Abstract: Technology described herein includes a method that includes providing, by an optical light source, a light beam configured to traverse an optical path through a fluid comprising the biological sample in a container. A length of the optical path through the fluid is between 3.3 mm to 5.5 mm, and a center of the light beam is at a height less than 1.6 mm from a bottom interior surface of the container, and a volume of the fluid is less than 120 ?L. An optical detector receives optical information after the light beam traverses the optical path. An output of the optical detector is associated with at least one parameter representing the one or more characteristics of the biological sample.

Abstract: An example medical diagnostic system includes one or more containers that are usable in a medical diagnostic test. Each container has an identification (ID) tag associated therewith. An ID tag of a container includes memory that is readable and writeable. The memory is for storing information relating to the container. Antennas are configured to communicate wirelessly with ID tags associated with the one or more containers. A control system is configured to store a location of the container based on an identify of the antenna, to select the antenna for communication with the ID tag, and to use the antenna to read at least some of the information from, or to write at least some of the information to, the memory on the ID tag.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pierceable stopper, comprising a plug portion, and a disk portion disposed on top of the plug portion and comprising a flange extending radially beyond an outer diameter of the plug portion. The embodiments also provide a lyophilization stopper, comprising a body comprising an integral hinge means, and a flange extending radially beyond an outer diameter of the body. Additionally, the embodiments provide a probe assembly, comprising a first needle comprising a hollow cavity and a pointed tip, and a second needle disposed inside the hollow cavity and comprising a rounded tip. The embodiments further provide a cartridge assembly, comprising a first housing comprising a first set of cavities configured to accommodate one or more containers, and a second housing comprising a second set of cavities corresponding to the first set of cavities when the second housing is coupled to the first housing.