An elution apparatus and a detection apparatus are described. The elution apparatus includes: a sample trap for trapping a sample; and one or more pumps and/or valves to move a liquid eluent and a liquid eluate, wherein the eluate includes an extracted portion of the sample that is extracted by the eluent. The detection apparatus includes: a capillary having a low-voltage (LV) end portion to receive a sample; and a conductivity detector coupled to a high-voltage (HV) end portion of the capillary to generate signals based on conductivity of a monitored portion of the capillary in the HV end portion, wherein the conductivity detector is electrically isolated from the LV end portion.

A method for measuring an airborne metal pollutant on skin can include the taking of a skin sample and measuring of a target metal utilizing inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry.

The present disclosure related to apparatus and methods for removing waste of debris from a microtome blade, a microtome blade holder, or both. The invention also relates to automated systems and methods for cleaning a microtome.

An air quality test unit for attachment to a vent of a HVAC system with air flow there through. The air quality test unit contains at least two substrate panels arranged in a v-shape form wherein at least one panel includes a sticky surface or a collection container. The air quality test unit is attachable to the vent by one or more clips. The sticky surfaces or collection container of the substrate panels capture airborne substances and contaminants emanating from the air flow of the HVAC system vent. A culture growth medium may be disposed in the collection container or on the sticky surface. The air quality test unit kit provides a user with an air quality test unit and process for shipping the unit to the laboratory for analysis.

A method for identifying particulates in the air, including drawing a predetermined volume of air into a housing defining an airway, flowing the predetermined volume of air over a first adhesive capture member positioned in the airway to yield a first test sample, generating a first optical image of the first test sample with a camera, storing the first optical image in a memory, analyzing the first optical image with the microprocessor to identify captured particulates, automatically counting the identified particulates, storing the first adhesive capture member to preserve the first test sample, and positioning a second adhesive capture member in the airway.

A method and apparatus for automatically transferring sections from a sample block to a tape and for transferring select sections to a slide. A tissue storage system for storing cut sections on the tape and digital storage system for storing photos and other information during the transfer of the sections can also be provided, thereby creating a tissue repository and data repository for future use.

A trace evidence material (TEM) collection device is disclosed that enables crime scene investigators to quickly and easily collect, analyze, annotate, securely store and electronically distribute images of large amounts of trace evidence materials and related crime scene information while also helping to comply with required trace evidence recovery procedures and documentation requirements. The TEM collection device includes a reusable handle and cassette drive mechanism, which may be used with a plurality of single-use cassettes. Each cassette includes a TEM collection media (such as a collection tape or swabbing pads attached to a substrate) that when moved across a surface is capable of collecting TEMs located on the surface. Preferably, each cassette also includes a sealing assembly that seals the TEM collection media after collection of the TEMs so as to preserve the collected TEMs.

The present subject matter relates to systems, devices, and methods for agricultural sample collection. In one aspect, a sample collection system includes an aerial robotic platform, an arm assembly coupled to the aerial robotic platform and comprising an arm that extends away from the aerial robotic platform, and a sample collector connected to a distal end of the arm, wherein the sample collector is configured to selectively remove one or more samples of agricultural material from a plant to be analyzed.

A method for conducting environmental sampling includes determining to environmentally sample a particular paper transit ticket for a specific residue. Using an automated ticket device, at least one chemical reagent is applied to the particular paper transit ticket. The chemical reagent is selected based on the specific residue. The particular paper transit ticket is collected after the particular paper transit ticket was used as a fare media within a transit system. The at least one chemical reagent is analyzed to determine whether any of the specific residue is present.

According to one embodiment, a chemical sensor includes a sensor element. The sensor element includes a sensitive film and a treatment material. Physical properties of the sensitive film vary as bonding of a target substance to the sensitive film. The sensor element is configured to detect the variation in the physical properties. The treatment material is configured to carry out a treatment onto the target substance before the target substance bonds to the sensitive film.