According to one embodiment, a method is for generating a calibration curve based on results of photometry on a plurality of standard samples each containing a detection target in a known concentration. The concentration differs between the standard samples. The method includes obtaining the results of photometry on the standard samples at different photometry timings, to generate the calibration curve.

Apparatus and methods for the detection of proteins in biological fluids such as urine using a label-free assay is described. Specific proteins are detected by their binding to highly specific capture reagents such as SOMAmers that are attached to the surface of a substrate. Changes to these capture reagents and their local environment upon protein binding modify the behavior of color centers (e.g., fluorescence, ionization state, spin state, etc.) embedded in the substrate beneath the bound capture reagents. These changes can be read out, for example, optically or electrically, for an individual color center or as an average response of many color centers.

The present invention relates to portable devices for point-of-care diagnostics that can perform measurements on a sample (e.g., blood, serum, saliva, or urine) and relay data to an external device for, e.g., data analysis. The device can comprise a paper-based diagnostic substrate and a base substrate that include electronic circuitry and electronic elements necessary for performing the measurements. The device can also comprise an antenna for near field communication with an external device. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of using these devices.

The present application provides an apparatus and method of determining water filming amine concentration, which includes performing a measuring cycle and a cleaning cycle. The measuring cycle includes providing sample water to a sample water measuring container, providing, to the sample water measuring container, one or more reaction chemicals which generate color in the sample water, emitting light, via a light emitter, at a wavelength range and intensity range, through the sample water having the generated color, to a light receiver, receiving an indication of a light intensity of the light emitted through the sample water and determining a filming amine concentration of the sample water based on the light intensity. The cleaning cycle includes providing a cleaning reagent to remove amines from the sample water measuring container.

There is provided a method for preventing an occurrence of an irregular detection value and performing measurement with good reproducibility in an immunoassay using an automatic analyzer regardless of whether the reaction cuvette used is of a disposable type or a reusable type and whether the optical detection method used measures transmitted light or scattered light. There is also provided an immunoassay reagent for use in the method. A method for preventing the occurrence of irregular detection and enhancing the reproducibility of measurement includes using a reagent containing polyethylene glycol or the like having a weight-average molecular weight of 300 to 3000.

Embodiments described herein may be useful in the detection of analytes. The systems and methods may allow for a relatively simple and rapid way for detecting analytes such as chemical and/or biological analytes and may be useful in numerous applications including sensing, food manufacturing, medical diagnostics, performance materials, dynamic lenses, water monitoring, environmental monitoring, detection of proteins, detection of DNA, among other applications. For example, the systems and methods described herein may be used for determining the presence of a contaminant such as bacteria (e.g., detecting pathogenic bacteria in food and water samples which helps to prevent widespread infection, illness, and even death). Advantageously, the systems and methods described herein may not have the drawbacks in current detection technologies including, for example, relatively high costs, long enrichment steps and analysis times, and/or the need for extensive user training. Another advantageous feature provided by the systems and methods described herein includes fabrication in a relatively large scale. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may be used in conjunction with a detector including handheld detectors incorporated with, for example, smartphones (e.g., for the on-site detection of analytes such as pathogenic bacteria).

Apparatus and methods for the detection of proteins in biological fluids such as urine using a label-free assay is described. Specific proteins are detected by their binding to highly specific capture reagents such as SOMAmers that are attached to the surface of a substrate. Changes to these capture reagents and their local environment upon protein binding modify the behavior of color centers (e.g., fluorescence, ionization state, spin state, etc.) embedded in the substrate beneath the bound capture reagents. These changes can be read out, for example, optically or electrically, for an individual color center or as an average response of many color centers.

Described herein is a method of analyzing nutrient content in soil, the method comprising a) obtaining a soil sample, b) adding a liquid to the soil sample to form a soil slurry, c) flowing the soil slurry through a filter, whereby the filter is oriented such that the soil slurry flows downward through the filter at least partially under the effects of gravity. d) blending a reagent composition with the soil slurry to form a soil mixture, and e) measuring an absorbance of the soil mixture.

Apparatus for reading a test region (6, 7) of an assay, e.g. on a lateral flow test strip (5), the apparatus comprising: an optical detector (2, 4; FIG. 1c), comprising an optical input for receiving light emitted from the test region (6, 7) of the assay and an electrical output; an electrical signal processor, electrically coupled to the electrical output; and a plurality of spectral filters (FIG. 1b) substantially transparent to a plurality of different wavelengths.

An analysis system includes: a collection unit configured to collect soluble iron contained in a sample; a reaction unit configured to produce a reaction solution; a detection unit configured to detect an absorbance of the reaction solution; and a supply control unit configured to supply the soluble iron collected in the collection unit and a reagent to the reaction unit.