A point of use analyzer includes pump, valve, port, and storage channel. The storage channel may hold multiple assay packets composed of reagent aliquots separated by bounding slugs. The storage channel may define an elongated lumen having two ends with each of the ends coupled to the valve. A sampling device for use with the analyzer engages the port and may include a recurrent coaxial tube having a separation medium. A method of using the analyzer with the sampling device includes steps of pumping a fluid to displace a sample into the separation medium and out through the opposed connection.

Inoculating systems/devices, methods for inoculating a target, and coating methods are disclosed. An example inoculating system may include an inoculating member having a transfer region and a handle region. A pre-determined quantity of viable microorganisms may be disposed on the transfer region. The inoculating member may be configured to transfer the pre-determined quantity of viable microorganisms to a target during an inoculation operation without having to rehydrate the pre-determined quantity of viable microorganisms prior to the inoculating operation.

Methods of evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of a hard surface disinfectant or sanitizer and test articles are disclosed. An example method may include removing a preserved antimicrobial test article from a sealed container. The preserved antimicrobial test article may comprise a non-water soluble substrate and a thin microbial layer attached to the substrate comprising viable microbial material, a stabilizing mixture, and a residual water content of less than 5.0%. The method may also include contacting the preserved antimicrobial test article with a predetermined amount of the test substance without rehydrating the preserved microbial article and without detaching the layer comprising the viable microbial material from the substrate prior to contact with the test substance.

The present application relates to biosensors and methods for detecting and/or quantifying a target analyte such as a target allergen or toxin. In some embodiments, the biosensors use an allergen- or toxin-binding molecule conjugated to a fluorescent label such as a quantum dot that adheres to and is quenched by graphene oxide in the absence of the allergen or toxin.

Provided is a fluidic device, including: a porous flow path member; an absorbent member contacting the flow path member and configured to absorb a liquid; and a barrier member covering at least a portion of the absorbent member, wherein the absorbent member contains a liquid-absorbent polymer that absorbs the liquid, and a lyophilic polymer having lyophilicity to the liquid.

A diagnostic test reader system including two or more reader modules and at least one mother module is provided. Each of the reader modules includes a unique code and is configured for reading a specific test cartridge type. Each of the reader modules is configured to be in data communication with the mother module for receiving instructions from the mother module and for transmitting read and/or derived data to the mother module. The mother module is configured for communicating individually with each of the reader modules.

A micro-plate reader for use with a portable electronic device having a camera includes an opto-mechanical attachment configured to attach/detach to the portable electronic device and includes an array of illumination sources. A slot in the opto-mechanical attachment is dimensioned to receive an optically transparent plate containing an array of wells. Optical fibers are located in the opto-mechanical attachment and transmit light from each well to a reduced size header having, wherein the fiber array in the header has a cross-sectional area that is ≤10× the cross-sectional area of the wells in the plate. A lens located in the opto-mechanical attachment transmits light from the header fibers to the camera. Software executed on the portable electronic device or other computer is used to process the images to generate qualitative clinical determinations and/or quantitative index values for the separate wells.

The present invention relates to an immunoassay device and an immunoassay method.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an immunoassay device includes a measurement unit provided with a detection unit disposed at one side of a stage accommodating cartridges having a plurality of wells to move in a direction, in which the plurality of cartridges are arranged, and capable of measuring a state within the well disposed at the outermost side, and including a shielding plate that moves to cover an opened upper portion of the well disposed at the outermost side to block introduction of light into the well.

Inoculating systems/devices, methods for inoculating a target, and coating methods are disclosed. An example inoculating system may include an inoculating member having a transfer region and a handle region. A pre-determined quantity of viable microorganisms may be disposed on the transfer region. The inoculating member may be configured to transfer the pre-determined quantity of viable microorganisms to a target during an inoculation operation without having to rehydrate the pre-determined quantity of viable microorganisms prior to the inoculating operation.

Inoculating systems/devices, methods for inoculating a target, and coating methods are disclosed. An example inoculating system may include an inoculating member having a transfer region and a handle region. A pre-determined quantity of viable microorganisms may be disposed on the transfer region. The inoculating member may be configured to transfer the pre-determined quantity of viable microorganisms to a target during an inoculation operation without having to rehydrate the pre-determined quantity of viable microorganisms prior to the inoculating operation.