Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a device for calibrating the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises one or more light sources, at least one image acquisition device for acquiring images; and a device. The device comprises a processing unit, a memory coupled to the processing unit. The memory comprising a calibration module configured to obtain a value of current flowing through each of one or more light sources in real-time, compare the value of current flowing through each of the one or more light sources with a predefined threshold current value, and calibrate color gain value associated with at least one image acquisition device, if the determined value of current for each of the one or more light sources is above the predefined threshold current value.

Abstract: Methods of troubleshooting non-event malfunctions. The methods include providing a database including pre-populated non-event issues and associated corrective actions, inputting search criteria regarding a particular non-event issue via entry of a search string at the user interface, parsing and normalizing the search string into a meta-data schema to produce a normalized search string, searching the database with the normalized search string to generate a listing of one or more particular corrective actions, and receiving the listing of one or more particular corrective actions that are associated with the normalized search string. Apparatus configured to carry out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An embodiment is a sample analysis system for analyzing a sample that includes at least one test device for analyzing the sample. The system also includes a rack handler operable to move a sample from a first location to a second location along a travel path. The rack handler has a rotation assembly including a) an engagement element for engagement with the sample rack, and b) a motor coupled to the engagement element and is operable to cause rotation of the engagement element. The rotation assembly rotates the sample rack from a first orientation into a second orientation along the travel path when the engagement element engages the sample rack.

Abstract: Multi-use biosensors are disclosed that include enzymes that have been modified to reduce the solubility thereof; 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: Systems and methods for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting incorporating existing or additional sensors in an automation system to assess the health and maintenance status of the automation system are disclosed. Such systems include any of a variety of sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors, temperature probes/thermocouples, ohm meters, volt meters, etc., which are in communication with a local or preferably remote monitoring station that can alert a user or maintenance personnel of needed service.

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

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

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.