Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a composition for staining cytological material comprising a cationic dye component, a hygroscopic polyol and optionally a water-soluble solvent, water or water-miscible solvent, methods of use of the compositions. Advantageously, the present compositions do not require the use of a cover slide as is required in known staining fixatives. The compositions are able to retain cell morphology for a period of time such that a cover slide is not required. Further, the compositions do not contain hazardous levels of organic components. Preferably, the compositions consist essentially of Azure C, glycerol and optionally water. In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method of characterizing a cell sample comprising contacting the cell sample with a composition comprising a dye component and a hygroscopic polyol and subjecting the sample to analysis to determine the presence or absence of abnormal cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-coated substrate, such as a slide, that is useful for immobilizing a sample. The invention is further provides methods of preparing such pre-coated substrates and methods of analyzing biological samples immobilized on such pre-coated substrate. The substrate is coated with a polycationic polymeric coating material specifically selected such that that coated substrate exhibits increased stability and prolonged shelf-life. Preferred polymeric coating materials include allylic or vinylic polymers having cationic groups thereon and having no more than a small percentage of peptidic monomeric linkages, particularly polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preparing a sample for immunological staining are provided. Compositions include kits comprising a first solution comprising a surfactant and a second solution comprising a chaotropic agent. Methods comprise contacting a sample, such as cells or tissues, with a first solution comprising a surfactant and then contacting the sample with a second solution comprising a chaotropic agent. The method does not require extreme heat for antigen retrieval and therefore, maintains the cellular morphology of the sample.

Abstract: A sample tube holder assembly may include a base comprising a base cavity defined therein. The sample tube holder assembly may include at least one first engagement member disposed within the base cavity and a plurality of sample tube holder racks configured to be received within the base cavity, at least one of the sample tube holder racks comprising at least one second engagement member, wherein each of the plurality of sample tube holder racks further comprises at least one sample tube cavity configured to receive a respective sample tube therein. The first and second engagement members may be configured to engage with one another when the plurality of sample tube holder racks are positioned within the base cavity such that the sample tube holder racks are offset at a different depth from one another within the base cavity.

Abstract: Methods for chromogen separation-based image analysis are provided, with such methods being directed to quantitative video-microscopy techniques in cellular biology and pathology applications.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sequential sample preparation system using a sequential centrifuge for preparing samples for analysis. Methods of more efficiently preparing discrete samples sequentially for subsequent analysis are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially preparing discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional preparation processes that use batch centrifugation systems. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample preparation system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The integrated sequential preparation system with the integrated sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical or STAT samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved by preparing discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for calibrating an imaging system for analyzing a plurality of molecular species in a sample. According to one embodiment, the method comprises acquiring a plurality of images of the sample with an image acquisition device at a plurality of different wavelengths, comparing a region of interest associated with at least one of the images acquired at one respective wavelength to a region of interest associated with at least one of the images acquired at a different wavelength, and aligning the plurality of images such that the region of interest associated with at least one of the images acquired at one respective wavelength corresponds to the region of interest associated with the at least one of the images acquired at a different wavelength.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a composition for staining cytological material comprising a cationic dye component, a hygroscopic polyol and optionally a water-soluble solvent, water or water-miscible solvent, methods of use of the compositions. Advantageously, the present compositions do not require the use of a cover slide as is required in known staining fixatives. The compositions are able to retain cell morphology for a period of time such that a cover slide is not required. Further, the compositions do not contain hazardous levels of organic components. Preferably, the compositions consist essentially of Azure C, glycerol and optionally water. In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method of characterizing a cell sample comprising contacting the cell sample with a composition comprising a dye component and a hygroscopic polyol and subjecting the sample to analysis to determine the presence or absence of abnormal cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a sequential centrifuge for centrifuging discrete samples. Methods of more efficiently centrifuging discrete samples sequentially are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially centrifuging discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional batch centrifuges. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample processing system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved in centrifuging discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: A sample tube holder assembly may include a base comprising a base cavity defined therein. The sample tube holder assembly may include at least one first engagement member disposed within the base cavity and a plurality of sample tube holder racks configured to be received within the base cavity, at least one of the sample tube holder racks comprising at least one second engagement member, wherein each of the plurality of sample tube holder racks further comprises at least one sample tube cavity configured to receive a respective sample tube therein. The first and second engagement members may be configured to engage with one another when the plurality of sample tube holder racks are positioned within the base cavity such that the sample tube holder racks are offset at a different depth from one another within the base cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for determining an amount of a plurality of molecular species in a sample, each molecular specie being indicated by a dye. According to one embodiment, the amount of a plurality of molecular species is determined by acquiring a plurality of images of the sample, determining an amount of each molecular specie, as indicated by a respective dye, for each pixel at each corresponding pixel location in the plurality of images, and refining the amount of a plurality of molecular species at one or more pixel locations in the plurality of images. Associated systems and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sequential sample preparation system using a sequential centrifuge for preparing samples for analysis. Methods of more efficiently preparing discrete samples sequentially for subsequent analysis are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially preparing discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional preparation processes that use batch centrifugation systems. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample preparation system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The integrated sequential preparation system with the integrated sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical or STAT samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved by preparing discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-coated substrate, such as a slide, that is useful for immobilizing a sample. The invention is further provides methods of preparing such pre-coated substrates and methods of analyzing biological samples immobilized on such pre-coated substrate. The substrate is coated with a polycationic polymeric coating material specifically selected such that that coated substrate exhibits increased stability and prolonged shelf-life. Preferred polymeric coating materials include allylic or vinylic polymers having cationic groups thereon and having no more than a small percentage of peptidic monomeric linkages, particularly polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-coated substrate, such as a slide, that is useful for immobilizing a sample. The invention is further provides methods of preparing such pre-coated substrates and methods of analyzing biological samples immobilized on such pre-coated substrate. The substrate is coated with a polycationic polymeric coating material specifically selected such that that coated substrate exhibits increased stability and prolonged shelf-life. Preferred polymeric coating materials include allylic or vinylic polymers having cationic groups thereon and having no more than a small percentage of peptidic monomeric linkages, particularly polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA).

Abstract: Methods for chromogen separation-based image analysis are provided, with such methods being directed to quantitative video-microscopy techniques in cellular biology and pathology applications.

Abstract: Methods for chromogen separation-based image analysis are provided, with such methods being directed to quantitative video-microscopy techniques in cellular biology and pathology applications.

Abstract: Methods for chromogen separation-based image analysis are provided, with such methods being directed to quantitative video-microscopy techniques in cellular biology and pathology applications.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer in a patient and for identifying patients with an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer are provided. The compositions include novel monoclonal antibodies, and variants and fragments thereof, that specifically bind to glycodelin. Monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of a glycodelin antibody of the invention and monoclonal antibodies that bind to a glycodelin epitope of a disclosed antibody are further provided. Hybridoma cell lines that produce a glycodelin monoclonal antibody of the invention are also disclosed herein. Kits comprising one or more of the disclosed glycodelin monoclonal antibodies and for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. Polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence for a glycodelin epitope of a disclosed monoclonal glycodelin antibody and methods of using these polypeptides in the production of glycodelin antibodies are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preparing a sample for immunological staining are provided. Compositions include kits comprising a first solution comprising a surfactant and a second solution comprising a chaotropic agent. Methods comprise contacting a sample, such as cells or tissues, with a first solution comprising a surfactant and then contacting the sample with a second solution comprising a chaotropic agent. The method does not require extreme heat for antigen retrieval and therefore, maintains the cellular morphology of the sample.

Abstract: A container for collecting a biological specimen is provided that includes a peripheral wall extending from a base. The container further includes a longitudinal tower disposed within the container. The tower forms a partition within the container to form at least a first chamber and a second chamber therein, wherein the first and second chambers are in fluid communication with one another. In addition, the container include an insert disposed within the container opposite the base, the insert comprising at least a first opening and a second opening. The second opening provides access to the second chamber and is further configured to engage a specimen collecting device to leave a portion of the specimen collecting device within the second chamber. The first opening provides access to the first chamber and is further configured to receive a syringe therein for accessing the biological specimen. Associated systems and methods are also provided.