A method of detecting a bacterium of the genus Helicobacter, which includes i) inserting an absorbent swab into the stomach of a subject; and ii) absorbing gastric mucus into the absorbent swab of Step i) and separating the absorbent swab from the subject is disclosed. Also disclosed is a kit for detecting a bacterium of the genus Helicobacter, which includes an absorbent swab for absorbing gastric mucus. The method and kit, employing an absorbent swab, improves sensitivity or positive predictive value of a urease test method for detecting a bacterium of the genus Helicobacter, such as Helicobacter pylori, may significantly increase and avoids a side effect such as bleeding which may occur during tissue collection of conventional method.

The present application discloses improved multiple-use sensor arrays for determining the content of various species in samples of biological origin, in particular in the area of point-of-care (POC) testing for blood gases. The multiple-use sensor array is arranged in a measuring chamber, and the sensor array comprises two or more different ion-selective electrodes including a first ion-selective electrode (e.g. an ammonium-selective electrode being part of a urea sensor), wherein the first ion-selective electrode includes a membrane comprising a polymer and (a) a first ionophore (e.g. an ammonium-selective ionophore) and (b) at least one further ionophore (e.g. selected from a calcium-selective ionophore, a potassium-selective ionophore, and a sodium-selective ionophore), and wherein the first ionophore is not present in any ion-selective electrode in the sensor array other than in the first ion-selective electrode.

The present application discloses improved multiple-use sensor arrays for determining the content of various species in samples of biological origin, in particular in the area of point-of-care (POC) testing for blood gases. The multiple-use sensor array is arranged in a measuring chamber, and the sensor array comprises two or more different ion-selective electrodes including a first ion-selective electrode (e.g. an ammonium-selective electrode being part of a urea sensor), wherein the first ion-selective electrode includes a membrane comprising a polymer and (a) a first ionophore (e.g. an ammonium-selective ionophore) and (b) at least one further ionophore (e.g. selected from a calcium-selective ionophore, a potassium-selective ionophore, and a sodium-selective ionophore), and wherein the first ionophore is not present in any ion-selective electrode in the sensor array other than in the first ion-selective electrode.

Aqueous calibration or quality control reagents that include urea are disclosed; the reagents may further include at least one amino acid-containing composition to provide pH stability thereto. Methods of production and use thereof are also disclosed.

Aqueous calibration or quality control reagents that include urea are disclosed; the reagents may further include at least one amino acid-containing composition to provide pH stability thereto. Methods of production and use thereof are also disclosed.

The invention relates to a device and method for detecting a specific analyte in a liquid sample. The device that can be used in the method contains at least one fluid line, at least one receiving region for receiving a liquid sample, at least one enzymes region containing at least one determined enzyme and/or at least one acidification region containing at least one acid. The device also contains at least one reaction region used to form gas bubbles. The fluid line transports the liquid sample from the receiving region via the enzyme region and/or the acidification region to the reaction region by means of capillary forces and/or at least one micropump allowing fast, simple and cost-effective detection of a specific analyte in a liquid sample, the detection being carried out with a high level of sensitivity, specificity and precision. The invention further relates to uses of the device.

The invention relates to a device and method for detecting a specific analyte in a liquid sample. The device that can be used in the method contains at least one fluid line, at least one receiving region for receiving a liquid sample, at least one enzymes region containing at least one determined enzyme and/or at least one acidification region containing at least one acid. The device also contains at least one reaction region used to form gas bubbles. The fluid line transports the liquid sample from the receiving region via the enzyme region and/or the acidification region to the reaction region by means of capillary forces and/or at least one micropump allowing fast, simple and cost-effective detection of a specific analyte in a liquid sample, the detection being carried out with a high level of sensitivity, specificity and precision. The invention further relates to uses of the device.

Multi-use biosensors are disclosed that include enzymes coupled to nanobeads; the multi-use biosensors are used to detect analytes in fluidic biological samples, and the biosensors also maintain their enzyme activity after many uses. Multi-sensor arrays are disclosed that include multiple biosensors. Also disclosed are methods of producing and using these devices.

Aqueous calibration or quality control reagents that include urea are disclosed; the reagents may further include at least one amino acid-containing composition to provide pH stability thereto. Methods of production and use thereof are also disclosed.

Aqueous calibration or quality control reagents that include urea are disclosed; the reagents may further include at least one amino acid-containing composition to provide pH stability thereto. Methods of production and use thereof are also disclosed.