Abstract: Devices for performing fine-needle aspiration of tissue and methods of using the same are disclosed. The device includes a syringe including a fiber optic probe, a plunger, and a needle and a holder including a coupling mechanism, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The fiber optic probe is configured to move within a lumen of the needle and is guided into the needle by a fiber optic channel. The plunger is configured to create a vacuum in the needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the control of fluid flow rate and direction on a microfluidic device. In particular, the present invention provides an integrated valveless microfluidic device, where directional fluid control is controlled using off-chip remote valve switching and fluid flow rate changes are controlled using on-chip flow-rate changing fluid reservoirs. The present invention provides methods and systems for directional fluid control and control of fluid flow rate in an integrated microfluidic device which enables processes with different flow rates to be performed on one device without the need of on-chip valves.