Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for tracking and correlating particles include an optical detector that captures a first and a second image of the particles. A video detector is used to capture a plurality of video frames of the particles. The video detector captures the video frames of the particles at a rate faster than the rate at which images are captured by the optical detector to track the movement of particles. A first image position of a particle in the first image of the particles is identified, and then the first image position of the particle is correlated to a second image position of the particle in the second image using the plurality of video frames.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for determining the presence of a wild type or variant nucleotide at a position in a nucleic acid molecule of interest.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of primers or probes that comprise a non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter. Target nucleic acids are detected by the polymerization of a complementary probe or primer that incorporated a cognate non-natural nucleotide linked to a quencher.

Abstract: Fluid storage containers and analysis cartridges for use in assay processes are presented. In addition, systems comprising such storage containers and analysis cartridges and methods of using such containers and cartridges are presented as well. In specific embodiments, fluid storage containers are configured to be coupled to analysis cartridges in a first stage and a second stage.

Abstract: Nucleic acid constructs and methods that provide superior prevention of primer-dimers and other artifacts of false priming events are disclosed. In particular, there is disclosed a hairpin primer having a target-specific primer region, wherein the target-specific region comprises a target-binding dependent cleavage sequence; a first stem forming region 5? of the target-specific primer region; and a second stem forming region 3? of the target-specific primer region, wherein the second stem forming region is complementary to the first stem forming region. Methods of using the hairpin primer to amplify a target nucleic acid are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of cleavable probes capable of forming double-stranded structures, such as hairpin structures, which probes can be distinguished from one another on the basis of reporter signal, melt properties, or both.

Abstract: Methods and devices for forming droplets are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods and devices form droplets having different diameters.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for nucleic acid amplification, detection, and genotyping techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule having a target-specific primer sequence; an anti-tag sequence 5? of the target-specific primer sequence; a tag sequence 5? of the anti-tag sequence; and a blocker between the anti-tag sequence and the tag sequence is disclosed. Compositions containing such a nucleic acid molecule and methods of using such a nucleic acid molecule are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided, as are methods for using such cartridges. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of primers or probes that comprise a non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter. Target nucleic acids are detected by the polymerization of a complementary probe or primer that incorporated a cognate non-natural nucleotide linked to a quencher.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for nucleic acid amplification, detection, and genotyping techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule having a target-specific primer sequence; an anti-tag sequence 5? of the target-specific primer sequence; a tag sequence 5? of the anti-tag sequence; and a blocker between the anti-tag sequence and the tag sequence is disclosed. Compositions containing such a nucleic acid molecule and methods of using such a nucleic acid molecule are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing samples, including for example, samples containing nucleic acids, antibodies, and/or antigens are described. The apparatus may include a frame having a cartridge receiver, two optical devices, thermal cycler, lysis assembly, hybridization heater, and sample transfer assembly. In use, the apparatus may perform multiple sample preparation and analysis processes within the same disposable cartridge including, for example, performing a PCR assay and immunoassay in the same cartridge.

Abstract: Apparatuses for preparing a sample are disclosed herein. The apparatuses include a chamber, a first valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, a second valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, and a pump comprising an actuator and nozzle.

Abstract: Method of nucleic acid amplifying are provided. In some aspects, methods involve amplifying at least two different target nucleic acids in a reaction mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for identifying and characterizing polynucleotide sequences in a sample which may include a heterogeneous sample. Some of the methods and kits are directed to the identification and characterization of a virus in a sample, which may include HIV capable of cause AIDS or AIDS-like symptoms. The virus may be HIV-1, and may also include drug resistant mutations. The methods may include reacting a mixture that includes, in addition to nucleic acid isolated from the sample, at least one oligonucleotide capable of specifically hybridizing to HIV nucleic acid where the oligonucleotide includes at least one non-natural base.” fu addition, the methods may include detection of one or more mutations in HIV nucleic acid that are associated with drug resistance.

Abstract: Methods and reagent for determining the presence and/or for quantifying the amount of a target nucleic acid sequences in a sample are provided. In some aspects, the methods comprise performing a melt analysis by detecting, a signal from a probe at a temperature that is lower than the Tm of the probe and a signal at a temperature that is higher than the Tm of the probe, without detecting a signal at the Tm of the probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to assay configuration. Assay devices are often used to determine characteristics of test samples, e.g., using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) melt techniques. Various disclosed techniques allow detailed specification of assay parameters. This may allow user modification of assays and/or assay development by third parties. In embodiments in which assay parameters are specified using a separate device, these techniques may reduce validation requirements resulting from modified assays. In some embodiments, assay configuration information that may be added/removed/modified may include: a sequence of operations, parameters for the sequence of operations, data processing parameters, call logic rules/dependencies, and/or reporting rules.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process.