Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting polynucleotide hybridization in luminescence-based assays. The methods may include (1) contacting a sample polynucleotide with a reference polynucleotide at an assay site, where at least one of the polynucleotides is capable of emitting luminescence, (2) illuminating the assay site with light capable of stimulating such luminescence, (3) detecting light transmitted from the assay site, and (4) deriving information relating to the extent of hybridization between the sample and reference polynucleotides based on the detected light. The methods may further include (1) illuminating with and/or detecting polarized light, (2) deriving information relating to the sequence of the sample polynucleotide from the extent of hybridization, and (3) converting the light to a signal and distinguishing between a portion of the signal attributable to luminescence and a portion attributable to background.

Abstract: Devices for automatically feeding sample containers into and out of an analyzer. The device may include (1) a first station that receives and initiates transport of a sample container into an analyzer for analysis, (2) a second station where the sample container is handed off to a transporter that carries the sample container to and from an examination site inside the analyzer, and (3) a third station that collects the sample container after examination. The device also may include a singulation mechanism configured to separate a sample container from a stack of sample containers, and/or a stacking mechanism configured to add a sample container to a stack of sample containers. The singulation and stacking mechanisms may include lifter and latch components.

Abstract: A broad-range light-detection system. In some embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for detecting light with high accuracy over a broad range of intensities. In other embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for automatically scaling the detection range to improve detection based on the intensity of the detected light. In yet other embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased speed, particularly in applications involving analysis of successive samples.

Abstract: Sample-holding devices and systems for efficiently utilizing relatively small-volume fluid samples.

Abstract: An integrated fluid delivery and analysis system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: Devices and methods for containing and analyzing small sample volumes that are sandwiched between solid surfaces. The devices may include an automated drive mechanism that controls the relative positions of the surfaces and an environmental-control mechanism that controls the humidity, temperature, and/or other environmental conditions around the small sample volume. In some embodiments, at least one of the surfaces has a light-transmissive window for allowing optical analysis of a sample contained between the surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring light transmitted from a sample. The apparatus may include a stage, a light source, and a detector. The stage may be configured to hold a microplate having a plurality of sample wells. The apparatus may be configured to take frequency-domain time-resolved measurements of one or more of luminescence lifetimes and reorientational correlation times of a luminescent analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Frequency-domain light detection systems and components and uses thereof for performing time-resolved luminescence assays. The systems may include methods for identifying and/or correcting for background and/or quenching, among others. The systems also may include apparatus for increasing duty cycle and/or sensitivity, among others.

Abstract: A high-throughput light detection instrument and method are described. In some embodiments, switch mechanisms and optical relay structures permit different light sources and/or detectors to be selected for different applications. In other embodiments, switch mechanisms and optical paths permit top/bottom illumination and/or top/bottom detection, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for preparing and using a very large and diverse array of compounds on a substrate having rapidly accessible locations. The substrate contains cells in which the compounds of the array are located. Surrounding the cells is a non-wetable surface that prevents the solution in one cell from moving to adjacent cells. The compounds are delivered to the individual cells of the array by a micropipette attached to an X-Y translation stage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring light transmitted from a sample. The apparatus may include a stage, a light source, and a detector. The stage may be configured to hold a microplate having a plurality of sample wells. The apparatus may be configured to take measurements of one or more of absorbance, scattering, reflectance and luminescence. The apparatus may permit simultaneous measurements of two or more of these properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for preparing and using a very large and diverse array of compounds on a substrate having rapidly accessible locations. The substrate contains cells in which the compounds of the array are located. Surrounding the cells is a non-wetable surface that prevents the solution in one cell from moving to adjacent cells. The compounds are delivered to the individual cells of the array by a micropipette attached to an X-Y translation stage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optical detection with improved read speed and/or signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A broad-range light-detection system. In some embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for detecting light with high accuracy over a broad range of intensities. In other embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for automatically scaling the detection range to improve detection based on the intensity of the detected light. In yet other embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased speed, particularly in applications involving analysis of successive samples.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: A broad-range light-detection system. In some embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for detecting light with high accuracy over a broad range of intensities. In other embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for automatically scaling the detection range to improve detection based on the intensity of the detected light. In yet other embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased speed, particularly in applications involving analysis of successive samples.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting polynucleotide hybridization in luminescence-based assays. The methods may include (1) allele-specific hybridization, using luminescence detection, (2) allele-specific oligonucleotide ligation, using dye-labeled oligonucleotide ligation with luminescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) detection, and (3) allele-specific nucleotide incorporation, using primer extension with luminescence polarization (FP) detection. More specifically, the methods may include (1) locating a sample containing a nucleic acid material at an examination site, (2) illuminating the sample, (3) detecting light transmitted from the sample, and (4) determining the presence, absence, and/or identity of a nucleic acid target in the sample using the light transmitted from the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining temporal properties of photoluminescent samples using frequency-domain photoluminescence measurements, where the measurements may include photon counting and/or the separation of measured luminescence into potentially overlapping time bins.

Abstract: Devices for using optical filters in a filter holder that enable optical filters to be simply, conveniently, and flexibly interchanged.