A device for detecting an analyte in a sample is provided, which comprises: a collecting chamber containing an opening for collecting a liquid sample; a detecting element for detecting an analyte in the liquid sample; and a lid for covering the opening of the collecting chamber. The device further comprises an indicating device thereon to indicate whether or not the lid covers at an appointed position. The operation of the device is very simple.

Identification and use of proteins fluorescently labeled and that undergo a change in fluorescence index upon binding bilirubin are described. Probes are disclosed which are labeled at a cysteine or lysine residue and also probes labeled at both cysteine and lysine with two different fluorophores. These probes are useful for determination of unbound bilirubin levels in a fluid sample.

Identification and use of proteins fluorescently labeled and that undergo a change in fluorescence index upon binding bilirubin are described. Probes are disclosed which are labeled at a cysteine or lysine residue and also probes labeled at both cysteine and lysine with two different fluorophores. These probes are useful for determination of unbound bilirubin levels in a fluid sample.

A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

A detection device for detecting analytes in liquid specimen is provided. The detection device comprises: a specimen chamber for collecting or storing a liquid specimen; a detecting chamber for containing a detecting element; and a through hole for transferring the liquid specimen between the specimen chamber and the detecting chamber. The through hole can be opened or self-sealed. The sealing or opening of the through hole controls whether or not the liquid specimen in the specimen chamber enters the detecting chamber via the through hole. Furthermore, a detection method is provided.

Apparatus and methods are provided for analyzing a medical condition of a user. The apparatus may include a user interface configured to receive user identification information inputted by the user, an analyzer, and a processor all disposed within a common housing. The analyzer is configured to receive a biological specimen from the user and to analyze the biological specimen to generate analysis information. The processor is configured to store and forward the analysis information and to receive prescription information. The apparatus may include a communication unit configured to transmit the user identification information and the analysis information to a doctor at a remote location for review and to receive the prescription information from the doctor. The apparatus then may dispense the prescribed medication or print a medication prescription.

A sample test method, microfluidic device, and test device efficiently and accurately compensates for interference of an interfering substance present in a sample using optical measurement without addition of a separate reagent for detecting the interfering substance. The sample test method includes: measuring an optical characteristic value of a target substance present in a sample; measuring an optical characteristic value of an interfering substance present in the sample; and determining a concentration of the target substance for which interference of the interfering substance is compensated for based on the optical characteristic value of the interfering substance.

A detection device for detecting analytes in liquid specimen is provided. The detection device comprises: a specimen chamber for collecting or storing a liquid specimen; a detecting chamber for containing a detecting element; and a through hole for transferring the liquid specimen between the specimen chamber and the detecting chamber. The through hole can be opened or self-sealed. The sealing or opening of the through hole controls whether or not the liquid specimen in the specimen chamber enters the detecting chamber via the through hole. Furthermore, a detection method is provided.

The invention relates to a topical composition containing a bilirubin-producing plant extract. In particular, the bilirubin-producing plant extract is obtained from the genus Stelitzia. When topically applied to skin, the composition is effective in accelerating the degradation of heme by-products such as bilirubin present in the skin.

A sample test method, microfluidic device, and test device efficiently and accurately compensates for interference of an interfering substance present in a sample using optical measurement without addition of a separate reagent for detecting the interfering substance. The sample test method includes: measuring an optical characteristic value of a target substance present in a sample; measuring an optical characteristic value of an interfering substance present in the sample; and determining a concentration of the target substance for which interference of the interfering substance is compensated for based on the optical characteristic value of the interfering substance.