Abstract: A rotor is provided for use in a centrifuge system configured to spin the rotor for separating complex fluids. The rotor includes a housing configured to be secured by the centrifuge system and several chambers formed in the housing. Each chamber includes a first chamber portion having a port formed therein and a second chamber portion in fluid communication with the port of the first chamber portion. The second chamber portion may be disposed generally below the port of the first chamber portion. Other rotor designs and methods for separating complex fluids are further disclosed.

Abstract: An incubator including a container having an interior chamber capable of receiving a sample holder having samples, a lower heated surface disposed within the interior chamber of the container, and a movement mechanism coupled to the container and the lower heated surface. In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is configured to move the lower heated surface to a position in which the lower heated surface essentially contacts the sample holder. A method of rapidly heating and incubating a sample for biochemical or immunological testing is further disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for evaluating a sample from a subject for the presence of a mixed population of cells, e.g., a sample having more than one distinct populations of cells, e.g., red blood cells (RBCs). Also included are methods and devices for Coombs crossmatch and DAT testing.

Abstract: A rotor is provided for use in a centrifuge system configured to spin the rotor for separating complex fluids. The rotor includes a housing configured to be secured by the centrifuge system and several chambers formed in the housing. Each chamber includes a first chamber portion having a port formed therein and a second chamber portion in fluid communication with the port of the first chamber portion. The second chamber portion may be disposed generally below the port of the first chamber portion. Other rotor designs and methods for separating complex fluids are further disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for evaluating a sample from a subject for detecting a target red blood cell protein or antibody are disclosed. In one embodiment, optimized antibody screening methods and devices significantly reduce the level of non-specific binding to a surface (e.g., a test surface bound with a red blood cell preparation), thus allowing for more efficient detection and reduced test time. In other embodiments, the invention provides methods and devices for target capturing that include a substantially planar surface, optionally having an optimized angle, for capture. Alternative solid phase geometries for capture are disclosed. Optimized methods for cell deposition are also disclosed. Thus, optimized methods, devices, kits, assays for evaluating a sample are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying a forensic sample using an automated extraction and purification system includes optical tweezers; an input channel through which the sample is introduced; a chamber which receives the sample from the input channel; a collection channel through which selected particles of the sample are removed; and an output through which unselected particles of the sample are removed. At least one buffer input channel is provided. The input channel may allow sedimentation of the sample into the chamber by gravity. In another arrangement, the system includes an optical trapping system; a first channel through which the sample is introduced; a second channel through which buffer is introduced; wherein the optical tweezers are used to move selected particles of the sample from the first channel to the second channel. The selected particles may be sperm. The optical tweezers preferably utilize holographic optical trapping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying a forensic sample using an automated extraction and purification system includes optical tweezers; an input channel through which the sample is introduced; a chamber which receives the sample from the input channel; a collection channel through which selected particles of the sample are removed; and an output through which unselected particles of the sample are removed. At least one buffer input channel is provided. The input channel may allow sedimentation of the sample into the chamber by gravity. In another arrangement, the system includes an optical trapping system; a first channel through which the sample is introduced; a second channel through which buffer is introduced; wherein the optical tweezers are used to move selected particles of the sample from the first channel to the second channel. The selected particles may be sperm. The optical tweezers preferably utilize holographic optical trapping.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for separating blood into components, may be expanded to include other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component.