A biological sample reaction vessel comprising a reagent storage portion and a push rod movable relative to the reagent storage portion is provided. The reagent storage portion comprises at least one reagent containing cavity, and the reagent containing cavity is sealed by a sealing element; and the push rod is connected to the sealing element, and the push rod is used for cooperation with an external device to separate the sealing element from the reagent storage portion. In reaction, the biological sample reaction vessel cooperates with a test cassette. By inserting the biological sample reaction vessel into the external device, the reagent in the reagent storage portion can be released rapidly.

A specimen chamber for transmitted light microscopy includes a chamber body having a specimen space that is sealed off in a transmitted light direction on opposite sides by transparent first and second observation windows, respectively, a seal being interposed in each case. First and second clamping elements are configured to fix the two observation windows to the specimen space. The clamping elements comprise observation openings into the specimen chamber. The first observation window comprises a first plane-parallel shoulder that protrudes into the first observation opening of the first clamping-element so as to fit exactly. The second observation window comprises a second plane-parallel shoulder that protrudes into the second observation opening of the second clamping element so as to fit exactly. The two seals are resistant to high pressure. The observation windows and the seals each consist of a plastomer.

Methods for characterizing micro-organisms may include (a) depositing micro-organisms on a porous medium with a first and a second surface and pores extending from the first surface to the second surface; (b) arranging the porous medium on the surface of a nutrient medium contained in a chamber, the second surface being arranged in contact with the nutrient medium; (c) moving the porous medium in relation to the chamber; (d) positioning the porous medium between an infrared light source and an image sensor, the light source being configured to emit an incident light wave in an emission wavelength; (e) illuminating micro-organisms retained on the porous medium, using the light source and acquiring an image using the image sensor, the image allowing an observation of at least one colony of micro-organisms; and (f) characterizing the colony of microorganisms from the image acquired in the illuminating (e).

A nephelometer that measures turbidity of low volume suspensions using measurements of light transmitted through and/or scattered by the sample. The sample suspension is placed in a tiered cuvette adapted to facilitate measuring the turbidity of low volume samples. The lower portion of the cuvette has smaller dimensions, in horizontal cross section, than the top portion. Both lower and upper portions have angled surfaces. The lower, smaller portion of the cuvette is interrogated by the nephelometer.

A measuring chamber device for an optically operating sensor for determining a concentration of a substance that is contained in tissue fluid of a mammal. The measuring chamber device has a measuring chamber filled with a liquid measuring medium and a wall with better diffusion permeability for the substance than for other constituents of the tissue fluid. A transmitter device for emitting optical radiation into the measuring chamber, and a receiver device for receiving optical radiation that has passed through the measuring chamber are also provided.

Disclosed are devices, components and methods associated with a body fluid analysis system, which, according to some embodiments, can be employed in at-home, clinical, medical office and outpatient settings and applications. The system can be configured to provide results within a short period of time after a body fluid sample has been acquired from a patient such as by a finger or skin prick. In some embodiments, a body fluid sample cartridge is configured for use in conjunction with a corresponding spectroscopic body fluid analysis device, where the cartridge comprises one or more body fluid dispersing sheets, layers or membranes. In some embodiments, the cartridge is configured to deliver and disperse a predetermined amount or volume of a body fluid sample taken from a human or animal onto, into, through or across the body fluid dispersing sheet, layer or membrane disposed within the cartridge for subsequent analysis of the body fluid sample by a corresponding spectroscopic device.

The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sampling, sensing, assays and applications. More particularly, one aspect of the present invention is related to bio/chemical assays, including how to separate two plates, how to separate a certain component from a composite liquid sample and obtain a liquid sample free of the component therein, and how to deposit sample and how operate plates for facilitating assaying.

A nephelometer that measures turbidity of low volume suspensions using measurements of light transmitted through and/or scattered by the sample. The sample suspension is placed in a tiered cuvette adapted to facilitate measuring the turbidity of low volume samples. The lower portion of the cuvette has smaller dimensions, in horizontal cross section, than the top portion. Both lower and upper portions have angled surfaces. The lower, smaller portion of the cuvette is interrogated by the nephelometer.

A sensor element has a channel into which a sensor substance can be fed from a reservoir of the sensor element. The sensor substance has an optical behaviour which depends on an analyte. The analyte passes from a sample through a membrane permeable to the analyte into the channel, which membrane forms a portion of a wall of the channel.

The present disclosure relates to a sensor cap for an optochemical sensor for determining or monitoring at least one analyte present in a medium having a substantially cylindrical plug-in component and a sleeve-shaped outer component. The plug-in component has an optical component with a convex-shaped surface region for optimal flow, and the optical component at least partially consists of a material transparent to measuring radiation. On the surface region of the optical component is an analyte-sensitive matrix having at least one functional layer. The plug-in component and the sleeve-shaped component are designed such that the connecting region coming into contact with the medium is between the plug-in component and the sleeve-shaped outer component in the edge region of the optical component or is at a radial distance from the edge region of the optical component, and is sealed, without a gap, facing the medium.