An analyte test meter that detects contact between a user and an electrochemical test strip includes a test strip port, a capacitive sensor positioned proximate to the test strip port, and a controller connected to the test strip port and the capacitive sensor. The controller is configured to identify insertion of the electrochemical test strip into the test strip port, apply a drive signal to the capacitive sensor, measure a first response to the drive signal from the capacitive sensor, identify dosing of a fluid sample on the electrochemical test strip, apply the drive signal to the capacitive sensor after the dosing, measure a second response to the drive signal from the capacitive sensor, and detect contact between a body of a user and at least one electrode in the electrochemical test strip in response to a difference between the first and second responses exceeding a predetermined threshold.

An analyte test meter that detects contact between a user and an electrochemical test strip includes a test strip port, a capacitive sensor positioned proximate to the test strip port, and a controller connected to the test strip port and the capacitive sensor. The controller is configured to identify insertion of the electrochemical test strip into the test strip port, apply a drive signal to the capacitive sensor, measure a first response to the drive signal from the capacitive sensor, identify dosing of a fluid sample on the electrochemical test strip, apply the drive signal to the capacitive sensor after the dosing, measure a second response to the drive signal from the capacitive sensor, and detect contact between a body of a user and at least one electrode in the electrochemical test strip in response to a difference between the first and second responses exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and systems for detecting the presence of endotoxins in filters. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for improving in-process controls by detecting undesirable quantities of endotoxins in filters containing naturally-sourced materials prior to using those filters in the production of formulated drug substances.

Determining the relative binding capacity of albumin (A), and amount of functional albumin, involves at least two measurement solutions of a test and reference sample. The measurement solutions contain an albumin-binding marker M. The marker in the measurement solution of the test and reference samples exceeds the presumed available albumin binding capacity. The test sample contains a defined amount of albumin of unknown binding capacity. The reference sample contains the same defined amount of albumin having a reference binding capacity. The measurement solutions are incubated under conditions that allow M:A complexes to form. The M:A complexes are removed. The presence or amount of unbound marker M in the solutions is detected after M:A complex removal by a test strip that allows determination of the unbound marker. The relative binding capacity of albumin in the test sample based on the presence or detected amounts of unbound marker is determined.

A method for determining immune competence against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) includes obtaining a blood sample from a subject in need thereof, detecting, in the blood sample, levels of binding antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 protein and its receptor binding domain (RBD), and calculating a weighted value using a regression model. Another method for determining immune competence against SARS-CoV-2 is also disclosed.

A method for determining immune competence against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) includes obtaining a blood sample from a subject in need thereof, detecting, in the blood sample, levels of binding antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 protein and its receptor binding domain (RBD), and calculating a weighted value using a regression model. Another method for determining immune competence against SARS-CoV-2 is also disclosed.

A swab device, according to an example, includes a handle shaft, and a collection element positioned at a distal end of the handle shaft to collect a biological sample. The swab device includes an embedded test element to perform a test on the collected sample and provide an indication of a result of the test.

A swab device, according to an example, includes a handle shaft, and a collection element positioned at a distal end of the handle shaft to collect a biological sample. The swab device includes an embedded test element to perform a test on the collected sample and provide an indication of a result of the test.

The method according to the present invention for preparing peptide fragments comprises bringing an antibody, which includes a Fc domain immobilized in pores of a porous body, into contact with a protease immobilized on surface of microparticles. Thus, the Fab domain of the antibody is site-specifically cleaved by the protease and a sample containing Fab domain-derived peptide fragments at a high concentration can be obtained. The protease to be used in the present invention is an animal-derived trypsin contaminated with chymotrypsin wherein the chymotrypsin is inactivated and the trypsin is chemically modified at amino group in lysine residues.

Provided herein are compositions and methods for detecting the binding of a peptide to an MHC molecule, and the binding of a peptide:MHC complex to a TCR. In preferred embodiments, the compositions and methods are in a highly-multiplexed way. The compositions and methods disclosed herein can be used to provide direct information on which peptides are bound to an MHC molecule. Also provided is a method for simultaneously detecting a large number of peptides for binding to an MHC molecule and/or a T cell. A method for detecting competitive binding of a large number of peptides to an MHC molecule and/or a T cell is also disclosed. Also provided herein is a method for simultaneously detecting a large number of specific TCRs. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for vaccine design, research and monitoring of autoimmune and infectious disease, immunogenicity testing of therapeutics, and tissue typing.