Abstract: The invention concerns a mask for distributing reagents on an analytical support, such as an electrophoresis gel, the mask having a body with parallel upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of lanes located on the lower surface of the mask have wedge-shaped projecting elements with a sloped surface between first and second ends thereof, an opening extends from the upper surface of the body of the mask to the lowest point of the sloped surface. The mask is positioned over an analytical support and loaded with the desired reagents which are held by capillary action between the mask and the analytical support. The mask can then be moved in a sweeping motion across the analytical support to deposit the reagents thereon. In another embodiment, the projecting elements are rectangular in shape and the mask is positioned at an incline with respect the analytical support.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting an analyte, including a substrate having a chemically selective surface; and a fluidic system disposed on the substrate, the manifold having at least one fluid path in communication with at least a discrete region of the surface, wherein the one fluid path and the discrete region together define a contained sample region on the surface. The fluidic system has a removable portion, wherein the removal of the removable portion of the fluidic system renders the discrete region directly interrogatable by a surface-based analytical tool.

Abstract: A high capacity microarrayer for spotting solution onto slides in an automated microarray dispensing device. A microplate indexing device automatically moves, in sequence, a plurality of microplates to a solution removal area. A dispense head accesses each microplate at the solution removal area to remove solution from the microplate. The dispense head then moves to a slide positioning station to spot slides at the slide positioning station. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microplate indexing station has at least one input stacking chamber for stacking microplates, and at least one output stacking chamber for stacking microplates. A walking beam indexer is disposed between the at least one input stacking chamber and the at least one output stacking chamber. The walking beam indexer is for moving microplates from said at least one input stacking chamber to said at least one output stacking chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for simultaneously moving a first sample plate into an analytical apparatus and a second sample plate from the analytical apparatus. The first sample plate is moved on an entry path which is vertically spaced apart from an exit path for the second sample plate. The transfer mechanism is disclosed in operation with a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing biochips. The apparatus includes a conveying device and a series of dispensers positioned at a series of dispensing positions above the conveying device. At least one substrate is disposed on the conveying device, and the conveying device successively moves each substrate below the series of dispensers. Each of the dispensers has a plurality of nozzles facing the substrate. Each of the nozzles dispenses a predetermined reagent onto the substrate; a plurality of reagents is dispensed on the substrate at each dispensing position.

Abstract: Sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 200 or 820 for analyzing a biochemical analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 202 or 840 which uses a repetitively used pipette nozzle, and sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 100 or 810 for analyzing an immune analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 102 or 830 which uses a disposable nozzle tip. A sample bottle containing a sample to be analyzed on both of a biochemical analysis item and an immune analysis item is sample-pipetted by the nozzle tip first, and then transported so as to be sample-pipetted by the pipette nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of selected substances, such as biological reagents or samples, onto substrates. According to one general embodiment, a plurality of spaced, tandemly-arranged substrates are advanced, e.g., by way of a conveyor, along a transport pathway extending over a reagent-supply location, such as a reservoir supported at a fixed position in a base. From a position over the reagent-supply location and the pathway, a reagent-transfer instrument, or tip, is extended along an axis through an intervening region, e.g., an opening defined by a surface of the conveyor, separating an adjacent pair of advancing substrates to contact reagent held at the reagent-supply location. The reagent-transfer instrument is then withdrawn, along with a portion of such reagent, through the intervening region to a position above the transport pathway.

Abstract: A device for placement of effluent comprises a substrate positioner, a deposition conduit, and a conduit positioner. The substrate positioner supports and positions a substrate on which effluent exiting from the deposition conduit is to be deposited. The conduit positioner moves an exit end of the deposition conduit relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A sample treatment system for automated extraction of compounds is disclosed. The system includes a housing defining an enclosure including a top cover having open ended chambers to receive sample plates on an interposed carriage frame, an automated shuttle means for lateral transportation and vertical lifting of the carriage frame to selectively address the chamber below the sample plate for the throughpassage of fluid from the sample plate and urged by a vacuum pump for evacuating air from a chamber to a degree below atmospheric pressure for through passage of fluid from the sample plate to either a waste plate or a collection plate. The shuttle means includes motor drives for precisely laterally and vertically positioning the carriage frame.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program, for use in fabricating a chemical array. The method may use an apparatus which includes a head system, a transport system, and a processor. The head system has multiple groups of drop dispensers which move in unison, each group having multiple dispensers. The transport system can move the head system with respect to a substrate with different dispensers of the groups following respective paths. The processor can dispense droplets from dispensers during operation of the transport system, in a pattern along a selected path for each group so as to form the array. The method includes identifying an error in one or more dispensers. When a dispenser of a first group is in error, then a second dispenser of each group is moved along the selected path for its group while dispensing droplets from at least the second dispenser of the first group in at least part of the pattern for the selected path of the first group.

Abstract: A high throughput chemical handling system includes a chemical storage module, a transport module, and one or more liquid handling modules. The transport module may implement parallel chemical transport, and the system may include a plurality of asynchronously operable liquid handling modules coupled to the parallel transport module.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for processing samples on the surface of supports that are contained in support housings. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. An apparatus comprises an input element, a holding device for holding a plurality of support housings, one or more fluid dispensing stations, and an output element. Each of the support housings contains a support having attached thereto a plurality of biopolymer features. The holding device is movably mounted with respect to other components of the apparatus. The holding device is adapted to receive a support housing from the input element. The output element is adapted to receive a support housing from the holding device. The apparatus is adapted to index each support housing for a predetermined operation. In use, each of the support housings is moved to one or more processing stations by means of the movable holding device. The location and identity of each of the support housings is indexed.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method of performing biological assays, including: providing a longitudinally extending carrier tape having thermally formed therein a plurality of reagent receiving wells; adding a reagent to each of said reagent receiving wells; permitting each of said reagent receiving wells to incubate at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time; and performing a biological analysis on each of said reagent receiving wells.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. A plurality of incoming mail mailboxes each include a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor. Source information corresponding to hazard flagged mail pieces is utilized to block mail from that source at other mailboxes.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: A continuous form microstructure array device is constructed as a flexible elongate film laminate containing a plurality of microstructures or arrays of microstructures arranged serially lengthwise along the laminate. The laminate can be continuously drawn from a supply roll or stack, advanced within an analytic device and, when analysis is complete, taken up in a storage roll or stack. The device provides for high throughput microfluidic processing.

Abstract: A microplate lid having a substantially flat, generally rectangular top with first and second pairs of opposite sides. A flange depends from the top of the first and second pairs of sides, the flange bearings at least one recess area along each side of the first pair of sides, the recessed area extended into the top.

Abstract: A method and system for automated immunochemistry or chemistry analysis are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquoting section, a reagent pipetting section having a plurality of independent reagent pipetting stations, each operating on a cycle of a first period of time, and an incubate and wash and read section operating on a cycle of a second period of time to match the throughput of the system, where the quotient of the first period of time divided by the second period of time is a whole number, and the number of the independent reagent pipetting stations being equal to the whole number. The respective cycles of the independent reagent pipetting stations are staggered apart by the second time period, such that at least one of the multiple independent pipetting stations is available for working with the incubate and wash and read section at each operating cycle of the second period of time.

Abstract: A continuous form microstructure array device (20) is constructed as a flexible elongate film laminate containing microstructure arrays (26) arranged serially along the laminate. The laminate can be continuously drawn from a roll, passed through a processing and analysis device and rerolled or stacked for storage.

Abstract: A polymer synthesizer is disclosed which has a base on which sits a synthesis case, a synthesis block, and a means of moving the synthesis block and supports for a reagent shelf. The synthesis case has a loading station, drain station, and a water tolerant reagent area and a water sensitive reagent dispensing area. The synthesis case has a cover, a first and a second side, a first and a second end, and a bottom side which contacts the base. The bottom side of the synthesis case has a top face in which there are tracks. A synthesis block moves back and forth in the synthesis case and has a top face and an opening in the top face for a synthesis plate with a plurality of wells. The synthesis block also has a collection area under the synthesis plate to drain spent reagents or optionally hold a sample plate. The polymer synthesizer also has a means of moving the synthesis block back and forth in the synthesis case, preferably a pulley, cable and motor.

Abstract: A sample presentation unit (SPU) for an automated analyzer is provided. The SPU has a sample rack onload section having an elongated rail, and an onload moving mechanism movable along the rail for moving the sample racks placed on the rail towards a sample rack presentation section. The sample rack presentation section of the SPU has a transfer area connected to the proximal end of the rail of the sample rack onload section for receiving the sample racks from the sample rack onload section, a sample presentation area adjacent to the automated analyzer for presenting sample racks for aspiration, and a presentation moving mechanism movable between the transfer area and the presentation area for moving sample racks from the transfer area to the presentation area for a sample aspiration and subsequently moving the sample racks from the presentation area back to the transfer area after sample aspiration.

Abstract: A web material is disclosed comprising a substrate in web form and multiple microwells, arranged on the substrate in a predetermined pattern and separated from each other by separating zones, each microwell comprising a bottom and an upstanding surface formed by the adjacent separating zones, wherein the composition of the bottoms on the one hand and the composition of the separating zones and upstanding surfaces on the other hand show a different hyrophilicity.

Abstract: A substrate with a plurality of microchannels is movably deployed with other movable objects that will load sample into the microchannels, stimulate molecular migration, read the results of the migration, remove and replace the substrate, and prepare for a new run. The other objects include a gripper for engaging and moving the substrate, an electrode array of fine wires suitable for fitting into the microchannels for electromigration, and a scanning detector for reading migration results. A sequence of automatic operations is established so that one substrate after another may be moved into position, loaded with sample, stimulated for molecular migration, read with a beam, and then removed and replaced with a fresh substrate.

Abstract: A new method and system for transporting and sorting multiple reagent packs used in conjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument is provided. The new system includes a multiplicity of reagent packs; a gantry movably mounted on a rack structure for carrying a gripper mechanism, wherein the gripper mechanism has gripping jaws for engagement with the reagent pack; a power assembly for actuating the respective movement of the gantry, the gripper mechanism and the gripping jaws; a storage nest having a multiplicity of compartments, each adapted for storing a one of the respective reagent packs; and a pipetting nest having a multiplicity of compartment, each adapted for retaining a respective one of the reagent packs for simultaneous pipetting. Methods of using the system and a novel reagent pack used in connection with the new system are also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect, a binding assay comprises a machine-readable storage medium which supports a molecular receptor (22). In accordance with a second aspect, a support member (50) supports first (22) and second (24) molecular receptors and first (26) and second (28) data identifying the molecular receptors (22,24). In accordance with a third aspect, a support member has a first annular portion (106) to support molecular receptors and a second annular portion (108) to support machine-readable data identifying the plurality of molecular receptors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of gathering by LCM identified cellular material from randorn locations on a tissue sample to designated locations on a transporting substrate enables convenient further processing. A transporting substrate has an identified mapped location for receiving identified cellular material. At least a segment of a selectively activatable coating is placed on the side of the transporting substrate in apposition to the tissue sample at the mapped location. The transporting substrate and sample are relatively moved to place the selectively activated coating at the mapped location in apposition to identified cellular material of the tissue sample which is to be extracted. Thereafter, the selectively activatable coating is activated and impressed or impressed and activated to form an adhesive region on the transporting substrate for adhering to the identified cellular material.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting sample well trays with respect to a heating device is provided. The apparatus includes a sample well tray holder, a rotational actuator, and a biasing mechanism. The sample well tray holder includes a plate in which a sample well tray may be positioned. The sample well tray holder is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis. The rotational actuator is configured to rotate the sample well tray holder about the first rotational axis. The biasing mechanism is configured to urge the sample well tray holder in a generally upward direction along the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A low temperature melt film such as EVA is prepared for laser capture microdissection by having a thin specimen non-adhering coating in the range of 0.1% to 10% of the total film thickness placed on the sample exposed side of the film. When the film is brought into contact with the specimen, the specimen non-adhering coating prevents non-specific transfer due to sticky adherence of portions of the sample. At the same time, the non-adhering coating on the low temperature melt film surface can stabilize and protect the low temperature melt film against variations in performance due to ambient humidity and temperature variation. Upon appropriate heating for laser capture microdissection, the barrier of the thin coating allows conventional film melting with otherwise uninhibited adhesion of selected cell areas to the film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for facilitating the creation and study of biological substrates. In particular, the present invention allows the location of materials deposited on a substrate to be identified, and communicated with great precision. This in turn allows additional biological materials to be deposited as probes over target locations. The present invention also allows for small regions of biological materials deposited on a substrate to be identified and repeatedly accessed, even when the biological substrate has been removed from the device originally used to review the region of interest and is then reinserted into the original device. Furthermore, the present invention allows a region of interest to be accurately located even using a machine that is different from the machine originally used to identify the region of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides continuous strips of testers in an individually-sealed water-impermeable packaging which maintains the testers in a sterile condition until used. The subject testers include a test strip sensor integrated with a microneedle for accessing and collecting a sample of physiological fluid and for measuring a chemical characteristic, such as target analyte concentration, of the sampled fluid. The present invention further provides cassettes of the subject strips for removable engagement with a meter for individually dispensing the testers and for facilitating the analysis of the sampled fluid. Also provided by the present invention are systems which include the subject strips and cassettes and such a meter. Methods of using the strips and cassettes are also provided, along with kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A system and method for high throughput screening of fluid samples. A reduced pressure is applied, via an injection valve, to a sample aspiration tube. A first fluid and a second fluid are alternatively aspirated, via the sample aspiration tube, the first fluid for filling a sample loop with samples, the second fluid for flushing the sample aspiration tube. Excess fluid aspirated from the first fluid source and all fluid aspirated from the second fluid source is captured in an inline trap.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and method includes a pump to aspirate and expel sample fluid, a fluid dispensing tip, and a metering station. The fluid dispensing tip includes a working fluid and an air gap where the air gap separates the working fluid from the sample fluid. The metering station receives a drop of sample fluid that is at least twice as large as the predetermined volume to ultimately be dispensed. The fluid dispensing tip then withdraws the predetermined volume of fluid from the sample fluid. Precise volumes are ascertained by prior knowledge of the geometry of the fluid dispensing tip and by using an imaging device to monitor an interface of either the sample fluid or working fluid with the air gap within the fluid dispensing tip. The system and method are capable of accurately dispensing very small volumes of sample fluid on the order of 10 picoliters. In addition, the system and method do not require large volumes of sample fluid to prime a pump mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and method includes a pump to aspirate and expel sample fluid, a fluid dispensing tip, and a metering station. The fluid dispensing tip includes a working fluid and an air gap where the air gap separates the working fluid from the sample fluid. The metering station receives a drop of sample fluid that is at least twice as large as the predetermined volume to ultimately be dispensed. The fluid dispensing tip then withdraws the predetermined volume of fluid from the sample fluid. Precise volumes are ascertained by prior knowledge of the geometry of the fluid dispensing tip and by using an imaging device to monitor an interface of either the sample fluid or working fluid with the air gap within the fluid dispensing tip. The system and method are capable of accurately dispensing very small volumes of sample fluid on the order of 10 picoliters. In addition, the system and method do not require large volumes of sample fluid to prime a pump mechanism.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a polymerase chain reaction temperature control system, including: a first tank into which a multiwell sample carrier may be placed; apparatus to introduce first temperature controlled heat transfer medium into the first tank for a first predetermined length of time; and apparatus to subsequently introduce at least a second second temperature controlled heat transfer medium into the first tank for at least a second predetermined length of time.

Abstract: In a test strip measuring method in which a coloration measurement is conducted while a test strip (4) is being moved, there are detected the optical characteristics R of the ground of a test strip and the optical characteristics T of a test line (4b) which has appeared on the test strip, and the test strip is judged based on the difference or ratio between R and T. Even though the ground of the test strip presents variations in optical characteristics, and even though there are variations among samples or among test strips, such variations can be absorbed, thus assuring an accurate judgment.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and method includes a pump to aspirate and expel sample fluid, a fluid dispensing tip, and a metering station. The fluid dispensing tip includes a working fluid and an air gap where the air gap separates the working fluid from the sample fluid. The metering station receives a drop of sample fluid that is at least twice as large as the predetermined volume to ultimately be dispensed. The fluid dispensing tip then withdraws the predetermined volume of fluid from the sample fluid. Precise volumes are ascertained by prior knowledge of the geometry of the fluid dispensing tip and by using an imaging device to monitor an interface of either the sample fluid or working fluid with the air gap within the fluid dispensing tip. The system and method are capable of accurately dispensing very small volumes of sample fluid on the order of 10 picoliters. In addition, the system and method do not require large volumes of sample fluid to prime a pump mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides improved systems, devices, and methods for analyzing a large number of sample compounds contained in standard multi-well microtiter plates or other array structures. The multi-well plates travel along a conveyor system to a test station having a microfluidic device. At the test station, each plate is removed from the conveyor and the wells of the multi-well plate are sequentially aligned with an input port of the microfluidic device. After at least a portion of each sample has been input into the microfluidic channel system, the plate is returned to the conveyor system. Pre and/or post testing stations may be disposed along the conveyor system, and the use of an X-Y-Z robotic arm and novel plate support bracket allows each of the samples in the wells to be input into the microfluidic network through a probe affixed to a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid method for the detection of ischemic states and to a kit for use in such a method. Provided for is a rapid method of testing for the existence of and quantifying ischemia based upon method of detecting and quantifying the existence of an alteration of the serum protein albumin which occurs following an ischemic event; methods for detecting and quantifying this alteration include evaluating and quantifying the cobalt binding capacity of circulating blood, analysis and measurement of the ability of serum albumin to bind exogenous cobalt, detection and measurement of the presence of copper in a purified albumin sample and use of an immunological assay sepcific to the alterated form of serum albumin which occurs following an ischemic event.

Abstract: Open systems for performing submicroliter reactions are provided. The systems can include a support for performing the reaction; a liquid dispensing system for dispensing a submicroliter amount of a liquid to a site on or in the support; a temperature controlling device for regulating the temperature of the support; and an interface for controlling the amount of liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing system are provided. Methods using the systems are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a marker useful for detection and measurement of free radical damage. Specifically, the invention takes advantage of alterations which occur to the N-terminus of the albumin molecule, a circulating protein in human blood, in the presence of free radicals. These alterations effect the ability of the N-terminus of the albumin molecule to bind metals. Methods for detecting and quantifying this alteration include evaluating and quantifying the cobalt binding capacity of an albumin containing sample, analysis and measurement of the ability of albumin to bind exogenous cobalt, detection and measurement of the presence of copper in a purified albumin sample and use of an immunological assay specific to the altered form of serum albumin which occurs following free radical damage.

Abstract: An exchangeable oscillating pipette needle for an automatic analyzer for examining biological body fluids is provided, in which the analyzer has a holder provided with a tension spring, and with which the oscillating arm, carrying the pipette needle and resting on a knife-edge bearing, is fixed in a stationary position and is releasably connected.

Abstract: A method for screening a plurality of compounds is used in conjunction with microfluidic devices for performing high throughput screening assays. A conveyor system is used to transport and dispense libraries of compounds into one or more sample port of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device accesses the compounds in order to screen large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical and biochemical systems.

Abstract: An analysis system, in particular for medical analysis work for carrying out clinical-chemical and immunological analyses, comprises an analysis appliance and at least one system-reagent carrier. The system-reagent carrier has at least one cuvette which is pre-filled with a test-specific, preformulated, wet-chemical system reagent, as well as the measuring cuvette.

Abstract: Conveying of a sample disk method and apparatus for into a reaction vessel is described wherein the sample disk (11) is attached to a tooth (2), where the sample disk is further conveyed to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of selected substances, such as biological reagents or samples, onto substrates. According to one general embodiment, a plurality of spaced, tandemly-arranged substrates are advanced, e.g., by way of a conveyor, along a transport pathway extending over a reagent-supply location, such as a reservoir supported at a fixed position in a base. From a position over the reagent-supply location and the pathway, a reagent-transfer instrument, or tip, is extended along an axis through an intervening region, e.g., an opening defined by a surface of the conveyor, separating an adjacent pair of advancing substrates to contact reagent held at the reagent-supply location. The reagent-transfer instrument is then withdrawn, along with a portion of such reagent, through the intervening region to a position above the transport pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of selected substances, such as biological reagents or samples, onto substrates. According to one general embodiment, a plurality of spaced, tandemly-arranged substrates are advanced, e.g., by way of a conveyor, along a transport pathway extending over a reagent-supply location, such as a reservoir supported at a fixed position in a base. From a position over the reagent-supply location and the pathway, a reagent-transfer instrument, or tip, is extended along an axis through an intervening region, e.g., an opening defined by a surface of the conveyor, separating an adjacent pair of advancing substrates to contact reagent held at the reagent-supply location. The reagent-transfer instrument is then withdrawn, along with a portion of such reagent, through the intervening region to a position above the transport pathway.

Abstract: An analytical instrument for analyzing fluids. The instrument includes a cartridge carousel assembly which receives analytical cartridges. The analytical cartridges include a centrifugal force-operated sample metering/separation system, a pressure-operated sample transport system, and a test element which provides a detectable analytical property of a fluid sample. The cartridge carousel assembly includes a cartridge rotor plate which has a plurality of cartridge ports which receive the cartridges. A rotary drive mechanism rotates the cartridge rotor plate to provide rotation of the plate which activates the centrifugal force-operated sample metering/separation system of the cartridge. The instrument includes a sample transport actuator which activates the pressure-operated sample transport system of the cartridge. In addition, the instrument includes a detector which measures the detectable analytical property of the fluid sample after the sample metering and transport systems have been activated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for substances for detection, an apparatus for processing same, a method of processing same, an apparatus for making same, and a method of making same. The object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and high quality technology that can perform a series of processes, consistently, automatically and easily. A support for substances for detection of the present invention is constructed so as to comprise a flexible base member formed to be slender like a thread, string or tape, a variety of substances for detection having predetermined chemical structures and being fixed side by side along the length of the base member, and a supporting member for supporting the base member in a manner that enables expansion, wherein a fixed location of each substance for detection corresponds with the chemical structure thereof.

Abstract: A test sample card is provided with a locking feature for achieving a positive, locking engagement with a transfer tube that conducts fluid into the interior of the test sample card. The locking feature consists of a tubular channel inwardly disposed from the fluid intake port that has an inner annular rim defining a restriction. The annular rim is of a reduced diameter relative to the diameter of the transfer tube. A recessed region is positioned inwardly from the restriction that has an opening in one of the surfaces of the card body. When the transfer tube is inserted into the tubular channel, the first end is forced past the restriction into the recessed region, with the annular rim compressing the transfer tube. The user is able to sense with their hands when the first end is inserted past the restriction. Visual observation of the first end of the transfer tube through the opening in the card surface confirms that the transfer tube has been properly inserted into the test sample card.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for performing microchemical manipulation and analysis of liquid samples. One or more droplets of liquid are loaded serially or in parallel onto a flexible member which may be a fiber or a tape, and are retained on the flexible member by virtue of surface adhesion. Microchemical operations may be performed on these droplets, the operations including mixing, dilution, concentration, heating, cooling, filtering, and analyzing, where the analyzing may include chemical, biochemical, optical, or other physical analyses.