Abstract: Multiple receptacles containing a reaction mixture are transported to corresponding receptacle wells of a thermally-conductive receptacle holder in thermal communication with a support that is in thermal communication with a heat sink. The heat sink is pre-heated to a temperature above ambient temperature, and the temperature of the receptacle holder is cycled. Optical communication is established between each of the receptacle wells and an excitation signal source and an emission signal detector during cycling, and whether an emission signal is emitted from any of the receptacles is determined as an indication of the presence of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing nucleic acid amplification reactions includes a thermally-conductive receptacle holder with front and back surfaces. The front surface includes a row of receptacle wells, and an outer surface of each well has a frustoconical shape, an inner surface of each well receives a receptacle, and each well has a through-hole extending between the inner and outer surfaces thereof. One or more thermal elements in contact with the back surface of the holder alter a temperature(s) of the holder. The apparatus includes multiple optical fibers, and each optical fiber provides optical communication between one of the wells and an excitation signal source and/or an emission signal detector. A first end of each optical fiber is disposed outside, within, or extends through the through-hole of a corresponding well, and a second end of each optical fiber is in optical communication with the excitation signal source and/or the emission signal detector.

Abstract: A system for performing a nucleic acid amplification assay comprises a thermally-conductive receptacle holder with one or more receptacle wells, each conforming to an outer surface of a lower portion of a vial. A through-hole extends from an inner surface of each well to an outer surface of the holder. A thermal element is positioned proximal to the holder for altering a temperature of the holder. A signal detection module is configured to generate an excitation signal directed through the through-hole of the well and detect an optical emission from a fluid contained in the vial supported by the well. At least one well supports a capped vial containing a reagent for a nucleic acid amplification assay and including an opaque cap sealing an open end of the vial. The lower portion of the vial is contained within a well, and the cap is situated above a top surface of the holder.

Abstract: Receptacles containing a reaction mixture are transported to receptacle wells of a thermally conductive receptacle holder, and the temperature of the holder is cycled with a thermoelectric device situated between a support and a first side of the holder while a first force is applied onto a second side of the holder. Optical communication between each well and an excitation signal source and an emission signal detector is established to determine whether an emission signal is emitted from any of the receptacles during temperature cycling as an indication of the presence of a target nucleic acid. The thermoelectric device may be situated between an upright portion of the support and the first side of the holder. A second force may be applied onto a top end of each receptacle in the holder by a cover moveable with respect to the receptacles between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing nucleic acid amplification reactions includes a thermally-conductive receptacle holder with multiple receptacle wells. Each well has a through-hole extending from an inner surface of the well to an outer surface of the holder. A cover is rotatable between an open position and a closed position relative to the holder and is configured to exert a force onto any receptacles in the wells when the cover is in the closed position. The apparatus includes multiple optical fibers, and each of the optical fibers provides optical communication between one of the wells and an excitation signal source and/or an emission signal detector. A thermal element is positioned between a thermally-conductive support and the receptacle holder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for preparing a sample of nucleic acid molecules from a biological sample. The methods and devices may perform similarly to or better than standard sample preparation methods. The nucleic acid molecules prepared using the methods and devices provided herein may be utilized for downstream applications, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: First and second sets of receptacles containing reagents for first and second amplification reactions, respectively, are placed in first and second receptacle holders, each associated with a thermal element. The receptacles are subjected to different first and second incubation processes resulting in the first and second amplification reactions in each of the first and second sets of receptacles that contain a first or a second target nucleic acid, respectively. The presence or absence of the first or second target nucleic acid, if any, is determined for each receptacle of the first and second sets of receptacles.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: System, apparatus, and method for cycling the temperature of at least one receptacle holder that is adapted for use in an automated instrument capable of performing nucleic acid-based amplification tests. Also provided are methods for conducting automated, random-access incubation processes using the same.

Abstract: A thermally conductive receptacle holder includes a plurality of wells that each receive a receptacle. A cross-brace is mounted to a support to exert a force onto an outer surface of a compressive housing such that the compressive housing exerts a force onto the receptacle holder. An optical fiber associated with each well provides optical communication between the receptacle well and an excitation signal source and/or an emission signal detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for preparing a sample of nucleic acid molecules from a biological sample. The methods and devices may perform similarly to or better than standard sample preparation methods. The nucleic acid molecules prepared using the methods and devices provided herein may be utilized for downstream applications, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: First and second sets of receptacles containing reagents for first and second amplification reactions, respectively, are placed in first and second receptacle holders, each associated with a thermal element. The receptacles are subjected to different first and second incubation processes resulting in the first and second amplification reactions in each of the first and second sets of receptacles that contain a first or a second target nucleic acid, respectively. The presence or absence of the first or second target nucleic acid, if any, is determined for each receptacle of the first and second sets of receptacles.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: A microscope slide holding cassette includes a main body for surrounding and protecting microscopes, and shelves capable of holding the microscope slides. The shelves have support members that extend outwardly in order to support label ends of slides. Catches carried at the end of the support members are capable of limiting movement of the slides during transport of the cassette. To transport slides to different workstations, a pickup device can use a vacuum to pick up a slide without contacting areas of the slide that may have glue. The pickup device can load and unload the cassette. The pickup device can have a low-profile configuration in order to access relatively small spaces for processing flexibility.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: System, apparatus, and method for cycling the temperature of at least one receptacle holder that is adapted for use in an automated instrument capable of performing nucleic acid-based amplification tests. Also provided are methods for conducting automated, random-access incubation processes using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for air ingestion prevention. The invention provides a stopper or plug with one or more conduits and a recess that prevents air ingestion during outlet of a liquid from a liquid container covered with the stopper.