Abstract: A detection system and a sample processing instrument for nanoparticles are provided. The detection system includes a light emitting unit and a light collection unit. The light emitting unit is configured to emit a light beam and project the light beam onto a nanoparticle to be detected. The light collection unit is configured to collect light beams from the nanoparticle so as to analyze the nanoparticles according to the collected light beams. The light emitting unit includes multiple light sources and a focusing lens, and the light beams emitted by the multiple light sources are focused through the focusing lens on a same detection position through which the nanoparticle is to pass.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for laboratory instrument calibration. A laboratory instrument retrieves a number of sets of past quality control parameters from a data structure. Each set includes a recovered value and a timestamp. The recovered value is equal to an output value adjusted by an initial calibration factor. The laboratory instrument determines that the number of sets is greater than a threshold and that each of the past quality control parameters has a timestamp that is within a time threshold. The laboratory instrument computes an updated calibration factor such that when the updated calibration factor is applied to a representative value of the recovered values, the representative value equals the expected recovered value. The instrument updates the data structure with the calibration factor such that the calibration factor is used in subsequent testing of patient specimens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing immune response to infection using cellular analysis, such as a hematological cellular analyzer. In some instances, the immune response may be characterized as normal or abnormal based on one or more blood cell population parameters. In some instances, abnormal characterization may be used to identify patients with sepsis or at elevated risk of developing sepsis.

Abstract: A method for preparing a deck for a process is disclosed. The deck can be prepared with any necessary components, and then an imaging device can capture an image of the deck. This image can be compared with a reference image and any differences identified. The differences can be indicated in the image and shown to an operator, such that the operator can correct any errors associated with the differences.

Abstract: The disclosed flow cytometer includes a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM). The WDM includes an extended light source providing light that forms an object, a collimating optical element that captures light from the extended light source and projects a magnified image of the object as a first light beam, and a first focusing optical element configured to focus the first light beam to a size smaller than the object of the extended light source to a first semiconductor detector. The disclosed flow cytometer further includes a composite microscope objective to direct light emitted by a particle in a flow channel in a viewing zone of the composite microscope to the extended light source, a fluidic system and a peristaltic pump configured to supply liquid sheath and liquid sample to the flow channel, and a laser diode system to illuminate the particle in the flow channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to diagnosing and locating fluid leakage within a pneumatic system (5) using a minimal amount of pressure sensors (55, 75, 89). In general, each branch (51, 71, 85) of a pneumatic system (5) includes an associated pressure sensor (55, 75, 89) and in accordance with how the pneumatic components (57, 59, 61, 77, 91, 93, 95) associated with the pneumatic branch (51, 71, 85) are toggled and monitored, leaks can be detected and located within the branch (51, 71, 85) using a minimal amount of pressure sensors (55, 75, 89). More specifically, pressure and pressure decay may be measured by the sensors (55, 75, 89) within a branch (51, 71, 85) while the pneumatic components (57, 59, 61, 77, 91, 93, 95) are in a particular configuration. The configuration is thereafter changed, and pressure and pressure decay are again measured by the sensors (55, 75, 89). The results of these two measurements may enable the pneumatic system (5) to derive the presence and location of a leak.

Abstract: The disclosed flow cytometer includes a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM). The WDM includes an extended light source providing light that forms an object, a collimating optical element that captures light from the extended light source and projects a magnified image of the object as a first light beam, and a first focusing optical element configured to focus the first light beam to a size smaller than the object of the extended light source to a first semiconductor detector. The disclosed flow cytometer further includes a composite microscope objective to direct light emitted by a particle in a flow channel in a viewing zone of the composite microscope to the extended light source, a fluidic system and a peristaltic pump configured to supply liquid sheath and liquid sample to the flow channel, and a laser diode system to illuminate the particle in the flow channel.

Abstract: A sample analysis system analyzes a sample. A panel design generates a sample preparation specification. A preparation instrument prepares a sample using the sample preparation specification to generate a prepared sample. A sample analyzer analyzes the prepared sample. A validator validates an operation of the sample analysis system. A sample analysis system has a transfer station that controls the movement of a probe with respect to a reaction plate. A probe wash module is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sorting flow cytometer receives a current alignment of a light beam, determines a difference between the current alignment of the light beam and a target alignment of the light beam, and calculates one or more voltage values based on the difference between the current alignment and the target alignment. The sorting flow cytometer uses the voltage values to adjust a position of at least one of a first alignment actuator extending in a first axial direction and a second alignment actuator extending in a axial second direction to reduce the difference between the current alignment of the light beam and the target alignment of the light beam.

Abstract: A system for acquiring the image data of refrigerated materials is disclosed. The system includes a material management unit with an imaging system. The material management unit further includes a refrigerated chamber in which material vials are stored. The imaging system includes a window positioned on the side of the material management unit that separates an interior space of the refrigerated chamber from an exterior space of the material management unit. The imaging system further includes a camera positioned in the exterior space that captures image data through the window. The window is heated along its sides by a heating element, which functions to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the window.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods, systems, and kits for the preparation, purification and/or analysis of a glycan or glycoconjugate, and specifically to a magnetic bead based sample preparation protocol. In some aspects, the sample preparation protocol can provide for glycoconjugate capture, glycan release, fluorescent derivatization, and glycan purification for subsequent capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, or other glycoanalytical method using magnetic beads containing negatively charged carboxyl groups extending from the surface of the magnetic beads.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a process and system are provided for generating a user interface for classification of a sample image of a cell that includes receiving a sample image of a sample particle from a biological sample and selecting reference images that each portray a reference particle of a biological sample. The reference images can be ordered based on similarity and the reference images can be selected based on the order. The first selected reference image can be aligned with the sample image and expanded such that the adjacent edges of the reference image and sample image are the same. The expanded image can be dynamically filled. The sample image and the expanded reference image can be displayed in a user interface.

Abstract: Automated biological testing systems may advantageously allow users to perform some maintenance or upkeep of the system, such as replacing or refilling reagent, or replacing gaskets, hoses, filters, and other components. A manifold seal and filtration system including a gasket, retaining ring, and filter is usable with a manifold of such a system to transport reagent from a bottle to the testing system. The gasket includes features to prevent leakage and erroneous installation, and may be replaced by a user during normal maintenance or to select a gasket material to accommodate a particular type of reagent. The retention ring and filter include features to prevent particulate from passing into the testing system when reagent bottles are changed, and to prevent accidental displacement during removal of the gasket, or flushing of the manifold to clean the filter.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising receiving instruction data relating to a sample in a sample container. The method includes generating, by at least one processor using a workflow management layer, a process plan for the sample, and providing the process plan to a process control layer. The process plan comprises a plurality of possible routes. The method also comprises selecting, by the at least one processor using the process control layer, an optimized route within the plurality of possible routes in the process plan, and providing the optimized route to a middleware control layer. The at least one processor and middleware control layer are operable to cause a transport system to proceed along the selected route.

Abstract: The disclosed flow cytometer includes a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM). The WDM includes an extended light source providing light that forms an object, a collimating optical element that captures light from the extended light source and projects a magnified image of the object as a first light beam, and a first focusing optical element configured to focus the first light beam to a size smaller than the object of the extended light source to a first semiconductor detector. The disclosed flow cytometer further includes a composite microscope objective to direct light emitted by a particle in a flow channel in a viewing zone of the composite microscope to the extended light source, a fluidic system and a peristaltic pump configured to supply liquid sheath and liquid sample to the flow channel, and a laser diode system to illuminate the particle in the flow channel.

Abstract: The disclosed flow cytometer includes a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM). The WDM includes an extended light source providing light that forms an object, a collimating optical element that captures light from the extended light source and projects a magnified image of the object as a first light beam, and a first focusing optical element configured to focus the first light beam to a size smaller than the object of the extended light source to a first semiconductor detector. The disclosed flow cytometer further includes a composite microscope objective to direct light emitted by a particle in a flow channel in a viewing zone of the composite microscope to the extended light source, a fluidic system and a peristaltic pump configured to supply liquid sheath and liquid sample to the flow channel, and a laser diode system to illuminate the particle in the flow channel.

Abstract: The disclosed flow cytometer includes a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM). The WDM includes an extended light source providing light that forms an object, a collimating optical element that captures light from the extended light source and projects a magnified image of the object as a first light beam, and a first focusing optical element configured to focus the first light beam to a size smaller than the object of the extended light source to a first semiconductor detector. The disclosed flow cytometer further includes a composite microscope objective to direct light emitted by a particle in a flow channel in a viewing zone of the composite microscope to the extended light source, a fluidic system and a peristaltic pump configured to supply liquid sheath and liquid sample to the flow channel, and a laser diode system to illuminate the particle in the flow channel.

Abstract: A method for automatically defragmenting pipette tips in a tip tray during the performance of a procedure defined by a protocol stored in memory of a fluid handling system, the method comprising determining locations of open receptacles in the tip tray where pipette tips are absent, determining locations of filled receptacles in the tip tray where pipette tips are present, and using the fluid handling system to move pipette tips from filled receptacles to open receptacles to complete strings of filled receptacles in the tip tray.

Abstract: A sample rack includes a housing that has multiple spaces or compartments each for receiving and retaining sample containers of various sizes. The sample rack includes dual hooks on the ends for engaging a sample rack handling system. Chamfers formed in the housing of the sample rack assist in placing and removing the sample rack from a sample rack handling system. The sample tube rack also includes a handle that extends upward from one end and includes gripping features. A groove and bar, incorporated into each sample rack, are able to selectively interlock with adjacent racks to assist in lifting multiple sample racks together.