Abstract: A method for analyzing a target nucleic acid includes diluting nucleic acid targets and filling pico to femto-liter sized wells such that they contain a single target nucleic acid and one or more amplification reagents, amplifying the target in the individual wells, distinguishing wells containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target generated by polymerase error by using two differently labeled-hybridization probes, one hybridizing to the target and one hybridizing to a specific variant of the target; and analyzing target amplicons.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a target nucleic acid includes diluting nucleic acid targets and filling pico to femto-liter sized wells such that they contain a single target nucleic acid and one or more amplification reagents, amplifying the target in the individual wells, distinguishing wells containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target generated by polymerase error by using two differently labeled-hybridization probes, one hybridizing to the target and one hybridizing to a specific variant of the target; and analyzing target amplicons.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body having at least one channel disposed therein configured to permit fluid flow therethrough. A first portion of the at least one channel is configured to permit interrogation of particles carried by a fluid passing therethrough by a sensor device external to the body. The body further has an entry aperture fluidly coupling the at least one channel to ambient and configured to receive the fluid into the at least one channel. The apparatus further includes first and second sensor elements. The first element is positioned to permit detection of flow of the fluid upstream of a second portion of the at least one channel, and the second element is positioned to permit detection of flow of the fluid downstream of the second portion of the at least one channel.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a target nucleic acid includes diluting nucleic acid targets and filling pico to femto-liter sized wells such that they contain a single target nucleic acid and one or more amplification reagents, amplifying the target in the individual wells, distinguishing wells containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target generated by polymerase error by using two differently labeled-hybridization probes, one hybridizing to the target and one hybridizing to a specific variant of the target; and analyzing target amplicons.

Abstract: A device for facilitating volumetric blood-cell counting includes a blood reservoir configured to receive a blood sample, a first rotatable valve including a first duct having first and second ends, and a first container containing a first reagent. The first end of the first duct is configured to be selectively in fluid communication with the blood reservoir and first container. The device further includes a mixing chamber. The second end of the first duct is configured to be selectively in fluid communication with the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a target nucleic acid includes diluting nucleic acid targets and filling pico to femto-liter sized wells such that they contain a single target nucleic acid and one or more amplification reagents, amplifying the target in the individual wells, distinguishing wells containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target generated by polymerase error by using two differently labeled-hybridization probes, one hybridizing to the target and one hybridizing to a specific variant of the target; and analyzing target amplicons.

Abstract: A flow cytometer including a laser, indexing structure, adjustment structure, and sensor structure. The cytometer is conventionally used with a removable microfluidic cassette, which is installed at a first position that is enforced by the indexing structure. The adjustment structure changes a relative position between an interrogation aperture of the cassette and the laser beam. Feedback from the sensor structure is used to optimize propagation of the laser through the interrogation aperture to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) autofluorescence caused by beam impingement onto the cassette.

Abstract: A portable, stand-alone microfluidic interrogation device including a microprocessor and a touch-screen display. The touch-screen display can receive one or more user input to select a particular particle interrogation procedure, and subsequently show interrogation results. A microfluidic path extending through the interrogation device includes alignment structure that defines an interrogation zone in which particles carried in a fluid are urged toward single-file travel. Operable alignment structure may define sheath-, or non-sheath fluid flow. Desirably, a portion of the alignment structure is removable from the device in a tool-free procedure. The device may operate under the Coulter principle, and/or detect Stokes' shift phenomena, and/or other optically-based signal(s).

Abstract: A portable, stand-alone microfluidic interrogation device including a microprocessor and a touch-screen display. The touch-screen display can receive one or more user input to select a particular particle interrogation procedure, and subsequently show interrogation results. A microfluidic path extending through the interrogation device includes alignment structure that defines an interrogation zone in which particles carried in a fluid are urged toward single-file travel. Operable alignment structure may define sheath-, or non-sheath fluid flow. Desirably, a portion of the alignment structure is removable from the device in a tool-free procedure. The device may operate under the Coulter principle, and/or detect Stokes' shift phenomena, and/or other optically-based signal(s).

Abstract: A flow cytometer including a laser, indexing structure, adjustment structure, and sensor structure. The cytometer is conventionally used with a removable microfluidic cassette, which is installed at a first position that is enforced by the indexing structure. The adjustment structure changes a relative position between an interrogation aperture of the cassette and the laser beam. Feedback from the sensor structure is used to optimize propagation of the laser through the interrogation aperture to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) autofluorescence caused by beam impingement onto the cassette.

Abstract: A flow cytometer including a laser, indexing structure, adjustment structure, and sensor structure. The cytometer is conventionally used with a removable microfluidic cassette, which is installed at a first position that is enforced by the indexing structure. The adjustment structure changes a relative position between an interrogation aperture of the cassette and the laser beam. Feedback from the sensor structure is used to optimize propagation of the laser through the interrogation aperture to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) autofluorescence caused by beam impingement onto the cassette.

Abstract: A method for performing multiplexed bead-based immunoassays using a microfluidic cassette capable of detecting a particle passing in substantially single file through an interrogation zone and generating a Coulter effect signal responsive to a characteristic of the particle. A fluid sample may be prepared by associating antibody-coated beads of different sizes to particles of interest. A first multiplexing option may be based on bead size, in which case the intensity of the Coulter signal is used to sort or characterize the particles. A second multiplexing option may be based on detection of Stokes' shift phenomena, or even simply emission intensity, in which case particles may be characterized responsive to intensity of the signal resulting from detection of radiation. The first and second multiplexing options may be employed together to populate an array of particle characteristics.

Abstract: A flow cytometer including a laser, indexing structure, adjustment structure, and sensor structure. The cytometer is conventionally used with a removable microfluidic cassette, which is installed at a first position that is enforced by the indexing structure. The adjustment structure changes a relative position between an interrogation aperture of the cassette and the laser beam. Feedback from the sensor structure is used to optimize propagation of the laser through the interrogation aperture to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) autofluorescence caused by beam impingement onto the cassette.

Abstract: A pipette instrument 100 carrying interrogation circuitry 132 adapted to interrogate a data signal received from a removable instrumented pipette tip 114. The pipette 100 includes a microprocessor and memory 130 that can be programmed to perform data collection procedures. User controls typically include a start button 108, and a track wheel 110. A display device 112 can present device options through one or more menu, and show data resulting from one or more test result. The pipette can interrogate particles carried by a fluid flowing through a tip 114 by detecting either of or both of Coulter principle phenomena, and Stokes-shift phenomena.

Abstract: A portable, stand-alone microfluidic interrogation device including a microprocessor and a touch-screen display. The touch screen display can receive one or more user input to select a particular particle interrogation procedure, and subsequently show interrogation results. A microfluidic path extending through the interrogation device, includes alignment structure that defines an interrogation zone in which particles carried in a fluid are urged toward single-file travel. Operable alignment structure may define sheath-, or non-sheath fluid flow. Desirably, a portion of the alignment structure is removable from the. device in a tool-free procedure, The device may operate under the Coulter principle, and/or detect Stokes' shift phenomena, and/or other optically-based signal(s).

Abstract: A method for performing multiplexed bead-based immunoassays using a microfluidic cassette capable of detecting a particle passing in substantially single file through an interrogation zone and generating a Coulter effect signal responsive to a characteristic of the particle. A fluid sample may be prepared by associating antibody-coated beads of different sizes to particles of interest. A first multiplexing option may be based on bead size, in which case the intensity of the Coulter signal is used to sort or characterize the particles. A second multiplexing option may be based on detection of Stokes' shift phenomena, or even simply emission intensity, in which case particles may be characterized responsive to intensity of the signal resulting from detection of radiation. The first and second multiplexing options may be employed together to populate an array of particle characteristics.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method of its use. A workable microfluidic device (100) includes a channel (116) extending between an entry aperture (230) and a vent (118). Part of the channel (116) is arranged to permit interrogation of particles carried by a fluid passing therethrough. Suction structure carried on the device (100) is disposed in fluid communication with the channel operably to apply a reduced pressure at the entry aperture (230) effective to infuse an amount of fluid through the entry aperture and into a receiving zone (122, 122?, 122?) of the channel. The entry aperture (230) is placed into a bulk fluid, and the suction structure is operated to load a sample into the microfluidic device (100).

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method of its use. A workable microfluidic device (100) includes a channel (116) extending between an entry aperture (230) and a vent (118). Part of the channel (116) is arranged to permit interrogation of particles carried by a fluid passing therethrough. Suction structure carried on the device (100) is disposed in fluid communication with the channel operably to apply a reduced pressure at the entry aperture (230) effective to infuse an amount of fluid through the entry aperture and into a receiving zone (122, 122?, 122?) of the channel. The entry aperture (230) is placed into a bulk fluid, and the suction structure is operated to load a sample into the microfluidic device (100).

Abstract: A flow cytometer including a laser, indexing structure, adjustment structure, and sensor structure. The cytometer is conventionally used with a removable microfluidic cassette, which is installed at a first position that is enforced by the indexing structure. The adjustment structure changes a relative position between an interrogation aperture of the cassette and the laser beam. Feedback from the sensor structure is used to optimize propagation of the laser through the interrogation aperture to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) autofluorescence caused by beam impingement onto the cassette.

Abstract: A portable, stand-alone microfluidic interrogation device including a microprocessor and a touch-screen display. The touch-screen display can receive one or more user input to select a particular particle interrogation procedure, and subsequently show interrogation results. A microfluidic path extending through the interrogation device includes alignment structure that defines an interrogation zone in which particles carried in a fluid are urged toward single-file travel. Operable alignment structure may define sheath-, or non-sheath fluid flow. Desirably, a portion of the alignment structure is removable from the device in a tool-free procedure. The device may operate under the Coulter principle, and/or detect Stokes' shift phenomena, and/or other optically-based signal(s).