Articles and methods for preparing a surface for obtaining a patient sample, such as blood, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping a surface of skin of a patient in preparation for obtaining a sample (e.g., a blood sample) from the patient. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping the surface of the skin with two or more wipes. For instance, the surface of the skin may be wiped with a first wipe comprising a surfactant and a second wipe comprising an antiseptic solution. Advantageously, the use of a first wipe including a surfactant followed by a second wipe may remove a higher amount of certain contaminants (e.g., proteins, bacteria, viruses) from the surface of the skin as compared to the use of a single wipe or by hand-washing alone.

A diagnosis/treatment support robot includes a surgical manipulator that is remotely manipulated by an operator. The surgical manipulator includes a robotic arm. The robotic arm includes an instrument mount at a tip thereof. A surgical instrument for surgery of a patient is attached to the instrument mount. An auxiliary instrument is attachable to the instrument mount. The auxiliary instrument is an instrument other than the surgical instrument. The auxiliary instrument is an instrument for at least either one of an auxiliary practice of a diagnosis of an infectious disease or an auxiliary practice of a treatment of the infectious disease for a target person.

A vascular access system for use with a blood draw or probe delivery device, the system including a catheter adapter having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein a catheter extends from the distal end portion of the catheter adapter, and an extension set. The extension set includes a stabilization platform, a catheter adapter interface, wherein the catheter adapter interface is configured to secure the proximal end portion of the catheter adapter, and a probe access portion. The probe access portion includes a needle free connector configured to receive a distal connector portion of the blood draw or probe delivery device, and the probe access portion is positioned in-line with the catheter adapter to provide a direct fluid path for a tube or probe of the blood draw or probe delivery device to be advanced through the probe access portion, the catheter adapter, and the catheter.

Articles and methods for preparing a surface for obtaining a patient sample, such as blood, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping a surface of skin of a patient in preparation for obtaining a sample (e.g., a blood sample) from the patient. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping the surface of the skin with two or more wipes. For instance, the surface of the skin may be wiped with a first wipe comprising a surfactant and a second wipe comprising an antiseptic solution. Advantageously, the use of a first wipe including a surfactant followed by a second wipe may remove a higher amount of certain contaminants (e.g., proteins, bacteria, viruses) from the surface of the skin as compared to the use of a single wipe or by hand-washing alone.

The present invention relates to the stabilization of one or more metabolically-active cell in a blood sample at ambient temperatures. In particular, formulations, compositions, articles of manufacture, kits and methods for substantially stable storage of one or more metabolically-active cell in a blood sample at ambient temperatures are provided.

Methods of using a biological sample collection device comprising a collection portion and a body portion, the body portion including a holding portion for holding a biological sample storage medium, and a sample transfer means, such as a cover. The collection portion can be arranged in a first position separated from the body portion for collecting a sample, and in a second position at least partly between the sample transfer means and the holding portion, with the sample transfer means being operable to push the collection portion towards a position at which the holding means is arranged to hold the biological sample storage medium, enabling a sample held in the collection portion to be transferred to the latter.

A microfluidic intravital window includes an intravital imaging window adapted for implantation adjacent target tissue of a live animal, and a microfluidic fluid source and delivery system physically integrated into the window for controlled delivery of fluids to target tissue via the window. The microfluidic fluid source and delivery system is self-contained and completely located within the intravital imaging window, and includes at least one preloaded fluid reservoir, at least one fluid port in fluidic communication with both the at least one preloaded fluid reservoir and the target tissue, and at least one light activated fluid flow control device situated between the at least one preloaded fluid reservoir and at least one fluid port, to facilitate simultaneous in vivo viewing and remotely controlled fluid delivery to the target tissue.

In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor may include one or more conductors received in a hollow portion of a hollow member. The first conductor may be made, at least in part, of a semiconductor material and an active region may be provided in contact with at least the first conductor. The analyte sensor may, in one aspect, include a lancet and an integrated sensor. Manufacturing methods and apparatus and systems utilizing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

A microfluidic intravital window includes an intravital imaging window adapted for implantation adjacent target tissue of a live animal, and a microfluidic fluid source and delivery system physically integrated into the window for controlled delivery of fluids to target tissue via the window. The microfluidic fluid source and delivery system is self-contained and completely located within the intravital imaging window, and includes at least one preloaded fluid reservoir, at least one fluid port in fluidic communication with both the at least one preloaded fluid reservoir and the target tissue, and at least one light activated fluid flow control device situated between the at least one preloaded fluid reservoir and at least one fluid port, to facilitate simultaneous in vivo viewing and remotely controlled fluid delivery to the target tissue.

The present invention relates to the stabilization of one or more metabolically-active cell in a blood sample at ambient temperatures. In particular, formulations, compositions, articles of manufacture, kits and methods for substantially stable storage of one or more metabolically-active cell in a blood sample at ambient temperatures are provided.