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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for determining detection limits for various antibody-dye conjugates for flow cytometry. Exemplary techniques involve a linear superpositioning approach of spillover-induced enlargements of normally distributed measurement errors.

Abstract: Embodiments of lab automation workstations are disclosed in which the pod that performs pipetting operations is integrated with pipette tip-loading functionality. To generate the necessary tip-loading force, a dual drive system is used that is symmetric about the Y-axis to allow for offset or partial tip box loads by dynamically centering the drive force (e.g., the tip-loading force) over the reaction load. This minimizes the need for oversized linear motion components while still allowing for the generation of high tip-loading forces needed to properly load a large number of pipette tips simultaneously.

Abstract: A sample tube rack (10) for receiving at least one sample tube is provided, comprising: a bottom surface (12) comprising at least one opening (14) for receiving the sample tube, and at least two guiding elements (16, 16?, 16a-d) arranged on the bottom surface (12) adjacent to the opening (14), wherein each guiding element (16, 16?, 16a-d) extends substantially parallel to a vertical axis (18) of the opening (14) from the bottom surface (12) towards a top side (20) of the sample tube rack (10). The guiding elements (16, 16?, 16a-d) are arranged at different positions (17a-d) around the opening (14), such that a tube compartment (24) for receiving the sample tube is formed by the guiding elements (16, 16?, 16a-d) and the opening (14), wherein the guiding elements (16, 16?, 16a-d) are spaced apart from each other along a perimeter (21) of the opening (14), thereby forming at least two clearances (22) between the guiding elements (16, 16?, 16a-d) along the perimeter (21) of the opening (14).

Abstract: Assays (100) may be performed with a luminometer (400) having a chassis (405) that may include a reaction vessel chamber (610). The luminometer (400) may also include a light passage (640) that intersects the reaction vessel chamber (610). The luminometer (400) may also include a cap (415) that, when in a closed configuration, prevents light emitted by external sources from entering the reaction vessel chamber (610) and from entering the light passage (640). The cap (415) may provide access to the reaction vessel chamber (610) when in an open configuration. The luminometer (400) may also include a calibration light source (460) optically coupled to one end of the light passage (640) and a light detector (630) optically coupled to another end of the light passage (640). The light detector (630) may include a sensing element for receiving light from the light passage (640).

Abstract: A sample preparation instrument for dispensing processed samples into output tubes is described. The instrument scans specimen-panel assignment barcodes. The instrument associates the output tubes with a panel selected for a specimen. The instrument operates a transfer station to dispense processed samples from the specimen into the output tubes based on the association of the output tubes with the panel.

Abstract: A method for performing a function check of a fluid handling system can comprise dispensing a first reference dose of a fluid into a reference container using a first fluid dispenser, measuring a first fluid height of the first reference dose in the reference container with a fluid level sensing system of the fluid handling system, and changing a status of the fluid handling system based on the first measured first fluid height. Robotic fluid handling system can comprise controllers and computer readable memory configured to execute the methods described herein.

Abstract: Automatic substance preparation and evaluation systems and methods are provided for preparing and evaluating a fluidic substance, such as e.g. a sample with bodily fluid, in a container and/or in a dispense tip. The systems and methods can detect volumes, evaluate integrities, and check particle concentrations in the container and/or the dispense tip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluid system for a sample processor and a sample processor including the fluid system. The fluid system includes a sample line, a processing fluid line, a vacuum line, and an air pump. The sample line communicates a sample container with a sample port of a flow cell unit. The processing fluid line communicates a sheath fluid container with a processing fluid port of the flow cell unit. The vacuum line is in communication with the flow cell unit. The air pump includes a first output port and a second output port. Pressurized gas is generated at the first output port, and the first output port is in communication with the sample container and the sheath fluid container. A vacuum is generated at the second output port, and the second output port is in communication with a vacuum port of the flow cell unit through the vacuum line.

Abstract: A workflow and associated system for controlling pH is described that allows for real-time pH adjustment in parallel culture wells of a microplate. For example, a biological process control system comprised of a pH measurement system, a controller, and a pH adjustment system implements a closed control loop, where a pH of a culture well measured by the pH measurement system is compared to a predetermined pH for the culture well, and, if there is a deviation, a pH adjustment system adjusts the pH in the culture well to correct the deviation as the system continues on to measure, evaluate, and adjust, if needed, remaining microplate culture wells. Therefore, by performing per-well pH evaluation and adjustment in real-time upon receiving the measured pH rather than waiting until pH of all culture wells are measured, the measured pH used as a basis for pH adjustment is a current, accurate measurement.