Abstract: An in vitro diagnostics analyzer and assay cartridge for carrying out biochemical assays is disclosed. The analyzer includes a tilted clamp assembly for holding an assay cartridge, upper and lower motor assemblies for manipulating the assay cartridge, and an optical reader. The cartridge includes an injection port for receiving a biological sample, a central channel through which the sample passes, one or more processing chambers, one or more reagent containers, a detection chamber, and optionally a waste chamber. The analyzer and cartridge may be used for detection of a variety of analytes, including pathogens for medical diagnostics.

Abstract: An image analysis workstation for analyzing optical thin film arrays is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment relates to individual arrays that comprise a single optical thin film test surface that provides a plurality of discretely addressable locations, each comprising an immobilized capture reagent for an analyte of interest. These are referred to herein as “arrayed optical thin film test surfaces.” Preferably, an individual arrayed optical thin film test surface comprises at least 4, more preferably at least 16, even more preferably at least 32, still more preferably at least 64, and most preferably 128 or more discretely addressable locations. One or more of the discretely addressable locations may provide control signals (e.g., for normalizing signals and/or that act as positive and/or negative controls) or fiducial signals (i.e., information that is used to determine the relative alignment of the arrayed optical thin film test surface within the device.

Abstract: An image analysis workstation for analyzing optical thin film arrays is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment relates to individual arrays that comprise a single optical thin film test surface that provides a plurality of discretely addressable locations, each comprising an immobilized capture reagent for an analyte of interest. These are referred to herein as “arrayed optical thin film test surfaces.” Preferably, an individual arrayed optical thin film test surface comprises at least 4, more preferably at least 16, even more preferably at least 32, still more preferably at least 64, and most preferably 128 or more discretely addressable locations. One or more of the discretely addressable locations may provide control signals (e.g., for normalizing signals and/or that act as positive and/or negative controls) or fiducial signals (i.e., information that is used to determine the relative alignment of the arrayed optical thin film test surface within the device.