Abstract: Devices and methods for assaying a sample for the presence of at least one analyte are provided. The subject compression devices include a base and a cover configured to apply a compression force to a structure comprising a first substrate separated from a second substrate by a separator when present in the device. The subject methods include contacting a sample with a first surface of a first substrate to produce a substrate supported sample, placing the substrate supported sample in contact with a second substrate to form a structure that includes the first and second substrates spaced-apart from each other by a separator, wherein one of the substrates is an array substrate having at least one array, applying a compression force to compress the structure together using a compression device and reading the at least one array to obtain a result.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for facilitating volumetric ultrasonic scanning of a breast are described. In one preferred embodiment, a generally cone-shaped radial scanning template having a vertex and a wide opening angle is provided, the radial scanning template having a slot-like opening extending outward from the vertex through which an ultrasound transducer scans the breast as the radial scanning template is rotated. In another preferred embodiment, a flexible membrane for compressing a skin surface of the breast is provided, the flexible membrane being mounted on a mechanical assembly such as a roller assembly to form a slot-like opening through which an ultrasound transducer directly contacts the skin surface, the flexible membrane rising and falling relative to the skin surface but not moving laterally as the slot-like opening and ultrasound transducer move laterally across the compressed breast, whereby stabilization of the breast and direct transducer-skin contact are concurrently achieved.

Abstract: Array assay devices and methods for using the same in array based assays are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a bottom surface, a substrate receiving element and a compression element for holding the bottom surface in a fixed position relative to a substrate received by the receiving element. The subject invention also includes methods for performing an array assay. In the subject methods, a subject device is provided and a substrate having at least one array is placed in the receiving element. The bottom surface of the device is compressed by the compression element so as to fix its position relative to the substrate and a sample is contacted to the at least one array. The subject invention also includes kits which include the subject devices.