In addition, methods of treating abnormal adipocyte activity, treating metabolic syndrome, causing insulin secretion, increasing insulin levels, inhibiting insulin degradation enzyme, treating Alzheimer's disease, treating cardiovascular disease associated with adiponectin levels, inhibiting ADAM-17 enzyme, inhibiting a protease, treating a condition associated with TNF-alpha, and treating a condition associated with HER2-neu are disclosed. Compositions, dosage forms, and kits are also disclosed. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134769 | Methods, Systems, And Apparatus Adapted To Transfer Sample Containers - A method adapted to transfer a sample container such as a capped sample tube is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes gripping a sample tube body with a first gripper pair and a cap with a second gripper pair of a gripper apparatus. In another aspect, a seating member may contact the cap to aid in the positioning of the sample container. Apparatus and systems for carrying out the method are provided, as are other aspects. | 05-31-2012 |
20120127821 | Method For Mixing Liquid Samples In A Container Using A Lemniscate Stirring Pattern - A method for rapidly and uniformly mixing solutions within a biochemical analyzer by rapidly and repeatedly moving a sampling probe in generally lemniscate shaped pattern within the solution is provided. | 05-24-2012 |
20120072027 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOW-VOLUME ANALYZER WITH FIXED AND VARIABLE INDEXING - A sample analyzer with fixed and variable indexing that is structured and arranged to align reaction vessels, e.g., cuvettes, at a pre-determined, fixed point while maintaining a positional sequence using variable indexing. Variable indexing allows cuvettes to be presented to multiple, fixed point resources at multiple occasions in a systematic progression in a highly efficient manner. The presentation of cuvettes to multiple, fixed point resources at multiple times is superior to existing indexing. | 03-22-2012 |
20120064546 | METHODS FOR DETECTION OF HYDROPHOBIC DRUGS - Methods and reagents are disclosed for pretreating a sample suspected of containing a hydrophobic drug for conducting an assay method for detecting the hydrophobic drug. A combination is provided in a medium that includes the sample, a releasing agent for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties, and a selective solubility agent that provides for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The selective solubility agent includes a water miscible, non-volatile organic solvent and is present in the medium in a concentration sufficient to provide for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The medium, which may further include a hemolytic agent, is incubated under conditions for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties. The pretreated sample may be subjected to an assay for determining the hydrophobic drug. | 03-15-2012 |
20120045847 | ASSAY FOR ANALYTES USING MULTIPLE RECEPTORS - A method for determining an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte comprises providing in combination a medium, the sample, and two or more different receptors. Each different receptor binds to at least two different epitopic sites. One of the epitopic sites is a common binding site and one of the epitopic sites is non-common binding site. The non-common epitopic sites are different for each different receptor. The receptors exhibit mono-molecular binding. The medium is incubated under conditions for binding of the receptors to the epitopic sites. The medium is examined for the presence and/or amount of complexes comprising the epitopic sites and the receptors. The presence and/or amount of the complexes indicate the presence and/or amount of the analyte in the sample. | 02-23-2012 |
20120034629 | PREDICTION OF NON-FATAL AND FATAL ATHEROTHROMBOTIC EVENTS - The present invention relates to methods and systems for the prediction of atherothrombotic events in human subjects. Preferably the human subjects are afflicted with a cardiovascular disease, such as end-stage renal disease. Methods and systems of the invention are particularly suited to predict atherothrombotic events in patients on hemodialysis. | 02-09-2012 |
20110318754 | Reduction in False Results in Assay Measurements - Methods and reagents are disclosed for detecting a false result in an assay measurement for determining a concentration of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises measuring assay signal resulting from background only and measuring assay signal resulting from the presence of analyte in the sample plus background and subtracting the first measurement from the second measurement to determine the concentration of analyte in the sample. For example, a measurement result 1 is determined by means of an assay conducted on a portion of the sample where analyte in the sample is substantially sequestered and a measurement result 2 is determined by means of the assay conducted on an equal portion of the same sample where analyte in the sample is substantially non-sequestered. Measurement result 1 is subtracted from measurement result 2 to determine the concentration of analyte in the sample. | 12-29-2011 |
20110306148 | COMPOSITION FOR USE AS AN ASSAY REAGENT - A composition for use as an assay reagent comprises a solid support comprising a member of a signal producing system and a coating of a synthetic copolymer. The synthetic copolymer comprises a first polymerized monomer comprising a pendant moiety comprising a reactive functionality or a derivative of a reactive functionality and a second polymerized monomer comprising a pendant moiety comprising at least 1 carbon atoms and at least 2 heteroatoms. In some embodiments the copolymer comprises a polyethylenic backbone comprising the pendant moiety comprising a reactive functionality or a derivative of a reactive functionality and the pendant moiety comprising at least 1 carbon atom and at least 2 heteroatoms. | 12-15-2011 |
20110301089 | ADIPONECTIN RECEPTOR FRAGMENTS AND METHODS OF USE - Methods are disclosed of treating diabetes, abnormal adipocyte activity, and insulin resistance using C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor R1. Methods of causing the secretion of insulin in healthy and diabetic patients using C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor R1 are also disclosed. In addition, methods are disclosed of increasing the insulin levels in healthy patients using C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor R1. In addition, methods of treating abnormal adipocyte activity, treating metabolic syndrome, causing insulin secretion, increasing insulin levels, inhibiting insulin degradation enzyme, treating Alzheimer's disease, treating cardiovascular disease associated with adiponectin levels, inhibiting ADAM-17 enzyme, treating a condition associated with TNF-alpha, and treating a condition associated with HER2-neu are disclosed. Compositions, dosage forms, and kits are also disclosed. | 12-08-2011 |
20110294221 | CONTROL BRACKETING AND RESULTS HOLD - An automated immunoassay analyzer, or assay system, provides for frequent testing of control samples to verify that before and after a series of tests of patients' samples, the operation of the test equipment is accurate, thereby ensuring that the results of the series of patient tests are accurate. Operating the immunoassay analyzer in this manner will delay reporting clinical test results until the results are confirmed as accurate. This operation can be performed automatically by a random access immunoassay analyzer. | 12-01-2011 |
20110281279 | CIRCULATING Epha2 RECEPTOR - Provided are compositions, methods, and kits relating to the detection of a circulating or soluble form of the EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase. | 11-17-2011 |
20110275104 | Device and Method for Detection of Humidity-Compromised Urine Test Strips - The timing of the reaction of moisture-sensitive reagents for detecting the presence of analytes, e.g. leukocytes in urine samples, is used to detect when the reagents have been compromised by excess humidity. The ratio of light reflectance at wavelengths characteristic of the products of reaction between the reagents and the analyte and an infra-red reference dye is measured at two preset times after a urine sample has been applied to a test strip and used to determine whether the reagents have been compromised by excessive humidity. The presence of unusually dark samples is determined from the reflected light at 470 and 625 nm in order to confirm that the test strips are humidity-compromised. | 11-10-2011 |
20110275095 | Microarrays for Allergen-Specific IgE - Biological samples are assayed for the presence of IgE antibodies specific to unknown allergens in the samples. Known allergens conjugated to biotin are attached as an array of spots on a streptavidin-linked membrane. A sample is incubated with the membrane containing attached known allergens. After washing away excess sample, the membrane is contacted with a labeled anti-IgE, e.g. alkaline phosphatase-labeled anti-IgE, thus attaching anti-IgE to the IgE from the sample, now bound to known allergens. The excess labeled anti-IgE is washed away and the attached IgE remaining on the membrane identified by adding a substrate for the label, thus producing a measurable response. | 11-10-2011 |
20110268329 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A LIQUID LEVEL IN A CONTAINER USING IMAGING - Methods, systems and apparatus for determining a level of a sample are provided. An image of a sample housed in a container is captured, wherein the image is represented as a two dimensional array of intensities of light. An area of interest is extracted from the image. A filter is applied to the area of interest. The filtered area is collapsed into a one dimensional array. The one dimensional array is masked. The level of the sample in the container is determined based on the masked one dimensional array. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 11-03-2011 |
20110267450 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED DETECTION OF THE PRESENCE AND TYPE OF CAPS ON VIALS AND CONTAINERS - Methods, systems and apparatus for determining the presence of a cap on a container are provided. An exemplary method comprises capturing an image of an object; extracting an area of interest from the image; determining from the image a position of one or more edges of the object; and determining the presence of a cap based on a comparison of the one or more edge positions to reference data. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 11-03-2011 |
20110262304 | METHOD OF FLUID CONTROL IN MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC MEDIA - Migration of liquid samples on diagnostic test strips is prevented by dividing the test strips into reagent-containing pads spaced about 0.3 to 3 mm apart with a laser. | 10-27-2011 |
20110245483 | Method For Purification Of Nucleic Acids, Particularly From Fixed Tissue - The invention relates to a method for purification of nucleic acids, to a kit for performing the method according to the invention and to a new application of magnetic particles for purification of a biological sample. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) accommodating of the sample in a first sample vessel in an aqueous solution and lysing of the sample under non-chaotropic conditions; suspending of first magnetic particles in the solution and inserting of the first sample vessel in a sample vessel holder, wherein the sample vessel is inserted in the annular interior space of a ring magnet associated with the sample vessel holder; separating of the solution from the magnetic particles; and isolating of the nucleic acids from the solution. | 10-06-2011 |
20110236997 | Methods and Reagents for Shortening Incubation Times in Hybridization Assays - The methods and reagents described herein can be used to shorten incubation times in hybridization assays. As demonstrated in the examples, we have identified specific sulfonic acid polymers and hybridization conditions that lead to significantly shorter incubation times (e.g., signals after three hours that are comparable to signals that could traditionally only be obtained after overnight incubation). In some embodiments, shorter incubation times are achieved by adding the sulfonic acid polymer(s) during the hybridization process. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, shorter incubation times are achieved via changes to the hybridizing conditions, e.g., by reducing the hybridization volume, increasing the salt concentration, and/or increasing the probe concentration (capture extender probe and/or label extender probe). | 09-29-2011 |
20110230638 | METHODS FOR DETECTION OF CYCLOSPORIN A - Methods and reagents are disclosed for determining the presence and/or amount of cyclosporin A in a medium suspected of containing cyclosporin A. In the method a combination is provided in a medium. The combination comprises (i) the sample, (ii) a first member of a signal producing system (sps) associated with a first support wherein the first sps member is capable of activating a second member of the sps and wherein the first support is associated with a first member of a specific binding pair, and (iii) the second sps member associated with a second support wherein the second sps member is activatable by the first sps member. The second support comprises either (I) cyclosporin C or cyclosporin A and the combination further comprises a conjugate of an antibody for cyclosporin A and a second member of the specific binding pair or (II) antibody for cyclosporin A and the combination further comprises a conjugate of cyclosporin A and a second member of the specific binding pair. The combination is subjected to conditions for binding of cyclosporin A to the antibody for cyclosporin A. The first sps member is activated and the amount of signal generated by the second sps member is detected. The amount of signal is related to the presence and/or amount of cyclosporin A in the sample. | 09-22-2011 |
20110223673 | Polarized Optics for Optical Diagnostic Device - A readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument includes a holder configured for receiving reagent sample media therein. The sample media has a plurality of test areas configured to react with, and change color, according to an amount of an analyte in a sample. The holder is sized and shaped for forming an indexed fit with the sample media. One or more light sources are configured to emit light onto the test areas. First and second polarized light filters are respectively disposed between the light sources and the test areas, and between the test areas and one or more light detectors, so that the light detectors receive diffuse, non-specular reflections of the light from the test areas, while substantially preventing the light detectors from receiving specular reflections of the light. | 09-15-2011 |
20110180426 | Modulating Polarization Voltage of Amperometric Sensors - The service life of amperometric electrochemical oxygen sensors is increased by operating the electrodes of such sensors at a polarization voltage suitable for measuring the oxygen content of samples only during calibration or when measuring such samples and thereafter modulating the polarization voltage to a lower voltage such that substantially no electrical current is produced by the electrodes. | 07-28-2011 |
20110149277 | Multi-Layer Slides for Analysis of Urine Sediments - Visual analysis of urine samples is carried out with the use of a slide consisting of three layers containing an enclosed viewing chamber which receives a urine sample deposited by pipette into an opening on the outer layer of the slide. From the inlet opening the sample enters an inlet chamber in the middle layer and passes through a capillary passageway into the viewing chamber where it is inspected for particles and sediments. | 06-23-2011 |
20110143946 | Method for predicting the response of a tumor in a patient suffering from or at risk of developing recurrent gynecologic cancer towards a chemotherapeutic agent - The present invention relates to a method for predicting a response of a tumor in a patient suffering from or at risk of developing recurrent gynecologic cancer towards a chemotherapeutic agent, said method comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a biological sample from said patient; b) determining the pattern of expression level of at least one gene of the group comprising AKR1C1, MLPH, ESR1, PGR, COMP, DCN, IGKC, CCL5, FBN1 and/or UBE2C, or of genes coregulated therewith, in said sample; c) comparing the pattern of expression levels determined in (b) with one or several reference pattern (s) of expression levels; d) identifying at least one marker gene; e) determining a molecular subtype for said sample on the basis of (d); and f) predicting from said molecular subtype response of a tumor for a chemotherapeutic agent, wherein the molecular subtype is selected from the group comprising the subtypes basal, stromal-high, stromal-low, luminal A, immune system-high, immune system-low, proliferation-high and/or proliferation-low. | 06-16-2011 |
20110139638 | Use of Polyoxyalkylene Nonionic Surfactants with Magnesium Ion Selective Electrodes - Methods are disclosed for reducing the shift in EMF bias in a magnesium ion selective electrode, comprising the step of: contacting the electrode with a composition comprising a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant; wherein the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant has an HLB greater than about 18. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods, comprising the steps of: contacting a magnesium ion selective electrode with a composition comprising a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant, wherein the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant has an HLB greater than about 18; and measuring a biologically relevant level of a blood electrolyte in a blood composition with the electrode. In certain embodiments, the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant is polyoxy ethylene (100) stearyl ether and the blood electrolyte is magnesium ion. | 06-16-2011 |
20110136136 | Methods For Detection Of Hydrophobic Drugs - Methods and reagents are disclosed for pretreating a sample suspected of containing a hydrophobic drug for conducting an assay method for detecting the hydrophobic drug. A combination is provided in a medium. The combination comprises (i) the sample, (ii) a releasing agent for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties, and (iii) a selective solubility agent that provides for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The selective solubility agent comprises a water miscible, non-volatile organic solvent and is present in the medium in a concentration sufficient to provide for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The medium, which may further comprise a hemolytic agent, is incubated under conditions for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties. For conducting an assay for the hydrophobic drug, the above pretreatment is performed and to the medium is added reagents for determining the presence and/or amount of the hydrophobic drug in the sample wherein the reagents comprise at least one antibody for the hydrophobic drug. The medium is examined for the presence of a complex comprising the hydrophobic drug and the antibody for the hydrophobic drug, the presence and/or amount of the complex indicating the presence and/or amount of the hydrophobic drug in the sample. | 06-09-2011 |
20110136107 | Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Diseases Associated with G-Protein Coupled Receptor AdipoR2 (AdipoR2) - The invention provides human AdipoR2 which is associated with the cardiovascular diseases, dermatological diseases, gastroenterological diseases, cancer, hematological diseases, respiratory diseases, inflammation, neurological diseases, urological diseases. The invention also provides assays for the identification of compounds useful in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases, dermatological diseases, gastroenterological diseases, cancer, hematological diseases, respiratory diseases, inflammation, neurological diseases, urological diseases. The invention also features compounds which bind to and/or activate or inhibit the activity of AdipoR2 as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. | 06-09-2011 |
20110124013 | Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose-macromolecule conjugates and methods employing same - Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays for IgE. Embodiments of the present reagents comprise a conjugate of a macromolecule and a compound comprising a galactose-α-1,3-galactose epitope. Embodiments of the present methods are directed to determining the presence and/or amount of an IgE specific for a galactose-α-1,3-galactose epitope in a sample. A combination is provided in a medium, which comprises the sample and a reagent for determining the presence and/or amount of an IgE specific for a galactose-α-1,3-galactose epitope in a sample wherein the reagent comprises a conjugate of a macromolecule and a compound comprising a galactose-α-1,3-galactose epitope. The combination is subjected to conditions for binding of the IgE to the reagent to form a complex. The presence and/or amount of the complex are detected and the amount of the complex is related to the presence and/or amount of IgE in the sample. | 05-26-2011 |
20110118141 | Disease Specific Diagnostic Aid - A disease specific panel having at least one primary test for different analytes that are relevant for either early detection of a primary disease or management of patients already diagnosed with said primary disease. The panel also includes at least one secondary test which is relevant for detection of a co-morbid condition or complications of the primary disease. Generally, the primary and secondary tests are disposed on a support surface. The disease specific panel is different from the prior art creening tests in that there are no tests included in the panel whose results are not relevant or do not relate to either primary disease or a co-morbid condition or complications of the primary disease. The disease specific panel may also include systems and methods utilizing algorithms for creating and outputting diagnostic aids, as well as warnings about the presence of possible sample interferants, especially those commonly associated with the subject disease of the panel. | 05-19-2011 |
20110111522 | NON-VISIBLE DETECTABLE MARKING FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS - Sample media for the analysis of analytes in a fluid test sample includes a carrier, at least one test field on the surface of the carrier including at least one reagent reactive with the analytes and capable of providing a detectable response. A non-visible bar code formed by at least two distinct non-visible marker fields is located on the carrier. The marker fields are configured to reflect electro-magnetic (EM) radiation within one or more ranges of non-visible wavelengths to form a coded sequence of reflectances correlated to identification of the sample media. | 05-12-2011 |
20110092691 | Method For Filtering Nucleic Acids, In Particular From Fixed Tissue - The invention relates to a method for filtering nucleic acids, to a kit for carrying out the method according to the invention and to a novel use of magnetic particles for filtering a biological sample. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) the sample is held in an aqueous solution; b) lysing of the sample; c) separation of cellular debris; and d) the nucleic acids are isolated from the solution, steps (a) to (c) taking place under non-chaotropic conditions. | 04-21-2011 |
20110091978 | STABILIZATION OF SIGNAL GENERATION IN PARTICLES USED IN ASSAYS - Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays. Embodiments of the present methods and reagents are concerned with a solid support such as, for example, a particle. The support comprises a chemiluminescent composition that comprises a metal chelate. The present inventors observed that, when such support such as, e.g., particles, were employed in assays for the determination of an analyte, stability of signal output by the chemiluminescent composition associated with the particle was unacceptably reduced as compared to particles comprising other chemiluminescent compositions. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the stability of signal output from such particles is enhanced by including in a medium comprising the particles a sufficient amount of one or more stabilizing agents, which may be a chelating agent and/or a metal chelate such as, for example, the metal chelate that is associated with the particle. | 04-21-2011 |
20110065108 | Urine Transport Medium - A method of stabilizing a patient sample such as a urine sample to prevent degradation of nucleic acids for subsequent analysis for pathogen detection involves adding a stabilizing solution to an aliquot of the sample. A stabilizing solution comprising a chaotrope, a non-ionic detergent, and a buffer preserves urine samples for at least 28 days at room temperature for storage and transportation to an analytical facility for screening for pathogen nucleic acids. | 03-17-2011 |
20110044854 | Method for Increasing Throughput in an Automatic Clinical Analyzer by Duplicating Reagent Resources - A method for maximizing analyzer throughput irregardless of the mix in demand of different assays to be conducted by duplicating the reagents required to conduct selected assays in at least two separate reagent servers and also enabling newly incoming selected assays to be conducted using reagents from whichever reagent server has the smaller backlog of such high-volume assays. | 02-24-2011 |
20110039275 | Method for Predicting a Clinical Response of a Patient Suffering from or at Risk of Developing Cancer Towards a Given Mode of Treatment - The present invention relates to a method for predicting a clinical response of a patient suffering from or at risk of developing cancer, preferably colorectal cancer, towards a given mode of treatment, said method comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a biological sample from said patient; b) determining the expression level of at least SPON-2, and optionally determining the expression level of SPON-1, in said sample; c) comparing the expression level or expression levels determined in (b) with one or several reference expression levels; and d) predicting therapeutic success for said given mode of treatment in said patient or implementing therapeutic regimen in said subject from the outcome of the comparison in step (C). | 02-17-2011 |
20110020791 | Methods and Materials for Detecting Mutations in Quasispecies Having Length Polymorphisms - The present invention is directed to a method for detecting the presence or absence of a mutation of interest in the nucleic acid of a pathogen, wherein the mutation of interest is located adjacent to a length polymorphism defining multiple quasispecies of the pathogen. | 01-27-2011 |
20110013180 | Method and Apparatus for Auxiliary Illumination for Detecting an Object - A detection system and method for detecting an object such as a vessel or a cap on a vessel. The system includes an imaging device having a lens with a field of view for registering and processing an image of the object, an illumination device(s) for actively illuminating the object, a dark background portion, and an auxiliary light reflective area(s) for passively illuminating an edge portion of the object using reflections of illumination from the illumination device(s). The auxiliary light reflective area(s) is/are disposed adjacent to the dark background portion out of the field of view of the lens. Images of the object are subsequently compared to images of reference objects. | 01-20-2011 |
20110003309 | Non-Competitive Internal Controls for Use in Nucleic Acid Tests - Provided are non-competitive internal controls for use in nucleic acid tests (NATs), which are obtained from the organisms | 01-06-2011 |
20100330548 | Nucleic Acid Primers and Probes for Detecting Human and Avian Influenza Viruses - Provided are nucleic acid sequences that are used to prepare primers and probes that are used in a kinetic polymerase chain reaction (kPCR) assay to detect influenza viruses in a human or animal subject. The starting material for the kPCR assays may be DNA or RNA and the assays may be conducted in a singleplex assay to detect a single influenza virus or in a multiplex assay to detect multiple influenza viruses. The primers and probes have utility in the detection and quantification of type A and type B influenza viruses (INFA and INFB, respectively) and have been shown to be effective for the detection and quantification of all the known INFA subtypes, namely, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, and H9. | 12-30-2010 |
20100310426 | REAGENT CARTRIDGE - A self dispensing reagent cartridge includes a vessel with a movable piston at one end and a puncturable self sealing septum at an opposite end. A hollow needle is located in alignment with the septum. The vessel is moved toward the needle to enable the needle to puncture the septum. The piston is then moved toward the septum to enable a predetermined amount of liquid in the vessel to be transferred outwardly of the vessel through the needle in an amount corresponding to the piston stroke. | 12-09-2010 |
20100297670 | METHODS FOR DETECTION OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT DRUGS - Methods and reagents are disclosed for enhancing the bioavailability of a hydrophobic drug, and in some embodiments for determining a hydrophobic drug, in a sample suspected of containing a hydrophobic drug. A combination is formed in a medium where the combination comprises the sample, a hemolytic agent where a determination of the hydrophobic drug is conducted, and a bioavailability agent for the hydrophobic drug. The bioavailability agent comprises an ionic detergent comprising a chain of at least 10 carbon atoms or a non-ionic detergent comprising a chain of at least 15 repeating ethylene oxide units or propylene oxide units or a combination of ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units. The concentration of the bioavailability agent in the medium is sufficient to enhance the bioavailability of the hydrophobic drug. The medium is incubated under conditions for enhancing the bioavailability of the hydrophobic drug, and in a determination of the hydrophobic drug under conditions for hemolyzing cells in the sample. For determination of the hydrophobic drug, reagents for determining the presence and/or amount of the hydrophobic drug in the sample are added to the medium. The reagents comprise at least one antibody for the hydrophobic drug. The medium is examined for the presence of a complex comprising the hydrophobic drug and the antibody for the hydrophobic drug. The presence and/or amount of the complex indicates the presence and/or amount of the hydrophobic drug in the sample. | 11-25-2010 |
20100273181 | METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN - Particular aspects of the present invention relate to methods for detecting glycated hemoglobin in, for example, human whole blood, that are not affected by the presence of variation in amino acid sequence that can exist in hemoglobin β chains. The methods detect all glycated hemoglobin in a sample, regardless of the form of the hemoglobin that has been glycated, and thus detect glycated human Hemoglobin A, Hemoglobin S, and Hemoglobin C. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271479 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE MULTIPLE PROCESS GRAPHICAL MONITORING - A network of controllers for controlling and monitoring associated assay testing systems coupled to a remote monitoring unit for monitoring and controlling the controllers and/or the assay testing systems is disclosed. Each controller transmits a display image representing the status of the respective assay-testing system. The remote monitoring unit automatically detects if the number of display images from the controllers is greater than a threshold number of displayable, static thumbnail images and, when the threshold is exceeded, displays thumbnail images dynamically in a scrolling or streaming motion. The thumbnail images, whether static or dynamic, are updated in real-time or pseudo-real-time to reflect updated status of the assay testing systems. | 10-28-2010 |
20100267058 | CIRCULATING RET RECEPTOR - Provided are compositions, methods, and kits relating to the detection of a circulating or soluble form of the KET receptor tyrosine kinase. | 10-21-2010 |
20100261157 | Device and Method for Processing a Sample Contained in a Swab for Diagnostic Analysis - A device for processing a sample contained in a swab for diagnostic analysis, includes a chamber having a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion to receive the swab and a processing fluid, wherein at least one of the first and second chamber portions is flexible. A divider may be positioned in the chamber to facilitate transferring the sample to the second chamber portion, and a delivery channel is disposed in fluid communication with at least one of the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion to deliver a processed sample for diagnostic analysis. | 10-14-2010 |
20100255482 | Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Specific Oligonucleotide Sequences - The present invention relates to oligonucleotide sequences for amplification primers and detection probes and to their use in nucleic acid amplification methods for the detection of HBV in biological samples. In particular, oligonucleotide sequences are provided for the sensitive qualitative or quantitative detection of all eight HBV genotypes. The invention also provides oligonucleotide primer sets and primer/probe sets in the form of kits for the diagnosis of HBV infection. | 10-07-2010 |