Abstract: The disclosure relates to processing SPR signals, in particular signals obtained by illuminating a conductive surface with light at two wavelengths. Embodiments—involve processing a first and second signal indicative of an intensity of light, received from a conductive layer at which SPR has occurred, as a function of angle of incidence, reflection or diffraction at the layer (depending on whether the incident light beam is received by a detector recording it in reflection or transmission from the conductive layer). The first and second signals each have two dips corresponding to a respective wavelength of the light at a respective angle at which surface plasmon resonance occurs for the respective wavelength and a peak between the two dips. The processing includes deriving a first and second value of a quantity indicative of signal magnitudes in the region of the peak.

Abstract: A device configured for rotation about an axis of rotation to drive liquid flow within the device. The device includes a detection chamber having opposed first second ends and two optical features defining an optical path through the detection chamber, between the first and second ends. The detection chamber includes a first liquid inlet disposed at the first end on a first side of the optical path, a first liquid outlet disposed at the second end of the detection chamber on the first side of the optical path and a second liquid outlet disposed at the second end of the detection chamber on a second side of the optical path. The first side of the optical path is radially outwards of the second side of the optical path.

Abstract: Devices and methods for handling liquids are provided. The devices and methods make use of centrifugal forces to drive liquid flow and facilitate one or more of the mixing, metering and sequencing of liquids, for example on a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing images of a liquid sample during flow is disclosed. One approach to obtaining images of the sample which are in focus is to carry out a focusing algorithm in order to focus an imaging device on the sample once the sample has started flowing. However, this typically takes dozens of seconds or even minutes. There is provided a method of capturing images of a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of an imaging device that comprises stepping a focus mechanism of the imaging device through a plurality of focus values and capturing a plurality of images of the sample at each of the plurality of focus values as the sample flows through the field of view of the imaging device. In this way, image capture can proceed before a focus value has been determined and capture images that are in focus can be used for further processing subsequently.

Abstract: A drive system for aligning a detection zone of a cartridge with an image capture device is provided. The drive system can include a first motor configured for the purpose of spinning the cartridge to drive centrifugal flow of a liquid in the cartridge. The drive system can further include a second motor coupled to a cartridge-aligning member, configured for the purpose of aligning the detection zone with the image capture device. Advantageously, each motor can be adapted for its specific purpose.

Abstract: Improved mechanisms for storing and introducing liquid volumes in a liquid handling device and, in particular, improved mechanisms for rupturing a liquid storage package to introduce liquid into the device, improvements to the stability of a liquid receiving chamber inside the device and improvements to liquid handling in the receiving chamber are achieved.

Abstract: A drive system for aligning a detection zone of a cartridge with an image capture device is provided. The drive system can include a first motor configured for the purpose of spinning the cartridge to drive centrifugal flow of a liquid in the cartridge. The drive system can further include a second motor coupled to a cartridge-aligned member, configured for the purpose of aligning the detection zone with the image capture device. Advantageously, each motor can be adapted for its specific purpose.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for centrifugally driving liquid flow to sequentially dispense aliquots from a reservoir while the device rotates. Also disclosed is a method and system for analyzing a liquid to derive an indicator of sedimentation rate of the liquid using sequential aliquoting, using the disclosed device in some embodiments. A particular application is the analysis of blood samples, including sedimentation rate and hematocrit.

Abstract: A microfluidic device with reduced risk of bubble formation at a capillary junction between two conduits is provided. The microfluidic device can include a supply reservoir, a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit is configured such that liquid flows by capillary effect from the supply reservoir into the first conduit. The second conduit is connected to the first conduit through an opening in a wall of the first conduit and is configured such that liquid flows from the first conduit to the second conduit by capillary effect. A width of the second conduit, along a direction of liquid flow in the first conduit, is greater than a depth of the second conduit and a depth of the second conduit is less than a depth of the first conduit.

Abstract: A device for use in imaging a liquid sample comprises an inlet for accepting the sample, a connection conduit and a detection chamber for detection of the sample, preferably optical detection of the sample. The connection conduit connects the inlet to the detection chamber and contains one or more dry reagents for reaction with the sample as the sample passes through the connection conduit. Specific embodiments include devices arranged for treating a blood sample, in particular lysing and staining the sample. The liquid flow may be driven by capillary effect. The device may further include liquid handling structures arranged for centrifugally driven liquid flow, for example to meter a volume of sample and separate the sample into phases by centrifugation.

Abstract: Described embodiments provide devices, systems and methods for sequencing liquid flow in response to a driving force by entrapping and releasing gas between volumes of liquid in a controlled manner. In one particular form, a centrifugal “lab on a disk” device is provided to drive liquid flow and sequencing by virtue of the centrifugal force and in one particular form a radially inward bend conduit is used in connection with controllably trapping and releasing gas between liquid volumes.

Abstract: A device configured for rotation about an axis of rotation to drive liquid flow within the device. The device includes a detection chamber having opposed first second ends and two optical features defining an optical path through the detection chamber, between the first and second ends. The detection chamber includes a first liquid inlet disposed at the first end on a first side of the optical path, a first liquid outlet disposed at the second end of the detection chamber on the first side of the optical path and a second liquid outlet disposed at the second end of the detection chamber on a second side of the optical path. The first side of the optical path is radially outwards of the second side of the optical path.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for focusing an imaging device on a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of the imaging device. Objects are segmented in the captured frames and used to account for the fact that the sample is flowing. Object velocities are calculated and used in selecting an appropriate focus value. The calculation of a focus measure takes account of the number of objects in captured frames in order to ensure a consistent calculation of the focus measure.

Abstract: Methods for determining a sample concentration of target entities in a sample, for example, determining a concentration of target antigens or antibodies in a blood sample or other biological sample.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for focusing an imaging device on a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of the imaging device. Objects are segmented in the captured frames and used to account for the fact that the sample is flowing. Object velocities are calculated and used in selecting an appropriate focus value. The calculation of a focus measure takes account of the number of objects in captured frames in order to ensure a consistent calculation of the focus measure.

Abstract: A drive system for aligning a detection zone of a cartridge with an image capture device is provided. The drive system can include a first motor configured for the purpose of spinning the cartridge to drive centrifugal flow of a liquid in the cartridge. The drive system can further include a second motor coupled to a cartridge-aligning member, configured for the purpose of aligning the detection zone with the image capture device. Advantageously, each motor can be adapted for its specific purpose.

Abstract: A drive system for aligning a detection zone of a cartridge With an image capture device is provided. The drive system can include a first motor configured for the purpose of spinning the cartridge to drive centrifugal flow of a liquid in the cartridge. The drive system can further include a second motor coupled to a cartridge-aligned member, configured for the purpose of aligning the detection zone with the image capture device. Advantageously, each motor can be adapted for its specific purpose.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for focusing an imaging device on a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of the imaging device. Objects are segmented in the captured frames and used to account for the fact that the sample is flowing. Object velocities are calculated and used in selecting an appropriate focus value. The calculation of a focus measure takes account of the number of objects in captured frames in order to ensure a consistent calculation of the focus measure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for classifying blood cells in a blood sample are disclosed. A series of frames of the blood sample as it flows through a field of view of an image capture device are captured and analysed. Advantageously, the disclosed systems and methods combine the availability of morphological cell data with the convenience of a flow-through arrangement. The classification results can be used for estimating cell counts in a blood sample.

Abstract: Improved mechanisms for storing and introducing liquid volumes in a liquid handling device and, in particular, improved mechanisms for rupturing a liquid storage package to introduce liquid into the device, improvements to the stability of a liquid receiving chamber inside the device and improvements to liquid handling in the receiving chamber are achieved.