Abstract: A lateral flow assay device comprising a conjugate pad for receiving a quantity of fluid, and a membrane comprising a test line for determining whether the fluid comprises a target analyte. The device includes an actuator connected to a moving element comprising a shaft or a wheel. A first magnet is connected to the backing of the membrane. Second and third magnets are connected to the moving element. The actuator moves the moving element between first and second positions. In the first position, the opposite poles of the first and second magnets attract each other and maintain a gap between the membrane and the conjugate pad separate. In the second position, the similar poles of the first and third magnets repel each other and close the gap between membrane and the conjugate pad, allowing the fluid to flow from the conjugate pad into the membrane and the test line.

Abstract: Described is an interface module for robotic loading and unloading of a liquid chromatography sample manager. The module includes a transfer drawer receiving apparatus having a device track and a drawer drive system configured to transport a transfer drawer along the device track into and out from a sample tray of a sample manager. The transfer drawer receives a sample-vial carrier that holds samples to be analyzed. The module further includes a window apparatus that has a window controllable to be in an open state or a closed state. When in the open state, transport of the transfer drawer through the window into or out from the sample manager permits loading of the sample-vial carrier into the sample tray and unloading of the sample-vial carrier from the sample tray. In the closed state, the window apparatus substantially seals the internal environment of the sample manager from the ambient environment.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits are provided for use in washing or cryopreserving live cells or tissue, such as fat graft tissue.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: A processing unit for automated preparation of biological samples included in specimen tubes is described herein. The processing unit includes a removable sample preparation component configured to receive specimen tubes, read identifiers associated with the biological samples contained in the specimen tubes, mix reagents included in the specimen tubes, and transfer the specimen tubes to at least one of a centrifuge or a storage compartment. The processing unit further includes a centrifuge loader for automatic loading and unloading of the specimen tubes onto a centrifuge. The automated centrifuge loader includes a magnetic brake that can stop the centrifuge rotor at a precise position to facilitate loading and unloading of a specimen tube. The centrifuge includes a swing bucket designed to pivot around an axis and slide vertically to enable moving the bucket to a position in which the swing bucket can engage with the port where the specimen tube resides.

Abstract: The present invention describes a laboratory system for automatically processing at least one sample container containing a biological sample, the laboratory system comprising a housing; laboratory instrument units for executing processing steps on the biological sample; an input station configured to receive the sample container; a transport means for transport of the sample container from the input station to the laboratory instrument units, and further to an output station; a control unit for determining whether the sample and/or the container is in a condition to be processed by the laboratory instrument units; an input-output station providing an interface between the inside and the outside of the housing; and a workbench on the outside of the housing in front of the input-output station for an operator to be in the position to manipulate the sample and/or the container.

Abstract: A device for agitating and collecting biological liquid samples comprises an agitator of racks of tubes, a sampling apparatus capable of collecting a biological liquid sample in a tube, and a changer capable of gripping a tube on a rack received in the agitator and moving it to the sampling apparatus.

Abstract: Surfaces contactable by a bulk liquid for use in particle isolation are described. The surfaces comprise a plurality of ribs spaced apart to capillarily retain a portion of the bulk liquid and particles of interest therebetween. Collectively, the portion of the bulk liquid retained by the plurality of ribs on the surface forms a liquid film. The one or more particles received within the space and enveloped by the liquid film may be protected from one or more forces exerted by a draining meniscus passing over the surface.

Abstract: Two-phase flushing systems and methods. An example method includes moving a valve to a first position to fluidly connect a first reagent reservoir containing a first reagent to a flow cell and flowing the first reagent from the first reagent reservoir to the flow cell to perform a biochemical reaction. The method includes moving the valve to a second position to fluidly connect a gas to the flow cell and flowing gas into the flow cell to expel at least a portion of the first reagent from the biochemical reaction from the flow cell. The method includes moving the valve to a third position to fluidly connect a buffer reagent reservoir containing a buffer reagent to the flow cell and flowing the buffer reagent into the flow cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system with a seal between a manifold and a liquid container in which a sealing without an elastomer material is used, wherein the sealing properties of the seal are independent of the rotational position of the manifold in relation to the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample acquiring device holder (3) for a housing (2) of an analysis apparatus (1). The sample acquiring device holder (3) may comprise an activating element (5) and a reception recess (11) for receiving a sample acquiring device (4). A first portion (10) of the activating element (5) may protrude into the reception recess (11), if the activating element (5) is in a non-activating position. The activating element (5) may be adapted to be moved into an activating position by the sample acquiring device (4), if the sample acquiring device (4) is inserted into an intended measurement position within the reception recess (11). The activating element (5) may be adapted to activate a measurement triggering element (15), if the activating element (5) is in its activating position, such that the measurement triggering element (15) activates a measurement of the analysis apparatus (1).

Abstract: Incubation system and method for automated cell culture and/or testing. An exemplary incubation system may comprise a housing forming a chamber. A rack may define storage positions to support an array of sample holders inside the chamber. A detection robot may be configured to capture one or more images of cells contained by one or more wells of each sample holder while the sample holder remains at one of the storage positions of the rack. A fluid handling station may be configured to add fluid to, and/or remove fluid from, one or more wells of each of the sample holders inside the housing. At least one plate robot may be configured to move sample holders between the rack and the fluid handling station. A computer may control operation of the detection robot, the fluid handling station, and the at least one plate robot.

Abstract: Described is an automated reagent dispensing cap and methods of use in an automated clinical analyzer for introducing one or more reagent components housed in the reagent dispensing cap into a container enclosing another reagent component with which it is combined to achieve a reagent useful for diagnostic testing.

Abstract: A detection chip is disclosed. The detection chip includes a sample injection structure, a filter structure, and a reaction structure which are sequentially connected. The filter structure includes a first main body, and a first inlet portion and a first outlet portion respectively on two sides of the first main body. A width of the first inlet portion gradually decreases in a direction away from the first main body, and a width of the first outlet portion gradually decreases in a direction away from the first main body.

Abstract: A nasal irrigation diagnostic assembly comprising an irrigation device including a fluid collection portion structured to retain a biological sample, in the form of waste solution from the nasal cavity resulting from irrigation. A detection member disposed on said irrigation device is exposed to the biological sample and is structured to determine the existence of at least one analyte within the biological sample of the waste solution. The detection member comprises a plurality of detection zones individually structured to analyze the biological sample upon engagement therewith, wherein said plurality of zones include at least a reaction zone and a detection zone, which respectively include reagents cooperatively and collectively formulated to detect the existence of the at least one analyte within biological sample of the waste solution. A control zone may also be included to indicate the intended operability of at least the detection member.

Abstract: The extraction cell according to the invention for extracting a sample is substantially characterized by the following features: a tubular extraction body having a first end and an opposite second end which has an interior space for receiving the sample, a first closure arrangement for sealingly closing the first end of the tubular extraction body, a second closure arrangement for sealingly closing the second end of the tubular extraction body, wherein the first closure arrangement has a first fluid port for supplying or discharging a fluid and the second closure arrangement has a second fluid port for supplying or discharging a fluid. Furthermore, between the extraction body and the first closure arrangement and between the extraction body and the second closure arrangement, at least one adhesive arrangement is provided for holding the first and the second closure arrangements on the extraction body.

Abstract: A device for handling laboratory plates comprising a base platform and opposing gripping members including one or more gripping members each pivotally attached to a first side of the base platform and one or more gripping members each pivotally attached to a second side of the base platform, wherein said gripping members extend down from the base platform and include a gripping tip disposed at the end of the gripping member, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and kits for performing microwell analysis in sealed small volumes. The microwells of the invention are sealed through the pairing of microwell and bead geometry wherein the diameter of the beads is greater than the diameter of the bottom of the microwells. Loading the beads into the microwells seals samples within an analytical space between the bottom of a nested bead and the bottom of the subject microwell.

Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor incorporates a ferrocenophane which is a compound with at least one bridging group covalently attached to and connecting the two cyclopentadiene rings associated with the same iron atom. This bridging group maybe tetramethylene. As compared to an equivalent sensor with ferrocene, the tolerance of elevated temperature is improved and so is the working life at ambient temperature.