Abstract: An automatic oil dispenser (10) for mounting onto an objective (14) in an inverted microscope system, the dispenser comprising: an outer annulus (52) configured to contact the objective to form a cavity; an inlet port (20) below the outer annulus (52) for inputting oil into the outer annulus (52); a pump for driving oil upwards through and out of the dispenser; an inner annulus (56) which tapers to an annular outlet (36); and a channel (53) connecting the two annuli such that oil fills the outer annulus (56), then the inner annulus (52) and then erupts through the outlet (36) onto an objective lens (26).

Abstract: A chip-based optical detection system for detecting a target component in a liquid sample is provided. The system comprises a fluid pathway disposed in an interior volume of the chip; an inlet fluidically connecting an external surface of the chip to the fluid pathway; an optical element at least partially defining the fluid pathway; and a flow controller configured to control a flow of the liquid sample through the fluid pathway. One or more capture components are immobilised on the optical element, one or more detection reagents are provided in a proximity of the capture components, and the flow controller is configured to control the flow of the liquid sample along the fluid pathway such that the detection reagents are brought into contact with the capture components via diffusion.

Abstract: A sample management module for collecting a fluid sample is provided. The module comprising; a sample collection device comprising a sample collection location; a decoupling zone configured to receive sample from the collection device, an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with the decoupling zone to accommodate any sample that does not fit into the decoupling zone; wherein the overflow reservoir is configured to ensure pressure within the module can be managed. A cartridge comprising a sample management module is also provided.

Abstract: A substrate for facilitating the measurement, using Total Internal Reflection microscopy, of the status of an assay; a first surface including a test site at which one or more reagents for the assay are immobilised; a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface; a third surface joining the first and second surfaces; a fourth surface joining the first and second surfaces; wherein three characteristics of the surfaces are manipulated to ensure that light launched through the third surface impinges on the centre of the first surface solely at the test site and then undergoes Total Internal Reflection; wherein the three characteristics are: the length of the first and second surfaces between the third and fourth surfaces; the length of the third and fourth surfaces; the angle subtended between the first and third surfaces.

Abstract: A device configured to detect signals indicative of a binding event in an assay of interest is provided. The device comprising a beam manipulator configured to modify an incident beam to form a beam with a sharp-edged intensity cut-off; a test site having immobilised thereon at least one component of the assay of interest; wherein the device is configured so that the sharp-edged intensity cut-off beam produced by the beam manipulator is incident, in use, on the test site at such an angle to facilitate Total Internal Reflection (TIR); wherein the device is configured so that the sharp-edged intensity cut-off beam produced by the beam manipulator substantially conforms to the shape and size of the test site; a detector configured to receive a signal indicative of a binding event in the assay of interest; wherein the test site is located within a microfluidic channel.