An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer, and an actuator. A distal end portion of the introducer is configured to couple to an indwelling peripheral intravenous line. The actuator is movably coupled to the introducer and is configured to move the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which a distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the introducer. A first portion of the actuator is disposed outside of the introducer and in contact with an outer surface of the introducer such that (1) a longitudinal axis defined by a second portion of the actuator is nonparallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the introducer and (2) the second portion of the actuator exerts a force on a proximal end portion of the catheter operable to increase an internal stress with in a portion of the catheter.

Devices associated with on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. These devices include any of packaging and/or loading systems, applicators and elements of the on-body sensor units themselves. Also, various approaches to connecting electrochemical analyte sensors to and/or within associated on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. The connector approaches variously involve the use of unique sensor and ancillary element arrangements to facilitate assembly of separate electronics assemblies and sensor elements that are kept apart until the end user brings them together.

A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

An in-vitro diagnostic analyzer, a reagent card (10), and an installation structure (200) are disclosed. The installation structure (200) includes an installation body (210). The installation body (210) includes an installation hole (212) configured to sleeve a sample tube (70), a hollow needle (220), a sealing portion (240), and an air inlet channel (230). One end of the hollow needle (220) is capable of being inserted into the sample tube (70). The sealing portion (240) is in sealing fit with an outer wall of the sample tube (70). The air inlet channel (230) includes an air outlet hole (234) and an air inlet hole (232). The air outlet hole (234) is configured for communication with the sample tube (70) provided on the installation hole (212). The reagent card (10) is integrated with the installation structure (200), and the in-vitro diagnostic analyzer is integrated with the reagent card (10).

An independent blood filter device depends on flow geometry to deliver blood serum or plasma free of detrimental levels of hemoglobin. It depends critically on an upstream flow rate or pressure differential limiting control element or device that limits the rate of change of pressure differential across the filter element. Pre-evacuated versions can be used to simultaneously draw blood from a living being and provide pressure differential across the filter element between an evacuated collector and a supply end open to atmosphere. A unit pressurized by hand motion employs the external shape of a partially filled blood collection tube as a piston to produce pressure in advance of the control element or device to create the pressure differential across the filter element to a collector vented to atmosphere. The control element or device is disclosed in numerous forms, including specially sized flow constrictions and compliant arrangements.

A method of dispensing fluid includes three processes. A first one of these processes includes pumping fluid into a resilient variable-volume dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is in series with a normally present finite fluid impedance and an output. The impedance is sufficient so as to cause expansion of the dispensing chamber as it receives pumped fluid even while some fluid flows through the output. Another one of these processes includes repeatedly measuring a parameter related to volume of the dispensing chamber over time. A third one of these processes includes controlling the pumping of fluid based on repeated measurements of the parameter to produce a desired fluid flow through the output. A corresponding system for dispensing fluid implements these processes.

An integrated testing device and fluid module are disclosed, as well as a method of manufacture. Fluid module contains a reservoir containing a test fluid, and a control vessel. The reservoir discharges test fluid into the control vessel, which discharges the test fluid in a controlled way to a test component.

A method for assembling a physiological signal monitoring apparatus on a body surface of a living body is provided, wherein the physiological signal monitoring apparatus is used to measure a physiological signal and includes a sensor module and a transmitter. The method comprises steps of: (a) detaching the bottom cover from the housing to expose the sticker from the bottom opening; (b) while holding the housing, causing the adhesive pad to be attached to the body surface; (c) applying a pressing force on the housing to cause the sensor module to be detached from the implantation module and the signal sensing end to be implanted under the body surface; (d) removing the implanting device while leaving the sensor module on the body surface; and (e) placing the transmitter on the base so that the signal output end is electrically connected to the port.

The invention provides devices that improve tests for detecting specific cellular, viral, and molecular targets in clinical, industrial, or environmental samples. The invention permits efficient detection of individual microscopic targets at low magnification for highly sensitive testing. The invention does not require washing steps and thus allows sensitive and specific detection while simplifying manual operation and lowering costs and complexity in automated operation. In short, the invention provides devices that can deliver rapid, accurate, and quantitative, easy-to-use, and cost-effective tests.