Life Technologies of Carlsbad, Calif., has received US Patent No. 8,435,395, "Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays." Methods are claimed for producing large-scale, filed-effect-transistor arrays using conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor processing techniques. According to the inventors, such arrays may be employed to detect a presence or concentration changes of various analyte types in a variety of chemical and biological processes.
Bioinfra of Seoul, South Korea, has received US Patent No. 8,435,748, "Method for monitoring, diagnosing, and screening cancer through measuring the concentration of des-R prothrombin activation peptide fragment F2 (des-R F2) in a serum." The patent claims a method of diagnosing cancer in an individual by measuring the expression of des-R-prothrombin activation peptide fragment F2 in blood, serum and plasma samples. According to the patent, the expression may be measured using a kit or biochip containing antibodies specifically binding to des-R prothrombin activation peptide fragment F2. By comparing the measured expression level of des-R-prothrombin activation peptide fragment F2 in the sample of the test subject with a normal subject, the inventors believe that they can determine if the subject has a cancer.
Theranos of Palo Alto, Calif., has received US Patent No. 8,435,738, "Systems and methods for multi-analysis." The patent describes a system that consists of modules mounted on a support structure. According to the patent, these modules include a sample preparation station, an assay station, an a detection station. The system is configured to perform sample preparation procedures and multiple types of assays, such as immunoassays, nucleic acid assays, receptor-based assays, and others. According to the patent, the multiple types of assays are performed with the aid of isolated units contained within the system.