Abstract: The invention concerns reagent delivery system for an apparatus for processing of biological samples arranged on microscope slides, comprising a reagent section having one or more reagent containers; a slide section in which at least one microscope slide is arranged; a probe for dispensing a portion of reagent onto a predetermined microscope slide, and means for handling the probe. The probe comprises a continuous prove tubing element extending through a rigid probe member and connecting the probe tip to a pneumatic pressure regulation device. The reagent containers are adapted for cooperation with the probe tip. In this manner a high though-put and a very low carry over of fluid residues is achieved since there is no assembled parts making up the inside volume of the probe in which the fluid may be retained.

Abstract: Methods and systems for image scoring and analysis are provided. Scored and analyzed images may include digital pathology images. Image scoring and analysis methods may include techniques to identify nuclei and determine membrane staining extent through the use of a priori models. Image scoring and analysis methods may include techniques for membrane intensity determination. Images may be scored based on an extent of membrane staining and membrane intensity.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing at least one biological sample accommodated on at least one carrier member (15) in a chamber includes, at least one reservoir (18) able to accommodate a fluid on a surface inside the chamber adjacent to and/or facing a substantial part of the at least one biological sample. The apparatus may comprise a bottom member (12) arranged to support at least one carrier member (15) carrying at least one biological sample and a lid (14) including at least one fluid reservoir (18). The reservoir filled with water provides humidity to the chamber and impedes drying out of the sample.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described for the handling of biological specimens for analysis. The systems, methods and apparatus are designed to reduce errors in misidentification, incorrect processing, and recordkeeping and reporting. The systems, methods, and apparatus can also provide real time tracking of samples at any stage, from collection to processing to analyzing to storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunochemical visualization and quantification of single target entities, such as single molecules, single molecular structures, single particles, etc. in samples wherein said single entities are immobilized. In particular, the invention relates to methods for visualization and quantification of single units of biological or chemical targets, in particular to immunochemical visualization of single molecules of biological targets in histological samples. The methods of the invention comprise a step of forming discrete deposits of detectable molecules at single target sites of sample mediated by an enzyme with oxydoreductase activity, wherein a single target site comprises a single unit of a target. The invention also relates to assays comprising the present visualization and quantification methods and diagnostic applications of said methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of prostate cancer. Particularly the invention relates to villin as a novel prostate biomarker. The invention further relates to compositions comprising anti-villin antibodies and use of these compositions for an improved detection of prostate cancer in a subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control are disclosed. The invention may especially relate to temperature control, and may in some embodiments be methods of temperature control of an automated sample processing system and methods of automated sample processing. Specifically, the present invention provides temperature control in relation to sample processing systems and methods of processing samples, and in some embodiments provides temperature control in relation to sample carriers and processing materials such as reagents. Corresponding systems and devices are disclosed, including sample processing systems (1), sample carrier temperature regulation systems (60), reagent temperature regulation systems, sample processing control systems, and temperature regulation devices, among other embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least three primary antibodies or fragments thereof, wherein the at least three antibodies or fragments thereof binds specifically to at least three different proteins, and wherein the at least three different proteins are AMCAR, CK 5/6, and HMWC. Methods for using the composition in diagnosis, prognosis, and assessing efficacy of treatment is further included as well as kits comprising said composition, and optionally, instructions of its use.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of targets in a sample; in particular, an in situ hybridization (ISH) sample. Probes and detectable labels may be provided in multiple layers in order to increase the flexibility of a detection system, and to allow for amplification to enhance the signal from a target. The layers may be created by incorporating probes and detectable labels into larger molecular units that interact through nucleic acids base-pairing, including peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) base-pairing. Optional non-natural bases allow for degenerate base pairing schemes. The compositions and methods are also compatible with immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), flow cytometry, enzyme immuno-assays (EIA), enzyme linked immuno-assays (ELISA), blotting methods (e.g. Western, Southern, and Northern), labeling inside electrophoresis systems or on surfaces or arrays, and precipitation, among other general detection assay formats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compounds for detection of molecular targets, such as biological or chemical molecules, or molecular structures, in samples using a host of experimental schemes for detecting and visualizing such targets, e.g. immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), ELISA, Southern, Northern, and Western blotting, etc.

Abstract: A method and an automated apparatus for processing at least one biological sample arranged on a slide. At least one capillary staining module has a slide rack holder configured to detachably hold a slide rack configured to hold slides, and a capillary lid rack holder configured to detachably hold a capillary lid rack configured to hold capillary lids, wherein the slide rack can be removed independently of removing the capillary lid rack. A first fluid container has a first fluid. The apparatus being configured to automatically rotate the one or more slides, and to move the lids towards the slides to automatically form a capillary gap between each slide and each capillary lid, said capillary gap functioning as a capillary chamber; and to supply an amount of the first fluid to the slide.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of pre-treatment and staining, according to a protocol, of a biological sample disposed upon the surface of a carrier, the method comprising the step of recording at least one parameter relating to at least one protocol step in a non-volatile memory located either upon or within the carrier or a device incorporating the carrier. Also disclosed is a device comprising: a non-volatile memory; a surface of the device adapted to carry a biological sample; and communications means electrically coupled to the memory for enabling data transmission to or from an external apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of controlling processing of a biological sample disposed upon a carrier, comprising: providing, upon or within the carrier or an apparatus holding the carrier, a non-volatile memory having information relating to sample processing priority or protocol; reading the information; and scheduling the processing based upon the information.

Abstract: A sample processing system 101 that may be automated and methods are disclosed where sample(s) 198 are arranged on a carrier element 197 and a process operation control system 171 automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to an desired aggregation of event dictated by an input 173. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities 606 may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing. Suggested operator actions may be displayed that might further enhance the scheduling of the altered aggregated event topology together with an automatic operator need prompt 608 that may inform an operator of a need for a particular action in order to accomplish the desired tasks.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a biological sample is provided. The biological sample being arranged on a first planar surface of a carrier, the apparatus having a second planar surface arranged substantially parallel to said first planar surface and at a first distance from said first planar surface. The first planar surface and said second planar surface are arranged at an angle (A) greater than zero degree from the horizontal plane (HP). The apparatus having a supply for supplying an amount of a liquid that is to be applied to said biological sample. The first planar surface and said second planar surface are configured to be arranged at a second distance from each other, said second distance being such that said supplied amount of liquid is distributed over said biological sample when said first planar surface and said second planar surface are brought to said second distance from each other.

Abstract: A method and an automated apparatus for processing at least one biological sample arranged on a slide. At least one capillary staining module has a slide rack holder configured to detachably hold a slide rack configured to hold slides, and a capillary lid rack holder configured to detachably hold a capillary lid rack configured to hold capillary lids, wherein the slide rack can be removed independently of removing the capillary lid rack. A first fluid container has a first fluid. The apparatus being configured to automatically rotate the one or more slides, and to move the lids towards the slides to automatically form a capillary gap between each slide and each capillary lid, said capillary gap functioning as a capillary chamber; and to supply an amount of the first fluid to the slide.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a biological sample is provided, the biological sample being arranged on a first planar surface of a carrier. The apparatus comprises a second planar surface arranged substantially parallel to said first planar surface and at a first distance from said first planar surface, said first planar surface and said second planar surface being arranged at an angle (A) greater than zero degree from the horizontal plane (HP); and supply means for supplying an amount of a liquid that is to be applied to said biological sample. The first planar surface and said second planar surface are configured to be arranged at a second distance from each other, said second distance being such that said supplied amount of liquid is distributed over said biological sample when said first planar surface and said second planar surface are brought to said second distance from each other.

Abstract: The present invention lies in the field of visualization and quantification of immobilized targets in samples using immunochemical means. In particular, the invention relates to a method and reagents for detection, visualization and quantification of a molecular target in immunostained histological samples using particular compositions of the target specific binding agent. Methods and compositions of the invention are suitable for any assay that uses a target visualization system in histological samples based on detection of the target by the target specific binding agent. The methods and compositions are useful for evaluation of targets that are biomarkers of diseases in medical diagnostic.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of targets in a sample; in particular, an immunohistochemistry (IHC) sample. Probes and detectable labels may be provided in multiple layers in order to increase the flexibility of a detection system, and to allow for amplification to enhance the signal from a target. The layers may be created by incorporating probes and detectable labels into larger molecular units that interact through nucleic acids base-pairing, including peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) base-pairing. Optional non-natural bases allow for degenerate base pairing schemes. The compositions and methods are compatible with immunohistochemistry (THC), but also could be used in immunocytochemistry (ICC), in situ hybridization (ISH), flow cytometry, enzyme immuno-assays (EIA), enzyme linked immuno-assays (ELISA), blotting methods (e.g.

Abstract: A computer system for analyzing a specimen processing workflow in a pathology laboratory including a display and a processor configured to provide a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface to the display, receive, via the first interface, a first set of parameters associated with an existing specimen processing workflow in a pathology laboratory, the first set of parameters including a workflow process and a workflow scale, and determine, based on the first set of parameters, current performance data of the existing specimen processing workflow having an associated current cost information and current time utilization.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for hybridizing at least one molecule to a target. The invention may, for example, utilize a of cyclic and/or non-cyclic solvent that is non-toxic and may eliminate or reduce the amount of formamide in the hybridization composition.