SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices for detecting infections in a clinical sample are provided. Small-volume clinical samples obtained at a point-of-service (POS) location and may be tested at the POS location for multiple markers for multiple diseases, including upper and lower respiratory diseases. Samples may be tested for cytokines, or for inflammation indicators. Dilution of samples, or levels of detection, may be determined by the condition or past history of a subject. Test results may be obtained within a short amount of time after sample placement in a testing device, or within a short amount of time after being obtained from the subject. A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be provided, and may be filled, at the POS location. A bill may be automatically generated for the testing, or for the prescription, may be automatically sent to an insurance provider, and payment may be automatically obtained.
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Citations
247 Claims
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1-216. -216. (canceled)
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217. A method of detecting a disease marker, comprising:
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a) introducing a cartridge comprising one or more samples into an automatic sample processing device, said cartridge being configured to hold at least one sample and being configured to hold a swab, wherein said automatic sample processing device comprises; i) a sample handling system configured to transport at least a portion of a sample and being configured to transport an independently movable assay unit; and ii) an optical detector; b) contacting a sample, or a portion thereof, with a movable assay unit, or a reagent, or both, for the performance of an assay for the detection of a disease marker, said contacting comprising transporting, with the aid of said sample handling system, at least a portion of said sample, or a movable assay unit, or a reagent, or combinations thereof; c) positioning said sample, or portion thereof, at a location suitable for detection of an optical signal from the sample or portion thereof by said optical detector; and d) detecting the presence of a disease marker. - View Dependent Claims (218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246)
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247-276. -276. (canceled)
Specification