Abstract: A sample handling device is presented. The sample handling device comprises at least one magnetic positioning device for magnetically holding a carrier configured for carrying at least one vessel in the sample handling device. A sample identification device is also presented. The sample identification device comprises at least one of the above sample handling device and at least one reader for reading at least one identifier attached to the vessel carried by the carrier. A system for sample handling, a diagnostics device for identifying at least one property of a plurality of samples and a method for handling a sample are also presented.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of biological specimens for examination. The disclosed systems and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a biological specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation cycles for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining biological specimens.

Abstract: A clinical diagnostic system is presented and comprises a sample preparation station for automatically preparing samples comprising analytes of interest, a liquid chromatography (LC) separation station comprising a plurality of LC channels and a sample preparation/LC interface for inputting prepared samples into the LC channels. The system further comprises a controller to assign samples to pre-defined sample preparation workflows each comprising a pre-defined sequence of sample preparation steps and requiring a pre-defined time for completion depending on the analytes. The controller further assigns an LC channel for each prepared sample depending on the analytes and plans an LC channel input sequence for inputting the prepared samples that allows analytes from different LC channels to elute in a non-overlapping LC eluate output sequence based on expected elution times.

Abstract: A carrier element for use in a packaging device is provided wherein the carrier element is connectable with at least one transport device of the packaging device. The carrier element comprises at least one receiving surface for receiving at least one package. The receiving surface comprises at least one suction opening for fixing the package by suction. The carrier element further comprises at least one pressure reservoir connected to the suction opening. The carrier element further comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure inside the pressure reservoir. A packaging device for packaging at least one product into at least one package is also disclosed. The packaging device comprises at least one carrier element and at least one transport device, wherein the carrier element is connected to the transport device.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyzing body fluids contain cells including blood, bone marrow, urine, vaginal tissue, epithelial tissue, tumors, semen, and spittle are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide and generating a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and method for utilizing multi-color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.

Abstract: The present description relates to a method for identifying a patient who is eligible for an intensification of heart failure therapy. Furthermore, the description relates to a method for pikej3optimizing B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and/or N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)-type peptide guided heart failure therapy. The methods are based on the measurement of the level of at least one marker in a sample from a patient who has heart failure and who receives B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and/or N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)-type peptide guided heart failure therapy. Further described are kits and devices adapted to carry out the described method.

Abstract: A secondary solid waste container for solid waste of an analyzer is disclosed. The secondary solid waste container comprises side walls and an impact absorbing member. The side walls comprise an upper end and a lower end. The impact absorbing member is connected to the side walls such that the impact absorbing member extends between the side walls and is spaced apart from the lower end with respect to a direction from the lower end to the upper end. The impact absorbing member is configured to absorb an impact from solid waste of the analyzer. An analyzer and a method for removing solid waste of an analyzer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are compositions, in particular lyophilizates, containing proteolytic enzymes, and methods for producing the compositions. Typically these compositions contain one or more proteases with collagenase activity and a neutral protease, for example, thermolysin. The compositions are free of acetate salts. Surprisingly, such compositions can be dissolved in water more rapidly than lyophilized protease mixtures of the state of the art.

Abstract: A method of operating an analytical laboratory is disclosed. The method comprises receiving and identifying sample containers and sorting them into a sample rack, retrieving an order list A comprising test orders corresponding to the sample containers within the sample rack, determining an optimal transportation route for the sample rack based on the order list A, a set of constraints and an objective function, the optimal transportation route being indicative of a list and/or sequence of laboratory instrument(s) required to complete the order list A, re-determining the optimal transportation route upon a change of the constraint(s) and/or of the objective function, transporting the sample rack to one or more of the laboratory instruments according to the optimal transportation route by the sample transportation system, and processing the biological samples according to the corresponding test orders by the target laboratory instrument(s).

Abstract: A medical instrument (300, 700, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600) for performing a measurement (1513) on a biological sample using a test strip (310), wherein the medical instrument comprises: a housing (302) and an analytical unit (1508) for analyzing the test strip, wherein the analytical unit is within an interior volume (308). The analytical unit comprises a test strip mount (1510) configured for receiving the test strip to perform the measurement. The instrument further comprises a test strip port (312) between an exterior surface (304) and an interior surface (306). The test strip port is aligned with the test strip mount along an insertion direction (328). The medical instrument further comprises a shutter (100) for sealing the test port. The shutter is configured for being in a open position and a closed position. The shutter is within the interior volume. The shutter is configured for sealing the test port when in the closed position. The shutter comprises a test strip opening (106).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at an antibody conjugate having an antibody and a tag, wherein one or more element(s) present in the antibody exhibit an isotope ratio which differs from the naturally occurring isotope ratio of the one or more element(s), wherein the amount of the isotope which is less-common in nature, is increased to at least 4% of the atoms of the respective element in the antibody, as well as uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a transitory ischemic attack (TIA) in a subject who is suspected to have exhibited a transitory ischemic attack, but who did not exhibit a stroke. The method is based on the determination of the amount of NT-proANP in a sample from said subject. Moreover, the present invention is directed to a method for diagnosing an acute cerebral ischemic event in a subject based on the determination of the amounts of NT-proBNP and NT-proANP in a sample from a subject. The method further comprises the step of calculating a ratio of the amounts of NT-proBNP and NT-proANP. Further envisaged by the present invention are kits and devices adapted to carry out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds comprising one or more hydrophobic domains and a hydrophilic domain comprising PEG moieties, useful for binding cells, as well as uses and compositions related thereto. The compounds are useful for immobilizing and/or stabilizing cells.

Abstract: A method for determining an information on an equivalent series resistance is disclosed and comprises: generating at least one excitation voltage signal and applying the excitation voltage to at least two measurement electrodes; measuring a response signal; determining a signal flank from the response signal and determining an ohmic signal portion from one or both of shape and height of the signal flank; and determining the information on the equivalent series resistance from the ohmic signal portion.

Abstract: A medical instrument/analyzer for measuring a biological sample using a test strip. The instrument comprises: a housing with an exterior surface, an internal surface, and an interior volume; an analytical unit within the interior volume with a test strip mount; a test strip port between the exterior and the interior surfaces; a shutter configured for sealing the test strip port when closed, wherein the shutter comprises a test strip support aligned with the test strip port and mount when the shutter is in the open position, wherein the shutter has a first sealing surface, the test strip port has a second sealing surface, and the first sealing and second sealing surfaces are configured to mate in the closed position, wherein the shutter comprises a mechanism for moving between the open and the closed position; and an actuator configured for moving the shutter between the open and closed position.

Abstract: A sample container carrier, a laboratory sample distribution system comprising such a sample container carrier and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system are presented.

Abstract: A sample container carrier for holding a laboratory sample container and for transporting the held laboratory sample container in a laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The sample container carrier comprises a first holding element and a second holding element. The first holding element and the second holding element are rotationally displaceable towards and/or away from each other for holding the laboratory sample container. The sample container carrier comprises a coupler. The coupler is connected to the first holding element and to the second holding element such that the coupler couples rotational displacements of the first holding element and the second holding element with each other. The coupler comprises a ring-segment shape for inserting the laboratory sample container to be held by the coupler.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sulfoxide-based reagents suitable in the mass spectrometric determination of analyte molecules such as peptides as well as adducts of such reagents and analyte molecules and applications of the reagents and adducts. Further, the present disclosure relates to methods for the mass spectrometric determination of analyte molecules.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of automatically managing calibration of an in-vitro diagnostic system is provided comprising determining a lot calibration time period in which a lot calibration is applicable to reagent containers of the same lot, having a predefined time length starting from the time when the lot calibration becomes available, upon making a reagent container of the lot available to the system, determining whether a lot calibration that has not exceeded the lot calibration time period is available and linking the reagent container to the available lot calibration or most recent available lot calibration if more than one lot calibration is available, wherein if a new lot calibration for the same lot becomes available the method comprises replacing the existing link to the previous lot calibration with a link to the new lot calibration.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic in-vitro diagnostic analysis are described. The method includes adding a first reagent type and a second reagent type to a first test liquid during a first and second cycle times respectively. The addition of the first reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a second reagent type to a second test liquid during the first cycle time. The addition of the second reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a first reagent type to a third test liquid during the second cycle time, respectively.