Abstract: A fluid processing device and methods are provided that can process one or many different fluid samples, detection for each of which can be multiplexed to detect the presence or absence of each of a panel of target sequences, for example 20 different target sequences. The device can comprise a substrate and one or more fluid processing pathways at least partially defined by the substrate. Each fluid processing pathway can comprise a pre-amplification region and two or more amplification regions disposed downstream from and in fluid communication with the pre-amplification region. A burstable valve can be disposed along each fluid processing pathway and the downstream regions can contain pre-loaded ammonia gas to draw an amplified sample downstream.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample are described. In some embodiments, the sample to be analyzed includes a primer which hybridizes to at least a portion of the target nucleic acid, a probe having a first region which hybridizes to at least a portion of the target nucleic acid and a second region having a detectable label, a polymerase which extends the hybridized primer and an enzyme comprising nuclease activity that can cleave the hybridized hybridization probe to thereby release a labeled probe fragment. In some embodiments, the sample can then be contacted with a solid support comprising surface bound capture probes which can hybridize to the labeled probe fragment(s). These capture probes more readily bind to the probe fragment(s) than to the intact hybridization probe. The label can then be detected on the support surface. In this manner, improved discrimination between the probe fragments and the intact hybridization probes can be achieved.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: The invention concerns fluorescence standards, and in particular fluorescence standards for calibrating optical detectors. According to the invention, a fluorescent mineral or mixtures of minerals are employed for use as a fluorescence standard. The fluorescent mineral can be a naturally occurring mineral or a synthetically produced mineral. Preferred fluorescent minerals for use as fluorescence standards are corundum, fluorite, turquoise, amber, zircon, zoisite, iolite or cordierite, spinel, topaz, calcium fluorite, sphalerite or zincblende, calcite or calcspar, apatite, scheelite or calcium tungstate, willemite, feldspars, sodalite, a uranium mineral, a mineral containing Al3+, and in particular ruby and sapphire.

Abstract: Disclosed, for example, are methods comprising cleaving an uncleaved probe to form a cleaved oligonucleotide flap, forming a hybridization complex between the cleaved oligo-nucleotide flap, a bridging oligonucleotide, and a capture oligonucleotide that is immobilized on a surface, such that the oligonucleotide flap and the capture oligonucleotide are hybridized to immediately adjacent, complementary regions of the bridging oligonucleotide, ligating the oligonucleotide flap to the capture oligonucleotide to form an immobilized ligation product, and detecting the ligation product.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample are described. In some embodiments, the sample to be analyzed includes a primer which hybridizes to at least a portion of the target nucleic acid, a probe having a first region which hybridizes to at least a portion of the target nucleic acid and a second region having a detectable label, a polymerase which extends the hybridized primer and an enzyme comprising nuclease activity that can cleave the hybridized hybridization probe to thereby release a labeled probe fragment. In some embodiments, the sample can then be contacted with a solid support comprising surface bound capture probes which can hybridize to the labeled probe fragment(s). These capture probes more readily bind to the probe fragment(s) than to the intact hybridization probe. The label can then be detected on the support surface. In this manner, improved discrimination between the probe fragments and the intact hybridization probes can be achieved.

Abstract: A sample holder, such as a microscope slide, is provided in the form of a card-shaped substrate or plate, preferably for use in an analytical reader. The sample holder comprises at least one hole, preferably a plurality of holes, for receiving a sample to be analyzed. The at least one hole extends completely through the substrate and is sized such that the sample is held within the at least one hole by means of the surface tension of the sample against the force of gravity. Optionally the substrate comprises a first upper substrate and a second lower substrate that together embed a porous membrane. As a further option the sample holder comprises a first cover attached to the top side of the first upper substrate and/or a second cover attached to the bottom side of the second lower substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed, for example, are methods comprising cleaving an uncleaved probe to form a cleaved oligonucleotide flap, forming a hybridization complex between the cleaved oligonucleotide flap, a bridging oligonucleotide, and a capture oligonucleotide that is immobilized on a surface, such that the oligonucleotide flap and the capture oligonucleotide are hybridized to immediately adjacent, complementary regions of the bridging oligonucleotide, ligating the oligonucleotide flap to the capture oligonucleotide to form an immobilized ligation product, and detecting the ligation product.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway or separated by at least one barrier. A fluid flow modulator can be provided in the fluid processing passageway if a fluid processing passageway is provided. The barrier and/or fluid flow modulator can comprise a polysaccharide, a derivative of a polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. For example, the barrier can comprise a chitosan material.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions, with the retainment regions that are separated by at least one dissolvable barrier. The retainment regions can be interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway. A retainment region can include a container such as a retainment region, well, chamber, or other receptacle, or a retainment region such as a surface on which the material is retained. The retainment regions can include a reaction retainment region, one or more reagent retainment regions, each containing unreacted reagents, and a sample retainment region. A pressure-actuated valve can be positioned in each fluid processing passageway interconnecting the one or more reagent retainment regions with the respective intermediate retainment regions interposed between each of the one or more reagent retainment regions and the reaction retainment region. The dissolvable barrier can be a fluid flow modulator in the at least one fluid processing passageway.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions, with the retainment regions that are separated by at least one dissolvable barrier. The retainment regions can be interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway. A retainment region can include a container such as a retainment region, well, chamber, or other receptacle, or a retainment region such as a surface on which the material is retained. The retainment regions can include a reaction retainment region, one or more reagent retainment regions, each containing unreacted reagents, and a sample retainment region. A pressure-actuated valve can be positioned in each fluid processing passageway interconnecting the one or more reagent retainment regions with the respective intermediate retainment regions interposed between each of the one or more reagent retainment regions and the reaction retainment region. The dissolvable barrier can be a fluid flow modulator in the at least one fluid processing passageway.

Abstract: A fluid processing device is provided that includes a substrate, a plurality of fluid retainment regions formed in or on the substrate, and a barrier at least partially separating two or more of the fluid retainment regions. The barrier includes a mixture of a sequestering material and a reaction component. The reaction component can be at least one of a reactant, a reagent, a catalyst, an initiator, a promoter, a cofactor, an enzyme, a salt, or a combination thereof. The sequestering material can be a porous material, a dissolvable material, or both.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions, with the retainment regions that are separated by at least one dissolvable barrier. The retainment regions can be interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway. A retainment region can include a container such as a retainment region, well, chamber, or other receptacle, or a retainment region such as a surface on which the material is retained. The retainment regions can include a reaction retainment region, one or more reagent retainment regions, each containing unreacted reagents, and a sample retainment region. A pressure-actuated valve can be positioned in each fluid processing passageway interconnecting the one or more reagent retainment regions with the respective intermediate retainment regions interposed between each of the one or more reagent retainment regions and the reaction retainment region. The dissolvable barrier can be a fluid flow modulator in the at least one fluid processing passageway.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway or separated by at least one barrier. A fluid flow modulator can be provided in the fluid processing passageway if a fluid processing passageway is provided. The barrier and/or fluid flow modulator can comprise a polysaccharide, a derivative of a polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. For example, the barrier can comprise a chitosan material.

Abstract: The invention concerns fluorescence standards, and in particular fluorescence standards for calibrating optical detectors. According to the invention, a fluorescent mineral or mixtures of minerals are employed for use as a fluorescence standard. The fluorescent mineral can be a naturally occurring mineral or a synthetically produced mineral. Preferred fluorescent minerals for use as fluorescence standards are corundum, fluorite, turquoise, amber, zircon, zoisite, iolite or cordierite, spinel, topaz, calcium fluorite, sphalerite or zincblende, calcite or calcspar, apatite, scheelite or calcium tungstate, willemite, feldspars, sodalite, a uranium mineral, a mineral containing Al3+, and in particular ruby and sapphire.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample are described. In some embodiments, the sample to be analyzed includes a primer which hybridizes to at least a portion of the target nucleic acid, a probe having a first region which hybridizes to at least a portion of the target nucleic acid and a second region having a detectable label, a polymerase which extends the hybridized primer and an enzyme comprising nuclease activity that can cleave the hybridized hybridization probe to thereby release a labeled probe fragment. In some embodiments, the sample can then be contacted with a solid support comprising surface bound capture probes which can hybridize to the labeled probe fragment(s). These capture probes more readily bind to the probe fragment(s) than to the intact hybridization probe. The label can then be detected on the support surface. In this manner, improved discrimination between the probe fragments and the intact hybridization probes can be achieved.