Abstract: A system for processing samples includes a sample database storing identification information correlated with one or more open assays associated with each sample. A conveyance transports sample containers, an input module holds sample containers, and a transfer robot transfers containers from the input module to the conveyance. An input scanner detects the machine-readable identification information on each sample container. At least one analyzer is configured to perform one or more functional assays on sample extracted from a sample container. A system controller is programmed to cause the transfer robot to transfer containers from the input module to the conveyance before scanning the machine-readable identification information and before identifying the one or more open assays associated with the sample container.

Abstract: Presented are methods, systems, and software products useful for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid specimen used to produce a dried sample, where the dried sample serves as a source of the analyte in a detection and quantification procedure. Particularly illustrated is the use of dried blood spots for quantifying a polynucleotide analyte.

Abstract: A method for performing a magnetic separation procedure that includes transporting a receptacle containing a fluid medium to a first location of a system, where the fluid medium contains both a sample material and a suspension of magnetically-responsive solid supports. At the first location, the fluid medium is exposed to a first magnetic field for a first dwell period, thereby isolating the solid supports within the receptacle, where no portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle at the first location. The receptacle is then transported from the first location to a second location of the system, where the fluid medium is exposed to a second magnetic field for a second dwell period. Following the second dwell period, at least a portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle. A suspension fluid is then dispensed into the receptacle, and the contents of the receptacle are agitated to suspend the solid supports within the suspension fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure provides dried compositions providing reagents for nucleic acid amplification, which are essentially free of inorganic salts. Lack of inorganic salts increases stability of such compositions and decreases formation of byproducts. Salts required for use of enzymes in the composition are supplied on reconstitution.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers and detection probes, for detection of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for freezing a liquid droplet includes dispensing, by a liquid dispenser, a droplet of liquid into a fluid chamber containing a freezing liquid. The droplet of liquid is allowed to dwell in the freezing liquid for at least a predetermined dwell time so that the droplet of liquid freezes to a frozen droplet. The method and apparatus further includes injecting, by a gas injector, a stream of gas transversely to a surface of the freezing liquid at about where the frozen droplet is located along the surface of the freezing liquid contained in the fluid chamber so that the frozen droplet sinks in the freezing liquid.

Abstract: A jig assembly for connecting first and second consoles with predefined relative positioning includes first and second positioning pins attached or attachable to the first console and a positioning connection bracket attached or attachable to the second console and including a longitudinal span and first and second transverse legs including first and second pin recesses at respective free ends thereof. The first and second pin recesses receive the first and second positioning pins, respectively, when the first and second consoles are moved laterally toward each other. The first and second transverse legs may be attached to the first console with a first and second leg attachment brackets, respectively. The first and second positing pins and the first and second leg attachment brackets may be fixed with respect to the first console by attachment to a mounting rail that is fixed to the first console.

Abstract: A method of reading machine-readable marks on a movable support and object of a sample instrument. The method includes capturing a first image of the moveable support as the moveable support moves from a first position to a second position using an image capture device; determining whether a first fiducial machine-readable mark on the moveable support is in the first image; determining, when the first fiducial machine-readable mark is in the first image, whether a first machine-readable mark on a first object coupled to the moveable support is in the first image at a predetermined position relative to the first fiducial machine-readable mark; and associating information decoded from the first machine-readable mark on the first object with a first location on the moveable support associated with the first fiducial machine-readable mark.

Abstract: A system includes a reagent pack input carousel, a carousel frame supporting the carousel, and a track on which the carousel frame is supported for movement of the carousel into and out of an instrument in drawer-like fashion. The carousel is rotatable about an axis of rotation and includes a plurality of reagent pack input stations arranged about the perimeter of the carousel. Each input station is adapted to carry a reagent pack, and the input stations are oriented at an angle with respect to a radial orientation relative to the axis of rotation. Each input station includes an alignment block located at a radially inner end of the station, and the block is received within a recess formed in an end of the reagent pack placed in the station to align and position of the reagent pack within the station.

Abstract: A tray for transferring a plurality of solid reagents to a multi-well cartridge, the tray including a top surface having a plurality of depressions formed therein, each depression being configured to receive and hold a single one of the solid reagents, and a barrier wall projecting above and substantially surrounding the top surface, where the barrier wall is discontinuous at a first end of the tray.

Abstract: A system for disposing of spent containers comprises a retainer cage disposed over a waste opening. The retainer cage comprises opposed, vertically-oriented first and second sides, an upper retainer bar and a lower retainer bar extending laterally from the first side of the retainer cage toward the second side, and a container gripper. The retainer bars are vertically spaced from one another and extend across a portion of the width of the retainer cage leaving a gap between the second side and terminal ends of the retainer bars, and the gap between the retainer bars and the second side is configured to permit a container to be inserted through the gap. The gripper is configured to hold the container, insert the container through the gap to a position between the first and second sides, and move to a position whereby the gripper is positioned between the vertically-spaced retainer bars and the container is located behind the retainer bars.

Abstract: A sample receptacle transporting carrier includes a base defining a recess for receiving a bottom end of the sample receptacle. The carrier also includes a plurality of resilient wire fingers affixed to and extending upward from the annular support. The fingers are configured to retain the bottom end of the sample receptacle within the recess of the base and to maintain the sample receptacle in an upright orientation. Each of the wire fingers includes a first segment adjacent to the base, a linear second segment joined to the first segment by a first angled portion, and a linear third segment joined to the second linear segment by a second angled portion. The third segment length is greater than the second segment length. The third segment of each finger is configured to contact the bottom end of the receptacle as the receptacle is inserted into the carrier. And the third segment and the vertical axis of the carrier form an angle between about 40° and about 50°.

Abstract: A mechanism for holding and moving a plurality of containers includes a carousel configured to be rotatable about a vertically-oriented axis of rotation, and the carousel includes a plurality of container-holding pockets arranged circumferentially around an outer periphery of the carousel. Each container includes a vertically-oriented groove formed on each of opposed sides of the container. Each container-holding pocket is open at the outer periphery of the carousel to permit a container to be withdrawn out of the pocket in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation, and each container-holding pocket includes retention clips configured to engage the grooves formed on the container to removably retain the container within the container pocket.

Abstract: A mechanism for positioning a fluid container supported on a movable carrier at a predetermined location comprises a container positioning ramp located adjacent to a portion of the moveable carrier and a container hold down arm. The container positioning ramp is configured to be contacted by a bottom portion of a container supported on the movable carrier when the movable carrier moves the container to the predetermined location. The container hold down arm is configured for selective movement relative to the container positioned at the predetermined location and is configured to contact a top portion of the container positioned at the predetermined location and push the container down so that the bottom portion of the container maintains contact with the container positioning ramp.

Abstract: Methods for capturing a target nucleic acid from a sample by using a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to the target nucleic acid and binds specifically to an immobilized probe via a specific binding pair that has one member on the capture probe and one member on the immobilized probe are disclosed. Compositions that include a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to a target nucleic acid and specifically to an immobilized probe via binding of members of a specific binding pair in a solution phase of a reaction mixture are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for loading reagent pellets into wells of a cartridge include a pellet transfer head including vacuum nozzles corresponding to the number and arrangement of the wells of the cartridge, a pellet reservoir holding reagent pellets, a vision sensor system for performing various system vision checks, and vertical and horizontal carriage assemblies to effect relative movement between the transfer head, pellet reservoir, cartridge, and vision sensor system. The pellet transfer head may include downwardly-facing pressure ports to supply gas flow into the pellet supply reservoir to fluidize the supply of pellets and a static eliminator fan to eliminate or reduce static buildup among pellets in the reservoir. A pellet is drawn from the reservoir to each vacuum nozzle, and the vision sensor system confirms that a single, unbroken and undeformed pellet is positioned at each nozzle and then confirms transfer of a single pellet to each well.

Abstract: This disclosure provides oligomers, combinations of oligomers, compositions, kits, uses, and methods for detecting a C1orf43 nucleic acid, such as C1orf43 mRNA, such as human C1orf43 mRNA, in a sample.

Abstract: A cam-driven actuator for actuating valves of a microfluidic cartridge includes a plunger associated with each valve, a plunger guide plate having a plunger guide hole for each plunger, an actuating ball associated with each plunger and in contact with the associated plunger, a ball guide plate having a ball guide hole for each actuating ball; and a cam including a first surface and a cam recess. Each actuating ball is in contact with the cam and the cam is movable with respect to each actuating ball between (i) an engaged position at which the actuating ball is in contact with the first surface and the associated plunger is in an engaged position to close the associated valve, and (ii) a disengaged position at which the actuating ball is disposed within the cam recess and the associated plunger is in a disengaged position to open the associated valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lysis reagents for lysing red blood cells, thereby releasing an analyte, such as RNA from a host or pathogen, in a form suitable for analysis. The reagent includes at least a buffer, a detergent and one or both of a chloride containing salt and an anti-coagulant. The reagent serves to lyse blood cells, protect the released analyte from degradation in the lysate, and is compatible with subsequent steps for analysis of the analyte such as target capture, amplification, detection, or sequencing.