GE HEALTHCARE UK LIMITED Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160060617 | SOLID MATRIX FOR THE STORAGE OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES - The present invention relates to a method for storage and subsequent lysis of a sample in which the sample is immobilized on a solid support. The solid matrix is embedded with a low concentration of both a chaotropic salt and a surfactant which act synergistically to efficiently store and lyse a biological sample. | 03-03-2016 |
20150299770 | Methods for One Step Nucleic Acid Amplification of Non-Eluted Samples - The present invention relates to methods and kits which can be used to amplify nucleic acids with the advantage of decreasing user time and possible contamination. For easy processing and amplification of nucleic acid samples, the samples are bound to a solid support and used directly, without purification, in a nucleic acid amplification reaction such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). | 10-22-2015 |
20140370513 | BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE COLLECTION - Disclosed is a device ( | 12-18-2014 |
20140303518 | BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE COLLECTION DEVICE - Biological samples, such as saliva, are commonly collected on a swab and subsequently transferred to an absorbent storage medium. Embodiments of the present invention provide a biological sample collection device | 10-09-2014 |
20140298926 | BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE STORAGE APPARATUS AND METHOD - Disclosed is a biological sample holder, a container for storing multiple holders, and an automated holder retrieval system. The sample holder may comprise an elongate generally planar support including a handle end and an opposing biological sample storage end, wherein, a substrate for accepting a biological sample is mounted to the holder at said sample storage end. Optionally the substrate is so mounted within a recess in the surface of the support and the recess has a local surface providing a reaction surface for allowing a sub-sample to be removed from the medium by mechanical action, such as cutting or punching. The container may include an array of wells each well being generally square or rectangular in plan and the holders dimensioned so that they are held diagonally in a respective well. The automated biological sample storage apparatus may include a mechanical handling device, and an associated electronic control capable of controlling the mechanical handing device to pick a predetermined sample holder from an associated well, or to place a predetermined sample holder into an associated well, optionally removing or replacing a container lid where a lid is used. | 10-09-2014 |
20140272983 | SOLID MATRIX FOR THE STORAGE OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES - The present invention relates to a method for storage and subsequent lysis of a sample in which the sample is immobilized on a solid support. The solid matrix is embedded with a low concentration of both a chaotropic salt and a surfactant which act synergistically to efficiently store and lyse a biological sample. | 09-18-2014 |
20140199704 | MULTIPLEX CELL SIGNALLING ASSAYS - Disclosed are methods useful in multiplex cell-based assays for compound screening employing imaging instrumentation. The methods described herein offer high content information relating to the biological potency of test agents, off-target effects and cellular toxicity of potential drug candidates. | 07-17-2014 |
20140154686 | BIOMETRIC DEVICE AND MEANS FOR ELECTRONIC STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF BIOMETRIC DATA - There is disclosed a biometric device ( | 06-05-2014 |
20140154667 | SOLID MATRIX FOR ONE STEP NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION - The present invention to relates to methods and kits which can be used to amplify nucleic acids with the advantage of decreasing user time and possible contamination. The PCR reagents are bound to a solid matrix for easy processing and amplification of DNA samples. | 06-05-2014 |
20140134079 | SYRINGELESS FILTER DEVICE COMPRESSOR - Embodiments of the invention relate to a syringeless filter device compressor for compressing one or more syringeless filter devices. Such syringeless filter devices are typically compressed entirely by hand; however, this may be uncomfortable and/or dangerous for the operator. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a holder for holding a plurality of syringeless filter devices in a two-dimensional array, and a compressor device. The compressor includes a pusher which can be moved by an actuator to compress the filtration devices held in the two-dimensional array. These features enable a compact compressor device for compressing syringeless filter devices, without the operator being in contact with the syringeless filter device during the compression process. | 05-15-2014 |
20140113294 | DIRECT NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION KIT, REAGENT AND METHOD - The present invention relates to compositions, methods and kits which can be used to amplify nucleic acids with the advantage of decreasing user time and possible contamination. The dried reagent composition of the invention can be used for easy processing and amplification of nucleic acid samples. | 04-24-2014 |
20130330751 | SAMPLE PRESERVATION METHOD AND SAMPLE APPLICATION SUBSTRATE - The invention discloses a sample preservation method which comprises the following steps: a) providing a paper substrate comprising ligands, where the ligands comprise charged groups, b) applying a sample comprising at least one analyte and at least one contaminant on the paper substrate, c) drying the sample on the paper substrate and, d) extracting at least part of the paper substrate to provide a solution of the analyte. | 12-12-2013 |
20130330750 | SOLID SUPPORT AND METHOD OF ENHANCING THE RECOVERY OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL THEREFROM - The present invention relates to solid supports that are used for the storage and further processing of biological materials. The invention is particularly concerned with solid supports which have at least one surface coated with a chemical that enhances the recovery of the biological material from the support. Methods of preparing and using the solid supports are also described. | 12-12-2013 |
20130323829 | BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE HOLDER AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING SAME - Embodiments of the invention relate to a biological sample holder and for holding biological samples. Conventionally, processing of biological samples, which may be stored on a biological sample storage medium, is done manually with samples being tested individually. However, handling of the samples is difficult and time consuming; greater demand for storage and extraction of genetic material has led to a requirement for greater throughput. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a biological sample holder comprising a chamber holding a biological sample storage medium, the chamber comprising one or more openings for receiving a liquid when inserted therein. This provides a means of holding a biological sample which is easy to handle and suitable for automation, for example in an array of such holders, allowing processing of multiple biological samples in parallel. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323778 | PAPER SUPPORT AND METHOD OF RECOVERING BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL THEREFROM - The present invention relates to paper supports for neonatal screening that are used for the storage and further processing of biological materials. The invention is particularly concerned with paper supports which have at least one surface coated with a chemical that enhances the recovery of the biological material from the support. Methods of preparing and using the paper supports are also described. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323723 | SOLID SUPPORT AND METHOD OF RECOVERING BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL THEREFROM - The present invention relates to solid supports that are used for the storage and further processing of biological materials. The invention is particularly concerned with solid supports which have at least one surface coated with a chemical mixture that enhances the recovery of the biological material from the support. Methods of preparing and using the solid supports are also described. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323715 | CONTAINER STORING FREEZE-DRIED BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE - Embodiments of the invention relate to a container holding, and a method of storing, freeze-dried biological samples. In particular, there is provided a container holding a freeze-dried material comprising a biological sample, the container comprising a chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion, the chamber comprising a wall and the lower portion being fluidly connected to the upper portion such that, when liquid is received at the upper portion, the received liquid can pass to and accumulate in the lower portion. Further, the freeze-dried material is located in the lower portion, and the container comprises a physical structure in the form of a stop protruding inwards from the wall, the physical structure being for inhibiting the freeze-dried material from moving from the lower portion of the chamber to the upper portion of the chamber. This ensures that the biological sample can be kept in a lower portion of the tube, ensuring that, when the biological sample is subsequently reconstituted by inserting water, substantially all of the biological sample is dissolved. | 12-05-2013 |
20130288343 | BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE HOLDER AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A STORAGE DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention, disclose a biological sample holder comprising a stake of biologically inert material, and a biological sample storage medium fixed to or retained on the stake by a retaining portion. This provides a means of holding a biological sample which is easy to handle and suitable for automation, for example in an array of such holders, allowing processing of multiple biological samples in parallel. | 10-31-2013 |
20130284680 | FILTRATION DEVICE AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a filtration device and method for filtering liquids. In conventional devices, a liquid is placed in a vial, and a plunger, having a filter membrane located at one end, is depressed into the vial, causing the liquid to pass through the filter membrane into the interior of the plunger, where it is stored until required for further processing. However, such plungers are typically made of a plastics material. It is undesirable to store the filtered liquid in contact with plastics for extended periods of time, as contaminants may leach from the plastics material into the sample. In embodiments of the present invention, a filtrate receptacle made from a different material to the plunger, such as a glass material, is located in the interior of the plunger and the filtered liquid collected in the filtrate receptacle after passing through the filter membrane. This allows the filtered liquid to be held isolated from the plastics material, thereby protecting it from contamination. | 10-31-2013 |
20130270173 | FILTRATION DEVICE AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a filtration device for use in filtration of a liquid, and disclose: a liquid receptacle having an open end and a closed end; a plunger body moveable at least partially within the liquid receptacle along an axis said axis extending between the open and closed ends, said plunger including a filtrate chamber in fluid communication with the liquid receptacle via a fluid filtering path and a filter disposed in the filtering path, and the device further including a slidable seal for inhibiting or preventing fluid flow across the seal during said plunger movement; wherein said seal includes a first skirt depending from the plunger at one end of the first skirt, said first skirt having an outer surface which in use slidably and sealingly abuts the vial, and having, at least in an uncompressed state, a generally annular separation between the skirt and the plunger body, which separation extends generally parallel to the axis. A second skirt, overlapping the first skirt, is disclosed also. | 10-17-2013 |
20130260477 | BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE STORAGE DEVICE - Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of assembling an apparatus for holding biological samples. Conventionally, storage media are encased in a relatively thin flexible cardboard frame. Such constructions are vulnerable to damage from moisture and mechanical forces; these defects may subsequently cause problems for automated handling systems. In an embodiment, these defects are prevented by providing a pair of rigid frames, each frame comprising an aperture; placing a biological sample storage medium between the two frames so that the biological sample storage medium at least partly overlaps each of the apertures in the frames; and joining the two frames to fix the biological sample storage medium in place while allowing access to the biological sample storage medium via each of the apertures. Thus, in embodiments of the present invention, the frames can be rigid and waterproof, and provide a robust storage media for biological samples. At least one pre-defined area of weakness can be provided in the frames, to allow removal of a portion of the frames. | 10-03-2013 |
20130177903 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING DNA DAMAGE - The invention relates to an apparatus and an in-situ method for detecting cellular DNA damage. The invention is particularly suited for use in Comet assays and for automation of such assays. The apparatus comprises a multiwell plate, the plate comprising an array of wells held in fixed relationship with each other and each well having an axis, side walls, and a base and wherein the well is provided with electrode pairs disposed therein; and wherein there is provided means for parallel connection of the electrode pairs to an external voltage supply. | 07-11-2013 |
20130121557 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED BIOLOGICAL CELL ASSAY DATA ANALYSIS - In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system | 05-16-2013 |
20130101199 | IMAGE ANALYSIS - A first aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus | 04-25-2013 |
20130045484 | METHODS AND KITS FOR DETERMINING THE TOXICITY OF AN AGENT - The invention relates to methods and kits for determining the toxicity of an agent on a population of eukaryotic cells, particularly human cells. The cells may comprise a nucleic acid construct comprising a DNA damage induced response element operably linked to a sequence encoding a reporter gene. The multiplex methods and kits provide means for distinguishing between genotoxic and cytotoxic agents. | 02-21-2013 |
20130034272 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING MOTION OF A BIOLOGICAL OBJECT - The invention provides a system and method of analysing the motion of a biological object, particularly the motion of cultured organisms or cell cultures. The system and method of the invention may be used to determine the effect of a physical stimulus or a test agent on the motion of cell cultures. The system and method is of particular use in assessing the effect a chemical may have on the contractile motion of cardiomyocyte cell cultures. | 02-07-2013 |
20130004938 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED EXTRACTION OF MULTI-CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS - In one aspect the present invention relates to a system | 01-03-2013 |
20120258474 | METHODS OF DETECTING DNA DAMAGE - The present invention relates to methods of detecting agents that cause or may potentiate DNA damage, and to assays that may be employed in such methods. In particular, the invention relates to methods of detecting DNA damage in in vitro cultures of human cells. | 10-11-2012 |
20120202222 | ENZYME FRAGMENT COMPLEMENTATION ASSAYS FOR MONITORING THE ACTIVATION OF THE VOLTAGE-GATED POTASSIUM ION CHANNEL HERG - The present invention provides methods and cell based assays for testing for the binding of a ligand to a human Ether-a-go-go-related (hERG) voltage-gated potassium ion channel protein in an enzyme complementation assay. The invention is of particular use in toxicological and drug screening, particularly for high throughput screening. | 08-09-2012 |
20120101005 | METHODS FOR PREDICTING THE TOXICITY OF A CHEMICAL - The invention relates to methods and kits for predicting the effect of a chemical on a developmental pathway. In particular, the invention relates to methods and kits for predicting the toxicity of a chemical on human developmental pathways. The methods and kits of the invention can be used for predicting changes in a cellular biomap or a developmental pathway during human foetal development. | 04-26-2012 |
20120058467 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING DNA DAMAGE - The invention relates to an apparatus and an in-situ method for detecting cellular DNA damage. The invention is particularly suited for use in Comet assays and for automation of such assays. The apparatus comprises a multiwell plate, the plate comprising an array of wells held in fixed relationship with each other and each well having an axis, side walls, and a base and wherein the well is provided with electrode pairs disposed therein; and wherein there is provided means for parallel connection of the electrode pairs to an external voltage supply. | 03-08-2012 |
20120045834 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING MICROCARRIER BEADS IN SUSPENSION - The invention relates to an impeller for growing adherent mammalian cells on microcarrier beads. In other aspects, the invention relates to methods of using the impeller and to bioreactors or cell separators comprising the impeller. | 02-23-2012 |
20120035859 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI-PARAMETER DATA ANALYSIS - In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method | 02-09-2012 |
20120021440 | METHODS FOR TESTING LIGAND BINDING TO G PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTORS - The present invention relates to methods for testing for the binding of a ligand to a G Protein-Coupled Receptor. In particular, the methods of the invention are useful in high throughput screening for ligands which bind to G Protein-Coupled Receptors. | 01-26-2012 |
20120015373 | ACRIDONE DERIVATIVES AS LABELS FOR FLUORESCENCE DETECTION OF TARGET MATERIALS - Disclosed are methods for assay of an analyte employing acridone dyes having the structure: | 01-19-2012 |
20110280803 | RADIOIODINATION METHOD - The present invention provides a method for the synthesis of radioiodinated compounds which is advantageous over prior art methods. Using a hydrazine or an aminoxy in place of a primary amine for indirect radioiodination facilitates a much quicker reaction thus reducing reaction time and increasing the yield. In addition, where there are primary amines in the molecule to be radioiodinated, such as the N-terminus of a peptide or lysine residues, reaction at the hydrazine or aminoxy is greatly favoured. | 11-17-2011 |
20110267448 | MICROSCOPY - According to one aspect, the present invention relates to an imaging system ( | 11-03-2011 |
20110250632 | METHODS FOR CONDUCTING CELLULAR ASSAYS - The present invention relates to cryopreserved cell cultures, methods for cryopreserving cells and methods for conducting cellular assays on such cells. A cryopreserved cell culture of the invention comprises a container having at least a surface which is coated with poly-lysine and frozen cells supported on the surface. | 10-13-2011 |
20110244487 | METHODS FOR TESTING BINDING OF A LIGAND TO A G PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTOR - The present invention relates to methods for testing for the binding of a ligand to a G Protein-Coupled Receptor. In particular, the methods of the invention are useful in high throughput screening for ligands which bind to G Protein-Coupled Receptors. | 10-06-2011 |
20110236921 | CELL SYSTEM - The present invention relates to cellular systems for testing drug candidates and for evaluating the function of mitochondrial proteins. The invention is particularly useful for evaluating drug candidates for cancer and for conducting studies on drug resistance. | 09-29-2011 |
20110177527 | METHODS AND COMPOUNDS FOR TESTING BINDING OF A LIGAND TO A G PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTOR - The present invention relates to compounds and methods for testing for the binding of a ligand to a G Protein-Coupled Receptor. In particular, the compounds of the invention are useful in high throughput screening for ligands which bind to G Protein-Coupled Receptors. | 07-21-2011 |
20110134233 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING MICROSCOPIC IMAGES OF UNSTAINED CELLS - According to one aspect, the present invention relates to an imaging system | 06-09-2011 |
20110014641 | METHOD FOR MEASURING AROMATASE ACTIVITY - The present invention relates to compounds useful for measuring aromatase activity. The invention further provides methods for measuring aromatase activity and for screening test agents which modulate aromatase activity. A kit is also provided for use in such screening methods. | 01-20-2011 |
20100311069 | MULTIPLEX CELL SIGNALLING ASSAYS - Disclosed are methods useful in multiplex cell-based assays for compound screening employing imaging instrumentation. The methods described herein offer high content information relating to the biological potency of test agents, off-target effects and cellular toxicity of potential drug candidates. | 12-09-2010 |
20100267008 | CHIRAL INDOLE INTERMEDIATES AND THEIR FLUORESCENT CYANINE DYES CONTAINING FUNCTIONAL GROUPS - This invention relates to the functionalized cyanine dyes and more particularly, to the synthesis of chiral 3-substituted 2,3′-dimethyl-3H-indole and its derivatives as intermediates for preparation of cyanine dyes, to methods of preparing these dyes and the dyes so prepared. | 10-21-2010 |
20100261811 | MICROSCOPY IMAGING PHANTOMS - The invention relates to imaging phantoms for validation, optimisation and calibration of microscopy instrumentation and software used for analysis of microscope images. The materials and methods of the invention find particular use in high content screening and high content analysis. | 10-14-2010 |
20100249385 | WATER-SOLUBLE FLUORO-SUBSTITUTED CYANINE DYES AS REACTIVE FLUORESCENCE LABELLING REAGENTS - Disclosed are cyanine dyes that are useful for labelling and detecting biological and other materials. The dyes are of formula (I): | 09-30-2010 |
20100233681 | METHOD FOR CELL BASED ASSAYS - Disclosed is a method for cell storage on beads and subsequent utilisation of cryogenically stored cells in cellular assays. | 09-16-2010 |
20100184098 | METHODS FOR MEASURING ENZYME ACTIVITY - The invention relates to fluorescence methods for measuring enzyme activity, in particular enzyme cleaving and joining activities. The invention also relates to fluorogenic substrates which are useful for measuring enzyme activity and as in vitro and in vivo imaging probes. | 07-22-2010 |
20100178237 | PROCESS FOR RECOVERY OF WATER ISOTOPOLOGUES - Disclosed is a process and a system for recovery of isotopologues of water from an aqueous vapour stream optionally containing acidic gases. | 07-15-2010 |
20100139537 | THERMAL OXIDISER - Thermal oxidiser ( | 06-10-2010 |
20100028899 | CELL CYCLE PHASE MARKERS - The present invention relates to polypeptide and nucleic acids constructs which are useful for determining the cell cycle status of a mammalian cell. Host cells transfected with these nucleic acid constructs can be used to determine the effects that test agents have upon the mammalian cell cycle. | 02-04-2010 |
20100021372 | PROCESS FOR RECOVERY OF WATER ISOTOPOLOGUES FROM IMPURE WATER - Disclosed is a process and a system for recovery of isotopologues of water from an aqueous liquid stream containing dissolved impurities. | 01-28-2010 |
20100015054 | FLUORO-SUBSTITUTED BENZOXAZOLE POLYMETHINE DYES - Disclosed are reactive polyfluoro benzoxazole polymethine dyes that are useful for labelling and detecting biological and other materials. The dyes are of formula (I): | 01-21-2010 |
20090325209 | METHOD AND REAGENT FOR MEASURING NITROREDUCTASE ENZYME ACTIVITY - Disclosed are nitro-substituted squaraine reporter dyes and methods using such dyes for detecting nitroreductase enzyme activity and nitroreductase gene expression in cellular assays. The dyes are of the structure: | 12-31-2009 |
20090232370 | METHOD OF, AND APPARATUS AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR, IMAGING BIOLOGICAL OBJECTS - A method of imaging one or more biological objects using imaging apparatus capable of capturing an image across an imaging area. The method includes: placing the one or more biological objects ( | 09-17-2009 |
20080300397 | MODIFIED SPIN COLUMN FOR SIMPLE AND RAPID PLASMID DNA EXTRACTION - The invention relates to a modified spin column for the isolation and purification of plasmid DNA. A pre-filtration disc is included in a traditional spin column. During plasmid DNA isolation, the lysate can be loaded directly to the modified spin column, eliminates the need to first remove the flocculants containing cellular debris. This results in a much shortened process. Variation of the invention includes a depth filter in between the pre-filtration disc and the main separation matrix. Also provided are kits for isolation of plasmid DNA including the modified spin columns. | 12-04-2008 |
20080299621 | MINIPREP SYSTEM FOR SIMPLE AND RAPID PLASMID DNA EXTRACTION - The invention relates to a modified microspin system for the isolation and purification of plasmid DNA. A disposable pre-filter column is used in combination with the traditional microspin column for increase speed and quality of plasmid DNA preparation. The disposable pre-filter column includes a pre-filter and a depth filter for optimal result. During plasmid DNA isolation, the lysate can be loaded directly to the assembly including the disposable pre-filter column and the microspin column. A quick spin causes the plasmid DNA to bind to the microspin column while the flocculents remain on top of the disposable pre-filter column, eliminates the need to first remove the flocculants containing cellular debris. This results in a much shortened process. Also provided are kits for isolation of plasmid DNA including the pre-filter column and the microspin columns. | 12-04-2008 |
20080253642 | Method of Processing an Image - A method of processing an input image produces an output image emphasising peak-like structures. The input image comprises input pixels and each input pixel has an intensity characteristic. The output image comprises corresponding output pixels and each output pixel has a value. The method comprises the step of calculating for an input pixel the second derivative of the intensity characteristic in two orthogonal directions, one of the directions being the direction of maximum curvature. The product of the two second derivatives is calculated and the value of the output pixel corresponding to the input pixel is determined in dependence on the product. | 10-16-2008 |
20080227131 | Signalling Assay and Cell Line - The invention relates to a sensor for indicating the transduction and inhibition of stress signals through the p38-MAPK pathway in living cells. The sensor comprises a reporter gene product and an isoform of p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK). The invention also provides plasmid and viral vectors containing nucleic acids encoding the sensor for the transfection of living cells. Stable cell lines expressing the sensor can be used in a live-cell or fixed-cell assay to measure activation or modulation of the pathway. | 09-18-2008 |
20080219529 | Method of, and Apparatus and Computer Software for, Performing Image Processing - A computer-implemented method of performing image processing for images of biological objects includes: storing definitions of a plurality of descriptors; receiving image data relating to an image of a reference population of biological objects; receiving image data relating to an image of a target population of biological objects; processing the reference population image data to obtain a reference set of measurements, containing data for each of the descriptors; processing the target population image data to obtain a target set of measurements, containing data for each of the descriptors; and selecting a combination of the descriptors on the basis of comparing the reference set with the target set to define a preferred combination of the descriptors for use in identifying characteristics of a further population of biological objects which are similar to those of the target population. | 09-11-2008 |