Abstract: Operations performed according to the example techniques described herein include controlling a probe to pierce a stopper of a container containing a substance, where the stopper provides an air-tight seal for the container, and where the air-tight seal supports an internal pressure in the container. The operations also include detecting the internal pressure based on information from a pressure sensor; determining that the internal pressure is not at a target pressure and, based on determining that the internal pressure is not at the target pressure, controlling the probe either to aspirate air from the container or to dispense air into the container in order to move the internal pressure toward the target pressure.

Abstract: An example blood cell lysis composition includes a buffer and a secondary alcohol ethoxylate at a concentration in the range of about 2.5 percent (%) to about 20% weight per volume (w/v). The secondary alcohol ethoxylate may include Tergitol™ TMN-100X or Tergitol™ 15-S-9. The composition may be configured to lyse at least 90% of blood cells in a blood sample.

Abstract: An example method detecting a presence of one or more oral anticoagulants or intravenous (IV) direct thrombin inhibitors in a blood sample may include the following operations: receiving parameters that are based on viscoelastic tests; comparing the parameters to predefined threshold values, where the parameters and the predefined threshold values are based on an identity of the one or more oral anticoagulants or the IV direct thrombin inhibitors; and detecting, based on the comparing, the presence of the one or more oral anticoagulants or IV direct thrombin inhibitors in the blood sample. The viscoelastic tests are performed on portions of the blood sample to obtain the parameters. The viscoelastic tests include both a viscoelastic test based on Ecarin activation and a viscoelastic test with low tissue factor activation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biocide compositions compatible with enzyme biosensors and methods for using same. More particularly, the disclosure relates to biocide compositions compatible with enzymes used for measuring creatine and creatinine levels.

Abstract: A device and method for analyte detection and analytes in a particulate bearing fluid such as whole blood having an instrument for partitioning the panicles from the fluid that is integrated with a detector for analyses of one or more particulate bearing fluid analytes while the particles in the particulate bearing fluid are partitioned.

Abstract: A device and method for analyte detection and analytes in a particulate bearing fluid such as whole blood having an instrument for partitioning the particles from the fluid that is integrated with a detector for analyses of one or more particulate bearing fluid analytes while the particles in the particulate bearing fluid are partitioned.

Abstract: An example method detecting a presence of one or more oral anticoagulants or intravenous (IV) direct thrombin inhibitors in a blood sample may include the following operations: receiving parameters that are based on viscoelastic tests; comparing the parameters to predefined threshold values, where the parameters and the predefined threshold values are based on an identity of the one or more oral anticoagulants or the IV direct thrombin inhibitors; and detecting, based on the comparing, the presence of the one or more oral anticoagulants or IV direct thrombin inhibitors in the blood sample. The viscoelastic tests are performed on portions of the blood sample to obtain the parameters. The viscoelastic tests include both a viscoelastic test based on Ecarin activation and a viscoelastic test with low tissue factor activation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for probe tip heating are disclosed. An exemplary system for probe tip heating can include an enclosure enclosing a probe tip, a heating device, and a fan. The probe tip can be configured to access an internal volume of a stoppered container and to aspirate or dispense a material from or to the internal volume of the stoppered container. The heating device can be configured to heat air circulating within the enclosure. The fan can be positioned to circulate air within the enclosure to heat the tip of the probe.

Abstract: Described is an automated reagent dispensing cap and methods of use in an automated clinical analyzer for introducing one or more reagent components housed in the reagent dispensing cap into a container enclosing another reagent component with which it is combined to achieve a reagent useful for diagnostic testing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a probe configured to provide at least a portion of capacitance of an inductance-capacitance (LC) circuit of a detection circuit, the capacitance of the LC circuit being dependent on a distance between the probe and a surface of a liquid in a biochemical analysis system. The apparatus includes a movement mechanism configured to move the probe. The apparatus includes circuitry configured to perform operations that include causing the movement mechanism to move the probe with respect to the liquid; measuring one or more characteristics of an output signal of the detection circuit, the one or more characteristics being dependent on the capacitance of the LC circuit; and detecting, based on the one or more characteristics of the output signal, a contact between the probe and the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: A cleaning device, and method of using the same, for cleaning a probe. The device includes a body defining an inner chamber. An air intake is connected to at least one air channel through the body, the at least one air channel configured to allow air from the air intake to flow into the inner chamber and towards the inner chamber. A liquid intake is connected to at least one liquid channel through the body, the at least one liquid channel configured to allow liquid from the liquid intake to flow into the inner chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for analyte detection and analytes in a particulate bearing fluid such as whole blood having an instrument for partitioning the particles from the fluid that is integrated with a detector for analyzes of one or more particulate bearing fluid analytes while the particles in the particulate bearing fluid are partitioned.

Abstract: Technology described herein includes a method that includes obtaining an image of a fluid of a microfluidic analysis system. The microfluidic analysis system includes or receives a container that contains the fluid for measurement of analyte or quality determination. A region of interest (ROI) is identified based on the image. The ROI is a set of pixel values for use in the measurement of the analyte or the quality determination of the fluid, fluidic path, or measuring system. Identifying the ROI includes: determining an alignment of the container of the fluid with the imaging device based on the image, and identifying the ROI based on information about the measurement of the fluid or based on information about non-analyte features of the fluid. An analysis of the image of the fluid is performed using the set of pixel values of the ROI.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for permeable outer diffusion control membranes for creatinine and creatine sensors and methods of making such membranes.