The disclosure relates to devices, solutions and methods for collecting and processing samples of bodily fluids containing cells (as well as embodiments for the collection, and processing and/or analysis of other fluids including toxic and/or hazardous substances/fluids). In addition, the disclosure relates generally to function genomic studies and to the isolation and preservation of cells from saliva and other bodily fluids (e.g., urine), for cellular analysis. With respect to devices for collection of bodily fluids, some embodiments include two mating bodies, a cap and a tube (for example), where, in some embodiments, the cap includes a closed interior space for holding a sample preservative solution and mates with the tube to constitute the (closed) sample collection device. Upon mating, the preservation solution flows into the closed interior space to preserve cells in the bodily fluid. The tube is configured to receive a donor sample of bodily fluid (e.g., saliva, urine), which can then be subjected to processing to extract a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells can be further processed to isolate one and/or another cell type therefrom. The plurality of cells, as well as the isolated cell type(s), can be analyzed for functional genomic and epigenetic studies, as well as biomarker discovery.

The disclosure relates to devices, solutions and methods for collecting and processing samples of bodily fluids containing cells (as well as embodiments for the collection, and processing and/or analysis of other fluids including toxic and/or hazardous substances/fluids). In addition, the disclosure relates generally to function genomic studies and to the isolation and preservation of cells from saliva and other bodily fluids (e.g., urine), for cellular analysis. With respect to devices for collection of bodily fluids, some embodiments include two mating bodies, a cap and a tube (for example), where, in some embodiments, the cap includes a closed interior space for holding a sample preservative solution and mates with the tube to constitute the (closed) sample collection device. Upon mating, the preservation solution flows into the closed interior space to preserve cells in the bodily fluid. The tube is configured to receive a donor sample of bodily fluid (e.g., saliva, urine), which can then be subjected to processing to extract a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells can be further processed to isolate one and/or another cell type therefrom. The plurality of cells, as well as the isolated cell type(s), can be analyzed for functional genomic and epigenetic studies, as well as biomarker discovery.

A column-based device and method for retrieving cells of interest were enclosed. The said device comprises a column comprising (i) an inner wall defining an inner chamber with inlet and outlet openings, (ii) a perforated plug disposed adjacent to the outlet opening, (iii) a sleeve insert with a channel and disposed within the chamber and adjacent to the perforated plug, and (iv) a filtering means housed within sleeve insert sandwiched between two sealing means. In particular, Tumor-derived endothelial cell clusters (TECCs) as characterized multiple nuclei, expression of endothelial markers (PECAM1, VWF and CDH5), and non-expression of leukocyte, megakaryocyte and platelets markers, may be retrieved using the disclosed device. Also encompassed are methods, reagents and kits for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers by detecting for the presence of TECCs isolated from blood samples using the claimed device.

The present invention provides a test barrel for placing a test paper card. The test barrel comprises a barrel body and a barrel lid; wherein the barrel body comprises a place reminding board arranged on the barrel body; and the barrel lid comprises an elastic piece arranged on the barrel lid and mating with the place reminding board. The test barrel for placing a test paper card according to the present invention is simple in structure and convenient in operation, and greatly reduces time for test. In addition, a place reminding structure is arranged on the test barrel, which facilitates use of the test barrel for the user and achieves sealing reminding. Further, the test result is accurate, the reusage rate is high, and cleaning is convenient.

A secure specimen sample bottle includes a base container for receiving a specimen. The base container has a plurality of locking protrusions formed along an inner surface of the base receptacle. A bottle includes a lock ring that has an upright spire structure that has a closed top end and the opposing open bottom end including a plurality of flexible fins that are configured to interlockingly mate with the locking protrusions so as to prevent removal of the lock ring relative to the base container upon engagement of the flexible fins to the locking protrusions. A removable cap is coupled to the lock ring.

A diagnostic test system, including: a diagnostic test assembly and a diagnostic test apparatus to perform a test on a biological or environmental sample; the diagnostic test assembly includes: a sample preparation reservoir to receive the sample into a sample preparation fluid, such that a swab carrying the sample can be used to stir the preparation fluid and to wash the swab; a sample dispensing mechanism for insertion into the sample preparation reservoir; a closure to seal the sample preparation reservoir; at least one diagnostic test reservoir coupled to the sample preparation reservoir; and at least one seal between the sample preparation reservoir and the diagnostic test reservoir to prevent fluid movement between the respective reservoirs; wherein the sample dispensing mechanism is operable to disrupt the seal to allow sample fluid to enter the diagnostic test reservoir from the sample preparation reservoir, and to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid.

A system for preparing a thrombin serum that can include a containment device, a cage received within the containment device, a cap attachable to the containment device, an inlet port configured to introduce a non-anti-coagulated autologous blood fluid into the containment device, and an outlet port. An activator, such as glass beads, can be present within the containment device.

The invention provides systems and methods for rapid automated identification of microbes and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) directly from a patient specimen, without specimen preparation. Specimens are loaded into an analytical cartridge for processing. Analytical cartridges are preloaded with species-specific labels that are used to identify and enumerate microbes in the specimen. Instruments, such as analyzers can be used to interact with analytical cartridges to carry out methods of the invention all within the cartridge.

A sealed pharmaceutical container includes a shoulder, a neck extending from the shoulder, and a flange extending from the neck. The flange includes an inclined sealing surface defining an opening in the sealed pharmaceutical container. The sealed pharmaceutical container also includes a sealing assembly including a stopper extending over the sealing surface of the flange and a cap securing the stopper to the flange. The stopper has a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) that is greater than or equal to −70° C. and less than or equal to −45° C. The sealing assembly maintains a helium leakage rate of the sealed pharmaceutical container of less than or equal to 1.4×10.sup.−6 cm.sup.3/s as the sealed pharmaceutical container is cooled to a temperature of less than or equal to −45° C.

An apparatus and method for isolating bacterial particles in a sample using a container with material in temporary fluid blocking position to lower orifice in the container, a separation medium having an electrical conductivity lower than and physical density greater than that of the sample above the material that supports a sample concentrate after passing through the separation medium when exposed to centrifugal force, a heating element for liquefying the material to permit flow into a chamber past an electrode array that attracts and holds subject particles. The system allows rapid detection and isolation of particles from samples from animal, human, environmental sites, a bio-industrial reactor or a food or beverage production facility requiring relatively small volumes, short incubation times resulting in structurally intact particles for further analysis. Testing may be completed in a single unit that requires decreased technician manipulation, fewer steps and a decrease in cross-contamination.