Abstract: A fluidic circuit for receiving a fluid and separating a component of a fluid from the fluid comprises a separation chamber for receiving the fluid, an air chamber in fluid communication with the separation chamber, and a return channel in fluid communication with the separation chamber. In an advantageous embodiment, the fluidic circuit is subjected to a force, such as a centrifugal force, so that substantially all of the component of the fluid is moved to the return channel while substantially all remaining portions of the fluid are moved to the separation chamber.

Abstract: A fluidic circuit for receiving a fluid and separating a component of a fluid from the fluid comprises a separation chamber for receiving the fluid, an air chamber in fluid communication with the separation chamber, and return channel in fluid communication with the separation chamber. In an advantageous embodiment, the fluidic circuit is subjected to a force, such as a centrifugal force, so that substantially all of the component of the fluid is moved to the return channel while substantially all remaining portions of the fluid are moved tot the separation chamber.

Abstract: An optical analysis disc includes grooves defining corresponding laser-readable tracks and trigger marks that identify respective target regions on the disc. The trigger marks are implemented as a radial interruption of the grooves to thereby produce an increased reflection of a laser beam. There is also provided an optical analysis disc system including a trigger mechanism having a trigger detector adapted to detect interruptions in grooves of an optical analysis disc. A related method for triggering through interrupted grooves of an optical analysis disc includes detecting interruption in the grooves, generating an electrical reflection signal corresponding to the interruptions detected, and elaborating said reflection signal, so that to generate a trigger signal.

Abstract: When the quantification of an analyte is based on a color change detected by a change in the amount of light transmitted or reflected, undiluted samples often saturate the detection range of the assay. Thus, very often, the sample needs to be diluted for reliable quantification. Disclosed are systems and method, including various configurations of fluidic circuits for us on an optical bio-disc, that advantageously allow the use of undiluted and/or whole blood samples for colorimetric assays on optical bio-disc is described.

Abstract: Methods for decreasing non-specific bindings of beads in dual bead assays and related optical bio-discs and disc drive systems. Methods include identifying whether a target agent is present in a biological sample and mixing capture beads each having at least one transport probe affixed thereto, reporter beads each having at least one signal probe affixed thereto, and a biological sample. Mixing is performed under binding conditions to permit formation of a dual bead complex if the target agent is present in the sample. The reporter bead and capture bead each are bound to the target agent. Denaturing the target agent and keeping it in the denatured form by use of a specialized hybridization buffer is also provided. A denaturing agent is guanidine isothiocynate.

Abstract: An optical analysis disc includes grooves defining corresponding laser-readable tracks and trigger marks that identify respective target regions on the disc. The trigger marks are implemented as a radial interruption of the grooves to thereby produce an increased reflection of a laser beam. There is also provided an optical analysis disc system including a trigger mechanism having a trigger detector adapted to detect interruptions in grooves of an optical analysis disc. A related method for triggering through interrupted grooves of an optical analysis disc includes detecting interruption in the grooves, generating an electrical reflection signal corresponding to the interruptions detected, and elaborating said reflection signal, so that to generate a trigger signal.

Abstract: A fluidic circuit for receiving a fluid and separating a component of a fluid from the fluid comprises a separation chamber for receiving the fluid, an air chamber in fluid communication with the separation chamber, and a return channel in fluid communication with the separation chamber. In an advantageous embodiment, the fluidic circuit is subjected to a force, such as a centrifugal force, so that substantially all of the component of the fluid is moved to the return channel while substantially all remaining portions of the fluid are moved to the separation chamber.

Abstract: A fluidic circuit for receiving a fluid and separating a component of a fluid from the fluid comprises a separation chamber for receiving the fluid, an air chamber in fluid communication with the separation chamber, and a return channel in fluid communication with the separation chamber. In an advantageous embodiment, the fluidic circuit is subjected to a force, such as a centrifugal force, so that substantially all of the component of the fluid is moved to the return channel while substantially all remaining portions of the fluid are moved to the separation chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting differential cell counts including leukocytes and use of optical bio-discs for performing such cell counts is disclosed. The bio-disc includes a substantially circular substrate having a center and an outer edge, an active layer associated with the substrate; a target zone disposed between the center and the outer edge; and a plurality of capture antibodies bound to the active layer such that the antibodies are immobilized on the active layer in the target zone.

Abstract: Bio-optical disc assays and bio-safety features for bio-optical drives to be applied on bio-optical discs and discs including same. Disc assays and means for performing disc assays while avoiding leakage of liquids loaded into discs. Related disc drive systems and methods include covering the disc ports with a sealant.

Abstract: An optical analysis disc includes a substrate having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter and an operational layer associated with the substrate. The operational layer includes encoded information located substantially along information tracks. An analysis area includes investigational features. The analysis area is positioned between the inner perimeter and the outer perimeter of the substrate and directed along the information tracks so that when an incident beam of electromagnetic energy tracks along the information tracks, any investigational features within the analysis zone are thereby interrogated circumferentially.