Abstract: The present invention relates to optionally automated methods that may be used to qualitatively and/or quantitatively detect at least one, or for example, two or more different targets in a sample, and kits associated with such methods. The two or more different targets may be detected and distinguished by adding at least one cross-linking agent to the sample in between different steps of a detection procedure. The addition of a cross-linking agent may allow for drastic changes in buffer conditions (i.e. solvent, pH, salt concentration, etc.) or temperature in order to refine a detection procedure with minimal loss of signal. The instant invention is compatible with a variety of detection systems, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), in situ hybridization (ISH), flow cytometry, enzyme immuno-assays (EIA), enzyme linked immuno-assays (ELISA), blotting methods (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to non-natural bases and base pairs that expand the normal DNA-based encoding system. Compositions herein may comprise at least one non-natural base that may interact with another base via a Watson Crick-type hydrogen bonding geometry and/or a Hoogsteen-type hydrogen bonding geometry. The bases may be used in a molecular entity, such as an oligomer or any other entity wherein the bases are attached to a backbone. For example, they may be comprised in DNA, RNA, or PNA, or a variety of other nucleic acid-type systems.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.

Abstract: A novel method for detecting chromosome aberrations is disclosed. More specifically, chromosome aberrations are detected by in situ hybridisation using at least two sets of hybridisation probes, at least one set comprising one or more peptide nucleic acid probes capable of hybridising to specific nucleic acid sequences related to a potential aberration in a chromosome, and at least one set comprising two or more peptide nucleic acid probes capable of hybridising to specific nucleic acid sequences related to another potential aberration in a chromosome. In particular, the method may be used for detecting chromosome aberrations in the form of breakpoints.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.

Abstract: An automated slide stainer with slides mounted in a horizontal position on a rotary carousel. Reagents and rinse liquids are automatically dispensed onto tissue sections or cells mounted on slides for the purpose of performing chemical or immunohistochemical stains. The rinse liquids are removed by an aspiration head connected to a source of vacuum. Individual slides or groups of slides are supported on flat heating stations for heating to individual temperatures. Temperature control electronics on the carousel are controlled by a user interface off of the carousel.

Abstract: A sample processing system (101) that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples) (198) are arranged on a carrier element (197) and a process operation control system (171) automatically processes the samples) perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor (402) or a data capture element (414). Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element (404) may cause notification of a person at some display (415) that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.

Abstract: A novel method for detecting chromosome aberrations is disclosed. More specifically, chromosome aberrations are detected by in situ hybridisation using at least two sets of hybridisation probes, at least one set comprising one or more peptide nucleic acid probes capable of hybridising to specific nucleic acid sequences related to a potential aberration in a chromosome, and at least one set comprising two or more peptide nucleic acid probes capable of hybridising to specific nucleic acid sequences related to another potential aberration in a chromosome. In particular, the method may be used for detecting chromosome aberrations in the form of breakpoints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting a change in chromosomal structure. These methods employ labeled probes that bind nucleic acids. For example, these probes may be comprised of nucleic acids or nucleic acid analogs and a detectable label.

Abstract: A lens system for collecting and focusing light emanating from an object has a cuvette housing the object and having a wall of thickness not greater than 1.5 millimeters; a plano-convex lens having a planar surface affixed to the wall; a sequence of at least three meniscus lenses, each meniscus lens having a concave surface toward the object and a convex surface, each successive meniscus lens receiving the light from the immediately preceding meniscus lens and having radii of curvature of its concave and convex surfaces greater than corresponding radii of the preceding meniscus lens; and at least one compound lens that may be a doublet lens or a triplet lens, the compound lens receiving the light from a last meniscus lens, wherein an image of a geometrical point on the object has a root-mean square spot size equal to or less than 63 ?m.

Abstract: A novel method for detecting chromosome aberrations is disclosed. More specifically, chromosome aberrations are detected by in situ hybridisation using at least two sets of hybridisation probes, at least one set comprising one or more peptide nucleic acid probes capable of hybridising to specific nucleic acid sequences related to a potential aberration in a chromosome, and at least one set comprising two or more peptide nucleic acid probes capable of hybridising to specific nucleic acid sequences related to another potential aberration in a chromosome. In particular, the method may be used for detecting chromosome aberrations in the form of breakpoints.

Abstract: This invention describes a method and apparatus for a liquid dispensing cartridge pump suitable for dispensing reagent in an automatic system. In embodiments, the present invention may include a liquid metering chamber that accurately controls the amount of fluid dispensed. In other embodiments, the amount of fluid may be controlled by the action of a diaphragm, which may be assembled into a cavity of a dispenser housing creating a metering chamber. In another embodiment, the volume created by the metering chamber determines the volume of dispensed fluid. When the diaphragm is compressed from its free or extended state to its inverted state, it may substantially conform to the inner surface of the metering chamber. The fluid enters the metering chamber through an upper unidirectional valve and exits the dispenser housing through a lower unidirectional valve.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic staining or other processing of a biological sample on a slide, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system. Further provided is a method of antigen retrieval, the method comprising contacting, within a heated processing tank of an automated staining apparatus, at least one biological sample with at least one composition for antigen retrieval comprising at least one chelating agent, at least one detergent and at least 50% by volume of at least one liquid that facilitates antigen retrieval.