Abstract: An optical discrimination apparatus adapted for use in PCR testing and the like. The apparatus includes a multi-color light emitter to emit excitation light, a sample holder configured to hold dye-marked nucleic acid fragments in a PCR solution at a position configured to receive the excitation light along a first direction, light emission collection optics configured to collect scattered excitation light and light emission (fluorescent emission) from the sample holder along a second direction that is approximately orthogonal to the first direction, a spectrally-dispersive element configured to spectrally disperse scattered light and emission light, and a spectral detector configured to receive the separated emission light and excitation light on different photosites of the spectral detector. Systems and methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for minimizing a false result in an assay measurement for determining a concentration of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises pretreating both an antibody and a sample to be subjected to a non-agglutination immunoassay. In the method the antibody and the sample are combined with a pretreatment agent selected from the group consisting of hydroxyphenyl-substituted C1-C5 carboxylic acids and metallic salts thereof and halogen-substituted C1-C5 carboxylic acids and metallic salts thereof in an amount effective to enhance the accuracy of the non-agglutination immunoassay.

Abstract: A sample holder for PCR processing. The sample holder includes a body with an inlet and outlet grooves formed alongside each other, a detection recess that is connected to the inlet and outlet grooves, and a fill port interconnected to both the inlet and outlet grooves, and a cover interfacing with the body to form an inlet channel interconnected to the fill port, a detection region interconnected to the inlet channel, and an outlet channel interconnected to the detection region and the fill port. The detection region is configured to receive a PCR solution from the fill port and replication occurs within the detection region via heating and cooling cycles. Thereafter, fluorescent emissions from tagged replicated DNA/RNA in the detection region are detected and measured. PCR stations, PCR station assemblies, PCR testing systems, and methods of operating a PCR testing systems are provided, as are other aspects.

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.

Abstract: Multi-use biosensors are disclosed that include enzymes coupled to nanobeads; the multi-use biosensors are used to detect analytes in fluidic biological samples, and the biosensors also maintain their enzyme activity after many uses. Multi-sensor arrays are disclosed that include multiple biosensors. Also disclosed are methods of producing and using these devices.

Abstract: A system for transporting a sample in a clinical analysis system includes a sample container holding the sample, a ferromagnetic base connected to a bottom portion of the sample container, and a puck. The puck is used for transporting the sample container in the clinical analysis system. The puck comprises an embedded magnet for securing the sample container to the puck using the ferromagnetic base.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits for detecting at least two analytes present within a small volume single fluid sample obtained from patient for the creation of a multiplexed panel of the various analytes present within the single fluid sample are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for backlash compensation in motion control systems includes homing a payload of a motion control system, and performing a tooth-pitch non-uniformity procedure on the motion control system to identify a non-uniformity correction. A backlash lookup table is generated for use in backlash correction during normal operation of the motion control system. The backlash lookup table is generated using a training process that includes selecting a move sequence for operating the motion control system, and executing the move sequence with the non-uniformity correction. The training process further includes computing a backlash measurement describing backlash of one or more components of the motion control system during the move sequence, and storing the backlash measurement in the backlash lookup table.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, and methods for performing rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a target nucleic acid in a biological sample are disclosed. The methods include the use of at least one hybridization stabilizer and/or the adjustment of the thermocycling profiles between initiation and propagation phases of the amplification process. Also disclosed are methods of detecting the target nucleic acid following amplification thereof, as well as reaction mixtures that may be utilized in said methods.

Abstract: Liquid supply system for an analyzer. Liquid supply system includes a liquid-containing container and a spout support tool. Liquid-containing container is made up of a rectangular parallelepiped box comprising a wall with an opening therein, and a collapsible insert including a liquid-containing portion received inside the rectangular parallelepiped box. The collapsible insert includes a spout with a flange wherein both are retractable through the opening. The support tool has a body having an engaging portion and a grasping portion, the engaging portion includes a first engagement surface engaged with a surface of the wall, a second engagement surface, and a spout receiver formed in the engaging portion that is configured to be received under the flange to support the spout. pout support tools and retaining methods of a liquid supply system are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Methods of visualizing performance of a diagnostic laboratory system are provided. The methods include displaying on a display, an image representing a layout of a plurality of laboratory analyzers included within the diagnostic laboratory system, and overlaying the image with a dynamically-changeable color overlay that indicates a performance for the plurality of laboratory analyzers over a period of time via using changeable colors. Systems including color-changeable overlays are provided as are other aspects.

Abstract: A data display includes a grid including: a first column configured to display particular data values of a first data parameter; a plurality of rows, each row configured to display a particular data value of the first data parameter in the first column; and a second column including a vertically-extending graph, wherein the particular data value in one or more of the plurality of rows is plotted as a data point horizontally aligned with a corresponding row on the vertically-extending graph, wherein a plurality of data points display moving data values of the first data parameter. Other devices such as instrument analyzers and methods of displaying data are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to receive particles in a liquid includes: a housing comprising a housing inlet and a housing outlet; and a mesh located in the housing between the housing inlet and the housing outlet, the mesh having spaces greater than a greatest transverse dimension of the particles. The apparatus operates to break up agglomerates of the particles, such as agglomerates of magnetic particles. Other systems and methods of receiving and transferring liquids containing particles having a propensity to agglomerate are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting nucleic acids such as DNA molecules from biological samples uses solid-state magnetic manipulation. A fluid sample and magnetic beads are placed in a vessel. The vessel is placed in a housing with an array of electromagnets mounted therein. The electromagnets are energized sequentially or in groups to move the magnetic beads through the fluid sample in a variety of patterns. The apparatus disclosed herein may be used as a measurement device to measure bead number density and modify magnetic patterns in order to deliver consistent dosages in bead number.

Abstract: Methods of autonomous diagnostic verification and detection of defects in the optical components of a vision-based inspection system are provided. The method includes illuminating a light panel with a first light intensity pattern, capturing a first image of the first light intensity pattern with a sensor, illuminating the light panel with a second light intensity pattern different than the first light intensity pattern, capturing a second image of the second light intensity pattern with the sensor, comparing the first image and the second image to generate a comparison of images, and identifying defects in the light panel or the sensor based upon the comparison of images. Systems adapted to carry out the methods are provided as are other aspects.

Abstract: A quality control method for a diagnostic analyzer includes performing a quality control test or a plurality of specimen tests; determining, with a controller, that a result of the quality control test or a plurality of specimen test results is outside of a threshold; monitoring one or more mechanical devices of the diagnostic analyzer with the controller; receiving, by the controller, an error code indicating an error in a mechanical device of the one or more mechanical devices; and initiating a calibration procedure in response to the result of the quality control test or the plurality of specimen test results being outside of the threshold and receiving the error code. Other apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer for analyzing fluid samples comprising one or more analytes and a method of calibrating such. The fluid analyzer includes a control system to control at least one automated valve to pass at least three calibration reagents through a fluid channel to a secondary ion selective electrode, a primary ion selective electrode, and a reference electrode, and determine calibration information using calibration logic from signals generated by a meter, control the at least one automated valve to selectively pass different subsets of the at least three calibration reagents through the fluid channel to the secondary ion selective electrode, the primary ion selective electrode, and the reference electrode, and determine re-calibration information using the signals generated by the meter and at least one of the calibration information and re-calibration logic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions that include oxygen, a sugar or sugar alcohol, and an amino acid, wherein the amino acid is present in an amount sufficient to stabilize the oxygen. Also provided are aqueous diagnostic quality controls or calibration reagents and methods of stabilizing oxygen in a liquid solution.

Abstract: A method (400) and a system (200) for generating a chromatically modified image of one or more components on a microscopic slide (303) is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the method includes obtaining the image of the one or more components on the microscopic slide (303). Additionally, the method (400) includes processing the image to identify the one or more components. The method (400) further includes segmenting at least one part of the one or more components identified from the image. Furthermore, the method (400) includes chromatically modifying the at least one part of the one or more components and generating a chromatically modified image of the one or more components.

Abstract: A device (100) for visualization of one or more components in a blood sample is disclosed. In one aspect, the device (100) includes an imaging module (110), wherein the imaging module (110) includes a controllable illumination source (102) capable of emitting light in plurality of discrete angles; a tube lens (105); one or more objective lens (104); and an image capturing module (106). Additionally, the device (100) includes a channel (103) configured to carry the blood sample, wherein the channel (103) is capable of sorting the one or more components in the blood sample.