Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, arrays and kits for assessing the quality of genomic DNA samples, especially those obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. The methods, arrays and kits provided herein use primer pairs specific to regions in the genomes of the organisms from which genomic DNA samples are obtained that have identical or nearly identical copies distributed across multiple chromosomes.

Abstract: A flowcell for a sequencing instrument. The flowcell includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flow channel formed between an at least partially transparent cover and a base and fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and a capture substrate provided in the flow channel. The capture substrate includes microretainers configured to each receive a single microspot having a microspot diameter, and microretainer is separated from adjacent microretainers by an interstitial gap distance that is equal to or greater than the microspot diameter. A particle separator may be fluidly connected to the flowcell. The particle separator may include a microfluidic channel having an array of micropillars to transfer a plurality of the microspots to a loading buffer that may be delivered to the flowcell.

Abstract: Provided is a masking system of masks for use with multiwell plates such as microtiter plates to facilitate sample dispensing and assay accuracy, especially when dispensing more than one solution into the wells. One or more masks, adapted in size to fit snugly over a multiwell plate and the mask formed with openings each aligned with a subset of one or more wells of the plate beneath, aids the user in sample and/or reagent administration. Advantageously, the masks contain registration aids so that proper orientation with respect to the plate below is achieved; the registration aid may be a cut corner, registration peg or mark, or visual marking or stamping.

Abstract: Improved methods that increase the specificity and sensitivity of detection of small RNAs, including miRNAs, using oligonucleotide primers and nucleic acid amplification, are provided. Reaction conditions that result in preferential decrease in cDNA synthesis of RNAs other than the small RNA molecules targeted for detection during miRNA tailing and reverse transcription reactions are described. Using these reaction conditions greater sensitivity and specificity of amplification of small RNAs including miRNAs is achieved.

Abstract: Provided are systems for arrays for assaying various biomolecules and other compounds in a microtiter plate format. The wells are designed so as to contain subwells to facilitate fluid communication between subwells and to allow for efficient human or robotic manipulation of samples and assay of binding or other interactions of components within the wells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, arrays and kits for assessing the quality of genomic DNA samples, especially those obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. The methods, arrays and kits provided herein use primer pairs specific to regions in the genomes of the organisms from which genomic DNA samples are obtained that have identical or nearly identical copies distributed across multiple chromosomes.

Abstract: A capillary tube having a hard, optically clear external coating or cladding. In one embodiment, the external clear coating comprises hard-fluoropolymer. The hard-fluoropolymer coating bonds to the fused silica glass, providing higher strength and superior static fatigue performance resulting in vastly improved bending flexibility. The thin hard-fluoropolymer coating of capillaries provides higher initial tensile strength, longer lifetime (resistance to stress corrosion or static fatigue) and superior ability to transmit excitation light and emitted light directly through the coating for fluorescence based detection.

Abstract: Provided are methods and oligonucleotides useful as primers and templates for internal controls designed for use in Real Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reactions. Use of the present methods and oligonucleotides allows validation of assay parameters and of the results that an assay set.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a capillary column with one or more excitation fibers and with one or more optical lens elements for Capillary Electrophoresis. The apparatus includes two identical blocks having a plurality of grooves for positioning and aligning the capillary column with the one or more excitation fibers, and a plurality of lens seats for optically coupling the lens element with the capillary column. Each block includes a male and female part for mating the two identical blocks together.

Abstract: A cost-effective multi-channel capillary gel-electrophoresis system for highly efficient, nucleic acid-based analysis, in particular HLA SSP (Human Leukocyte Antigen Sequence Specific Primer) typing applications. Twelve DNA samples are automatically injected, electrophoretically separated, detected and analyzed simultaneously by using a multiple usage and disposable multi-capillary gel-cartridge. Using commercially available DNA size markers as indicators, the system provides high resolving power with 12-channel separations in less than 1.5 minutes. The system can hold a total of 96 samples in a PCR plate that can automatically be analyzed within 25 minutes for a full plate of the HLA SSP kits.

Abstract: An integrated bio-analysis system incorporates built-in sample preparation capabilities. In one aspect of the present invention, a bio-analysis instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation device based on PCR (or thermal cycling block/module). In one embodiment of the present invention, a peltier unit in the sample preparation device provides thermal cycling of samples supported in a multi-well tray. In another aspect of the present invention, a CE instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation capability, which may comprise a sample preparation (bio-molecular reaction) device based on thermal cycler type. In another aspect of the present invention, a PCR device is provided with a built-in analysis device, such as a CE device, for verifying the results of the PCR (bio-molecular reaction) process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated strain of a previously unknown Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus pseudolugdunensis. Also disclosed are the sequences of the S. pseudolugdunensis tuf gene and 16s rRNA and methods for distinguishing S. pseudolugdunensis from other staphylococcal species.

Abstract: A cost-effective multi-channel capillary gel-electrophoresis system for highly efficient, high speed, high throughput, carbohydrate analysis. In one aspect of the present invention, a high-performance capillary electrophoresis analyzer system has been optimized for carbohydrate analysis application. The system uses a multiplexed/time-staggered fluorescence type detection mechanism, with an integrated fiber optic array-based technology and a novel disposable gel-cartridge. Twelve carbohydrate samples are automatically injected, electrophoretically separated, detected and analyzed simultaneously by using a multiple usage and disposable multi-capillary gel-cartridge. Using commercially available labeling agent such as APTS (representing 8-Aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid, trisodium salt) as an indicator, the capillary electrophoresis-based carbohydrate system/analyzer provides high resolving power in 2-15 minutes of separations.

Abstract: A reusable bio-analysis cartridge that includes a built-in mechanism to track various parameters and usage data. The tracking mechanism includes a non-volatile rewritable memory “smart-key” that is associated with the cartridge to provide automatic tracking dedicated to the cartridge. The key may be physically coupled to the cartridge with good high voltage insulating properties. When the cartridge is used in an instrument, the associated key is inserted into an I/O interface to communicate with the instrument. The instrument may be configured to “authenticate” the cartridge and conduct an integrity check to determine if the particular cartridge has the correct properties (e.g., gel-chemistry, serial no., Patient I.D.) for the particular sample analysis to be conducted. Further, the instrument may communicate/record information concerning usage of the cartridge (e.g., usage history, test parameters, and perhaps test results).

Abstract: The present invention provides for an interface mechanism in a bio-separation instrument that makes interface connections to a multi-channel cartridge. The interface mechanism precisely positions the cartridge in relation to the support elements in the instrument (e.g., high-voltage, gas pressure, incident radiation and detector), and makes automated, reliable and secured alignments and connections between various components in the cartridge and the support elements in the supporting instrument. The interface mechanism comprises pneumatically or electromechanically driven actuators for engaging support elements in the instrument to components on the cartridge. After the cartridge has been securely received by the interface mechanism, the connection sequence is initiated. The interface provides separate high voltage and optical connections for each separation channel in the cartridge, thus providing channel-to-channel isolation from cross talk both electrically and optically.

Abstract: An integrated bio-analysis system incorporates built-in sample preparation capabilities. In one aspect of the present invention, a bio-analysis instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation device based on PCR (or thermal cycling block/module). In one embodiment of the present invention, a peltier unit in the sample preparation device provides thermal cycling of samples supported in a multi-well tray. In another aspect of the present invention, a CE instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation capability, which may comprise a sample preparation (bio-molecular reaction) device based on thermal cycler type. In another aspect of the present invention, a PCR device is provided with a built-in analysis device, such as a CE device, for verifying the results of the PCR (bio-molecular reaction) process.