Abstract: Filter membranes and the like carrying fluorescent targets suspected of being bioburden are tested by mounting the membranes on a sample holder within a cabinet for bioburden verification and discrimination from false positives. Fluorescence is excited by a fluorescence excitation module having a first optical axis perpendicular to the sample, with three dimension locations of fluorescent targets that are probable bioburden stored for use by a microscope imaging module having a second optical axis parallel to the first optical axis, with dual wavelength illumination for autofocus and then for stimulating fluorescence without photo bleaching of the targets. The probable bioburden targets are moved for inspection and identification in the microscope imaging module as bioburden or not by sharing a common sample holder in the cabinet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for three dimensional fluorescent analysis of a target in a liquid sample having fluorescent analyte as a target substance or fluorescent label on the target substance. A rotating carousel carries liquid samples beneath a beam having a beam spot at a horizontal plane of the sample. The carousel advances slowly a linear direction during rotation so that a pattern of overlapping spiral scans provide R-theta two-dimensional samples of the entire plane to identify locations of volumes of interest where fluorescence is measurably higher than background. These locations are probed in the depthwise direction to find locations of fluorescent analyte in three dimensions. Light from the analyte or fluorescent label is detected and processed to characterize the target by color, size or other morphology.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a sample assembly to be used in a fluorescent measurement device. The sample assembly comprises a sample carrier, a sample holder that comprises at least one receptacle and a movable platform. The sample carrier is shaped in such a way that it can be secured into the receptacle by a suitable locking means. The sample holder is held in place on the movable platform through any suitable means, such as for example, a magnetic means. The movable platform is capable of moving in a linear trajectory, an arcuate trajectory and combinations thereof. The movement of the movable platform and hence, the entire sample assembly is effected by at least one stepper motor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for fluorescent measurement of a volume of liquid sample in a sample carrier. The method includes impinging an incident beam having an excitation wavelength and a focus diameter on the sample in a two dimensional scan, such as an R-theta scan or a spiral scan, with a laser spot that identifies a volume of interest where higher levels of fluorescence exist. The laser spot is displaced relative to the sample volume in three dimensional space. The laser spot is translated in the depth direction of the volume of interest to detect one or more emitted fluorescence signals. A depth profile and a thickness of the sample carrier obtained from the one or more emitted fluorescence signals, are used for measuring normalized bulk fluorescence.

Abstract: A sample presentation apparatus comprises a round support movable in an optical assembly and having a flange region and an elevated gear shaped region having indexing gear cogs at intermediate radius locations of the support; a sample carrier slide holder removably supported on and movable with the support, the slide holder having at least one arm extending radially from a central hub of the sample carrier slide holder and being aligned between a first pair of indexing gear cogs; and at least one sample carrier slide removably supported on the support and aligned by the first pair of indexing gear cogs. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-aligning movable platform and support apparatus in an optical assembly comprises coarse and fine alignment mechanisms.

Abstract: A sample presentation apparatus comprises a round support movable in an optical assembly and having a flange region and an elevated gear shaped region having indexing gear cogs at intermediate radius locations of the support; a sample carrier slide holder removably supported on and movable with the support, the slide holder having at least one arm extending radially from a central hub of the sample carrier slide holder and being aligned between a first pair of indexing gear cogs; and at least one sample carrier slide removably supported on the support and aligned by the first pair of indexing gear cogs. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-aligning movable platform and support apparatus in an optical assembly comprises coarse and fine alignment mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of calibrating measurement device using a Raman-active composition, wherein the composition is active, in one embodiment, in a wavelength region that ranges from about 300 nm to about 1200 nm, and in another embodiment, from about 550 nm to about 650 nm. The method is especially useful in the calibration of fluorescent measurement devices. The method of the invention provides several advantages, such as, in facile identification of problems with the device when it occurs, in not having to tune and adjust the device very often, and neutralizing variations between different runs and different instruments. In another aspect, the invention also provides a device that is calibrated using the method of the invention. In one embodiment, the Raman-active composition useful in the invention is a derivative of 1,4-bis(2-methyl-styryl)-benzene.