Abstract: A stackable pipette tip tray is described. The pipette tip tray includes a deck having first and second opposing longitudinal side edges. A plurality of shaft apertures is arranged into a plurality of longitudinal rows on the deck. Each of the shaft apertures has a first size or shape configured to receive a shaft of a pipette tip. The deck also includes a plurality of tip apertures that is also arranged into a plurality of longitudinal rows such that at least one of the longitudinal rows of tip apertures is located between an adjacent pair of longitudinal rows of shaft apertures. Each of the plurality of tip apertures has a second size or shape, different from the first size or shape, and is configured to receive a distal tip end of a pipette tip when one tray of pipette tips is stacked above another tray of pipette tips.

Abstract: A blister package for a plurality of pipette tips comprises a support block with a plurality of molded pockets that extends into the support block from a first wall. The plurality of pockets is configured to receive the plurality of pipette tips. At least one reservoir located within the support block at a distal end of and in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of pockets. A closure member configured to close the plurality of pockets within the support block.

Abstract: Methods to assess biological enzyme activity directly in a complex clinical sample. To such a sample, e.g., plasma, an exogenous synthetic peptide substrate for an enzyme present in the sample and to be assessed is added. The sample then undergoes mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) to monitor the mass spectral profile of the immuno-purified exogenous synthetic peptide substrate directly from the sample. Using the resulting profile, parameters such as enzyme activity and effect of enzyme modulators, including therapeutics administered to an individual for a condition involving the enzyme, may be determined.

Abstract: An adjustable pipetter stand having a base plate and an arm extending vertically therefrom. The base plate receives a fluid vessel in a workspace defined by the base plate. A vertical guide rail, operatively coupled to the vertically extending arm, receives a guide block that is also operatively coupled to a pipetter. The guide block is configured to support a selected vertical position of the pipetter along the vertical guide rail.

Abstract: A blister package for a plurality of pipette tips comprises a support block with a plurality of molded pockets that extends into the support block from a first wall. The plurality of pockets is configured to receive the plurality of pipette tips. At least one reservoir located within the support block at a distal end of and in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of pockets. A closure member configured to close the plurality of pockets within the support block.

Abstract: A pipette tip tray for use with a standardized rack. The pipette tip tray includes an uppermost surface defining a first plane and a lowermost surface defining a second plane. A deck is located between the first and second planes and includes a plurality of shaft apertures extending therethrough. Each of the shaft apertures has a size or shape configured to receive the shaft of a pipette tip. The tray further includes a first locking element located below the second plane.

Abstract: A stackable pipette tip tray is described. The pipette tip tray includes a deck having first and second opposing longitudinal side edges. A plurality of shaft apertures is arranged into a plurality of longitudinal rows on the deck. Each of the shaft apertures has a first size or shape configured to receive a shaft of a pipette tip. The deck also includes a plurality of tip apertures that is also arranged into a plurality of longitudinal rows such that at least one of the longitudinal rows of tip apertures is located between an adjacent pair of longitudinal rows of shaft apertures. Each of the plurality of tip apertures has a second size or shape, different from the first size or shape, and is configured to receive a distal tip end of a pipette tip when one tray of pipette tips is stacked above another tray of pipette tips.

Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing tap, such as for use in screening assays, includes a dispensing tube translatable within a sealed reservoir housing. The tube has an outer surface and defines an inner cavity open at a lower end of the tube, and a metering aperture extending through a side wall of the tube between the inner cavity and the outer surface to define a known volume. The tube is movable against a seal at a lower end of the reservoir housing between a first position, in which the metering aperture is disposed below the seal, and a second position, in which the metering aperture is disposed above the seal and exposed to the reservoir for entraining a discrete dose of a sample liquid within the aperture. An injector is configured to inject a known quantity of a diluent into the inner cavity of the tube and into fluidic contact with the dose of sample liquid in the aperture, such that the dose of sample liquid diffuses into the diluent to form a discrete mixture for dispensing from an open end of the tube.

Abstract: A pipette tip reloading system permits the reuse of a tip holder in a manner which interposes no additional transfer structure between the tip holder and the replacement tips. The reloading system includes a tip transfer tray and a push plate which releases the tips from the tray in a simple and reliable manner. The push plate also helps maintain alignment of the tips on the transfer tray as they are moved into position on the tip holder.