A self-sampling device used for collecting a homogenized sample of cells from different areas within the vaginal canal by a user. The device, comprises a hollow, cylindrical elongated tubing, a cell collecting area which is covered by an adhesive collecting element is disposed at one end, a channel disposed along the length of the cell collecting area for collecting the cells from different areas along length of the vaginal canal via one insertion, so as to mix the cells within the channel resulting in the homogenized collection of cells, further the collecting element has plurality of organized ridges arranged along the length of the cell collecting area to facilitate cell collection and a handle comprising an ergonomically shaped finger grip, wherein one end of the finger grip having a design or marking to facilitate easy counting of the complete rotations of the device, the handle and the tubing is designed to form a unitary structure.

A self-sampling device used for collecting a homogenized sample of cells from different areas within the vaginal canal by a user. The device, comprises a hollow, cylindrical elongated tubing, a cell collecting area which is covered by an adhesive collecting element is disposed at one end, a channel disposed along the length of the cell collecting area for collecting the cells from different areas along length of the vaginal canal via one insertion, so as to mix the cells within the channel resulting in the homogenized collection of cells, further the collecting element has plurality of organized ridges arranged along the length of the cell collecting area to facilitate cell collection and a handle comprising an ergonomically shaped finger grip, wherein one end of the finger grip having a design or marking to facilitate easy counting of the complete rotations of the device, the handle and the tubing is designed to form a unitary structure.

The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis using swabs. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems that include a probe having a conductive proximal portion coupled to a porous material at a distal portion of the probe that is configured to retain a portion of a sample that has contacted the porous material, and a mass spectrometer having an inlet. The system is configured such that the porous material at a distal portion of the probe is aligned over the inlet of the mass spectrometer.

The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis using swabs. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems that include a probe having a conductive proximal portion coupled to a porous material at a distal portion of the probe that is configured to retain a portion of a sample that has contacted the porous material, and a mass spectrometer having an inlet. The system is configured such that the porous material at a distal portion of the probe is aligned over the inlet of the mass spectrometer.

A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed comprising: (a) using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target in vitro or ex vivo cell population; (b) mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and (c) analysing said spectrometric data in order to identify and/or characterise said target cell population or one or more cells and/or compounds present in said target cell population.

A biopsy apparatus includes a cannula assembly having a cannula hub and a cutting cannula. A stylet assembly has a stylet hub and a stylet. The stylet is coaxial with the cutting cannula. An operator mechanism is configured to effect axial movement of the stylet hub and the cannula hub. The operator mechanism has a head portion configured to releasably engage the stylet hub and an arm member configured to releasably engage the cannula hub. The stylet hub is configured to be rotationally movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the stylet hub is releasably connected to the head portion of the operator mechanism, and in the disengaged position, the stylet hub is disconnected from the head portion of the operator mechanism to facilitate axial movement of the stylet assembly in a proximal direction independent of the operator mechanism.

A needle apparatus (10) for taking a sample from inside of an object comprises a stylet (100), which comprises a longitudinal hollow (102). A transmission fiber arrangement (104) and a reception fiber arrangement (112) are on a bottom (126) of a surface (106) of the hollow (102). A first end (108) of the transmission fiber arrangement (104) is at an access tip (110) of the stylet (100). The transmission fiber arrangement (104) guides optical radiation from a second end (120) of the transmission fiber arrangement (104) to the first end (108) and output the optical radiation therefrom. A first end (114) of the reception fiber arrangement (112) is located at the access tip (110). The reception fiber arrangement (112) receives optical radiation from environment of the access tip (110) and guides the optical radiation therefrom to a second end (122) of the reception fiber arrangement (114) and outputs the optical radiation from there.

According to embodiments, a substantially coaxial arrangement of a camera, a light source, and an ultrasonic sensor can be positioned in an housing of a system that can be deployed from the tool port of a standard bronchoscope. Illumination from the light source facilitates positioning of the system by an operator using information from the camera. The ultrasonic system can determine when an object to be biopsied is adjacent to a biopsy needle.

Implantable biosensors and methods of making and using such biosensors are disclosed. The biosensors can be micro-devices, for example, micro-sized bead implants having an associated gyroscope, accelerometer and/or magnetometer to detect and transmit changes in the position of the biosensor following implantation. The biosensors can be implanted into a subject’s bone and/or a subject’s prosthesis to detect, for example, changes in position or orientation of a prosthetic implant that can indicate loosening or potential onset of structural failures. Devices for implantation of biosensors, e.g., kinematic sensors, into bone are also disclosed as well as methods and systems for measuring or monitoring physiological kinematics.

Biomarkers are collected and used to determine biological propensities of a patient, to determine the efficacy of medical devices, to select and administer therapeutic agents, to select medical devices, to make adjustments to medical devices, and/or to adjust surgical techniques. An apparatus includes a port to draw a biological fluid (e.g., a mist) from a surgical site. The apparatus includes a sensor having a cantilevered beam. The beam includes substances selected to attract certain biomarkers as the fluid is communicated across the beam. The same apparatus or another apparatus is used to administer a therapeutic agent based at least in part on collected biomarker data. The therapeutic agent delivery apparatus may include a device that is also used to create a wound at a surgical site. For instance, a harmonic surgical instrument may be used to both collect biomarkers and administer a therapeutic agent (e.g., gene therapy using sonoporation).