Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for combining multiple modes and methods of optical detection, postprocessing, and/or feedback loops in bioanalytical measurements. The methods may include (1) positioning a composition at an examination site in a multi-mode instrument; (2) detecting light transmitted form the composition using the multi-mode instrument in a first optical measurement mode; (3) detecting light transmitted from the composition using the multi-mode instrument in a second optical measurement mode, the second mode being different than the first mode; and (4) computing a quantity related to a property of the composition using the light detected in at least one of the optical measurement modes. These steps may be performed on one or more samples, simultaneously and/or sequentially. The quantity may relate to photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, absorption, and/or scattering, among others.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting polynucleotide hybridization in luminescence-based assays. The methods may include (1) contacting a sample polynucleotide with a reference polynucleotide at an assay site, where at least one of the polynucleotides is capable of emitting luminescence, (2) illuminating the assay site with light capable of stimulating such luminescence, (3) detecting light transmitted from the assay site, and (4) deriving information relating to the extent of hybridization between the sample and reference polynucleotides based on the detected light. The methods may further include (1) illuminating with and/or detecting polarized light, (2) deriving information relating to the sequence of the sample polynucleotide from the extent of hybridization, and (3) converting the light to a signal and distinguishing between a portion of the signal attributable to luminescence and a portion attributable to background.

Abstract: Sample-holding devices and systems for efficiently utilizing relatively small-volume fluid samples.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring light transmitted from a sample. The apparatus may include a stage, a light source, and a detector. The stage may be configured to hold a microplate having a plurality of sample wells. The apparatus may be configured to take measurements of one or more of absorbance, scattering, reflectance and luminescence. The apparatus may permit simultaneous measurements of two or more of these properties.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting polynucleotide hybridization in luminescence-based assays. The methods may include (1) contacting a sample polynucleotide with a reference polynucleotide at an assay site, where at least one of the polynucleotides is capable of emitting luminescence, (2) illuminating the assay site with light capable of stimulating such luminescence, (3) detecting light transmitted from the assay site, and (4) deriving information relating to the extent of hybridization between the sample and reference polynucleotides based on the detected light. The methods may further include (1) illuminating with and/or detecting polarized light, (2) deriving information relating to the sequence of the sample polynucleotide from the extent of hybridization, and (3) converting the light to a signal and distinguishing between a portion of the signal attributable to luminescence and a portion attributable to background.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring light transmitted from a sample. The apparatus may include a stage, a light source, and a detector. The stage may be configured to hold a microplate having a plurality of sample wells. The apparatus may be configured to take measurements of one or more of absorbance, scattering, reflectance and luminescence. The apparatus may permit simultaneous measurements of two or more of these properties.