Abstract: The present invention relates to a recovery system for drops comprising: a conduit for the circulation of a working fluid comprising a plurality of pockets that are isolated by separators, a recovery substrate comprising multiple compartments, a displacement device that is able to successively position the outlet of the conduit opposite at least two different compartments, a preparation device that is able to inject, into the conduit, an additional volume of separator fluid and an additional volume of carrier fluid, such that the volume of at least one separator is greater than or equal to a critical separation volume, and that the volume of at least one bubble formed by a pocket and a part of the separator is greater than or equal to a critical detachment volume.

Abstract: Method and compositions using transition metal salts and/or ammonium chloride to liberate toxins and other molecules from cyanobacteria, useful for assaying for total cyanobacterial toxins in lakes, reservoirs and other waters.

Abstract: The machine is configured to perform an automated rapid plasma reagent (RPR) agglutination test or other agglutination test. The machine includes a sample rack with multiple sample locations thereon and a reagent rack for storing of reagent. A shaker assembly supports at least one microtiter plate or other well supporting structure thereon with a plurality of wells in the plate. An automated pipette accesses samples and reagent and deposits them within wells of the microtiter plate. The shaker assembly shakes multiple samples within the wells of the microtiter plate. Finally, a camera photographs the wells of the plate, preferably from above with a light source below and the plate at least partially transparent. The image is then analyzed in an automated fashion to determine whether a ring of contrast material has remained smooth indicative of a non-reactive sample or has agglutinated/clumped together indicative of a reactive sample.

Abstract: Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted in an array to an upper structure overlying a lower structure with a plurality of light detectors thereon. Each LED is configured to overlie a separate detector. Each LED emits light at a frequency relevant for measuring optical density of a specimen. LEDs having different frequencies are included within the LED array. A corresponding array of detectors is also provided, mounted to the lower structure. Spacing between adjacent LEDs and between adjacent detectors match a spacing between wells in a microtiter plate. Spacing between the lower structure and the upper structure supporting the LEDs is sufficient for the microtiter plate to fit between. Circuitry sequentially fires individual LEDs and gathers optical density data through the detectors for specimens in the wells of the microtiter plate. The structures are then moved to a next adjacent well position on the microtiter plate and the process repeated.