Abstract: The present invention relates in general to microscopy systems. In particular, the present invention relates to microscopes rendering digital images of samples, with the capability to digitally control the focus of the microscope system, and the software used to control the operation of the digital microscope system. Further, the present invention relates to a microscope structure that allows for compact and multi-functional use of a microscope, providing for light shielding and control with samples that require specific light wavelength characteristics, such as fluorescence, for detection and imaging. The microscope is adjustable, with a structure that can move along range(s) of motion and degree(s) of freedom to allow for ease of access to samples, shielding of samples, and manipulation of a display apparatus.

Abstract: The invention(s) cover systems and methods for target detection in a multiplexed and rapid manner. Embodiments of the system can include: a base substrate; and an array of sample processing regions defined at a broad surface of the base substrate, wherein each of the array of sample processing regions includes: a set of microwell subarrays arranged in a gradient by volumetric capacity between an upstream end and a downstream end of each respective sample processing region, and a boundary separating each respective sample processing region from adjacent sample processing regions. The system can support methods, with example implementation by an automated platform, for returning preliminary results from a subset of microwells of the samples processing regions, as well as results pertaining to specific and non-specific amplification, for multiple targets of a sample.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for rotating a container (e.g., a capped tube containing a sample). The disclosure provides devices and methods of rotating a container using one motor, resulting in a less complex device. The device moves and rotates a container rotating member which in turn is used to rotate a container. The devices can be used in automated analytical instruments (e.g., automated blood analyzers) that automatically transport and detect the identity of sample containers. The devices can also be used in instruments that automatically spin sample containers to mix or homogenize the sample.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: Hybrid reverse transcriptases formed from portions of FLVRT and MLVRT are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: A system and method, wherein the method includes: (a) receiving a fluid comprising a process reagent for an assay and nucleic acid material from a sample into a fluid pathway coupled to an array of wells, wherein the array of wells is defined within a substrate and each well in the array of wells extends vertically into a planar surface of the substrate; (b) distributing the fluid along the fluid pathway and into wells of the array of wells; and (c) distributing a liquid immiscible with the fluid comprising the process reagent and nucleic acid material along the fluid pathway upon positive pressure generation by a pump of a flow control system in communication with an inlet to the fluid pathway, thereby displacing said fluid along the fluid pathway and into wells of the array of wells and preventing contents of each well from transferring to adjacent wells.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

Abstract: A system for isolating cells in at least one of single-cell format and single-cluster format, comprising a reservoir, including a reservoir inlet and a reservoir outlet, configured to receive a biological sample and to receive at least one fluid, a manifold configured to receive and deliver the biological sample and the at least one fluid from the reservoir into a biological sample substrate, the manifold comprising a broad surface comprising a central region configured to receive the biological sample substrate, a set of openings configured to enable fluid flow transmission across the biological sample substrate, a manifold inlet configured to transmit flow from the reservoir the first subset of openings, a manifold outlet configured at a downstream end of the broad surface and coupled to the second subset of openings, the manifold outlet configured to transmit waste fluid from the manifold.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to droplet based digital PCR and methods for analyzing a target nucleic acid using the same. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve forming sample droplets containing, on average, a single target nucleic acid, amplifying the target in the droplets, excluding droplets containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target, and analyzing target amplicons.

Abstract: Method of analysis for alleles of a target. In the method, a plurality of fluid volumes may be formed. Each fluid volume may contain a first primer pair to amplify a first allele of a target, a second primer pair to amplify a second allele of the target, a first reporter including a first photoluminophore and providing a primer of the first primer pair, and a second reporter including a second photoluminophore and providing a primer of the second primer pair. Each of the first and second reporters may include an oligomer having a quencher, and the oligomer may be configured to base-pair with the primer of the first primer pair and the primer of the second primer pair. The first and second alleles may be amplified using the first and second primer pairs. Photoluminescence may be detected. A level of each allele may be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method for determining a liquid level in a container based on data extracted from a digital image of the container. An image capture apparatus captures an image of a container used to store liquid reagents used by analytical instruments to test patient samples. A controller receives the captured image and extracts an analysis region based on a container type and applies a gradient filter to the analysis region. A location of a minimum gradient value (i.e., a row index) is determined based on the air-to-liquid boundary of the liquid in the extracted analysis region. A volume module calculates the liquid level in the analysis region by dividing the row index by a length of a gradient column vector and compares the determined liquid level to a threshold analysis region fraction for the container type to determine whether to output an alert.

Abstract: Systems and methods for contact imaging of stands with illumination are disclosed herein. A contact imaging system can include a contact imager. The contact imager can include a housing having a base and a lid. The lid can have a closed position against the base and an open position. The contact imager can include a contact area image sensor. The lid can shield the contact area image sensor from ambient light when the lid is in the closed position. The contact imager can include an illuminator that can illuminate at least a portion of a blot on the contact area image sensor when the lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is notably directed to a microfluidic probe head, or MFP head, comprising a processing surface having a liquid injection aperture and a liquid aspiration aperture thereon. The aspiration aperture is generally shaped so as to partly extend around the injection aperture on the processing surface, although such injection apertures are not completely surrounded by the slit on the processing surface. Further, fluidic and solid barriers to aspiration are considered. The disclosure is further directed to related microfluidic probe devices, and methods of operation of such an MFP head, notably to deposit cells on a surface.

Abstract: Digital assay system, including methods, apparatus, and compositions, for assay of one or more targets in a set of partitions containing a generic reporter of target amplification.

Abstract: Lateral flow device pump housings and methods of making such housings are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable mirror mount that is capable of adjusting a mirror in two axes with a high degree of precision and low cross-coupling. Long horizontal and vertical adjustment arms are used to allow the precision adjustment about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for single cell resolution, quantitative proteomic analysis using high throughput sequencing.

Abstract: The invention provides barcode libraries and methods of making and using them including obtaining a plurality of nucleic acid constructs in which each construct comprises a unique N-mer and a functional N-mer and segregating the constructs into a fluid compartments such that each compartment contains one or more copies of a unique construct. The invention further provides methods for digital PCR and for use of barcode libraries in digital PCR.