Abstract: Methods of scheduling maintenance on a plurality of automated testing apparatus and possibly also on ancillary test processing apparatus are provided. The methods include inputting identification data on the plurality of automated testing apparatus to be maintained, inputting maintenance requirement data for the maintenance of each of the apparatus, inputting demand constraint data, operating on the identification data, maintenance requirement data, and demand constraint data using an optimization program, such as mixed integer linear programming (MILP), subject to demand constraints and at least one objective, and outputting an optimized maintenance schedule for a planning period. Systems and apparatus configured to carry out the methods are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An assembly for use in a medical diagnostic device and system for analysis of one or more samples is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the assembly includes at least one extendable sample tray configured to hold the one or more samples. Additionally, the assembly includes at lease one holding unit coupled to the at least one extendable sample tray, wherein the holding unit is configured to hold a calibration marker. Furthermore, the extendable sample tray and the holding unit are arranged in the same plane and when the extendable sample tray is extended, the at least one holding unit is brought in a field of view of an image capturing unit.

Abstract: A reagent strip and a reagent analyzer for reading the reagent strip is described. The reagent strip includes a substrate, at least one reagent pad positioned on the substrate, and a photo luminescent phosphor spot positioned at a fixed location on the substrate. The photo luminescent phosphor spot is formulated to exhibit a predetermined addressable attribute.

Abstract: Devices, assemblies, and kits are disclosed for separating and/or metering a plasma sample from a patient's liquid test sample. Also disclosed are methods of producing and using same.

Abstract: Analyzers and methods of use are disclosed, including a blood analyzer comprising a light source to transmit an optical signal; a detector to generate data indicative of optical signal intensity; a transparent sample vessel between the light source and the detector; a dispensing device to pass a first portion of the blood sample comprising whole blood or lysed blood into the vessel at a first instance of time, and to pass a plasma portion of the blood sample into the vessel at a second instance of time; a controller to cause a processor to obtain first and second data generated by the detector, the first data indicative of the optical signal passing through the first portion of the blood sample and the second data indicative of the optical signal passing through the plasma, to determine a total absorbance spectrum in which the first data is adjusted by the second data.

Abstract: Non-limiting embodiments of a methodology of validating accuracy and precision determinations of a new urine sediment analyzer, and method(s) related thereto.

Abstract: A method and biological sample analyzer is described that adjusts airflow within a housing based upon altitude. A first volume of air is moved by at least one fan within a housing of a biological sample analyzer. A temperature of the first volume of air is measured within the biological sample analyzer with a temperature sensor within the housing of the biological sample. Power output of at least one heater positioned within the housing of the biological sample analyzer is measured. The measured power output of the at least one heater is analyzed at the measured temperature within the biological sample analyzer. And, the fan is adjusted to move a second volume of air different from the first volume of air by comparing the measured power output of the at least one heater and expected power output of the at least one heater.

Abstract: Systems and methods include an optimization-based load planning module for laboratory analyzers of bio-fluid samples. The optimization-based load planning module is executable on a computer server and is configured to optimize assay (lab test) assignments across a large number of laboratory analyzers based on one or more of the following user selected and weighted objectives: reduced turn-around-time, load balancing, efficient reagent usage, lower quality assurance costs, and/or improved system robustness. The optimization-based load planning module outputs a load plan comprising computer executable instructions configured to cause a system controller of a laboratory analyzer system to schedule and direct each requested test to be performed at one or more selected laboratory analyzers of the laboratory analyzer system in accordance with the user selected and weighted objectives. Other aspects are also described.

Abstract: A lysis device including a sample vessel, at least one piezo element, and a controller is disclosed. The sample vessel has a microchannel formed therein. The sample vessel has at least one port extending through a surface to the microchannel. The piezo element is attached to the surface of the sample vessel. The controller has logic to cause the controller to emit a first signal including a series of frequencies to the at least one piezo element to cause the at least one piezo element to generate ultrasonic acoustic standing waves in the sample vessel, to receive a second signal indicative of measured vibration signals from the sample vessel detected by the at least one piezo element, and to determine a resonant frequency of the sample vessel using the measured vibration signals.

Abstract: A wash station for use in a clinical analyzer of an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment for cleaning a probe comprises a basin, a vertically-elongated conduit, an inlet port, and a helix insert. The vertically-elongated conduit is attached to the interior of the basin. The inlet port is connected to a bottom portion of the basin. The inlet port is sized to receive and secure a wash feed line that propels a wash fluid upward through the vertically-elongated conduit. The helix insert is positioned within the vertically-elongated conduit and sized to allow insertion of the probe through a center portion of the helix insert for cleaning. The helix insert causes the wash fluid to flow in a helical shape around the probe as it is transported through the vertically-elongated conduit, thereby cleaning the probe.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of treating COVID-19 are disclosed. The compositions comprise heparin and/or one or more other negatively charged molecules.

Abstract: Analytical assay reaction cartridges are disclosed that include a reagent tray containing a liquid reagent disposed therein and a flexible cover removably attached thereto. The flexible cover has a portion that extends beyond the reagent tray and that forms a tab portion extends through an opening in a lid member of the cartridge in order to facilitate removal of at least a portion of the cover and release of the liquid reagent. Also disclosed are analytical assay reaction kits that include the cartridges and diagnostic instruments for use with the analytical assay reaction cartridges/kits, as well as methods of making and using the cartridges/kits.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a fluid metering device, including: a first fluid supply port for receiving a first fluid; a first fluid dispense port for dispensing the first fluid; a second fluid supply port for receiving a second fluid; a second fluid dispense port for dispensing the second fluid; a waste discharge port for discharging a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid; a valve assembly including a plurality of valves; a manifold connected to the metering pump, wherein the manifold includes a plurality of fluid channels, and the manifold is used for communicating between the valve assembly and each port; a first tube connected between the second valve and the third valve for accommodating the mixture or the first fluid; and a second tube connected between the third valve and the fourth valve for accommodating the second fluid.

Abstract: Processes for quantifying an amount of functional groups immobilized on a solid support are described herein. The processes allow for determining whether sufficient functional groups are provided on a solid support for the attachment of a first binding pair member for the detection of a target analyte.

Abstract: Analytical assay reaction cartridges, kits containing same, and methods of production and use thereof are disclosed. These cartridges include a magnetic assembly that surrounds at least a portion of a sample read window on the cartridge. The cartridge also includes an analytical reagent positioned therewithin, wherein the analytical reagent comprises magnetic beads coated with at least one anti-red blood cell antibody.

Abstract: An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.