Abstract: Provided herein are enhanced imaging techniques which allow for the use of multiple optical sensors, each of which corresponds to only a portion of an array, including utilizing individual sensors for each individual well of a multi-well plate. The provided systems and methods may reduce the amount of time to perform optical analysis of an array, reduce the amount of moving parts or mechanical devices required to perform optical analysis and/or reduce the amount of space between the sensors and the array being analyzed resulting in more compact, efficient optical analyzers.

Abstract: The systems and methods contained herein are directed toward automated analysis of agglutination reactions to determine properties of materials, including viruses and vaccines thereto. Advanced digital imaging and processing techniques are used to determine the presence or absence of viruses or antibodies within a fluid sample. The systems and methods are versatile, and can be used to determine specific properties of biomaterials and viruses, such as titer value, concentration, genotype, phenotype, serotype, vaccine efficacy, viral resistance and other properties of relevance in the medical, research and development fields. Also provided are systems and methods of standardization, repeatability, and data storage and transmittal to reduce errors and subjectivity inherent to conventional assays characterized by human readers.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for multiplexed detection of a plurality of targets, including targets associated with a measles (M) virus and a rubella (R) virus, including a M vaccine, a R vaccine, or a MR vaccine. A plurality of capture agents specific to a measles target and a rubella target are provided on a substrate, wherein the capture agents specifically bind to the measles target and the rubella target. Contacting the plurality of capture agents with a sample forms a capture agent-target complex which can be detected by a corresponding spatial pattern of capture agent-target complex.

Abstract: A flow cytometry system and method for quantification of fluorescently labeled virus particles smaller than 1 micron in size measures and controls sample fluid flow rate to an investigatory flow cell at a rate below 5000 nanoliters per minute and calculates in real time particle concentration in the sample fluid using measured flow rated data flow rate data and with correction for sample fluid flow rate fluctuations.

Abstract: A method and a flow cytometer system in which a light path is aligned to optimally direct light from a light source to a flow cell of a flow cytometer instrument are provided. The flow cytometer may include an orientable mirror disposed in the light path between the light source and the flow cell. By changing an orientation of the mirror through a sequence of different orientations, an optimal orientation of the mirror may be determined, and the mirror may be oriented accordingly before proceeding to conduct a flow cytometry investigation.

Abstract: Methods for the quantification of influenza HA proteins and anti-influenza antibodies for the fields of vaccine-related protein quantification, potency determination, and efficacy evaluation are provided. According to the technology, quantification is achieved by providing capture agents attached to an array in a series of decreasing concentrations. Serial dilutions of a reference material also may be introduced. The reference material within each solution binds to the capture agents on the array and is labeled with a label agent capable of producing a detectable signal used to construct a calibration curve. A target material of unknown concentration is introduced to a separate identical array, and the target material binds to the capture agents and also is labeled by a label agent to produce a detectable signal. The calibration curve based on the reference material is then utilized to determine the concentration of the target material without the need to perform replicate experiments.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating particle attributes in a sample fluid subjected to flow cytometry investigation in a flow cytometer instrument, methods of processing time series signal data traces output by a flow cytometer instrument, and a flow cytometer system are provided. In the methods and systems, data points comprising time series signal data traces corresponding with detection during the flow cytometry investigation of light from the sample fluid in one or more wavelength ranges indicative of the presence of one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid are batch-processed using a batch-specific signal peak threshold determined as a function of a batch-specific noise characteristic to identify signal peaks in the batch of data points indicative of the presence of the one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid.

Abstract: Provided herein are enhanced imaging techniques which allow for the use of multiple optical sensors, each of which corresponds to only a portion of an array, including utilizing individual sensors for each individual well of a multi-well plate. The provided systems and methods may reduce the amount of time to perform optical analysis of an array, reduce the amount of moving parts or mechanical devices required to perform optical analysis and/or reduce the amount of space between the sensors and the array being analyzed resulting in more compact, efficient optical analyzers.

Abstract: Methods for the quantification of influenza HA proteins and anti-influenza antibodies for the fields of vaccine-related protein quantification, potency determination, and efficacy evaluation are provided. According to the technology, quantification is achieved by providing capture agents attached to an array in a series of decreasing concentrations. Serial dilutions of a reference material also may be introduced. The reference material within each solution binds to the capture agents on the array and is labeled with a label agent capable of producing a detectable signal used to construct a calibration curve. A target material of unknown concentration is introduced to a separate identical array, and the target material binds to the capture agents and also is labeled by a label agent to produce a detectable signal. The calibration curve based on the reference material is then utilized to determine the concentration of the target material without the need to perform replicate experiments.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating particle attributes in a sample fluid subjected to flow cytometry investigation in a flow cytometer instrument, methods of processing time series signal data traces output by a flow cytometer instrument, and a flow cytometer system are provided. In the methods and systems, data points comprising time series signal data traces corresponding with detection during the flow cytometry investigation of light from the sample fluid in one or more wavelength ranges indicative of the presence of one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid are batch-processed using a batch-specific signal peak threshold determined as a function of a batch-specific noise characteristic to identify signal peaks in the batch of data points indicative of the presence of the one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid.

Abstract: A flow cytometry system and method for quantification of fluorescently labeled virus particles smaller than 1 micron in size measures and controls sample fluid flow rate to an investigatory flow cell at a rate below 5000 nanoliters per minute and calculates in real time particle concentration in the sample fluid using measured flow rated data flow rate data and with correction for sample fluid flow rate fluctuations.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating particle attributes in a sample fluid subjected to flow cytometry investigation in a flow cytometer instrument, methods of processing time series signal data traces output by a flow cytometer instrument, and a flow cytometer system are provided. In the methods and systems, data points comprising time series signal data traces corresponding with detection during the flow cytometry investigation of light from the sample fluid in one or more wavelength ranges indicative of the presence of one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid are batch-processed using a batch-specific signal peak threshold determined as a function of a batch-specific noise characteristic to identify signal peaks in the batch of data points indicative of the presence of the one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid.

Abstract: The systems and methods contained herein are directed toward automated analysis of agglutination reactions to determine properties of materials, including viruses and vaccines thereto. Advanced digital imaging and processing techniques are used to determine the presence or absence of viruses or antibodies within a fluid sample. The systems and methods are versatile, and can be used to determine specific properties of biomaterials and viruses, such as titer value, concentration, genotype, phenotype, serotype, vaccine efficacy, viral resistance and other properties of relevance in the medical, research and development fields. Also provided are systems and methods of standardization, repeatability, and data storage and transmittal to reduce errors and subjectivity inherent to conventional assays characterized by human readers.

Abstract: The invention provides microarray systems and methods for pathogen identification and characterization. Aspects of the invention implement supervised learning for microarray data analysis to enhance the accuracy and scope of genomic and diagnostic information obtained. Embodiments of the invention, for example, utilize structured logical combinations of the output of independent supervised learning algorithms, such as artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms, to provide an efficient and rapid pathway to clinically and epidemiologically relevant diagnostic information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods that enable improved accuracy for quantitative particle counting in a flowing liquid stream. The methods of the present invention utilize the real-time measurement of flow rates and flow rate control through feedback mechanisms to improve quantification, and this improved quantification translates to more accurate particle counting. In certain embodiments, particles being counted are biological particles in a liquid sample, such as viruses.

Abstract: Provided herein is a multiplexed RT-PCR based assay for amplification multiple whole gene segments of influenza A and B. Accordingly, various oligonucleotide primers are disclosed, including for use in a multiplex RT-PCR process for influenza detection and characterization. The primers and instructions for use may be provided in the form of a kit. Applications for the primers and related methods include as a clinical virology tool, epidemiological and surveillance tool, as well as in animal surveillance testing for influenza viruses.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating particle attributes in a sample fluid subjected to flow cytometry investigation in a flow cytometer instrument, methods of processing time series signal data traces output by a flow cytometer instrument, and a flow cytometer system are provided. In the methods and systems, data points comprising time series signal data traces corresponding with detection during the flow cytometry investigation of light from the sample fluid in one or more wavelength ranges indicative of the presence of one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid are batch-processed using a batch-specific signal peak threshold determined as a function of a batch-specific noise characteristic to identify signal peaks in the batch of data points indicative of the presence of the one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid.

Abstract: A flow cytometer may include a vibration isolation structure on which a flow cytometer optical system assembly is supported when the flow cytometer is in an operational configuration. A shear protection structure may be positioned to protect a vibration isolation structure from damage during handling and shipping. A flow cytometer optical system assembly may include optical component units fixed in position on a support platform with adjustability of one or more optical features in the optical component units. A light-tight dichroic mirror unit may include a rotatably mounted dichroic mirror with a locking mechanism to permit re-setting angular positioning of a dichroic mirror.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating particle attributes in a sample fluid subjected to flow cytometry investigation in a flow cytometer instrument, methods of processing time series signal data traces output by a flow cytometer instrument, and a flow cytometer system are provided. In the methods and systems, data points comprising time series signal data traces corresponding with detection during the flow cytometry investigation of light from the sample fluid in one or more wavelength ranges indicative of the presence of one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid are batch-processed using a batch-specific signal peak threshold determined as a function of a batch-specific noise characteristic to identify signal peaks in the batch of data points indicative of the presence of the one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid.

Abstract: A flow cytometer may include a vibration isolation structure on which a flow cytometer optical system assembly is supported when the flow cytometer is in an operational configuration. A shear protection structure may be positioned to protect a vibration isolation structure from damage during handling and shipping. A flow cytometer optical system assembly may include optical component units fixed in position on a support platform with adjustability of one or more optical features in the optical component units. A light-tight dichroic mirror unit may include a rotatably mounted dichroic mirror with a locking mechanism to permit re-setting angular positioning of a dichroic mirror.