Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for analyzing small volumes of fluidic samples, as a non-limiting example, less than twenty microliters are provided. The devices are configured to make a first sample reading, for example, measure an energy property of the fluid sample, for example, osmolality, make a second sample reading, for example, detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the fluid sample, or make both the first sample reading and the second sample reading, for example, measuring the energy property of the fluid sample as well as detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for analyzing small volumes of fluidic samples, as a non-limiting example, less than twenty microliters are provided. The devices are configured to make a first sample reading, for example, measure an energy property of the fluid sample, for example, osmolality, make a second sample reading, for example, detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the fluid sample, or make both the first sample reading and the second sample reading, for example, measuring the energy property of the fluid sample as well as detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the fluid sample.

Abstract: A tool for perforating a polymeric film is disclosed having a support substrate and at least one projection extending from the substrate. The projection is multi-sided with side walls that have straight sides that are tapered upwardly and inwardly from the support substrate at an angle theta (?) that is at least 5°. The angle is measured in relation to imaginary lines extending perpendicularly to the substrate at the locations at which the side walls contact the substrate.

Abstract: A pipette component for use in performing an experimental procedure with a fluid sample and a pipette, the pipette component including: a pipette interface configured to engage sealingly and separably with a body of the pipette; a tip interface configured to engage sealingly and separably with a replaceable tip; and an experiment region configured to receive at least part of the fluid sample by operation of the pipette, and configured to perform at least part of the experimental procedure in the experiment region using the at least part of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising a body comprising a capsule interface, and a capsule configured to interface with the body via the capsule interface and configured to hold a sample receiving chip. The sample receiving chip comprises a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid, wherein the substrate is operatively shaped to receive the aliquot volume of sample fluid through capillary action, and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region, whereupon energy properties of the sample fluid can be transduced to produce a sample fluid reading.

Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising a body comprising a capsule interface, and a capsule configured to interface with the body via the capsule interface and configured to hold a sample receiving chip. The sample receiving chip comprises a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid, wherein the substrate is operatively shaped to receive the aliquot volume of sample fluid through capillary action, and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region, whereupon energy properties of the sample fluid can be transduced to produce a sample fluid reading.

Abstract: A tool for perforating a polymeric film is disclosed. The tool comprises a support substrate and at least one projection (3) extending from the substrate. The projection is multi-sided with side walls that have straight sides that are tapered upwardly and inwardly from the support substrate at an angle theta (?) that is at least 5°. The angle is measured in relation to imaginary lines extending perpendicularly to the substrate at the locations at which the side walls contact the substrate.

Abstract: A method for treating a film by providing a structure including a substrate and an array of upstanding projections each of which includes multiple contact points. The structure is pressed against the surface of a polymeric film to cause deformation or rupture of the film. The film may then be pressed to partially reseal the perforations. The structure can be produced by electroplating a mould which includes an array of elements of dimensions corresponding to the projections of the desired structure.

Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising a body comprising a capsule interface, and a capsule configured to interface with the body via the capsule interface and configured to hold a sample receiving chip. The sample receiving chip comprises a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid, wherein the substrate is operatively shaped to receive the aliquot volume of sample fluid through capillary action, and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region, whereupon energy properties of the sample fluid can be transduced to produce a sample fluid reading.

Abstract: A method for treating a film by providing a structure including a substrate and an array of upstanding projections each of which includes multiple contact points. The structure is pressed against the surface of a polymeric film to cause deformation or rupture of the film. The film may then be pressed to partially reseal the perforations. The structure can be produced by electroplating a mould which includes an array of elements of dimensions corresponding to the projections of the desired structure.