Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods, systems, and kits for the preparation, purification and/or analysis of a glycan or glycoconjugate, and specifically to a magnetic bead based sample preparation protocol that can enable full automation and reduced sample preparation time relative to current methods of glycoanalysis. In some aspects, the sample preparation protocol can provide for glycoconjugate capture, glycan release, fluorescent derivatization, and glycan purification for subsequent capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, or other glycoanalytical method without requiring time-consuming sample preparation steps such as centrifugation or vacuum-centrifugation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically identifying and enumerating early granulated cells (EGC) in blood samples are disclosed. In one embodiment a method for identifying EGC in a blood sample includes analyzing white blood cells of the blood sample using a low angle light scatter (LALS) parameter, separating the EGCs from the other white blood cells using the LALS parameter, and enumerating the separated EGCs.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products can be used for displaying and analyzing data. A method operates by receiving and displaying flow cytometry data in a tree plot, which represents multiple variations of classified flow cytometry data within an interface of computer that includes an input device. The interface permits a user to select, using the input device, portions of the tree plot associated with characteristics and sub-sets of the data. In an example, one or more histograms, contour plots, density plots, radar plots, and scatter plots representing the data are displayed within the interface. The interface permits a user to select, using the input device, portions of the histograms, contour plots, density plots, radar plots, and scatter plots, corresponding to characteristics and sub-sets of the data. In an example, updated histograms and plots are displayed in the interface substantially immediately based upon selected characteristics and subsets of the data.

Abstract: A sorting flow cytometer identifies an undesirable drop charge sequence that is preassigned to adjacent drops before the drops have separated from a fluid stream. An example of an undesirable drop charge sequence is a sequence of adjacent drops that are charged with sufficiently high opposing charges that, after the drops are formed, would result in merging of the adjacent drops. The sorting flow cytometer adjusts the assignment of drop charges to avoid the undesired drop charge sequence.

Abstract: A filter mask for use in a flow cytometer includes light blocking features and light passing apertures. The flow cytometer operates to evaluate one or more characteristics of a sample by illuminating the sample and a carrier fluid and collecting light rays that are radiated from the sample and the carrier fluid. The light rays are passed through the filter mask. The light blocking features of the filter mask are arranged to selectively block radiated light at certain radiation angles, while permit light rays having other radiation angles to pass therethrough. A sensor analyzer receives the light rays that pass through to evaluate at least one characteristic of the sample. The light rays can also be separated into two beams, which can be independently filtered using different filter masks. The results can then be compared to provide even more information regarding characteristics of the sample.

Abstract: A flow cytometer includes a flow nozzle, a light source, an optics system, and a sensor analyzer. The flow nozzle provides a fluid along a flow path. The light source generates a light beam that illuminates the fluid. The optics system collects light rays that are radiated from the light beam by the fluid and passes or blocks the light rays based at least in part on the radiation angles associated with the light rays.

Abstract: A method for creating a laboratory automation system is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a plurality of subgraphs that correspond to a plurality of system blocks. The system blocks are chosen and the subgraphs are stitched together to form a site graph for the laboratory automation system.

Abstract: An analyzer, and a method and an apparatus for detecting liquid overflowing from a container that the analyzer comprises, are provided. The method according to the present invention for detecting liquid overflowing from a container in the analyzer, includes a step of judging that liquid is overflowing from at least one container if the difference between a standard deviation of absorbance of the liquid measured at a plurality of points of a container at time T1 and a standard deviation of absorbance of the liquid measured at a plurality of points in said container at time T2 is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Assays that can measure the effect of proteasome inhibitors on target cells in a biological sample are provided. The assays include evaluation of the effects of proteasome inhibitors on proteasome activity in cells in a biological sample.

Abstract: A sample container cap is disclosed. The sample cap container includes a sample cap body capable of covering an opening of a sample container and a centrifugation status indicator device in the top of the sample cap body. The centrifugation status indicator device includes: a first substance having a first density and a first color, and a second substance having a second density and a second color. The centrifugation status indicator device displays the first substance when the sample container has been centrifuged. The first substance can be a gel, and the second substance can include a plurality of particles. The second density is higher than the first density and the second color is different from the first color.

Abstract: Methods, reagents, kits and systems are disclosed for determining an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte where all reagents are soluble in aqueous solution. One assay method includes treating a sample suspected of containing the analyte under conditions such that if the analyte is present, an activator is brought into reactive configuration with a chemiluminescent compound to activates it. The sample is also treated with an agent to reduce signal not related to analyte. Finally, the sample is treated with a trigger solution thereby producing light from the activated chemiluminescent compound. No reagents are associated with a surface or other solid phase.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing immature platelet parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of immature platelet conditions in the individual.