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.

Biological samples, such as saliva, are commonly collected on a swab and subsequently transferred to an absorbent storage medium. Embodiments of the present invention provide a biological sample collection device 600 comprising a collection portion 620 and a body portion 610, the body portion including a holding portion 652 for holding a biological sample storage medium (618 FIG. 1), and a sample collection/transfer means. The collection portion 620 can be arranged in a first position shown in FIG. 4, separated from the body portion for collecting a sample. The device employs depressible latches (630, 640 FIG. 6) to control the movements of the collection portion.

An embodiment of the claimed invention is directed to a method that greatly streamlines and reduces costs for tissue preparation, preservation, long-term storage and sample retrieval for molecular analysis using a method based on dried blood spot (DBS) technology. In this method, a small needle punch sample of freshly excised tissue will be homogenized in stabilizing reagent and inserted into a device containing absorbent material and drying agent. This device is suitable for long-term sample storage at ambient temperature and allows for easy removal of sections for biomarker analysis.

Disclosed are devices, kits, compositions, and methods for collecting, transporting, and detecting toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in a biological sample. The devices, kits, compositions and methods may be utilized to collect and transport dried blood samples from a skin prick and detect toxicants, pathogens, and biomarkers in the dried blood samples.

An automatic analyzer capable of improving maintainability by facilitating access to an interlock unit. The interlock unit includes an operation member configured to be movably supported between a lock position and a lock release position, and obstruct rotation to an open position of a cover; an electromagnetic driving unit configured to drive the operation member, and a driving connecting unit configured to connect the operation member and the electromagnetic driving unit and drive the operation member by conveying an operation of the electromagnetic driving unit to the operation member. The interlock unit is provided to be attachable and detachable to and from the housing.

A device for use in the separation of biological samples into a solid component and a liquid component. The device comprises a front cover and a back cover connected at a hinge portion such that the device is operable between an open position and a closed position. A separation membrane is arranged to retain the solid component and to allow the liquid component to pass therethrough, and an absorption membrane is arranged to retain the liquid component. The separation and absorption membranes are arranged in a layered structure between the front and back covers. Opening the device from the closed position to the open position causes the separation and absorption membranes to bend, thereby applying a compressive force to the membranes.

A sampling kit includes firstly a sample tube, which includes a container part for holding a sample and a cap for sealing the container, and secondly a plastic foil instruction sheet. The sheet provides information related to a sample taking process using of the sample tube, which information is printed thereon or is provided in the form of one or more documents held in one or more pockets thereof. The sheet is provided with a support body for holding the sample tube, or at least a container part of the sample tube, during the sampling taking process, the support body and the bottom end of the sample tube being shaped such that they cooperate, to support the sample tube in an upright position.

Devices and systems are provided herein relating to a novel and rapid assay for tissue staining. Methods for using the devices and systems for analyzing tissue samples are also disclosed.

A histology processing assembly comprising a frame with an area for application of a unique identifier for a biological sample and a recess for irreversibly receiving a sample carrier which has a compartment for holding the sample which is transmissible to processing fluids. A method is provided in which the sample is placed in the carrier with identifying information at a first location and transported to a second location and loaded into a carrier, marked with the identifying information. The carrier may be used to hold the sample in a pre-determined orientation for processing.

Micro-biological colony counters and more particularly, systems and methods for feeding, identifying, counting, classifying, segregating and collecting organic samples such as but not limited to micro-organisms. The system can classify colonies in different classes such as bacteria and fungus present in an organic sample and also gives a digital count on the number of colonies present in each of the classes separately. The system reduces the time in counting and classification of microbes in each class separately, eliminates manual errors and requires less manual intervention. The system is reliable and can perform the counting and classification of microbes in each class separately even in absence of well-trained technician. The system can count surface colonies in petri-dish and can count colonies in different size or diameter of petri-dish.