Abstract: A system for mixing solutions includes: a first container and at least one second container capable of containing solutions, each second container being capable of entirely containing the first container; means for displacing the first container and/or each second container capable of entirely immersing the first container in each second container; and rotational drive means for the first container so as to mix the solutions present in the first and second containers when the first container is entirely immersed in the solution present in the second container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for detecting foam in a specimen container. The method includes the following steps: transporting a specimen container into a locator well; centering the specimen container in the locator well; rotating the specimen container around a vertical axis in the locator well; imaging the specimen container during the rotation; analyzing an image of the specimen container captured during the rotation; and detecting foam in the specimen container based on the analysis of the image. An apparatus configured to perform the steps is also provided. The method and apparatus may be used in conjunction with a system for automatically determining whether a sample is positive for microorganism growth.

Abstract: A separation container for extracting a portion of a sample for use or testing and method for preparing samples for downstream use or testing are provided. The separation container may include a body defining an internal chamber. The body may define an opening, and the body may be configured to receive the sample within the internal chamber. The separation container may further include a seal disposed across the opening, such that the seal may be configured to seal the opening of the body, and a plunger movably disposed at least partially inside the internal chamber. The plunger may be configured to be actuated to open the seal and express the portion of the sample.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for evacuating and for filling an array at the point of use.

Abstract: Methods for testing or adjusting a charged-particle detector are provided. A diagnostic and/or adjustment method for a charged-particle detector of an instrument includes providing, from a photon source, photons incident on the charged-particle detector. Moreover, the method includes detecting a response by the charged-particle detector to the photons incident thereon. Related detection systems are also provided.

Abstract: A separation container for extracting a portion of a sample for use or testing and method for preparing samples for downstream use or testing are provided. The separation container may include a body defining an internal chamber. The body may define an opening, and the body may be configured to receive the sample within the internal chamber. The separation container may further include a seal disposed across the opening, such that the seal may be configured to seal the opening of the body, and a plunger movably disposed at least partially inside the internal chamber. The plunger may be configured to be actuated to open the seal and express the portion of the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining a patient's susceptibility of contracting a nosocomial infection that includes obtaining a biological sample from the patient and extracting biological material from the biological sample; preparing a specific reagent of an expression product of at least one target gene selected from S100A9 and S100A8 target genes; and determining the expression of at least one of the target genes S100A9 and S100A8, where overexpression relative to a specified threshold value indicates susceptibility of contracting a nosocomial infection.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide a tip resistant optical testing instrument configured to rest on a surface. The optical testing instrument includes a shell defining a cavity for receiving a sample tube. The shell includes a bottom shell surface, wherein the bottom shell surface defines at least one support element, wherein the at least one support element is configured to engage the surface to support the optical testing instrument in a testing position, and a translational surface configured to engage the surface to support the optical testing instrument in an angled position. In an instance in which the optical testing instrument tilts from the testing position to the angled position, the translational surface is configured to engage the surface contacting the translational surface to prevent the optical testing instrument from tipping further and allow the optical testing instrument to return to the testing position.

Abstract: A buffer solution includes methanol and the at least one fluoroalkyl surfactant selected from perfluorocarboxylic acids, perfluorosulfonic acids and their salts. A method for detecting and quantifying, in vitro, vitamin D and/or at least one vitamin D metabolite in a biological sample includes treating the sample by incorporating at least one fluoroalkyl surfactant and methanol so as to dissociate the vitamin D and/or its metabolite(s) to be detected from vitamin D binding protein; and detecting and quantifying vitamin D and/or at least one of its metabolites, in particular by immunoassay. A kit for detecting and quantifying vitamin D and/or at least one vitamin D metabolite by immunoassay and including the solution is provided.

Abstract: Load lock assemblies for a sample analysis system, such as a mass spectrometry system, include a load lock chamber having longitudinally opposing first and second end portions and a through channel, a door coupled to the second end portion, and a seal assembly coupled to the first end portion. The seal assembly includes a rigid seal housing member coupled to a housing of the load lock chamber. The rigid seal housing member includes a port forming part of the first end portion of the through channel of the load lock chamber. The rigid seal housing member can include a self-centering cartridge and/or a flexure member coupled to the housing of the load lock chamber. Where used, the flexure member has an outer perimeter that extends above and below the rigid seal housing member and includes an aperture that is aligned with the port of the rigid seal housing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing anti-mammalian AMH antibodies comprising the steps of: (i) immunizing an animal with an AMH polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding this AMH polypeptide, said AMH polypeptide comprising at least the 99 amino acids of sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or of a sequence having at least 75% identity with the sequence SEQ ID No. 1, and at most the 560 amino acids of sequence SEQ ID No. 2 or of a sequence having at least 75% identity with the sequence SEQ ID No. 2, (ii) preparing hybridomas from cells of a lymphoid organ of the animal having received the immunogen, (iii) selecting hybridomas secreting antibodies recognizing an AMH polypeptide comprising at least the 99 amino acids of sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or of a sequence having at least 75% identity with the sequence SEQ ID No. 1, and at most the 255 amino acids of sequence SEQ ID No. 8 or of a sequence having at least 75% identity with the sequence SEQ ID No.

Abstract: A bi-epitope compound of formula (I): in which (i) E1 and E2, which may be identical or different, each independently represent a peptide sequence comprising at least one epitope of an analyte, (ii) X and Y, which may be identical or different, each independently represent a linker arm, (iii) the carrier molecule is soluble, and (iv) Z represents an amino acid derivative that had a thiol function before the bonding thereof with the carrier molecule.

Abstract: Provided herein are an optical test platform and corresponding method of manufacturing the same. The test platform may include a shell defining a cavity for receiving a sample tube, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture of the shell may each be configured to optically couple the cavity with an exterior of the shell. The test platform may further include a first window and a second window embedded in the shell. The first window may seal a first aperture and the second window may seal a second aperture. The first window and second window may each permit the optical coupling of the cavity with the exterior of the shell. The first window and the second window may be optically coupled via the cavity, and the shell may prohibit optical coupling between the first window and the second window through the shell.

Abstract: A bi-epitope compound of formula I: in which: E1 and E2, identical or different, each separately represents a peptide sequence including at least one epitope of an analyte; X and Y, identical or different, each separately represents a linking arm, the carrier molecule is soluble and Z represents an amino acid derivative bearing a thiol function prior to the bonding of same with the carrier molecule. The compound may be contained in a composition, used as a control or standard in an immunoassay and associated method, and/or provided in a kit for implementing an immunoassay.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing among a first group of microorganisms belonging to a first taxon of Gram negative bacteria, the first group of bacteria exhibiting a mechanism of resistance to a treatment; a second group of microorganisms belonging to a second taxon of Gram negative bacteria, the second taxon of bacteria being different than said first taxon, and exhibiting a mechanism of resistance to a treatment identical to the mechanism of the first group; and a third group of Gram negative bacteria that is not resistant to the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining in vitro the immune status of an individual according to which: (a) a blood sample from the individual is provided, (b) at least two reagents specific to at least two products of expression of at least two target genes are provided; (c) the expression of said at least two target genes is determined, and (d) the expression of said at least two target genes respectively is compared with a reference expression, with a change in the expression of said at least two target genes relative to their reference expression indicating that the individual's immune status has changed, and a correlation between the expression of said at least two target genes with their reference expression indicating that the individual's immune status is normal; as well as a kit for determining said immune status of the individual.

Abstract: A process for applying, in a tubular solid support, at least one binding partner P1 to an analyte to be detected or quantified in a test sample, including steps: (i) connect the support to a suction-discharge device, (ii) draw up into the support, by one of its ends, a solution including the binding partner P1, called sensitization solution S1, contained in a container, called container C1, (iii) continue contact between solution S1 and the inner surface of the support for a time between 0 s and 11 min, (iv) discharge the solution S1 into a container, which is optionally the container C1, steps (ii) to (iv) forming a cycle that can be repeated at least once, over a total duration of at least 1 min and at most 2.5 h. Also, the use of the coated support for the detection or quantification of an analyte in a test sample.

Abstract: The invention provides for a microfluidic droplet-based assay process and apparatus, wherein the process comprises the step of creating several assay droplets (18) containing paramagnetic particles (22, 22?), detectable markers (24), and at least one biological cell (10), wherein the paramagnetic particles (22, 22?) and the detectable markers (24) are able to bind with a target analyte (16) released by the cell, wherein the process includes storing several assay droplets along a horizontal storage plane, includes the generation of a magnetic field through the stored assay droplets, and includes detecting a physical characteristic of the detectable markers contained in a given assay droplet by optical imaging of the detectable markers, characterized in that the generation of a magnetic field generates a magnetic field such that the paramagnetic particles are attracted towards a lateral and inferior portion of the given stored assay droplet in which they are contained.

Abstract: A method of preparing a characterization zone of an analysis plate to carry out a characterization of a population of a microorganism in the presence of an antimicrobial agent by mass spectrometry using the MALDI technique. The method involves the following steps in succession: a step for providing an analysis plate for a characterization by means of the MALDI technique, the plate including an analysis zone carrying an antimicrobial agent; a step of depositing the population of a microorganism onto said analysis zone in contact with the antimicrobial agent; an incubation step of preserving the analysis plate under conditions and for a sufficient time to allow the antimicrobial agent and the microorganism that is present to interact; and a step of depositing a matrix that is suitable for the MALDI technique onto the analysis zone; associated characterization and functionalization methods, analysis plates and uses.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and apparatus are provided for controlling components of a detection device. The device may detect turbidity of liquid with sensors such as a density sensor and/or nephelometric sensor. A light modulation pattern may reduce or eliminate interference in sensor readings. Readings may be performed during off cycles of an illumination light to reduce interference but to provide improved visibility of a tube. Dark and light sensor readings may be performed with an emitter respectively off or on to account for ambient light in subsequent readings. Readings from the density sensor and/or nephelometric sensor may be used to calculate McFarland values. The device may be zeroed based on an emitter level that results in a sensor reading satisfying a predetermined criterion.