Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring thrombus formation wherein anticoagulated blood is flown through a channel simulating a blood vessel while releasing the anticoagulant treatment or promoting blood coagulation to thereby monitor thrombus formation. This apparatus for monitoring thrombus formation comprises: a thrombus formation chamber in at least a part of which a thrombus formation inducer inducing thrombus formation is provided; an inlet tube which is connected to the thrombus formation chamber and through which blood is flown into the thrombus formation chamber; and a drug tube which is connected to the inlet tube and through which a drug releasing the anticoagulant treatment or a drug promoting blood coagulation is supplied.

Abstract: A chemical analytic apparatus of the present invention is the one which proposes that a miniaturization, a making low-cost and portability are possible and also the operation of each process of separation, concentration and dilution of specimen is possible, and, which includes: an introduction means (S1) that introduces a droplet to which magnetic ultrafine particles are mixed into another liquid that differs from the droplet while maintaining a single droplet; a conveyance means by which the droplet that includes the magnetic particles is conveyed in another liquid of the introduction means by applying magnetic field externally to the magnetic ultrafine particles; and processing means (S2 to S6) by which operations for processing of chemical analysis are performed one by one in the process in which the droplet to which the magnetic ultrafine particles are mixed is conveyed by the conveyance means.

Abstract: A method for producing an image of an object within a chamber of a microfluidic device includes providing the microfluidic device having x, y, and z dimensions and a chamber depth center point located along the z dimension. The chamber depth center point is located a known z dimension distance from a fiducial marking embedded within the microfluidic device. The method also includes placing the microfluidic device within an imaging system that includes an optical device capable of detecting the fiducial marking. The optical device defines an optical path axially aligned with the z dimension and has a focal plane perpendicular to the optical path. When the focal plane is moved along the optical path, the fiducial marking is maximally detected when the focal plane is at the z depth in comparison to when the focal plane is not substantially in-plane with the z depth.

Abstract: The invention provides fluidic devices having incorporated electrodes. One device comprises a card and a caddy. The card includes a channel disposed within the card, first and second vias in fluid communication with the channel through an upper surface of the card, and first and second electrodes disposed on the upper surface of the card. The first via and first electrode are positioned adjacent to a first end of the channel, and the second via and second electrode are positioned adjacent to a second end of the channel. The caddy comprises first and second reservoirs. The caddy is attached to the card such that the first reservoir is positioned over the first via and a portion of the first electrode, and the second reservoir is positioned over the second via and a portion of the second electrode. A portion of each of the electrodes is accessible for dry electrical contact.

Abstract: An in situ sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Embodiments of the present invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element. A device of the present invention provides for substantially contemporaneous sample capture and sample processing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for synthesis of radiopharmaceutical products based on chemical reagents contained in bottles, said device comprising several reaction compartments, transfer means between said bottles and said reaction compartments as well as mechanical means acting on said transfer means and enabling to monitor and control mechanically the transfer of chemical reagents. The invention is characterized in that it comprises: a fixed module including at least the mechanical means; a removable and disposable module, essentially in the shape of a support, whereon are arranged the transfer means between said bottles and said reaction compartments, said removable and disposable module not including any mechanical means; and means for securing said removable and disposable module to said fixed module.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. The design can be readily incorporated into microfluidic chips without the need for special manufacturing protocols.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To increase the rate of gas transfer in gas exchangers. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A gas exchange chip comprises substrates (1,2); two flow channels (3,4) formed in the substrates (1,2) and each having an inlet port and an outlet port; and multiple grooves (9) interlinking the flow channels (3,4). The grooves (9) have the size of their sectional area predetermined and have at least a part of the internal surface thereof rendered hydrophobic so as to permit the transfer of gas component while inhibiting any liquid passage. A sample water containing carbon dioxide is caused to flow through one of the flow channels (3) while pure water is caused to flow through the other flow channel (4) to thereby transfer the carbon dioxide contained in the sample water into the pure water.

Abstract: A materials analysis device (2) comprises an inner receptacle (4), incorporating a filter (5) at its lower end, within an outer receptacle (6). Gas inlet/outlet ports (8, 10) are arranged to provide a means whereby solvent can be caused to pass between the receptacles (4, 6) via filter (5). Solvent in the receptacles (4, 6) is arranged to be heated and its temperature assessed. In use in one embodiment, a solute material to be analyzed is introduced into outer receptacle (6) and a solvent is introduced into inner receptacle (4). The solvent is caused to pass back and (15) forth between the receptacles (4, 6) via the filter (5) until a saturated solution of the solute is present in inner receptacle (4). This may be removed for analysis. By undertaking the process described at a range of temperatures, a solubility profile for the solute can be determined.

Abstract: A device includes a reception chamber (5) for a cell suspension having an open bottom (6) extending opposite a cell deposition area (7) of the analysis plate (1), the bottom (6) of the chamber (5) being in fluid communication with an absorption material (14) for cell preservation liquid for absorbing the latter and enabling a homogeneous decantation deposition on the deposition area (7), the absorption material (14) being provided about the cell deposition area (7). The absorption material (14) includes a compressed area (16) extending between the bottom (6) of the reception chamber (5) and the analysis plate (1) about the cell deposition area (7), and a non-compressed area (17) extending about the compressed area (16).

Abstract: A reaction vessel with a bottom drain opening supporting a selected unpressured head of fluid by the surface tension of the fluid. A device processing zone includes a support for spaced rows of reaction vessels, passages communicating with their drain openings of supported vessels, and a pressure source for selectively draining fluid through the drain openings. Generally horizontal bar magnets are supported for selected vertical movement between the vessel rows. A dispensing head has X discharge openings selectively positionable over X selected reaction vessels. A metering pump mechanism selectively meters X a selected quantity of fluid a bulk supply (where X is at least four), and selectively pumps the metered selected quantities through the drain openings to the selected reaction vessels. Methods of drawing fluid from the vessels using the pressure source, and moving the magnets to form a pellet of analyte are also included.

Abstract: A spongy swab (16) is mounted against the distal face (15) of a piston (14) at the end of a push-rod (12). Once humected with a sample fluid, the swab and piston assembly is inserted into a tubular body (30) like the plunger of a syringe. As the swab is pushed and squeezed against the distal end (20) of the body up to a trippable stop, part of the fluid is excreted into a chromatographic immunoassay testing device (21) through a first aperture (19) in a distal section of the body. The remainder of the sample is kept in a sealed chamber (7) between the piston and the end wall of the tubular body until it is excreted through a second aperture (23) for a secondary test by pushing the piston beyond the trippable stop. That preserves the sample within the spongy swab that has been used to collect it; thus preventing the adsorption of the analytes on the surfaces of the sealed chamber, and to provide a convenient and rapid way to extract the remainder of the specimen in a syringe-like manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring blood clotting time includes a blood clot detection instrument and a cuvette for use with the blood clot detection instrument. The cuvette includes a blood sample receptor-inlet; a channel arrangement including at least one test channel for performing a blood clotting time measurement, a sampling channel having at least one surface portion that is hydrophilic, communicating with the blood sample receptor-inlet and the at least one test channel, and a waste channel having at least one surface portion that is hydrophilic, communicating with the sampling channel; and a vent opening communicating with the sampling channel. The sampling channel, the vent opening and the waste channel, coact to automatically draw a requisite volume of a blood sample deposited at the blood receptor-inlet, into the sampling channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a streamline-based device and a method for using the device for continuous separation of particles including cells in biological fluids. The device includes a main microchannel and an array of side microchannels disposed on a substrate. The main microchannel has a plurality of stagnation points with a predetermined geometric design, for example, each of the stagnation points has a predetermined distance from the upstream edge of each of the side microchannels. The particles are separated and collected in the side microchannels.

Abstract: A microreactor device comprises: a microchannel that sends one or more fluids; and a section that isolates vibrations to a first portion of the microchannel.

Abstract: A test module for concentrating pathogens in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, a dialysis device in fluid communication with the receptacle and configured to separate the pathogens from other constituents in the sample, and, a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device being in fluid communication with the dialysis device and configured to analyze the pathogens.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for manipulating droplets on a printed circuit board (PCB) are disclosed. Droplets are actuated upon a printed circuit board substrate surface by the application of electrical potentials to electrodes defined on the PCB. The use of soldermask as an electrode insulator for droplet manipulation as well techniques for adapting other traditional PCB layers and materials for droplet-based microfluidics are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter. An improved pipette tip that includes the addition of an elastomeric material and cooperative means for insuring uniform interference and depth of penetration of the pipetter barrel as successive barrels are inserted and ejected. Also disclosed is an improved multiple-tip configuration with similar features that can be mounted to multiple barrels of a multi-pipetter as one tip instead of 8 or 12 individual tips. The addition of the elastomeric material allows for better sealing and eliminates alignment issues, high installation and ejection requirements while reducing the hand and thumb forces that due to repeated use will sometimes result in repetitive stress injury.

Abstract: The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples.

Abstract: Described is a compound sample needle for a liquid chromatography system. In one embodiment, the compound sample needle includes a rigid needle having a coupling end with a face and a counterbore. The compound sample needle also includes a flexible tubing having an outer surface and a coupling end disposed in the counterbore of the rigid needle. The coupling end of the flexible tubing has a face adjacent to a base of the counterbore. The coupling ends of the rigid needle and flexible tubing are secured to each other by a weld formed along a circumference of the outer surface and the face of the rigid needle. A rigid sleeve protects the welded joint. The compound sample needle is suitable for injection into the high pressure mobile phase of ultra performance liquid chromatography systems.

Abstract: A dispensing method which dispenses a first liquid contained in a first vessel which stores the first liquid and a second liquid to introduce the first liquid into a second vessel by using a tube.

Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly for microfluidic devices comprises a first magnetic connector with at least one orifice extending therethrough and a second magnetic connector. The first and second connectors are configured to magnetically attract each other. In one aspect, the first magnetic connector is configured to sealingly engage a surface of a microfluidic chip with the second magnetic connector disposed on an opposite side of the microfluidic chip. The first magnetic connector is configured to seal with the microfluidic chip about a channel opening in the microfluidic chip and provide flow communication between the channel opening and the orifice in the first magnetic connector. In at least one other aspect, the first magnetic connector and second magnetic connector each have at least one orifice and are configured to change a flow communication therebetween upon a rotation of the first or second magnetic connector with respect to the other magnetic connector.

Abstract: A reagent open mechanism of the luminescence measurement system comprises a triaxial actuator and a reagent dispensing nozzle which is driven by the triaxial actuator. A reagent cartridge where a reagent to be divided by the reagent dispensing nozzle is filled in a concave and the opening of the concave is sealed by an aluminum sheet can be set in. This reagent open mechanism comprises an open needle which is driven by the triaxial actuator and makes a hole in the aluminum sheet and a fixation block between the reagent dispensing nozzle and the open needle which arranges the reagent dispensing nozzle and the open needle in such location that the reagent dispensing nozzle or the open needle does not contact with a structure including the reagent cartridge in a Z-axis operation during opening time or reagent dividing and dispensing time.

Abstract: A micro-liter liquid sample, particularly a biological sample, is analyzed in a device employing centrifugal and capillary forces. The sample is moved through one or more sample wells arrayed within a small flat chip via interconnecting capillary passageways. The passageways may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic and may include hydrophobic or hydrophilic capillary stops.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling system may be used in a fluid displacement apparatus to magnetically couple a drive shaft to a piston. The magnetic coupling system may include first and second magnetic couplers at the ends of the drive shaft and piston, respectively. The first magnetic coupler and second magnetic coupler may be configured to exert an attractive force. A bearing between the magnetic couplers reduces friction and side loading.

Abstract: Methods and systems for venting a well that receives a liquid. The method includes providing a microplate including a well that has a cavity with an open inlet and a closed end. The cavity extends between the open inlet and the closed end. The cavity is defined by a wall surface having a cross-sectional contour that includes at least one continuous section and at least one discontinuity section. The method also includes depositing a liquid into the open inlet of the well. The liquid enters the cavity and flows toward the closed end to at least partially fill the well. The liquid flows along the continuous section of the wall surface and remains separated from the discontinuity section of the wall surface, thereby maintaining a gas exhaust path along a spacing between the liquid and the discontinuity section as the liquid flows toward the closed end.

Abstract: A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques.

Abstract: It comprises, in addition to a sampling system (3), at the outlet of a vat (1) containing the liquid to be sampled, a selector (4) that establishes switching on an array of similar vats (1), and especially a suction unit (5) that operates by releasing compressed air into a nozzle (28); the airflow direction is controlled by a valve (29) between a direction directed toward the outlet (6), causing the suction of the liquid from the vat (1), and an opposite direction when the valve (29) is closed, feeding the liquid back into the vat (1) and cleaning the pipe (2).

Abstract: The present invention enables liquid suction with a nozzle tip end in contact with a bottom surface of a container without causing damage to the nozzle and/or the bottom surface of the container. Plural rails 112 are disposed on an arm 101 movable three-dimensionally so as to extend upward from the arm 101, and a pipe 102 is fixed to a pipe fixing member 103 movable along the rails. A tip end of the pipe functions as a nozzle. Plural resilient members 114 are disposed on the arm so as to correct the inclination of the pipe fixing member. When the arm is moved downward and the tip end of the pipe comes in contact with the bottom of the container 106, the pipe and the pipe fixing portion move upward along the rails, so that the tip end of the pipe can be brought into contact with the bottom surface of the container while avoiding damages in the pipe and bottom of the container and suck liquid in the container in this state.

Abstract: A surrounding environment and a solution to be dispensed are prevented from being polluted by aerosol inside a dispensation tip. A dispensation tip 20 is provided with a dispensation nozzle 19 attached to its distal end, a syringe having a hollow inner portion, that is connected to a proximal end of the dispensation nozzle 19, and a plunger 22 that is allowed to slide in the cylinder 21 of the syringe so that suction and discharge processes are carried out on the liquid by the dispensation nozzle 19. A separation member having airtightness for separating an inside of the nozzle 19 from the outside and flexibility for allowing the plunger 22 to freely slide is placed between the proximal end of the plunger 22 and the proximal end of the cylinder 21.

Abstract: A cap having a plurality of spaced-apart grooves in a downwardly tapered inner wall of the cap to facilitate the formation of air passageways as the cap is penetrated by a pipette tip. The air passageways aid in venting air from a fluid-holding vessel closed with the cap.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a reagent splitting/dispensing device and method that can prevent contamination of an operation fluid when a reagent dispensing nozzle is in a waiting state and prevent falling of a droplet. The reagent splitting/dispensing method includes disposing and adjusting an air layer between an interface of an operation fluid and a reagent aspirated and subsequently dispensed from a nozzle tip end in an reagent dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes a transporting device configured to transport a rack for holding a plurality of sample containers containing samples respectively, a barcode reader configured to read a barcode of the rack transported by the transporting device, and an aspirating device that includes an aspirating tube and a moving device configured to move the aspirating tube in a direction to insert the aspirating tube in a sample container. The sample analyzer further includes a controller configured to determine, based on the container type identifying information included in the barcode read by the barcode reader, an aspiration position for aspirating a sample in a sample container and to control insertion of the aspirating tube in the sample container at the determined aspiration position, and an analyzing part configured to analyze the sample aspirated by the aspirating device.

Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir. The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to dispense the reagent mixture from the device.

Abstract: Devices, instruments, systems and methods are provided in which a primary line that receives a biological fluid is selectively sampled by a plurality of collection chambers. Selective sampling occurs by selectively accessing the primary line and selective engagement of a sampling pump under control of a microprocessor. Further, the instrument housing reversibly houses a drive assembly and sample collection housing to permit the interchangeability of drive assemblies and collection housings and thus enhance sterility or reduction of cost.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfeatures interconnected to provide a configurable fluid transport system for processing at least one reagent. Inserts are provided to removably interfit into one or more of the microfeatures of the chip, wherein the inserts include sites for interactions with the reagent. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic chip and the inserts provide an efficient and accurate approach for conducting parallel assays.

Abstract: A fluid aspirating/dispensing member includes a sample cavity for sample acquisition and a sealable cavity that, once sealed, permits the separation of particles from the remainder of a fluid sample within the sample cavity after centrifugation or other separation means. The fluid aspirating/dispensing members, either individually or as part of an array, increase the efficiency of sample processing before analysis by a clinical analyzer.

Abstract: A device for the detection of micro particles that can be marked by probes or antibodies capable of being detected by radiation has a filter, a supply system, and a detection system. Fluid to be examined is passed over a filter to filter out the micro particles and to perform the marking steps by supplying corresponding marking substances to the filter.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic sampling and dilution apparatus for use in a polymer analysis system. The apparatus comprises (a) a primary mixing chamber; (b) a primary pump capable of continuously withdrawing a variable viscosity liquid from a reactor at a selectable, fixed withdrawal rate over a varying viscosity range of about 50 to about 5,000,000 centipoise (cP) for continuously conveying the variable viscosity polymer-containing liquid into the primary mixing chamber; (c) a first dilution pump for continuously delivering a first dilution solvent into the primary mixing chamber at a selectable, fixed flow rate to mix with the variable viscosity liquid in the mixing chamber and thereby form a diluted polymer-containing liquid therein; and (d) a secondary pump for continuously conveying the diluted polymer-containing liquid into a flow-through detector. A polymer analysis system utilizing the automatic sampling and dilution apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A microchip device of the present invention includes: a microchip in which a liquid flow path is formed for liquid to flow; a gas flow path provided along the liquid flow path; and a plurality of gap sections formed between the liquid flow path and the gas flow path and having one opening thereof facing the liquid flow path and the other opening thereof facing the gas flow path, the gap of the gap section being made so as to be gap through which gas can pass but the liquid cannot pass, and a gas liquid interface being formed at the gap section.

Abstract: An on-demand portable chlorine dioxide generator has a reagent bound medium in a first enclosed volume; a complementary reagent solution in a second enclosed volume, and a structure for selecting between a first position where the complementary reagent solution is forced through the reagent bound medium and a second position where said complementary reagent solution remains isolated from the reagent bound ion exchange medium, where a ClO2 solution is generated only during periods when the structure for forcing is actuated. The ClO2 solution can be discharged for use as a portable sprayer that can be used to treat surfaces infected by anthrax or other biological contaminants. When the bound reagent is chlorite, the complementary reagent is an acid or an oxidant. When the bound reagent is an acid or an oxidant, the complementary reagent solution is a chlorite solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to plunger operated liquid dispensers, such as hand held pipettors, which are used to portion liquids. Specifically the invention relates to a reliable removal of a liquid from the liquid dispenser. According to the invention the plunger of the liquid dispenser is arranged into a speeded up movement while removing the liquid. This change in speed is preferably sudden.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for removing water and concentrating an analyte in solution, wherein the concentrated analyte sample is delivered directly to a vial, such as an autosampler vial that is capable of use in a gas chromatography autosampler.

Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for mixing liquid components. Quantities of two or more liquid components are transferred from pressurized source reservoirs to one or more destination locations by means of a fluid outlet that includes a dispense valve, and the two or more liquid components are mixed in the destination locations to create a plurality of fluid mixtures. Two or more dispensing technologies can be combined to provide for increased efficiency in the dispensing of high volume liquid components. The amounts of liquid components being dispensed can be monitored during the dispensing to provide feedback control of the dispensing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample supply device that alternates between the supply of samples from one sample line while cleaning a second sample line and then supplying a second sample from the second sample line while cleaning the first sample line. This is repeated in rapid succession to allow greater speed in analyzing a plurality of samples in a shorter amount of time.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.