Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting one or more target analytes in a sample, the apparatus including (i) a sample container for encapsulating a sample mixture comprising the sample and at least one lysis reagent; (ii) at least one vacutainer sealed at a negative pressure with a sealing element, and containing stabilized reagents corresponding to detecting at least one of the target analytes; and, (iii) at least one fluid communication channel oriented to enable an engageable fluid connection of the sample mixture from the sample container to one or more of the at least one vacutainers through the sealing element of each such fluidly-connected at least one vacutainer, wherein the establishment of the engageable fluid connection with the at least one vacutainer sealed at negative pressure causes at least some of the sample mixture from the sample container to be communicated to such fluidly-connected at least one vacutainer.

Abstract: A method for autofocusing a microscope at a correct autofocus position in a sample includes the steps: generating a reference pattern by an autofocus light device, projecting the reference pattern towards a sample, whereby the reference pattern is backscattered by at least two interfaces being located at or close to the sample, projecting the backscattered reference pattern towards a detector which provides spatial resolution, obtaining a superposition of a number of detection patterns, each detection pattern related to one of the interfaces, on the detector, analyzing the superposition of detection patterns to identify at least one autofocus detection pattern related to at least one of the interfaces, and analyzing the at least one autofocus detection pattern to determine the direction and/or magnitude of deviation of the microscope's current focus position from the correct focus position.

Abstract: A method for autofocusing a microscope at a correct autofocus position in a sample includes the steps: generating a reference pattern by an autofocus light device, projecting the reference pattern towards a sample, whereby the reference pattern is backscattered by at least two interfaces being located at or close to the sample, projecting the backscattered reference pattern towards a detector which provides spatial resolution, obtaining a superposition of a number of detection patterns, each detection pattern related to one of the interfaces, on the detector, analyzing the superposition of detection patterns to identify at least one autofocus detection pattern related to at least one of the interfaces, and analyzing the at least one autofocus detection pattern to determine the direction and/or magnitude of deviation of the microscope's current focus position from the correct focus position.