Abstract: An assay cartridge for use in a molecular diagnostics assay having an assay region; a first end comprising a first engagement member for engaging with a support housing; and a second end comprising a second engagement member for engaging with a support housing. The second engagement member has a clip, the clip being formed by a resilient element extending from the second end of the cartridge and a fastening element extending from said resilient element. The clip has a release element extending from the resilient element actuatable to release the clip from a caddy in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for assaying one or more lateral flow test devices. The apparatus comprises at least one support device for supporting one or more lateral flow test devices in use and at least one sample receptacle configured to receive, in use, a respective liquid sample to be dispensed onto a corresponding lateral flow test device. The apparatus further comprises a dispensing apparatus configured to dispense a known volume of the received liquid sample from the sample receptacle onto the corresponding lateral flow test device supported by the support device.

Abstract: There is provided a sterilisation monitoring device for a molecular diagnostics analyser. The device comprises a sensor arranged in use to detect radiation; and an analysis unit connected to the sensor. The analysis unit is arranged in use to issue a signal when the radiation level incident on the sensor is lower than a threshold level.

Abstract: There is provided a pipette tip disposal assembly. The assembly comprises a receiving element adapted to support an end of at least one pipette tip, the at least one pipette tip being toppled in use from the receiving element along a first direction; and a container positioned to receive the at least one toppled pipette tip, the at least one pipette tip falling towards a base of the container on being received by the container. The base of the container has a first linear dimension aligned with the first direction corresponding to the length of a pipette tip.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for extracting a biological sample from a sample container. The apparatus comprising: a holder arranged in use to support a sample container; an extractor moveable in use between a first position disengaged from the container when the container is supported by the holder and a second position engaged with the container when the container is supported by the holder, the extractor being arranged in use to obtain matter from the container when in the second position; and an imager arranged in use to capture an image of the extractor at the first position when the extractor is moved from the second position to the first position and to identify, based on analysis of the captured image, when sample is present outside the container.

Abstract: There is provided a vision system for assessing defects on biochips and a corresponding method. The vision system comprises an imaging region in which a biochip sheet including at least one biochip is locatable in use: an imager arranged in use to image at least a portion of the imaging region, wherein, when the biochip sheet is located in the imaging region. the portion includes at least a face of the biochip sheet: and an illumination source arranged in use to direct illumination on to the face the biochip sheet. thereby illuminating defects on the at least one biochip when a mask material layer is present on the at least one biochip and when a mask material is absent and allowing the defects to be included in the imaged at least a portion of the imaging region.

Abstract: There is provided a chemiluminescence detector sample enclosure. The enclosure comprises a first interface member forming part of a chemiluminescence detector and having a first sealing element and a second interface member comprising a plurality of sample holders, each sample holder having a second sealing element. The first interface member is engagable with and moveable between sample holder subsets of the plurality of sample holders, engagement with a respective sample holder subset providing engagement of the first interface member with each sample holder of the respective sample holder subset and relative movement of the first and second interface members providing movement between sample holder subsets; and when the first interface member is engaged with each respective sample holder, the first sealing element and the respective second sealing element are adapted to interact so as to form a light restricting seal between the first interface member and said sample holder.

Abstract: A fluidic card assembly (1) comprises an inlet (20) for introducing a fluid to the fluidic card assembly (1), a turbulent flow portion (30) downstream of the inlet (20), the turbulent flow portion (30) comprising a widening fluid channel (31) whereby a fluid introduced via the inlet (20) channel undergoes turbulence, and a laminar flow portion (40) downstream of the turbulent flow portion (30). The laminar flow portion (40) is configured to allow fluid passing from the turbulent flow portion (30) into the laminar flow portion (40) to establish a laminar flow pattern, and is configured to house a biochip (44) such that a fluid in the laminar flow portion (40) may be in contact with the biochip (44).

Abstract: There is provided a method of extracting material from a fluid method of extracting material from a fluid, the fluid being held within a fluid chamber. The method comprises drawing, with a magnetic field generating system, at least one magnetically susceptible member through the fluid around a closed path between at least three points in the chamber, said at least one member being adapted to bind to material in fluid in the chamber. The at least three points are arranged relative to each other in a shape having at least two dimensions, the magnetic field generating system being configured to move the at least on magnetically susceptible member directly between the at least three points, material in the fluid binding to the at least one magnetically susceptible member when it comes into contact with the at least one member as it moves through the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of determining the glycosylation signature and determining the level of a protein in a sample obtained from a patient. The present invention also describes use of a patient protein glycosylation profile to identify the presence or absence of a disease in subjects.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a coating of a masking material, and a plurality of discrete reaction zones onto which one or more binding agents are intended to be attached, wherein said zones are uncoated areas on the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a coating of a masking material, and a plurality of discrete reaction zones onto which one or more binding agents are intended to be attached, wherein said zones are uncoated areas on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemiluminescence detector, which comprises an image capture device sensitive to chemiluminescence located within a container. The container has an array of apertures located in a field of view of the image capture device, and each aperture is defined by a through-bore in a wall of the container. The exterior of the container is engagable with a plurality of sample holders, each sample holder being in alignment with a respective aperture when engaged with the exterior of the container. The passage of light into the container through each aperture is restrictable by a closure device, passage of light into the container through the apertures is thereby controllable.

Abstract: A fluidic card assembly comprising a fluidic card housing (1) and a biochip (3) located in the fluidic card housing. The fluidic card housing (1) includes a chamber (2) with a base wall, into which at least one fluidic channel extends. The biochip (3) is at least partially located in the chamber. A seal (7) is provided for sealing the biochip in the chamber (2) when the biochip is urged into the chamber. The fluidic channel has a serpentine form.

Abstract: Antibodies, immunoassay methods and kits for the detection and determination of 3,4,-dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide and 3,4,-dichloro-N-[2-(methylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide, as well as the precursory immunogens, are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of aiding the differential diagnosis of haemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke and a transient ischemic attack in a patient who has suffered or is suffering a stroke. The method comprises: (i) determining the concentration of the biomarkers VCAM-1, GFAP and CRP in an ex vivo sample obtained from the patient; and (ii) establishing the statistical significance of the concentration of the biomarkers. Optionally, the method further comprises steps of (iii) determining the concentration of the biomarkers IL-6 and sTNFR1 in an ex vivo sample obtained from the patient; (iv) determining the gender of the patient; and (v) establishing the statistical significance of the concentration of the five biomarkers, in conjunction with the patient's gender. The present invention also provides substrates comprising probes for VCAM-1, GFAP and CRP for use in a method for aiding the differential diagnosis of stroke.

Abstract: A biochip well is disclosed, including a vessel containing a well therewithin, the vessel forming at least base and side walls of the well and defining at least one aperture giving access to the well, and further including retaining means for holding a biochip at a predetermined position within the well, the well including a laterally offset region into which the biochip does not protrude when held at the predetermined position by the retaining means. Also disclosed are sealed well assemblies and apparatus and methods for opening sealed wells.

Abstract: The invention describes epistatic interactions between single nucleotide polymorphisms on genes associated with blood pressure and provides an application for their use in a method to determine an individual's susceptibility to hypertension and hence whether anti-hypertensive treatment will be beneficial for said individual. In addition gene expression levels are also linked to blood pressure and may also be used to determine susceptibility to hypertension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cap for a biochip storage well. The cap comprises a resilient sealant layer capable, under the application of pressure, of forming a vapour-proof seal with a line contact interface formation extending around the perimeter of a biochip storage well. An assay assembly comprising the cap of the invention and a biochip storage is disclosed. Methods of sealing a biochip storage well using a cap of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An immunoassay method for detecting and determining adamantane substituted indazole and indole synthetic cannabinoids is described. Also described are components for use in implementing the method, namely, antibodies, detection agents, solid state devices and kits as well as immunogens used to raise the antibodies.