Abstract: The present invention relates to optionally automated methods that may be used to qualitatively and/or quantitatively detect at least one, or for example, two or more different targets in a sample, and kits associated with such methods. The two or more different targets may be detected and distinguished by adding at least one cross-linking agent to the sample in between different steps of a detection procedure. The addition of a cross-linking agent may allow for drastic changes in buffer conditions (i.e. solvent, pH, salt concentration, etc.) or temperature in order to refine a detection procedure with minimal loss of signal. The instant invention is compatible with a variety of detection systems, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), in situ hybridization (ISH), flow cytometry, enzyme immuno-assays (EIA), enzyme linked immuno-assays (ELISA), blotting methods (e.g.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for automated removal of an embedding medium from an embedded biological sample. The method comprising the steps of: providing an automated sample processing apparatus having an automated process operation capability that causes automated process operation events through robotic sample process functions; providing a clearing solvent, e.g. an organic solvent, capable of lowering the melting point of an embedding medium and/or dissolving an embedding medium; loading a plurality of carriers with embedded biological samples in the automated sample processing apparatus; exposing an embedded biological sample to the clearing solvent, whereby the embedding medium is liquefied; and providing a washing solution capable of removing the clearing solvent and the liquefied embedded medium from said biological sample, said clearing solvent and said washing solution being immiscible.

Abstract: The inventions relates to compositions and method for determining the absolute counts of cells per unit volume of a sample. Such a method comprises: (a) providing a container containing: (i) a predetermined quantity of microparticles; and (ii) a cell-binding agent; in which the microparticles are disposed in or on a matrix which adheres to at least one wall of the container such that substantially all the microparticles are thereby attached to the container; (b) adding a known volume of sample to the container; (c) determining the ratio of microparticles to cells by counting microparticles and cells in a volume of the sample; and (d) determining the absolute count of cells by multiplying the number of cells per microparticle by the concentration of microparticles in the sample.

Abstract: This application describes a method comprising: (a) providing a reference standard or a planar section thereof, the reference standard comprising (i) a support medium; and (ii) a quantity of a detectable entity supported by the support medium; in which the detectable entity has an elongate path; in which a predetermined amount of the detectable entity is present in a defined region in a cross section of the referenced standard; (b) obtaining a first reference signal indicative of the presence or quantity of detectable entity in the reference standard, planar section thereof, or the defined region; (c) providing a biological sample and obtaining a second signal indicative of the presence or quantity of detectable entity in the biological sample, or a component thereof; and (d) comparing the reference signal obtained in (b) against the second signal obtained in (c). Preferably, the method is used to indicate the presence, quantity or concentration of a detectable entity in a biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reference standard for a detectable entity, the reference standard comprising a support medium, such as an embedding medium, a compact particle having a compact shape with a quantity of detectable entity coupled thereto and supported by the medium, in which the compact particle is a biological, such as a cellular compact particle. We also disclose a reference standard for a detectable entity, the reference standard comprising a support medium, such as an embedding medium, a compact particle having a compact shape with a quantity of detectable entity coupled thereto and supported by the medium, in which the compact particle is a non-biological compact particle, such as a non-cellular compact particle having cell-like dimensions, preferably less than 1.5 mm.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic processing a biological sample on a carrier, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system using a sample process parameter input that may be independent and an independent process parameter memory that does not interrupt process operation when being used, such that samples may be added or removed without interrupting the processing of other samples. Also included is an image capture function for sample and reagent identification and process monitoring, as well as temperature regulation and environmental control functions.

Abstract: An automated sample processing system and methods are disclosed where sample(s) are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to protocol and according to a scheduling system. The processing may include and be enhanced by a vibration of the sample via a vibrator disposed in or upon a sample carrier or a sample cover. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of pre-treatment and staining, according to a protocol, of a biological sample disposed upon the surface of a carrier, the method comprising the step of recording at least one parameter relating to at least one protocol step in a non-volatile memory located either upon or within the carrier or a device incorporating the carrier. Also disclosed is a device comprising: a non-volatile memory; a surface of the device adapted to carry a biological sample; and communications means electrically coupled to the memory for enabling data transmission to or from an external apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of controlling processing of a biological sample disposed upon a carrier, comprising: providing, upon or within the carrier or an apparatus holding the carrier, a non-volatile memory having information relating to sample processing priority or protocol; reading the information; and scheduling the processing based upon the information.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing biological samples comprising means for processing at least one biological sample accommodated on at least one carrier member (15) in a chamber, characterised in that at least one reservoir (18) able to accommodate a fluid is arranged on a surface inside the chamber adjacent to and/or facing a substantial part of the at least one biological sample. Preferably the apparatus comprises a bottom member (12) arranged to support at least one carrier member (15) carrying at least one biological sample and a lid (14) including at least one fluid reservoir (18). The reservoir filled with water provides humidity to the chamber and impedes drying out of the sample.

Abstract: In certain embodiments the invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting a biological marker in a sample. In certain embodiments the biological markers are detected immunologically.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a biological specimen by using induction heating. The specimen is either fixed to a carrier or is in liquid form in contact with a carrier with fixed capture probes. The carrier is removably placed in proximity to a solid support member with a conducting material, and the solid support is subjected to an oscillating magnetic field. The carrier and support member are preferably a microscope slide and a cartridge, respectively.

Abstract: An automated staining apparatus and a method for treating samples arranged on a carrier is disclosed, in which portions of two or more selected reagents from a first station containing the reagents are collected individually by a robot arm handling a probe and dispensed in a mixing station of the apparatus. After mixing the reagents in the mixing station, e.g. by shaking or rotating the mixing cup containing the reagents, the reagent mixture is applied to selected samples by the robot arm and a probe.

Abstract: A solid support for the solid-phase synthesis of peptides or proteins in high yield and in high purity, suited both to the synthesis of a single peptide or protein and to the parallel and substantially simultaneous synthesis of a plurality thereof, is based on a cross-linked polyolefin, especially polyethylene, substrate, the cross-linking having been obtained by irradiation with high energy electrons or .gamma. radiation or treatment with organic peroxide such as benzoyl peroxide, to which substrate are grafted polymer chains such as polystyrene chains which are functionalized with a chemical functionality facilitating the formation of an anchoring linkage between the polymer moiety and another chemical species. The solid support is also suited for use in solid-phase biosystems, notably bioassays, such as immunoassays, DNA hybridization assays or PCR amplification.

Abstract: In a high-pressure cleaner of the type comprisinga) a high-pressure pump (3),b) a motor driving said pump (3),c) a liquid supply (1,2) connected to the suction side (8) of the pump (3),d) a cleaning gun (4) connected to the delivery side (6) of the pump (3) through a delivery duct (10) and comprising a manually operable stop valve, ande) a bypass valve (16,17) adapted to in its open condition to allow flow frem the delivery side (6) to the suction side (8) of the pump (3),the main novel feature isf) flow-sensing mechanism (15,20) associated with the delivery duct (10) and adapted to open the bypass valve (16,17) when flow in the delivery duct ceases or decreases below a predetermined magnitude and to act upon it in the closing direction when flow is equal to or above the predetermined magnitude.