Abstract: A single molecule sensing or detecting device includes a first electrode and a second electrode separated from the first electrode by a gap. The first electrode and the second electrode have an opening formed therethrough. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is functionalized with a recognition molecule. The recognition molecule has an effective length LI and is configured to selectively bind to a target molecule having an effective length L2. The size of the gap is configured to be greater than L2, but less than or equal to the sum of LI and L2.

Abstract: A processing system and processing method for blocked microreactor. The processing system comprises an gas intake device, a flushing device, a microreactor to be processed and a plasma processing device. One end of the microreactor to be processed is connected with the gas intake device and the flushing device through a pipeline; the other end of the microreactor to be processed is connected with a waste liquid bottle through the pipeline; and the microreactor to be processed is arranged between electrodes of the plasma processing device. The present invention uses the effective reactivity of plasma and active free radicals in an excitation atmosphere to crack micro blockage in a micro channel in a short time. The method of the present invention has high flexibility and strong controllability, and can select plasma electrodes according to blocked regions to crack the blockage in a specific region.

Abstract: A polymer not including a fluorescent dye is introduced into an electrophoresis flow channel and electrophoresis is performed (Steps S101, S103), so that a fluorescent dye in the electrophoresis flow channel is removed from the inside of the electrophoresis flow channel by the polymer. The fluorescent dye accumulated in the electrophoresis flow channel can be adhered to the polymer having a certain viscosity and removed from the electrophoresis flow channel. Accordingly, separation performance of a flow channel member can be recovered effectively.

Abstract: A system for nourishment refinement using psychiatric markers includes a computing device designed and configured to retrieve a psychiatric marker relating to a user, identify a nutrient variation as a function of the psychiatric marker, establish nourishment possibilities as a function of the nutrient variation, and generate a nourishment program, wherein generating further includes training a machine learning process as a function of a training set relating psychiatric markers and nutrient variations to nourishment programs, and generating the nourishment program as a function of the psychiatric marker, the nourishment possibilities, and the machine-learning process.

Abstract: A material for manipulating liquid includes a porous substrate having first and second surfaces; and a wedge-shaped transport element disposed on one of the first and second surfaces, wherein the wedge-shaped transport element has a narrow end and a wide end, the wide end connected to a first reservoir, wherein the wedge-shaped transport element is configured to pass liquid from the narrow end to the wide end to the first reservoir, regardless of gravity, and wherein the first reservoir is configured to pass liquid away from the substrate in a z-direction opposite from the surface on which a liquid is deposited. The surface on which the wedge-shaped transport element is disposed is one of hydrophobic or superhydrophobic, and the wedge-shaped transport element is one of a) superhydrophilic when the first surface is hydrophobic, b) superhydrophilic when the first surface is superhydrophobic, and c) hydrophilic when the first surface is superhydrophobic.

Abstract: An aquaponic grow system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing nutrient levels in liquid provided to a grow chamber, and to adjust nutrient levels based on the sensed levels. In some embodiments the system includes a plurality of sensors configured to sense nutrient levels in a common chamber, with the system configured to calibrate the sensors.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to mass tag analysis for rare cells and cell free molecules. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an apparatus including an essentially non-absorbent membrane having at least one pore, a microwell operably associated with the essentially non-absorbent membrane, and an electric field generator. The apparatus may be configured such that an electric field produced by the electric field generator operably interacts with a sample in the microwell and expels a droplet of the sample through the at least one pore in the essentially non-absorbent membrane. In certain embodiments, apparatuses of the invention are used for detection, and optionally quantification, of a target analyte from a heterogeneous sample, such as a rare target analyte (e.g., rare cell) from a biological sample.

Abstract: A method for cooling a mold used in the production of plastic parts is described. A capillary feeds liquid carbon dioxide to a channel present in the mold typically used in making plastic parts having thin gaps or thin open sections in the plastic part. The channel will be approximately the same size as the inner diameter of the capillary but will increase in size either stepwise or progressively as it passes through the mold, particularly at the location where cooling is desired therefore providing more effective cooling to the mold and slides and lifters present therein.

Abstract: An ESI sprayer tube 10 includes: a first tube 11 having an inlet end; a second tube 12 having the inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first tube 11, the second tube 12 being located outside the first tube 11; and a tube fixation portion 14 formed to fill a space between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12, in a side close to the inlet end.

Abstract: A method of detecting particles (1), e.g. proteins, after separation of particles based on their specific features, e.g. charge, size, shape, density, as series of single light scattering events created by the individual particles is described. The particles (1) are separated from each other along the separation path (11) and particles have specific arrival times at the target side depending on the particle features. The detecting step comprises an interferometric sensing of the light scattered at individual particles bound or transient in the detection volume (30). Parameters of the scattering light signals e.g. the interferometric contrast are analysed for obtaining specific particle features, e.g. size, mass, shape, charge, or affinity of the particles (1). Furthermore, a detection apparatus (100) being configured for detecting particles (1) is described.

Abstract: A method of measuring stable A1c in a blood sample based on a time distribution of an optical measured value of hemoglobin at a flow path which separates hemoglobin in the blood sample on a basis of amounts of the charges of hemoglobin is provided. The method may include a step of obtaining a correction factor, based on a peak area (A) of a fraction including HbA0 and either a peak area (G) of a first fraction including chemically-modified HbA0, or a peak area (D) of a second fraction including a component having a smaller amount of positive charge than HbA0 adjacent to a fraction identified as HbA0, in the time distribution; and a step of correcting, based on the correction factor a peak area of a fraction including stable A1c in the time distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods useful for confined-channel digital microfluidics that combine high-throughput droplet generators with digital microfluidic for droplet manipulation. The present disclosure also provides an off-chip sensing system for droplet tracking.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods in accordance with various aspects of the applicant's teachings provide for improved interfaces for providing a sample flow from a sample conduit (e.g., an analytical conduit or capillary), including those used in sample separation techniques such as CE and HPLC, to an ESI source for ionization thereby.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus comprising: a membrane having a first side and a second side, wherein the membrane has first and second pores disposed therein, a processing system; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations comprising: setting a first physical characteristic in a vicinity of the first pore to cause a first end of a molecule having the first end and a second end to be moved through the first pore; setting a second physical characteristic in a vicinity of the second pore to cause the second end of the molecule to be moved through the second pore; and adjusting the first physical characteristic to cause the molecule to be tightened, with a first given amount of force, between the first pore and the second pore. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing a plurality of isoelectric focusing reactions in parallel are described. In some instances, the disclosed devices may be designed to perform isoelectric focusing or other separation reactions followed by further characterization of the separated analytes using mass spectrometry. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems provide for fast, accurate separation and characterization of protein analyte mixtures or other biological molecules by isoelectric point.

Abstract: A diagnostic and prognostic method and system for sequentially analyzing in a biological fluid or tissue extract the presence of an antigenic infectious agent, infectious organism or its toxic product; an antibody response to the antigenic infectious agent, infectious organism or its toxic product; one or more biomarkers formed during infection in response to a communicable disease; and one or more biomarkers to assess the severity of the disease and to monitor the effectiveness of drug therapy or vaccination.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting changes or fluctuations in an analyte concentration signal that are abnormal, e.g., exceed a predetermined threshold, current trend of analyte concentration measurements, etc. Signals indicative of an analyte concentration in a host may be received from an analyte sensor. The signals may be monitored, and a determination can be made as to whether there is a change in the signal. Upon detecting such a change, the change can be compensated for such that a representation of the signal indicates the analyte concentration. Optionally, the cause of the detected changes or fluctuations can also be determined and information regarding the detected changes or fluctuations can be recorded and analyzed for subsequent optimization of the systems and methods as well for transmitting alerts, notifications, etc. to a user to take corrective action.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing isoelectric focusing reactions are described. The systems or devices disclosed herein may comprise fixtures that have a membrane. In some instances, the disclosed devices may be designed to perform isoelectric focusing or other separation reactions followed by further characterization of the separated analytes using mass spectrometry. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems provide for fast, accurate separation and characterization of protein analyte mixtures or other biological molecules by isoelectric point.

Abstract: An EWOD device and a related method of performing a digital biological assay are described that employs two volume measurements for enhanced assay determination. The method includes partitioning a sample reservoir and measuring the volume of each partition; initiating a biological assay wherein the biological assay includes measuring a partition property and a volume of each partition in real time as part of determining a concentration of the product substance in each partition based on the measured partition property and volume; and categorizing the partitions by a number of biological entities contained in each partition from which the number of biological entities may be calculated, which in turn may be used to calculate the total number of biological entities or concentration in the sample reservoir. The method further may include an enhanced partitioning process that minimizes variation in the volume of the partitions.

Abstract: A control method and related apparatus are disclosed for controlling actuation voltages applied to array elements of an element array on an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device, wherein test metrics are determined and employed for optimizing subsequent droplet manipulation operations. The control method includes the steps of: receiving a liquid droplet onto the element array; applying an electrowetting actuation pattern of actuation voltages to actuate the droplet to modify a footprint of the droplet from a first state having an initial footprint to a second state having a modified footprint; sensing the modified footprint with a sensor; determining a test metric from sensing the modified footprint indicative of one or more droplet properties based on a droplet response of the liquid droplet to the electrowetting actuation pattern; and controlling actuation voltages applied to the array elements based on the test metric.

Abstract: A method of digital quantification of a species in an EWOD device includes inputting a sample volume and a diluent volume into the EWOD device; performing an electrowetting operation to generate a first sample droplet from the sample volume; performing an amplification process on the first sample droplet and measuring a turn-on value for the sample droplet; comparing the measured turn-on value to a target turn-on value for digital quantification; calculating a dilution factor based on the comparison of the measured and target turn-on values; performing an electrowetting operation to extract a second sample droplet from the sample volume; performing an electrowetting operation to dilute the second sample droplet with the diluent volume by the dilution factor to form a diluted second sample droplet; and performing a digital quantification on the diluted second sample droplet to quantify an initial concentration of the species in the sample volume.

Abstract: A nanopore-based sequencing system includes a plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips. Each of the nanopore-based sequencing chips comprises a plurality of nanopore sensors. The system comprises at least one flow cell coupled to at least one of the plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips, wherein the flow cell coupled to the at least one of the plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips comprises one or more fluidic flow channels that allow a fluid external to the system to flow on top of the nanopore-based sequencing chip and out of the system. The system further comprises a printed circuit board electrically connected to the plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for analyzing large nucleic acids including chromosomes and chromosomal fragments. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of nucleic acid analysis comprising the steps of (a) obtaining a sample of nucleic acid comprising at least one chromosome or fragment greater than about 1 000 base pairs in length and containing a target region; (b) creating an emulsion in which each drop of the emulsion contains an average of between about 0-2, 0-1.75, 0-1.5, 0-1.0, 0-0.75, 0-0.5, or fewer chromosomes or fragments of step (a), (c) performing emulsion PCR, (d) quantifying the number of emulsion droplets containing amplified nucleic acid from the target region; (e) calculating the ratio of droplets containing amplified nucleic acid from the target region to total droplets; and (f) comparing the ratio of step (e) to a reference ratio representing a known genotype.

Abstract: A microfluidic device can comprise a plurality of interconnected microfluidic elements. A plurality of actuators can be positioned abutting, immediately adjacent to, and/or attached to deformable surfaces of the microfluidic elements. The actuators can be selectively actuated and de-actuated to create directed flows of a fluidic medium in the microfluidic (or nanofluidic) device. Further, the actuators can be selectively actuated and de-actuated to create localized flows of a fluidic medium in the microfluidic device to move reagents and/or micro-objects in the microfluidic device.

Abstract: It is an object to repeatedly use a microchip without complicating the structure of the microchip, as well as not impairing cost and operability. A seal-attached member 26 is disposed facing a microchip 5 held by a chip holding unit 7, and has through holes 64-3 and 64-4 provided at positions corresponding to reservoirs 53-3 and 53-4, respectively, and elastic members 67 that are pressed against the microchip 5 so as to maintain airtightness between the through holes 64-3 and 64-4 and the corresponding reservoirs 53-3 and 53-4. When the inside of a flow path 55 of the microchip 5 is cleaned, a dispensing probe 8 is inserted into the through hole 64-4 while airtightness between the through hole 64-4 and the dispensing probe 8 is maintained. Then, a suction nozzle 22-3 is inserted into the through hole 64-3.

Abstract: The invention is an improved multiplex capillary electrophoresis instrument or module with at least four and preferably six user-accessible vertically stacked drawers. An x-z stage moves samples from the user accessible drawers to the capillary array for analysis. A computer program allows users to add capillary electrophoresis jobs to a queue corresponding to the analysis of rows or plates of samples without stopping or interrupting runs in progress.

Abstract: Devices, such as chips for DNA analysis, have at least one fluid transport nanochannel with at least one intersecting (e.g., transverse) sensing nanochannel that can be monitored for change in ionic current to determine characteristics or parameters of interest, e.g., molecular identification, length determination, localized (probe) mapping and the like.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of modifying metal oxide or hydroxylated polymer surfaces using compositions of water soluble polymers that adsorb onto such surfaces and that contain functional groups which directly modify such surfaces without further processing. In some embodiments, compositions used in such methods include water-soluble oxide-adsorbing polymers having water solubility in an indicated temperature range, an indicated concentration in the aqueous solution, and a molecular weight range, wherein each of the water-soluble oxide-adsorbing polymers comprises a linear copolymer comprising a first monomer having at least one hydrophilic moiety and a second monomer having at least one lipophilic moiety and wherein a first monomer: second monomer molecular ratio is at least 3:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure for an electrochemical reaction vessel, in particular a potentiostat, the closure comprising: a holder for holding electrodes arranged at an inner side of the closure such that, when the closure is attached to a reaction vessel, electrodes held by the holder extend into an interior space of the reaction vessel and into an electrolyte contained in the reaction vessel; and a plurality of contacts arranged at an outer side of the closure for providing electrical contacts with the electrodes.

Abstract: Flow apparatuses comprising a separation channel, a downstream flow separator, a detection zone, an observation zone, and a waste channel. The separation channel has first and second flows in contact and allows lateral movement of components between contacting first and second flows. The downstream flow separator is in communication with the separation channel and diverts a part of the first fluid flow, the second fluid flow, or both, from the separation channel. The detection zone comprises a detection channel downstream of and in communication with the flow separator and configured to receive a plurality of diverted flows from the flow separator and a label channel configured to label the diverted flows from the flow separator. The observation zone is configured to record an analytical signal indicative of the quantity and the electrical properties of the component. The waste channel is at the downstream end of the observation zone.

Abstract: An EWOD device includes a first substrate assembly and a second substrate assembly; wherein one of said substrate assemblies includes electrowetting electrodes, and the first substrate assembly and the second substrate assembly are spaced apart to define a channel between the substrate assemblies; and a housing for receiving the first substrate assembly and the second substrate assembly, the housing comprising an alignment feature for locating at least one of the first and second substrate assemblies within the housing. The device further includes a fixing feature for fixing the first and second substrate assemblies within the housing. The second substrate assembly is located within the housing such that the second substrate assembly is an outer component of the EWOD device. The device further may include a spacer that spaces apart the first substrate assembly from the second substrate assembly to define the channel between the first and second substrate assemblies.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical platform and array system and methods for identifying microbial species with single molecule electrical conductance measurements are provided. The electromechanical platform has a two-tier actuation mechanism with a long stroke provided by a comb drive and a fine stroke provided by an in-plane flexural actuator. The platform is capable of making contact with a single-molecule, applying a bias, measuring the current, and performing a large number of measurements for statistical analysis. The system is capable of detecting any microbial species without requiring enzymatic amplification by detecting specific RNA sequences, for example. With oligonucleotide target molecules, the conductance is extremely sensitive to the sequence so even single-nucleotide polymorphisms can be identified. The system can also discern between subspecies using the same DNA probe.

Abstract: Methods for nanopore-based protein analysis are provided. The methods address the characterization of a target protein analyte, which has a dimension greater than an internal diameter of the nanopore tunnel, and which is also physically associated with a polymer. The methods further comprise applying an electrical potential to the nanopore system to cause the polymer to interact with the nanopore tunnel. The ion current through the nanopore is measured to provide a current pattern reflective of the structure of the portion of the polymer interacting with the nanopore tunnel. This is used as a metric for characterizing the associated protein that does not pass through the nanopore.

Abstract: Conventionally, only a pair of electrodes is provided and nanopores arranged in parallel are connected by an electrolyte solution, and therefore a change in an ion current to be measured is a sum of changes in ion currents generated in the respective nanopores.

Abstract: A MEMS multiplexing system including: first and second fluid inputs; and a mixing network. The mixing network including: a first channel to receive the first fluid input; a second channel to receive the second fluid input; a multiplexing valve communicating with the first channel and the second channel, the multiplexing valve to cause the transport of the first fluid into the second channel so as to form a first interleaved fluid downstream from the multiplexing valve in the second channel and to cause the transport of the second fluid into the first channel so as to form a second interleaved fluid downstream from the multiplexing valve in the first channel; and the first channel and the second channel intersecting downstream from the valve so as to force mixing of the first interleaved fluid and the second interleaved fluid.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus comprising: a first layer comprising a first microfluidic channel; a second layer comprising a second microfluidic channel; and a membrane for culturing cells; along with methods of making and using same.

Abstract: Examples include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) devices. Example PCR devices comprise a fluid input, a fluid output, and a set of microfluidic channels that fluidly connect the fluid input and the fluid output. Each microfluidic channel comprises a reaction chamber, and examples further comprise at least one heating element, where the at least one heating element is positioned in the reaction chamber of each microfluidic channel. The at least one heating element is to heat fluid in the reaction chamber of each fluid channel, and the at least one heating element is to pump fluid to the reaction chamber and from the reaction chamber of each microfluidic channel.

Abstract: Methods and related products are disclosed that improve the probability of interaction between a target molecule and a nanopore by capturing the target molecule on a surface comprising the nanopore. The captured target molecule, the nanopore, or both, are able to move relative to each other along the surface. When the leader of the target molecule is in proximity with the nanopore, interaction of the target portion of the target molecule with the nanopore occurs, thereby permitting sensing of the target portion. Confining the target molecule and nanopore in this manner leads to significantly enhanced interaction with the nanopore.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow assembly for cells comprises a first flow path configured to receive a plurality of cells, a second flow path configured to receive a buffer, and a third flow path configured to receive the plurality of cells and the buffer. The plurality of cells are in a single-file orientation and the buffer generally surrounds the single-file orientation of the plurality of cells when in the third flow path.

Abstract: A fluid exit passage is at a location along a microfluidic channel. A fluid displacement device is proximate the location along the microfluidic channel. A constituent locator distinguishes a target constituent in a fluid within the microfluidic channel from remaining non-target constituents and locate the target constituent proximate the fluid exit passage. A controller selectively actuates the fluid displacement device when the target constituent is proximate the fluid exit passage to discharge the target constituent from the microfluidic channel through the fluid exit passage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for conducting comprehensive chromatography analysis. Broadly, the method comprises separating a sample in a first chromatographic column to generate a primary stream, which is directed toward a non-modulator switching system comprising at least one micro-switch and at least one valve. The non-modulator switching system is continuously operated to: (a) selectively direct a portion of the primary stream to one of a plurality of thermal injectors and accumulating the portion of the primary stream for a predetermined amount of time; (b) inject the portion of the primary stream into one of a plurality of secondary chromatographic columns; (c) detect one or more analytes in a secondary stream exiting the secondary chromatographic column; and repeat (a)-(c) to selectively direct other portions of the primary stream to other thermal injectors and secondary chromatographic columns until all of the analytes in the sample are detected.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preparing RNA and DNA from single cells are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to a method of simultaneously extracting RNA and DNA from single cells and separating the nucleic acids electrophoretically. An electric field is used to lyse a single target cell, such that the plasma membrane is selectively disrupted without lysing the nuclear membrane. Cytoplasmic RNA is separated from the nucleus by performing isotachophoresis (ITP) in the presence of a sieving matrix that preferentially reduces the mobility of the nucleus. During ITP, the cytoplasmic RNA accumulates at an ITP interface between leading and trailing electrolytes and can later be extracted free of nuclear DNA. The method can be performed in a microfluidic device that fully automates all steps of the process.

Abstract: Provided is a filtration module for separating plasma from blood comprising a feeder channel lid, a feeder channel defined by a feeder channel laminating layer having a thickness of less than 5 mil, a filter element in fluid communication with the feeder channel and having a pore size of less than 2 microns and low surface area, and a filtrate take-off port having a dead volume of less than 10 ?L. Also provided are methods for filtering a blood sample comprising supplying the blood sample to a feeder channel of a filtration module and drawing the blood sample over a filter element of the filtration module in a single pass process configuration to provide a retentate and a plasma filtrate.

Abstract: There is provided a method of analyzing a biological sample component that allows easy and accurate quantification and counting of any of a plasma component and a blood cell component in a trace and unknown amount of a whole blood sample collected from a finger, for example. The method of the present invention is a method of analyzing a biological sample component in a trace amount of blood, comprising analyzing a diluent buffer into which the blood has been mixed and an internal standard substance and/or an external standard substance contained in the diluent buffer, calculating a dilution ratio, and analyzing a biological component in a plasma or serum component in the blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the identification of compounds in carbohydrate mixture compositions as well as the determination of carbohydrate mixture composition patterns, based on e.g. orthogonal cross determining migration time (indices) using capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence and identifying said carbohydrate components based on comparing said migration time (indices) with standard migration time (indices) from a database which data are preferably also orthogonal cross determined. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for carbohydrate mixture composition pattern profiling, like glycosylation pattern profiling using capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence (CGE-LIF). In another aspect, the present invention refers to a system for an automated determination and/or identification of carbohydrates and/or carbohydrate mixture composition patterns (e.g.: glycosylation patterns).

Abstract: A device includes a channel having an inlet and an outlet, a first electrode disposed within the channel, and a second electrode disposed within the channel so as to define a gap between the second electrode and the first electrode. The device further includes a power source connected to at least one of the electrodes. The second electrode includes a lumen from a first end of the second electrode to a second end of the second electrode. The lumen is configured to introduce a carrier gas to the gap. The inlet is configured to introduce a process stream to the channel. The process stream comprises a viscous petroleum feed material. The power source is configured to produce a spark within the gap, thereby generating a plasma configured to reduce a viscosity of the viscous petroleum feed material and to form a processed petroleum material.

Abstract: A device includes a microfluidic channel structure on a substrate and a first resistive structure on the substrate to control the temperature of at least the substrate. The first resistive structure is separate from, and independent of the, microfluidic channel structure. In some instances, the device includes a second resistive structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single point detection type microfluidic chip isoelectric focusing. The single point detection type microfluidic chip isoelectric focusing uses a microfluidic chip including first and second electrode portions storing each electrode solution at both ends and a microfluidic channel between the first and second electrode portions and includes a focusing step of respectively connecting each electrode to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion and applying an electric field thereto to separate a biomolecule to an isoelectric point, a mobilization step of moving the focused biomolecule toward a detection point by removing the electrode solution in the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion, and a detection step of the biomolecule moved toward the detection point.

Abstract: Method for electrophoretic separation using a separation gel arrangement with a gel member and one or more sample wells for receiving sample liquid to be separated, the sample wells being in fluidic contact with the gel member, the method comprising the steps: adding a sample liquid to be separated in one or more of the sample wells, applying an electric field over the gel member to drive an electrophoretic separation process, whereby sample constituents are drawn from the sample liquid in the sample well(s) into the gel member for separation, and when a removal criteria is met: discontinuing loading of sample constituents into the separation gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container comprising haemoglobin fractions, wherein said container comprising at least two compartments, wherein a first compartment comprises O2Hb (oxyhaemoglobin) and a second compartment comprises MetHb (methaemoglobin), optionally wherein O2Hb is stabilized. The invention also relates to a kit for determining the reliability of a CO-oximetry device, wherein said kit comprises said container and to a method for determining the reliability of a CO-oximetry device using said container.