Abstract: A fluidic handling unit includes a baseplate, a fluidic inlet block, a fluidic outlet block, a pump in fluidic communication with the fluidic inlet block and the fluidic outlet block, a carrier control board in electrical communication with the pump, and a flow cell carrier comprising a microfluidic flow cell receiving area, wherein the flow cell carrier is configured to receive and retain the fluidic handling unit. A bottom surface of the fluidic handling unit is configured to complementary mate with a top surface of the flow cell carrier, or wherein a bottom surface of the flow cell carrier is configured to complementarily mate with a top surface of the fluidic handling unit.

Abstract: A device and/or methodology are described that include a mechanism for separating erythrocytes from other constituents of blood and for purifying leukocytes from blood. The separation and purification aspects may be provided in separate components or within the same component. The separation aspect assists in separating erythrocytes (red blood cells) from other cells in blood, such as by aggregation of the red blood cells. A suitable aggregation device or device component uses chambers with at least one small dimension (e.g., a microfluidic chip) to control the interaction of the blood with a solution containing a high molecular weight polymer (e.g., dextran) to achieve separation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to approaches for assessing a sample or the presence of microorganisms. The sample, in certain implementations may be assessed for one or both of absence of microorganisms (sterility) and/or for concentration of said organisms (bio-burden). sample partition device may be employed that partitions the sample input volume into multiple discrete measurement zones with little or no loss of sample (e.g., zero-loss) and with little operator involvement, thereby reducing operator- and environment-based false positives.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a consumable sample partition device and it assembly and use. The sample partition device can be used to test a sample for absence of microorganisms (sterility) and/or for concentration of said organisms (bio-burden). The sample partition device partitions the sample input volume into multiple discrete measurement zones with little or no loss of sample (e.g., zero-loss) and with little operator involvement, thereby reducing operator- and environment-based false positives.

Abstract: A fluidic handling unit includes a baseplate, a fluidic inlet block, a fluidic outlet block, a pump in fluidic communication with the fluidic inlet block and the fluidic outlet block, a carrier control board in electrical communication with the pump, and a flow cell carrier comprising a microfluidic flow cell receiving area, wherein the flow cell carrier is configured to receive and retain the fluidic handling unit. A bottom surface of the fluidic handling unit is configured to complementary mate with a top surface of the flow cell carrier, or wherein a bottom surface of the flow cell carrier is configured to complementarily mate with a top surface of the fluidic handling unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing biological specimens are provided. The biological specimen processing system generally includes a flow cell carrier for holding a microfluidic flow cell and a fluidic handling unit attachable to the flow cell carrier. The fluidic handling unit interfaces with the microfluidic flow cell and can include fluidic pumps, fluidic connections, integrated electronics, and processing software to facilitate processing of a biological specimen contained in the microfluidic flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device 100 for image multiplexing. The microfluidic device 100 comprises a base structure 110 comprising an optical window 140 and a fluid well insert 120 coupled to the base structure 110. The fluid well insert 120 is configured to retain a microscope slide 130 for mounting of a biological sample 150 within the microfluidic device 100. The fluid well insert 120 is also configured to provide a fluid to said biological sample 150. A fluid well insert lid 160 coupled to the fluid well insert 120 is also provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for image multiplexing includes a base structure and a fluid well insert. The base structure comprises an optical window. The fluid well insert configured to be coupled to the base structure and to retain a microscope slide for mounting a biological sample within the microfluidic device. The fluid well insert is further configured to provide a fluid to the biological sample. A fluid well insert lid is coupled to the fluid well insert or the fluid well insert comprises a fluid well insert lid.

Abstract: A device and/or methodology are described that include a mechanism for separating erythrocytes from other constituents of blood and for purifying leukocytes from blood. The separation and purification aspects may be provided in separate components or within the same component. The separation aspect assists in separating erythrocytes (red blood cells) from other cells in blood, such as by aggregation of the red blood cells. A suitable aggregation device or device component uses chambers with at least one small dimension (e.g., a microfluidic chip) to control the interaction of the blood with a solution containing a high molecular weight polymer (e.g., dextran) to achieve separation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a consumable sample partition device and it assembly and use. The sample partition device can be used to test a sample for absence of microorganisms (sterility) and/or for concentration of said organisms (bio-burden). The sample partition device partitions the sample input volume into multiple discrete measurement zones with little or no loss of sample (e.g., zero-loss) and with little operator involvement, thereby reducing operator- and environment-based false positives.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to approaches for assessing a sample or the presence of microorganisms. The sample, in certain implementations may be assessed for one or both of absence of microorganisms (sterility) and/or for concentration of said organisms (bio-burden). sample partition device may be employed that partitions the sample input volume into multiple discrete measurement zones with little or no loss of sample (e.g., zero-loss) and with little operator involvement, thereby reducing operator- and environment-based false positives.

Abstract: A device and/or methodology are described that include a mechanism for separating erythrocytes from other constituents of blood and for purifying leukocytes from blood. The separation and purification aspects may be provided in separate components or within the same component. The separation aspect assists in separating erythrocytes (red blood cells) from other cells in blood, such as by aggregation of the red blood cells. A suitable aggregation device or device component uses chambers with at least one small dimension (e.g., a microfluidic chip) to control the interaction of the blood with a solution containing a high molecular weight polymer (e.g., dextran) to achieve separation.

Abstract: A system includes a bacteria culture array that includes a plurality of chambers each configured to receive a portion of a sample that includes bacteria. Each individual chamber of the plurality of chambers includes a chamber opening configured to permit access of the portion of the sample to the individual chamber. The system also includes one or more sensors configured to collect data from the individual chamber. The sensors are configured to contact the sample. Additionally, the system includes a monitoring and analysis system that includes a processor configured to receive the data from the one or more sensors at a first time and a second time, compare the data received at the second time to the data received at the first time, and identify a portion of the plurality of chambers of the bacteria culture array based on the comparing.

Abstract: Approaches are disclosed for calibrating a plurality of imaging devices, such as microscopes. In certain implementations, a calibration plate is employed that includes a variety of calibration features. The calibration features comprise a geometric calibration, an illumination calibration, and an optical calibration. Imaging devices calibrated in accordance with the present approaches may be used to generate images having consistent attributes, such as brightness, regardless of which imaging device is employed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing biological specimens are provided. The biological specimen processing system generally includes a flow cell carrier for holding a microfluidic flow cell and a fluidic handling unit attachable to the flow cell carrier. The fluidic handling unit interfaces with the microfluidic flow cell and can include fluidic pumps, fluidic connections, integrated electronics, and processing software to facilitate processing of a biological specimen contained in the microfluidic flow cell.

Abstract: A system includes a bacteria culture array that includes a plurality of chambers each configured to receive a portion of a sample that includes bacteria. Each individual chamber of the plurality of chambers includes a chamber opening configured to permit access of the portion of the sample to the individual chamber. The system also includes one or more sensors configured to collect data from the individual chamber. The sensors are configured to contact the sample. Additionally, the system includes a monitoring and analysis system that includes a processor configured to receive the data from the one or more sensors at a first time and a second time, compare the data received at the second time to the data received at the first time, and identify a portion of the plurality of chambers of the bacteria culture array based on the comparing.

Abstract: A device and/or methodology are described that include a mechanism for separating erythrocytes from other constituents of blood and for purifying leukocytes from blood. The separation and purification aspects may be provided in separate components or within the same component. The separation aspect assists in separating erythrocytes (red blood cells) from other cells in blood, such as by aggregation of the red blood cells. A suitable aggregation device or device component uses chambers with at least one small dimension (e.g., a microfluidic chip) to control the interaction of the blood with a solution containing a high molecular weight polymer (e.g., dextran) to achieve separation.

Abstract: Approaches are disclosed for calibrating a plurality of imaging devices, such as microscopes. In certain implementations, a calibration plate is employed that includes a variety of calibration features. The calibration features comprise a geometric calibration, an illumination calibration, and an optical calibration. Imaging devices calibrated in accordance with the present approaches may be used to generate images having consistent attributes, such as brightness, regardless of which imaging device is employed.