Abstract: Disclosed are methods useful in multiplex cell-based assays for compound screening employing imaging instrumentation. The methods described herein offer high content information relating to the biological potency of test agents, off-target effects and cellular toxicity of potential drug candidates.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention relates to an imaging system 100 for enhancing microscopic images of unstained cells. The imaging system 100 comprises a light source 102 for producing light 120a, a sample holder 109 for containing cells to be imaged, a condenser 104 for focussing the light 120b at a focal plane within the sample holder 109 on the cells to be imaged, a translation mechanism for moving the focal plane of the light 120b relative to the sample holder 109 and a detector system 112 configured to acquire a plurality of images at respective focal planes within the sample holder 109 and process the plurality of images to provide an enhanced processed imaged.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus 100 for genotoxicological screening. The apparatus 100 comprises a processor 114 for analyzing images. The processor 114 is configured to provide an identifier module 115 for identifying target cells in an image and a dynamically modifiable classifier module 116 for classifying the identified cells in accordance with one or more phenotype, such as micronuclei, for example. The processor 114 is also configured to provide a scoring module 117 for assigning respective confidence measurements to the classified cells. Various aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used, for example, to provide for improved reliability and accuracy when performing automated high-throughput screening (HTS) drug assays.

Abstract: The present invention to relates to methods and kits which can be used to amplify nucleic acids with the advantage of decreasing user time and possible contamination. The PCR reagents are bound to a solid matrix for easy processing and amplification of DNA samples.

Abstract: There is disclosed a biometric device (10), comprising a solid support (14) suitable for receiving biological material (S) and for dry storing that material at room temperature the device further comprising a circuit (16) including means for two way radio frequency communication and including writable data storage. Also disclosed is a processing method for such biometric devices, the method including the steps of: a) identifying said device by means of RF communication; b) extracting at least a portion of the biological material from the solid support of the identified device; c) analysing the extracted biological material to obtain biometric data indicative of the biological material; and d) writing said biometric data to the data storage of the biometric device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a syringeless filter device compressor for compressing one or more syringeless filter devices. Such syringeless filter devices are typically compressed entirely by hand; however, this may be uncomfortable and/or dangerous for the operator. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a holder for holding a plurality of syringeless filter devices in a two-dimensional array, and a compressor device. The compressor includes a pusher which can be moved by an actuator to compress the filtration devices held in the two-dimensional array. These features enable a compact compressor device for compressing syringeless filter devices, without the operator being in contact with the syringeless filter device during the compression process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods and kits which can be used to amplify nucleic acids with the advantage of decreasing user time and possible contamination. The dried reagent composition of the invention can be used for easy processing and amplification of nucleic acid samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods useful in multiplex cell-based assays for compound screening employing imaging instrumentation. The methods described herein offer high content information relating to the biological potency of test agents, off-target effects and cellular toxicity of potential drug candidates.

Abstract: A multi-stream optical interrogation flow cell (60) for a radiopharmaceutical includes a multiple flow cell body (10a-f) defining a first elongate fluid flowpath (A1-6;B1-6) therethrough for individually conducting a radiopharmaceutical therethrough in fluid isolation from other of the flow cell bodies. Each flow cell body further defines a first and second aligned UV transparent optical guides (36,38) and a first interrogation passageway (26a-f) extending between the first and second optical guides such that a portion of the elongate first fluid flowpath intersects the interrogation passageway such that the radiopharmaceutical flows in between the first and second optical guides. The first and second interrogation passageways of all of the flow cell bodies are optically aligned so that a single interrogation beam is able to extend through each of the interrogation passageways.

Abstract: The invention discloses a sample preservation method which comprises the following steps: a) providing a paper substrate comprising ligands, where the ligands comprise charged groups, b) applying a sample comprising at least one analyte and at least one contaminant on the paper substrate, c) drying the sample on the paper substrate and, d) extracting at least part of the paper substrate to provide a solution of the analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid supports that are used for the storage and further processing of biological materials. The invention is particularly concerned with solid supports which have at least one surface coated with a chemical that enhances the recovery of the biological material from the support. Methods of preparing and using the solid supports are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid supports that are used for the storage and further processing of biological materials. The invention is particularly concerned with solid supports which have at least one surface coated with a chemical mixture that enhances the recovery of the biological material from the support. Methods of preparing and using the solid supports are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to paper supports for neonatal screening that are used for the storage and further processing of biological materials. The invention is particularly concerned with paper supports which have at least one surface coated with a chemical that enhances the recovery of the biological material from the support. Methods of preparing and using the paper supports are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a biological sample holder and for holding biological samples. Conventionally, processing of biological samples, which may be stored on a biological sample storage medium, is done manually with samples being tested individually. However, handling of the samples is difficult and time consuming; greater demand for storage and extraction of genetic material has led to a requirement for greater throughput. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a biological sample holder comprising a chamber holding a biological sample storage medium, the chamber comprising one or more openings for receiving a liquid when inserted therein. This provides a means of holding a biological sample which is easy to handle and suitable for automation, for example in an array of such holders, allowing processing of multiple biological samples in parallel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a container holding, and a method of storing, freeze-dried biological samples. In particular, there is provided a container holding a freeze-dried material comprising a biological sample, the container comprising a chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion, the chamber comprising a wall and the lower portion being fluidly connected to the upper portion such that, when liquid is received at the upper portion, the received liquid can pass to and accumulate in the lower portion. Further, the freeze-dried material is located in the lower portion, and the container comprises a physical structure in the form of a stop protruding inwards from the wall, the physical structure being for inhibiting the freeze-dried material from moving from the lower portion of the chamber to the upper portion of the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a filtration device and method for filtering liquids. In conventional devices, a liquid is placed in a vial, and a plunger, having a filter membrane located at one end, is depressed into the vial, causing the liquid to pass through the filter membrane into the interior of the plunger, where it is stored until required for further processing. However, such plungers are typically made of a plastics material. It is undesirable to store the filtered liquid in contact with plastics for extended periods of time, as contaminants may leach from the plastics material into the sample. In embodiments of the present invention, a filtrate receptacle made from a different material to the plunger, such as a glass material, is located in the interior of the plunger and the filtered liquid collected in the filtrate receptacle after passing through the filter membrane.