Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting differences in copy number of a target polynucleotide. In some cases, the methods and compositions provided herein are useful for diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormalities, when the starting sample is maternal tissue (e.g., blood, plasma). The methods and materials described apply techniques for allowing detection of small, but statistically significant, differences in polynucleotide copy number.

Abstract: Comparison of common sequencing reads from sequencing based on partition-based barcoding can be used to improve sequencing results. Increased loading of barcodes per partition can also improve sequencing results.

Abstract: An instrument for detecting signal from a biological sample includes a pipettor module configured to hold a plurality of pipettes in respective pipette positions, to hold liquid in one or more pipette tips, and to pipette liquid in and out of the one or more pipette tips. Each of the one or more pipette tips has a pipette tip point. The instrument further includes one or more magnets positioned such that each of the one or more pipette tips is adjacent one of the one or more magnets.

Abstract: Lateral flow devices, methods and kits for performing lateral flow assays are provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic probe head is provided. The microfluidic probe head comprises a processing surface. The processing surface has a first and second aperture and a fluid injection channel, which leads to the first aperture. The microfluidic probe head comprises also a first fluid aspiration channel which leads to the second aperture. Thereby, the second aperture forms a slot in the processing surface. Furthermore, a microfluidic probe may be provided comprising the microfluidic probe head.

Abstract: Systems for protein quantitation using a Fabry-Perot interferometer. In one arrangement, a quantitation device includes an infrared source, a sample holder, and a Fabry-Perot interferometer positioned to receive infrared radiation from the source passing through a sample on the sample holder. A band pass optical filter sets the working range of the interferometer, and radiation exiting the interferometer falls on a detector that produces a signal indicating the intensity of the received radiation. A controller causes the interferometer to be tuned to a number of different resonance wavelengths and receives the intensity signals, for determination of an absorbance spectrum.

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: The invention generally relates to droplet based digital PCR and methods for analyzing a target nucleic acid using the same. In certain embodiments, a method for determining the nucleic acid make-up of a sample is provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for end users of diagnostic measurement procedures to prepare quality controls having desired analyte recoveries, estimate recoveries of quality controls already prepared, and compare estimated and measured recoveries. To prepare a quality control containing a particular analyte, a desired recovery of a measurement procedure for the analyte can be scaled by a correlation factor to obtain a target nominal concentration of the analyte in the quality control. Alternatively, the nominal concentration of an analyte in a quality control can be scaled by a correlation factor to obtain a predicted recovery of a measurement procedure for the analyte. The correlation factors can be based on recovery data previously obtained using the measurement procedure and optionally one or more reference procedures, and can be calculated using regression analysis of these data.

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: A thermal management system that include an electronic circuit boards having at least two circuit boards with a space in between and further includes one or more air tubes or conduits. The electronic circuit board and air tubes are configured for drawing air into the space to facilitate cooling of the electronic circuit board concurrent with cooling of a heat sink of a heat pump connected with the electronic circuit board. The system can further include a partition to isolate airflow from the heat sink from airflow through the electronics circuit board, and can further include one or more interface components for maintaining isolation and control of air flow, improving air intake and/or supporting auxiliary components.

Abstract: A clinical diagnostic analyzer for performing a virtual crossover study on quality control (QC) material includes a processor, memory, measurement hardware, and an input panel/display. The analyzer acquires data from a peer group relating to a new lot of quality control material to calculate a predicted mean and standard deviation based on that peer group data and adjusted for bias in the laboratory process. As new analyses are run on the new lot of QC material, the predicted mean and standard deviation are updated to incorporate the actual data on a weighted basis.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, wherein the system includes: an array of wells defined at a substrate, each well including an open surface and a well cavity configured to capture cells in one of a single-cell format and single-cluster format, and a fluid delivery module including a fluid reservoir through which fluid flow is controlled along a fluid path; and wherein the method includes: capturing a population of particles into the array of wells in single-particle format; releasing, from the particles, a set of probes into the array of wells; capturing a population of cells into the array of wells in single-cell format; releasing biomolecules from each captured cell into the array of wells; and generating a set of genetic complexes comprising the biomolecules associated with a single captured cell and a subset of probes within individual wells of the array of wells.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, comprising: 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: Methods and reference compositions for quantifying protein using tagged standards. In an exemplary method, a reference composition and a protein may be electrophoresed in respective lanes of a gel. The reference composition may include quantitation standards of different size and each including a tag present at a different concentration. The quantitation standards and the protein may be transferred from the gel to a solid support to create a blot. Luminescence may be detected from the blot to obtain respective luminescence values separately representing an abundance of the tag of each quantitation standard and an abundance of the protein. A quantity of the protein may be determined using the respective luminescence values.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing and analyzing a set of cells, comprising: an array including a set of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber including a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, and configured to hold a single cell, and a pore channel fluidly connected to the chamber outlet; an inlet channel fluidly connected to each chamber inlet of the set of parallel pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to each pore channel of the set of parallel pores; a set of electrophoresis channels fluidly coupled to the outlet channel, configured to receive a sieving matrix for electrophoretic separation; and a set of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the set of electrodes is configured to provide an electric field that facilitates electrophoretic analysis of the set of cells.

Abstract: A cell capture system including an array, an inlet manifold, and an outlet manifold. The array includes a plurality of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber and a pore channel, an inlet channel fluidly connected to the chambers of the pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to the pore channels of the pores. The inlet manifold is fluidly connected to the inlet channel, and the outlet channel is fluidly connected to the outlet channel. A cell removal tool is also disclosed, wherein the cell removal tool is configured to remove a captured cell from a pore chamber.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for forming an array of emulsions. An exemplary device comprises a frame and at least one or a plurality of separate microfluidic modules mounted to the frame and each configured to form an array of emulsions. In some embodiments, each module may be mounted by snap-fit attachment. The device also may include the same sealing member bonded to a top side of each module and hermetically sealing each of the modules. Another exemplary microfluidic device for forming an array of emulsions comprises a stack of layers bonded together. The stack may comprise a port layer forming a plurality of ports. Each port may have a top rim formed by a protrusion that encircles the central axis of the port. The rims may be coplanar with one another to facilitate bonding of a sealing member to each rim.

Abstract: A system and method for target material retrieval and processing, the system comprising: an adaptor configured to interface with a capture region of a capture substrate for capturing particles in single-particle format within a set of wells, wherein the adaptor comprises a first region configured to interface with the capture region, a second region, and a cavity extending from the first region to the second region; and a support structure coupled to the adaptor and providing a set of operation modes for movement of the adaptor relative to the capture substrate. The system enables methods for magnetic and/or other force-based methods of retrieval of target material (e.g., derived from single cells).