Abstract: A movable seal for interfacing between a first surface and a second surface includes a floating portion attached to a non-floating portion by a flexible coupling portion, wherein the non-floating portion is coupled to the first surface by nesting in a groove on the first surface, and wherein the non-floating portion forms a seal between the first and second surfaces when the first surface moves relative to the second surface in a first direction, and wherein the non-floating portion does not form a seal between the first and second surfaces when the first surface moves relative to the second surface in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: Provided herein are materials and methods relating to cell-free DNA. In particular, the technology relates to methods and materials for the preparation and handling of blood samples for future use in applications involving cell-free DNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for centrifugation. The container for centrifugation includes: a main body (100) including a first chamber (110) in which a material to be centrifuged is received, a second chamber (120) in which a suspended material centrifuged from the material in the first chamber (110) is decanted from the first chamber (110) and received and which is positioned on one side of the first chamber (110), and a coupling part (130) formed to surround the first chamber (110) and the outside of the upper end of the second chamber (120); and a cover (200) which covers an upper portion of the main body (100) and forms a fluid communication path (P) of the decanted suspended material between the first chamber (110) and the second chamber (120).

Abstract: A method includes: depositing whole blood into at least one separator tube; subjecting the at least one separator tube to a first centrifugal force to cause a combination of the first centrifugal force and separator gel within each separator tube of the at least one separator tube to separate plasma of the whole blood from red and white blood cells of the whole blood within the at least one separator tube, wherein the plasma includes ?2M molecules; transferring one or more portions of the plasma from within the at least one separator tube and into at least one isolator; and subjecting the at least one isolator to a second centrifugal force to cause a combination of the second centrifugal force and a filter within each isolator of the at least one isolator to isolate the ?2M molecules from other components of the plasma within the at least one isolator.

Abstract: A device for extracting plasma from a fluid collection tube comprising: a tubular barrel having sidewall surrounding a lumen which extends between proximal and distal ends thereof, the tubular barrel forming a tip at a distal end; a barrel seal movingly seated within the lumen of the tubular barrel, the barrel seal closing and sealing the proximal end of the tubular barrel; a tube seal having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween, the proximal end having a frustoconical or chamfered face, the tube seal having an outer diameter sized to sealingly engage with an inner surface of the fluid collection tube, and an inner diameter sized to sealingly engage with an outer surface of the tip of the tubular barrel, the tube seal mounted on the tubular barrel such that the tip of the tubular barrel extends into the tube seal lumen.

Abstract: Provided is a centrifuge. In a centrifuge sample container (40) having a body part (41) and a bottom part (42), the body part (41) has two parallel flat surfaces, and includes an opening (44) having an elliptical shape from above view. The bottom part (42) is formed by a semi-cylindrical part (42a) and quarter spherical parts (42b) connected to the sides of the semi-cylindrical part. A height (H) of the sample container is greater than a length (L2) in the short axis direction of the opening, and a curvature radius (R1) of the outer surface of an arc part of the elliptical shape, a curvature radius (R2) of the outer surface of the semi-cylindrical part, and a curvature radius (R3) of the outer surface of the quarter spherical parts are equal. A flange part (43) that expands radially outward is formed on the opening (44) of the body part (41).

Abstract: Provided herein are materials and methods relating to cell-free DNA. In particular, the technology relates to methods and materials for the preparation and handling of blood samples for future use in applications involving cell-free DNA.

Abstract: Provided is a centrifugal separation container for separating a material from tissue and body fluids by using a centrifugal force, including: a first container; a second container; a first piston positioned in the inside of the first container and configured to be movable up and down in the inside of the first container; an elastic body positioned below the first piston in the inside of the first container and configured to elastically bias the first piston upward; a first connecting duct having one end connected to the first container and the other end connected to the second container; and a first control valve operating by a centrifugal force and configured to open and close the first connecting duct.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for point-of-care and/or distributed testing services. The methods and devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device can be modified to allow for more flexible and robust use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical, laboratory, and other applications. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention can allow for effective use of samples by improved sample preparation and analysis.

Abstract: A system for collecting and separating biological material includes a centrifuge tube, a separation tube having an open bottom, a cap, a plug for temporarily sealing the open bottom of the separation tube, and a separation medium disposable within the centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube and the separation tube sealingly and releasably couple to the cap, such that, when coupled, the separation tube is positioned within the centrifuge tube. The cap is configured to facilitate and/or regulate the introduction of air, gas, or other matter into the separation tube. When fully sealed, the separation tube may be placed under a vacuum condition, whereby a needle apparatus is used to facilitate introduction of matter into the separation tube. When the separation tube is positioned within the centrifuge tube, the bottom portion of the separation tube is submersed in the separation medium.

Abstract: A sample carrier having a region for receiving a sample which is to be analyzed, the volume thereof being between 1-100 ?l, and having an area for handling the sample carrier. The sample carrier is characterized by devices for the fluid-tight placement of the sample carrier together with the sample in an analysis device. An analysis device, in particular a flow cell, includes the sample carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and kit for inactivation of acid-fast bacteria. In some embodiments, the method may include: transferring a sample from a liquid culture containing acid-fast bacteria to a first tube, wherein the first tube comprises a body, a first end to the body having an opening, and a second end to the body having a frustoconical portion ending in a concave tip; centrifuging the tube to pellet the acid-fast bacteria in the concave tip and subsequently decanting a supernatant; resuspending the acid-fast bacteria pellet in alcohol; transferring the suspension to a second tube containing beads; agitating the second tube to disrupt acid-fast bacteria cells; and incubating the suspension to inactivate the acid-fast bacteria in the test sample. The method may also include identifying the acid-fast bacteria with mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A blood collection cartridge has a distal end, a proximal end, and defines a container interior. The cartridge includes a resealable closure sealing the distal end of the container, having a closure distal end and a closure proximal end. The cartridge also includes a cap sealing the proximal end of the container, having a cap distal end and a cap proximal end. The cartridge further includes a stopper disposed within the container interior sized relative to the container to provide sealing engagement with the sidewall of the container, the stopper having a stopper distal end and a stopper proximal end. A first fluid reservoir is bounded by the sidewall between the closure proximal end and the stopper distal end, and a second fluid reservoir is bounded by the sidewall between the cap distal end and the stopper proximal end. An anticoagulant is disposed within the first fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An autoinjector having a lower body (10; 1010) receiving a reservoir, a piston, a needle, an actuating sleeve (11; 1011) with a contact end to contact the user. The actuating sleeve is displaceable between projected positions and an actuation position, being in a first projected position prior to actuation of the autoinjector. The autoinjector also having an injection device (5, 8; 1005, 1008) and an injection lock. The actuating sleeve is automatically returns to the second projected position when the user removes the autoinjector from his body and is locked in this second projected position. The autoinjector includes an external shell (22; 1022) having a display window for indicating the actuation sequences, at least one display window (221; 1221; 1023) indicating to the user that the injection of the fluid product is finished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge vessel assembly for use in a centrifuge, comprising a centrifuge vessel for holding a sample to be centrifuged, an adapter holding the centrifuge vessel, and a holding means holding the adapter for attaching the centrifuge vessel assembly to a rotor of the centrifuge, said centrifuge vessel having a vessel body and a sealable opening through which the sample to be centrifuged can be filled into said vessel, said vessel body having a cross-sectional area and a vessel height, said vessel height being oriented at right angles to said cross-sectional area, wherein said cross-sectional area is in the form of an oval cross-sectional area.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a primary vessel, such as a tube, a collector, and a two-part seal including an internal pliant part and an external constricting part. The internal pliant part may be a float and the external constricting part may be a sealing ring. The system may also include a processing vessel, such as an Eppendorf tube, a syringe or a test tube. The collector is sized and shaped to fit into a primary vessel and funnels the target material from the suspension through a cannula and into the processing vessel. In one implementation, the processing vessel includes at least one displacement fluid to be expelled, such that the at least one displacement fluid pushes the target material into the collector.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases within a collection container is disclosed. The mechanical separator may have a separator body having a through-hole defined therein, with the through-hole adapted for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The separator body includes a float, having a first density, and a ballast, having a second density greater than the first density. A portion of the float is connected to a portion of the ballast. Optionally, the float may include a first extended tab adjacent a first opening of the through-hole and a second extended tab adjacent the second opening of the through-hole. In certain configurations, the separator body also includes an extended tab band disposed about an outer surface of the float. The separator body may also include an engagement band circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the separator body.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases within a collection container is disclosed. The mechanical separator may have a separator body having a through-hole defined therein, with the through-hole adapted for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The separator body includes a float, having a first density, and a ballast, having a second density greater than the first density. A portion of the float is connected to a portion of the ballast. Optionally, the float may include a first extended tab adjacent a first opening of the through-hole and a second extended tab adjacent the second opening of the through-hole. In certain configurations, the separator body also includes an extended tab band disposed about an outer surface of the float. The separator body may also include an engagement band circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the separator body.

Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample. A sample holder for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample includes a flexible compartment and a rigid exoskeleton that supports the flexible compartment. The flexible compartment may have at least one reservoir with a height to volume ratio of about 0.1 cm/mL to about 5 cm/mL. An automated device for extracting a fraction of interest from the sample includes a sample holder with a flexible compartment supported by a rigid exoskeleton, a support for the sample holder connected to one or more fluid extraction devices, and a motor for moving the extraction device relative to the sample holder. The automated device may include an optical sensor and may include a clamp for clamping the flexible compartment.

Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: An apparatus introducing a fluid using a centrifugal force includes an introduction member including a chip receiver and a fluid introduction reservoir, the chip receiver receiving a first part of a microfluidic chip, the first part including an inlet, the fluid introduction reservoir storing a fluid to be introduced to the microfluidic chip, the fluid introduction reservoir having an exit formed to correspond to the inlet of the microfluidic chip received in the chip receiver, and a support member supporting a second part of the microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip is disposed between the introduction member and the support member, the apparatus is rotatable in a state where the introduction member is closer to a center of rotation than the microfluidic chip, and the fluid is introducible from the fluid introduction reservoir through the inlet into the microfluidic chip due to a centrifugal force generated by rotation.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: A tube, preferably a centrifuge tube, molded of a blend of 25-35 weight percent of polystyrene and 75-65 weight percent of styrene-butadiene rubber block copolymer has improved performance compared to a tube of pure copolymer.

Abstract: A method for separating microorganisms, especially infectious agents, from a mixture by two dimensional centrifugation on the basis of sedimentation rate and isopycnic banding density, for sedimenting such microorganisms through zones of immobilized reagents to which they are resistant, for detecting banded particles by light scatter or fluorescence using nucleic acid specific dyes, and for recovering the banded particles in very small volumes for characterization by mass spectrometry of viral protein subunits and intact viral particles, and by fluorescence flow cytometric determination of both nucleic acid mass and the masses of fragments produced by restriction enzymes. The method is based on the discovery that individual microorganisms, such as bacterial and viral species, are each physically relatively homogeneous, and are distinguishable in their biophysical properties from other biological particles, and from non-biological particles found in nature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring laser capture microdissection samples are disclosed. A method of making a laser capture microdissection consumable includes providing a transfer film carrier having a substrate surface; and fabricating a laser capture microdissection transfer film on said substrate surface, wherein forming includes hot vacuum baking said laser capture microdissection transfer film. The systems and methods facilitate quick and accurate laser capture microdissection while simultaneously minimizing contamination.

Abstract: A presealed integral hematocrit test assembly includes a holder, a bore molded into the holder, and a blood sample tube mounted on the holder adapted to receive a sample of blood by capillary action, whereby the blood sample tube is filled with blood from its inlet end by capillary action, and the test assembly is centrifuged into a column having a red corpuscles portion, white corpuscles portion, and a plasma portion. The method of using the presealed integral hematocrit test assembly includes the steps of measuring the length of the red cells column portion and measuring the total length of the blood column, and dividing the length of the red cells column portion by the total length of the blood column to make the hematocrit determination.

Abstract: A non-light penetrating phlebotomy tube comprising a dark colored hollow tubular housing having an elongated cylindrical member wherein one distal end of the elongated cylindrical member is rounded and the other distal end of the elongated cylindrical member is open. A hermetic sealing member is received in the other distal end of the elongated cylindrical member for sealing the hollow tubular housing. The non-light penetrating phlebotomy further comprises a temperature sensitive level indicator coupled to the elongated cylindrical member for detecting the level of a fluid entering the dark colored hollow tubular housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers.