Abstract: A chip-based optical detection system for detecting a target component in a liquid sample is provided. The system comprises a fluid pathway disposed in an interior volume of the chip; an inlet fluidically connecting an external surface of the chip to the fluid pathway; an optical element at least partially defining the fluid pathway; and a flow controller configured to control a flow of the liquid sample through the fluid pathway. One or more capture components are immobilised on the optical element, one or more detection reagents are provided in a proximity of the capture components, and the flow controller is configured to control the flow of the liquid sample along the fluid pathway such that the detection reagents are brought into contact with the capture components via diffusion.

Abstract: A sample management module for collecting a fluid sample is provided. The module comprising; a sample collection device comprising a sample collection location; a decoupling zone configured to receive sample from the collection device, an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with the decoupling zone to accommodate any sample that does not fit into the decoupling zone; wherein the overflow reservoir is configured to ensure pressure within the module can be managed. A cartridge comprising a sample management module is also provided.

Abstract: A storage and incubation device is provided. The device is configured to accommodate a plurality of assay chips, each assay chip including a unique identifier. The device comprises: a plurality of berths each sized to accommodate an assay chip; a communication module configured to receive information about the identifier of each assay chip; a clock timer configured to monitor the timing of the assay within each assay chip; a completion module to manage each assay chip when the assay is complete.

Abstract: A sample management module for receiving a fluid sample for an immunoassay is provided. The module comprises: a sample reception device for receiving a sample; a detection reagent; a controller configured to initiate a reaction timer on the basis of an actuation event when the sample and detection reagent are brought into contact.

Abstract: A combined sample collection and filtration device is provided for collecting and filtering a fluid sample. The device comprises: a sample collection location; a filter module for removing particulate matter from the fluid sample; the filter module having bubble point and a burst pressure; and one or more voids in communication with the sample collection location for accommodating sample during pressurisation such that the pressure within the device remains below the bubble point and the burst pressure of the filter module.

Abstract: A lateral to free flow assay device is provided for analysis of a fluid sample. The device comprises: a sample collection unit configured to introduce the sample into the device; an optical element configured to facilitate TIR for the analysis of the sample; a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between the sample collection unit and a free flow region adjacent the optical element; a wicking pad defining a lateral flow section of the fluid pathway or provided in the sample collection unit to collect the sample; wherein at least one surface of the optical element defines at least part of the free flow region of the fluid pathway; and wherein the fluid pathway is configured to enable fluid flow from the lateral flow region to the free flow region of the fluid pathway to facilitate the analysis of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating and correcting a two dimensional intensity map of one or more assay spots in a detection zone is provided. The apparatus comprising, a locator for affirming the location of the detection zone; a total internal reflection excitation device comprising a light source for illuminating the one or more assay spots in the detection zone; a detector configured to receive light that is emitted, reflected or scattered from the one or more assay spots and to create a two dimensional intensity map of the one or more assay spots comprising a two dimensional array of quantitative pixel values; and a processor configured to correct the intensity map to remove noise through analysis of corresponding pixel values from an earlier intensity map; wherein the analysis includes curve fitting.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for detecting the presence and/or the quantity of a target component in a biological fluid in an integrated assay cartridge (52) of predetermined configuration, the assay cartridge comprising a capture component (22) at a predetermined location in the assay cartridge, the apparatus comprising: a detector (12)for detecting the amount of light scattered, transmitted or emitted by the sample to provide an indication of the presence and/or the quantity of the target component within the sample; three location positions (30), the three positions defining a location along the optical path of the detector on which to locate the cartridge of a predetermined size; wherein location positions are configured such that the capture component of the assay cartridge is located, in use, at the focal plane of the detector. Measures to ensure quality control may also be provided.

Abstract: An assay cartridge for detecting a target component in a liquid sample is provided. The cartridge comprises: a sample collection unit configured to introduce the liquid sample into the cartridge; a fluid pathway commencing at its proximal end at the sample collection unit and extending distally through the cartridge including: one or more capture components immobilised within the fluid pathway; one or more detection reagents provided within the diffusion distance of the capture components.

Abstract: An assay cartridge for detecting a target component in a liquid sample is provided. The cartridge comprises: a sample collection unit configured to introduce the liquid sample into the cartridge; a fluid pathway commencing at its proximal end at the sample collection unit and extending distally through the cartridge including: one or more capture components immobilised within the fluid pathway; one or more detection reagents provided proximally of or level with the capture components each contained within a liquid droplet.

Abstract: A sample management module for collecting a fluid sample is provided. The module comprising; a sample collection device comprising a sample collection location; a decoupling zone configured to receive sample from the collection device, an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with the decoupling zone to accommodate any sample that does not fit into the decoupling zone; wherein the overflow reservoir is configured to ensure pressure within the module can be managed. A cartridge comprising a sample management module is also provided.

Abstract: An assay cartridge for detecting a target component in a fluid is provided. The assay cartridge including an optical element comprising: a light pathway comprising an input surface, reflective surface and output surface configured to enable light to enter, reflect and create an evanescent field in the vicinity of the reflective surface and exit the element; a plurality of capture components deposited on the reflective surface in the vicinity of the evanescent field; and a transmission surface configured to enable emissions from the evanescent field to exit the element; wherein the assay cartridge is a single use cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing adjustment data for a droplet deposition head (such as a printhead), or a data processing component therefor. The method makes use of test data, which has been collected by operating the droplet deposition head (or a test droplet deposition head of substantially the same construction, e.g from the same batch), using a set of test waveforms, at a number of frequencies within a test range, and by recording the volume and velocity of the thus-ejected droplets, with these recorded values (volr, velr) being represented within the test data. Each of the set of test waveforms includes a basic drive waveform and a number of adjusted drive waveforms, each of which corresponds to the basic drive waveform, but with a particular waveform parameter adjusted by a corresponding amount. This waveform parameter is a continuous variable, such as pulse width or pulse amplitude.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing adjustment data for a droplet deposition head (such as a printhead), or a data processing component therefor. The method makes use of test data, which has been collected by operating the droplet deposition head (or a test droplet deposition head of substantially the same construction, e.g from the same batch), using a set of test waveforms, at a number of frequencies within a test range, and by recording the volume and velocity of the thus-ejected droplets, with these recorded values (volr, velr) being represented within the test data. Each of the set of test waveforms includes a basic drive waveform and a number of adjusted drive waveforms, each of which corresponds to the basic drive waveform, but with a particular waveform parameter adjusted by a corresponding amount. This waveform parameter is a continuous variable, such as pulse width or pulse amplitude.