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: The present invention relates to multi-hapten mutant G6PDH conjugates, methods of their preparation and their use for detection of multiple analytes. The compositions of the invention comprise different types of haptens (molecules) require to be immobilized into the G6PDH to make one multi-hapten-G6PDH conjugate. Both thiol and amine functional groups on G6PDH are utilized for immobilization of different haptens.

Abstract: A diagnostic device 10 for screening for a target analyte in a sample is provided. The diagnostic device 10 comprises a substrate 12 and a hydrophobic material 20 disposed on the substrate. The hydrophobic material 20 is selected to be converted from the hydrophobic material 20 to a hydrophilic material 22 upon contact with a conversion component within or derived from a sample introduced to the device 10.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for reagent cards having a leading end, a trailing end and a length between the leading end and the trailing end comprises a travel surface assembly having a card travel surface and an edge. A test analyzing mechanism is adjacent to the travel surface, and a waste receptacle is adjacent to the edge below the travel surface. The waste receptacle has a side and a waste cavity. A ramp member positioned below the travel surface has an end and a sloped surface, and is movable between an extended position where the sloped surface extends into the waste cavity, and a retracted position where the end is spaced from the side a distance greater than the length of the reagent card. A moving mechanism operably coupled with the ramp member is configured to move the ramp member between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the detection of whole blood hemolysis in a sample of whole blood. More specifically, this disclosure describes detecting hemolysis using one or more novel ratios of intercellular concentrations of whole blood analytes.

Abstract: In the field of consumable materials for automatic analytical instruments, a method for producing transparent plastic cuvettes with increased scratch resistance includes contacting exclusively an outer surface of the transparent plastic cuvette with a liquid comprising at least one surfactant or with a triglyceride and subsequently drying the outer surface such that scattered-light optical properties of the transparent plastic are not adversely affected.

Abstract: A microfluidic product pouch assembly may be used in a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic product pouch may include a pouch surrounding an inner chamber and having a rupturing portion and an inner membrane positioned within the inner chamber. The inner membrane may separate the inner chamber into a first cavity and a second cavity. A reagent may be positioned within the first cavity and/or the second cavity. The microfluidic product pouch assembly may also include a rupturing structure. The rupturing structure may be configured to selectively break the rupturing portion of the microfluidic product pouch.

Abstract: A ratio of rare cells to non-rare cells in a blood sample suspected of containing rare cells and non-rare cells is enhanced. A treated blood sample is prepared by providing in combination the blood sample, a platelet deactivation agent, a fibrin-formation-arresting agent and fibrin in an amount sufficient to cause a predetermined level of agglutination of the rare cells. The treated blood sample is then contacted with a porous matrix such that agglutinated rare cells are preferentially retained on the porous matrix. The rare cells may then be identified.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a removable cap with a top hole and a seal with a heat induction closure for sealing an opening of a container. Advantageously, the cap and the seal do not need to be removed for a probe to access contents of the container, when used in a diagnostic analyzer, thereby eliminating operator steps of cap removal and seal peeling/perforation. Automated opening of the cap and seal combination is provided by puncturing the seal. The seal retains its opened shape required for unobstructed, non-contact probe access to contents of the container. The seal is comprised of three layers: a first polymer sealing layer capable of being heat-sealed to a container; an aluminum foil layer on top of the first polymer sealing layer, configured to heat seal the first layer by inductive heating; and a second polymer layer on top of the aluminum foil layer for protection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic devices incorporating electrode modules and fluidics for performing chemical analyses. The invented devices consist of at least one component sensor formed on an electrode module, the sensor being contained within a fluidic housing. The electrode module is a laminate of a perforated epoxy foil and a photo-formed metal foil with sensor membranes deposited into the perforations. The fluidic housing is a diagnostic card consisting of a plastic card-like body, the at least one component sensor, a sealed chamber defined in the card body for containing a fluid, a fluid conduit for fluidically connecting the chamber with the sensor region, a valve for fluidically connecting the chamber to the fluid conduit, and a delivery structure separate and distinct from the valve for forcing fluid from the chamber and into the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Methods of calibrating a position of a component using onboard crush and crash sensors. The method includes providing the robot with gripper and crush and crash sensors, providing a calibration tool coupled to the gripper, and providing a component including a recess and crush zone. The method includes moving the gripper in a first Controller direction to sense contact between the calibration tool and crush zone, and recording the contact position. Likewise, the gripper is moved to insert the tool into the recess, followed by moving the gripper in second directions and sensing contact between the tool and recess, and moving the gripper in third directions and sensing contact between the tool and recess. Contact positions are recorded and processed to determine a surface location in the first direction and physical center of the recess. Robot calibration apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a quick-connect and rotation system for impeller coupling including: an impeller comprising: a mixer end; and a first attachment end; the first attachment end comprising a first member that is diametrically magnetized; and an motor comprising: a rotational shaft with a second attachment end comprising a second member that is diametrically magnetized; wherein the first attachment end and the second attachment end are complementary to each other; and wherein the motor imparts rotational torque, via a magnetic field between the first member and the second member, on the first attachment end when the first attachment end and the second attachment end are connected.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for calibrating a photometer in an in-vitro diagnostics analyzer includes generating a cuvette map of a reaction ring identifying a plurality of cuvette locations. The cuvette map is used to identify a plurality of reference measurement areas between the plurality of cuvette locations. A plurality of reference measurements are acquired in the reference measurement areas using the photometer. The photometer is automatically calibrated based on a comparison of the reference measurements to a predetermined standard setup of the photometer.

Abstract: A monitor-mounted status indicator light assembly is disclosed, including at least one status indicator light and a mounting bracket adapted for mounting on a monitor. In some embodiments, standard VESA mounting configurations are employed, and the assembly's mounting bracket does not interfere with, or prevent, mounting of the monitor to a monitor mounting arm via the same VESA mounts.

Abstract: Fluid collection devices, analysis instruments and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The fluid collection device is provided with a device and an electrochemical cell. The device has first and second walls defining a microfluidic channel, and a sample application port communicating with the microfluidic channel. The first wall and the second wall are spaced a distance less than 150 microns. The electrochemical cell is disposed on the first wall to contact a sample travelling through the microfluidic channel. The electrochemical cell comprising molecule receptors such that a physical property of the first electrochemical cell is effected upon one or more of the molecule receptors binding to an electroactive species within the sample.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure is a sample collection unit configured to receive a test strip. The sample collection unit includes a collection tube including an open end and a cap configured to be coupled to the open end to close the collection tube. The cap includes an access opening that extends through the cap and at least one sealing member aligned with the access opening. The at least one sealing member includes a dynamic strip interface that permits insertion of the test strip through the access opening and into the collection tube.

Abstract: An environmental control system for use in a clinical analyzer module includes an upper deck environmental subsystem comprising a far field sensor, one or more heaters, one or more spine cooling fans, and one or more in-line fluid heat exchangers. The far field sensor is configured to acquire measurements of ambient temperature in the upper deck environmental subsystem. The heaters are configured to generate hot airflow based on the measurements of ambient temperature from the far field sensor. The spine cooling fans are configured to operate in a manner that mixes the hot airflow from the heaters with cool airflow based on the measurements of ambient temperature from the far field sensor. The in-line fluid heat exchangers are configured to heat fluids used in reactions performed on the clinical analyzer module to a constant temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for refrigerated storage of controls and calibrators utilize a refrigerant storage assembly having an insulated housing and door assembly, thermoelectric coolers, and the refrigerated base assembly having a metal plate thermally coupled to coolers, one or more sensors, and a plurality of receptacles to receive fluid tubes. Refrigerated storage provides a refrigerated environment suitable for multi-day storage of control and calibrator fluids.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting incorporating magnetic shielding to reduce exposure of any of samples, reactants, devices or people from exposure or prolonged exposure to magnetic or electromagnetic fields generated with the system. Some embodiments provide an automation system for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting comprising an automation track having a sidewall provided with magnetic shielding. In some embodiments, the magnetic shielding comprises an 80% nickel alloy.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a specimen for HILN (H, I, and/or L, or N). The method includes capturing images of the specimen at multiple different viewpoints, processing the images to provide segmentation information for each viewpoint, generating a semantic map from the segmentation information, selecting a synthetic viewpoint, identifying front view semantic data and back view semantic data for the synthetic viewpoint, and determining HILN of the serum or plasma portion based on the front view semantic data with an HILN classifier, while taking into account back view semantic data. Testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.