A method for the storage of biological samples is disclosed. The method includes the steps of coupling a storage device to a biological sample collection apparatus capable of collecting a biological sample from a subject, introducing a biological sample from the biological sample collection apparatus to the storage device, and drying the biological sample on the storage device. In another embodiment, the storage device used by the method may include a collection medium having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a predetermined size and shape, the top surface comprising a position marker and at least one binding site operable to bind a biological sample; and a protective facing substantially impermeable to the biological sample, the protective facing coupled to the top surface of the collection medium and having a size and shape substantially similar to the predetermined size and shape of the collection medium.

Systems and methods for a color board for use in reagent strip testing are disclosed. One implementation may include a color board surface, a first colored reference element printed on the color board surface, and a second colored reference element printed on the color board surface. The color board may also include a test region on the color board surface configured to receive at least one reagent pad. The color board may also include a unique code, and the code may reflect specific chromatic properties associated with each of the first colored reference element and the second color reference element at a time of printing. The unique code may be machine readable to enable a machine to later normalize a comparison color, for determining chromatic properties of the at least one reagent pad.

An apparatus for capturing a target analyte in advance of performing spectroscopic analysis to determine the existence of the target analyte from a source contacted with a collection substrate. The collection substrate is fabricated of a material selected to have an affinity for the target analyte, sufficiently transparent in a spectral region of interest and capable of immobilizing the target analyte thereon in a manner that limits scattering sufficient to obscure spectral analysis. The collection substrate may be coated with a material selected to react with, bind to, or absorb the target analyte. The target analyte may be captured to the collection substrate by one or more of wiping, dabbing or swabbing a target analyte carrier with the collection substrate.

A barrel defines a channel, and has an opening into the channel, and an outlet from the channel. A porous carrier disposed within the channel carries an albumin. A cellulosic stationary phase is disposed within the channel between the carrier and the distal region of the barrel. A lateral flow platform is coupled to the barrel such that a sample pad of the lateral flow platform is in fluid communication with the outlet. A sponge, coupled to a plunger, is configured to hold saliva. The plunger is dimensioned to compress the sponge within the channel such that the saliva is driven (i) out of the sponge and through the carrier, dissolving at least some of the albumin, (ii) with the dissolved albumin, into the stationary phase, and (iii) as an eluate, out of the stationary phase, through the outlet, and onto the sample pad. Other embodiments are also described.

Systems and methods for tracking healing progress of multiple adjacent wounds are provided. In one embodiment, a system may include a processor configured to receive a first image of a plurality of adjacent wounds near a form of colorized surface having colored reference elements, determine colors of the plurality of wounds, correct for local illumination conditions, receive a second image of the plurality of wounds near the form of colorized surface, to determine second colors of the plurality of wounds in the second image, match each of the plurality of wounds in the second image to a wound of the plurality of wounds in the first image, and determine an indicator of the healing progress for each of the plurality of wounds based on changes between the first image and the second image.

Disclosed are devices and methods using the devices for collecting biological and other specimens or substances from surfaces being interrogated for such contamination. Particular device aspects comprise a handle, with a frame at one end receptive to insertion and removal of a sampling medium (collecting member) intended for wiping against a surface, with the sampling member being held in place by passive projections from the frame without the need for the use of glue or articulating or moving parts. The Frame and/or the collecting member may also comprise at least one attached or integral scraping member or surface for breaking biofilms and thus making the microbes or other substances more available to being sampled by the collecting member.

A grid sample production apparatus includes: a frame in which an internal space is formed; a grid unit which is vertically provided on an upper side of the frame, and grips a grid at a lower end; a filter unit which is provided to be movable inside the frame and selectively absorbs the protein liquid of the grid gripped at one end of the grid unit; a laser unit which is provided on one side of the filter unit; a screen unit which is disposed inside the frame and on which a diffraction image appears by the laser from the laser unit by being diffracted by the grid; and a liquid amount analysis unit which analyzes an illuminance of the diffraction image appeared on the screen unit and determines whether the protein liquid of the grid is disposed in an appropriate amount.

A device for capturing biological particles in suspension in a liquid medium. The device includes a container that is open via a lower opening, and a filter membrane fixed on the container in such a way as to close the lower opening. Inside the container are: a buffer made of a porous foam and having a planar face resting on the filter membrane, an absorbent block resting on the buffer and able to absorb the liquid medium when it is in contact with the liquid medium, and a spring designed to impede the expansion and/or movement of the absorbent block away from the lower opening of the container. Also, methods for capturing biological particles in suspension in a liquid medium using a capture device, and preparation a sample intended for biological analysis. Further an analysis apparatus that has a capture device.

Systems and methods for tracking healing progress of multiple adjacent wounds are provided. In one embodiment, a system may include a processor configured to receive a first image of a plurality of adjacent wounds near a form of colorized surface having colored reference elements, determine colors of the plurality of wounds, correct for local illumination conditions, receive a second image of the plurality of wounds near the form of colorized surface, to determine second colors of the plurality of wounds in the second image, match each of the plurality of wounds in the second image to a wound of the plurality of wounds in the first image, and determine an indicator of the healing progress for each of the plurality of wounds based on changes between the first image and the second image.

The invention provides in an electron microscopy grid, comprising: - a perforated substrate; - a support film on the perforated substrate; - a mixture of different linker molecules according to Structure (I), wherein AG is an anchoring group, for anchoring the linker molecule to the solid support; BU is a binding unit, for binding to the analyte; L1 is a first linear linker section; L.sub.2 is a second linear linker section; α is the angle between the linear linker section L.sub.1 and the linear linker section L.sub.2; AS is an angled linker section, connecting the linear linker section L.sub.1 and the linear linker section L.sub.2. The invention further provides in method of structural determination of analytes, using such EM-grids.