Abstract: A picktool manipulator device collects a specimen from a culture medium. In a first mode of operation, a picktool is allowed to move in an axial direction relative to support structure of the device. A detector may generate a signal in response to movement of the body in the axial direction so as to determine a height at which the picktool contacts the medium. The device may operate in the first mode when collecting a specimen from a culture medium. A second mode of operation constrains or precludes axial movement of the picktool. In some cases, the device may operate in the second mode when receiving a new picktool or discarding a used picktool.

Abstract: An automated positive pressure solid phase extraction apparatus and method comprising two tiered lifts devices each individually controllable to individually vertically translate within an elevator framework between a base on which the elevator framework is mounted and a manifold plate supported by the framework in a substantially horizontal plane parallel with and vertically above the two tiered lifts devices and a rectilinearly translating shuttle assembly comprising a shuttle supporting labware for rectilinear travel into and out of the elevator framework to handoff the labware to one of the two tiered elevator lifts or both.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for generating droplets are provided. One or more geometric parameters of a microfluidic channel can be selected to generate droplets of a desired and predictable droplet size.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and apparatus for detecting sample defects in blood samples processed in automated processing systems are described herein. One aspect describes an automated blood sample processing apparatus having a pre-analytic specimen integrity monitoring device. Another aspect describes devices, systems, and methods for identifying blood components and properties in blood samples. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for setting reference ranges for sample defects and interference in blood samples. Additionally, devices, systems, and methods for identifying defective samples are described.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic analysis device that enables a reagent to be reliably loaded in and loaded out within a stipulated amount of time, even during analysis and without stopping the analysis, and that enables a reagent to be exchanged without causing a long wait for the operator.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.

Abstract: This specimen analyzer includes: an analysis unit which analyzes a specimen collected from a subject; a manual input unit which receives an input of information by manual operation; an information read unit which receives an input of information by reading an information record section provided in a consumable; and a controller which does not permit an input of information on the consumable with the manual input unit, and permits an input of the information on the consumable with the information read unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for preparing a plurality of samples for an analytical method, comprising a carousel with a solid housing and moveable receiving parts for the sample containers; a control for controlling the receiving parts in the carousel; and a sample receiving device for providing the sample for the analytical method. Said arrangement is characterized in that one or more stations for preparing samples are provided on the carousel, the receiving parts for the sample containers of the carousel can be positioned on said stations. Said arrangement also comprises a centrifuge with pairs of opposite lying receiving parts provided for the sample containers, and said receiving parts are arranged such that they can move on the centrifuge for the sample holder such that a transfer of a sample holder between a receiving part in the carousel and a receiving part in the centrifuge can be carried out. The control takes place by the same control which is also provided for controlling the carousel.

Abstract: An automated positive pressure solid phase extraction apparatus and method comprising two tiered lifts devices each individually controllable to individually vertically translate within an elevator framework between a base on which the elevator framework is mounted and a manifold plate supported by the framework in a substantially horizontal plane parallel with and vertically above the two tiered lifts devices and a rectilinearly translating shuttle assembly comprising a shuttle supporting labware for rectilinear travel into and out of the elevator framework to handoff the labware to one of the two tiered elevator lifts or both.

Abstract: A control section causes one dispensing mechanism of either a reagent dispensing mechanism or a sample dispensing mechanism to first discharge a predetermined amount of a liquid into the reaction container, and then, with respect to the cases where the amount of a liquid to be discharged by the other dispensing mechanism is larger or smaller than the amount of the liquid in the reaction container, causes the other dispensing mechanism to discharge the liquid such that the discharge speed in the case where the amount of the liquid to be discharged is larger is decreased relative to the discharge speed in the case where the amount of the liquid to be discharged is smaller.

Abstract: A position adjustment method for a movable unit in a sample analyzer which includes: a measurement section which causes a movable unit to operate in order to measure a sample; and a communication section for performing communication with outside, includes: a terminal screen displaying step of causing a portable terminal device to display a position adjustment screen for accepting an input for changing a position of the movable unit, the portable terminal device configured to be able to perform communication with the communication section; and a movement executing step of causing the measurement section to execute a movement of a corresponding movable unit in accordance with the input for changing the position received by the communication section.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer with high processing capacity is capable of immediately measuring an emergency specimen rack. The automatic analyzer includes a conveying line for conveying a specimen rack, and an analysis unit which has a dispensing line in which a plurality of specimen racks are arranged for waiting until sample dispensing, and a sampling area for dispensing the sample to the analysis unit. A rack save area is provided in the dispensing line and at a position adjacent to the upstream side of the sampling area. When a specimen rack exists in the sampling area at the time of measuring an emergency specimen rack, a controller moves the specimen rack to the save area and positions the emergency specimen rack to be moved from a downstream side of the sampling area to the sampling area.

Abstract: An integrated system for detecting safety and/or efficacy issues related to potential drug compounds by combining tissue maturation, imaging and electrophysiology measurements, at high throughput, with high signal to noise ratio. Testing includes cardiotoxicity screening, drug screening, and screening for cardiogenic factors via on-line physiological measurements.

Abstract: A preprocessing kit includes a separation device, a collecting container, and a skirt part. The skirt part is integrated with the separation device, and is provided to surround an outer circumferential surface of the separation device with a clearance being left from the outer circumferential surface so that a space having a closed upper side and an open lower side is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the separation device and the skirt part. The skirt part is provided in such a way that a lower end of the skirt part comes into intimate contact with a peripheral surface of an opening of the recess part when the collecting container containing the lower end of the separation device is fitted into the recess part.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device capable of efficiently performing a plurality of analyses, while reducing the footprint and cost of the device. Provided is an automatic analysis device characterized by being provided with containers for containing samples, one rack for placing the containers thereon, and a control unit, the control unit generating, with respect to the one rack, a plurality of registration patterns in which information of the positions where the containers are disposed, and information of the samples contained in the containers are correlated with each other, storing the registration patterns thus generated, applying, to the one rack, one registration pattern selected from among the registration patterns thus stored, and analyzing the samples. Also provided is an analysis method using the device.

Abstract: An automated positive pressure solid phase extraction apparatus and method comprising two tiered lifts devices each individually controllable to individually vertically translate within an elevator framework between a base on which the elevator framework is mounted and a manifold plate supported by the framework in a substantially horizontal plane parallel with and vertically above the two tiered lifts devices and a rectilinearly translating shuttle assembly comprising a shuttle supporting labware for rectilinear travel into and out of the elevator framework to handoff the labware to one of the two tiered elevator lifts or both.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluid handling tubes having a cap that includes a sealing member having interior grooves and panels. Also provided herein are fluid handling tubes having a cap that includes (i) a sealing member having a concave surface at a distal region, and (ii) a flat proximal surface. Provided also are fluid handling tubes having a cap that includes an engagement member at an edge of the cap, where the engagement member includes a surface having curvature and a taper. Also provided herein are fluid handling tubes that include a cap comprising a tube sealing member, an anterior engagement member, and one or more channels (e.g., one or more furrows or grooves) between the sealing member and the engagement member that function as a hinge or pivot.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a container assembly for use in a planetary mixer, which may comprise a jar with an inner wall, an adapter in contact with the inner wall of the jar, a metered-dosage dispenser having a tubular body, and a lid attachable to an rim of the jar, wherein the adapter, if included, may be configured to clamp to the metered-dosage dispenser, if included, and the adapter, if included, may be further configured to keep the metered-dosage dispenser away from the inner wall of the jar, wherein at least a portion of the metered-dosage dispenser, if included, may be configured to allow visibility of at least some contents inside the body of the metered-dosage dispenser from outside the body of the metered-dosage dispenser, and wherein the body of the metered-dosage dispenser, if included, may have a height-to-base ratio (HBR) between 0.75 and 1.5 at half volume.

Abstract: A high-throughput automatic analyzer integrates a biochemical analysis section and a blood coagulation analysis section. The analyzer is capable of achieving a reduction in size, system cost, and lifecycle cost. The automatic analyzer includes: a reaction disk; a first reagent dispensing mechanism that dispenses a reagent to reaction cells on the reaction disk; a photometer that irradiates a reaction solution in the reaction cell with light; a reaction cell cleaning mechanism; a reaction vessel supply unit that supplies a disposable reaction vessel for mixing and reacting a sample and a reagent with each other; a second reagent dispensing mechanism that dispenses a reagent to the disposable reaction vessel; a blood coagulation time measuring section that irradiates a reaction solution in the disposable reaction vessel with light to detect transmitted or scattered light; and a sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses a sample to the reaction cell and the disposable reaction vessel.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for the analysis of a particle comprising an analysis chamber adapted to contain a positioning fluid. A parameter of the particle suspended in the positioning fluid is detected by means of a detection and control unit. A positioning unit, during a particle analysis operation, is activated and deactivated on the basis of the detected parameter of the particle. The detection and control unit can activate the at least one positioning unit so as to generate a temporary positioning flow in the positioning fluid, such that said temporary positioning flow acts directly on the particle and drives the position of the particle so as to move it into a predefined position in the analysis chamber. The detection and control unit can also deactivate the at least one positioning unit when the particle to be analyzed is in the predefined position, such that the positioning fluid is at rest.