Abstract: A measurement system comprises an optical detector, a plurality of power sources operable to provide different outputs, and a controllable circuit operable to couple a first selected one of the plurality of power sources to the optical detector. A programmable device is operable when each of the plurality of power sources is providing an associated power output to: (a.) obtain a first measurement from the optical detector while the first selected one of the plurality of power sources is coupled to the optical detector; (b) cause the controllable circuit to couple a second selected one of the plurality of power sources to the optical detector in response to the first measurement; and (c) obtain a second measurement from the optical detector while the second selected one of the plurality of power sources is coupled to the optical detector. Optical measurement methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for time-domain and wavelength domain resolved multiplexed time-resolved fluorescence of a sample having at least one of a first fluorescent label bound to a first analyte and a second fluorescent label bound to a second analyte. The sample also includes a third fluorescent label bound to a third analyte and a fourth fluorescent label bound to a fourth analyte. The first and second fluorescent labels emit wavelengths having a first and second lifetime. The third fluorescent label comprises an upconverting phosphor (UCP) emitting at a wavelength having a third lifetime, and the fourth fluorescent label comprises an infrared dye emitting at wavelength having a fourth lifetime. The methods and systems measure as a function of time intensities of at least one of more of the first, second, third, and fourth fluorescent labels.

Abstract: A Western Blot assay is performed by performing a probing process on a membrane containing target proteins, by contacting the membrane with a fluorescent resonant energy transfer (FRET) solution and allowing the probing process to proceed for a probing time period. The probing process results in a target protein becoming labeled with both a donor chromophore and an acceptor chromophore, which are effective as a donor-acceptor pair for FRET when so linked to the target protein. While performing the probing process, the labeled target proteins are measured by irradiating the membrane with an excitation light to excite the donor chromophores, wherein in each labeled target protein, the excited donor chromophore transfers energy to the acceptor chromophore by FRET and, in response, the labeled target protein emits an emission light. The intensity of the emission light is then measured. The light measured may be light emitted from the donor chromophore and/or light emitted from the acceptor chromophore.

Abstract: A Western Blot assay is performed by performing a probing process on a membrane containing target proteins, by contacting the membrane with a fluorescent resonant energy transfer (FRET) solution and allowing the probing process to proceed for a probing time period. The probing process results in a target protein becoming labeled with both a donor chromophore and an acceptor chromophore, which are effective as a donor-acceptor pair for FRET when so linked to the target protein. While performing the probing process, the labeled target proteins are measured by irradiating the membrane with an excitation light to excite the donor chromophores, wherein in each labeled target protein, the excited donor chromophore transfers energy to the acceptor chromophore by FRET and, in response, the labeled target protein emits an emission light. The intensity of the emission light is then measured. The light measured may be light emitted from the donor chromophore and/or light emitted from the acceptor chromophore.

Abstract: Methods and systems for time-domain and wavelength domain resolved multiplexed time-resolved fluorescence of a sample having at least one of a first fluorescent label bound to a first analyte and a second fluorescent label bound to a second analyte. The sample also includes a third fluorescent label bound to a third analyte and a fourth fluorescent label bound to a fourth analyte. The first and second fluorescent labels emit wavelengths having a first and second lifetime. The third fluorescent label comprises an upconverting phosphor (UCP) emitting at a wavelength having a third lifetime, and the fourth fluorescent label comprises an infrared dye emitting at wavelength having a fourth lifetime. The methods and systems measure as a function of time intensities of at least one of more of the first, second, third, and fourth fluorescent labels.

Abstract: In a method for measuring luminescence of a biological sample utilizing two different luminescence reagents, the sample is agitated to improve mixing with the second luminescence reagent, allowing for a shorter delay time between injection of the second reagent and measurement of the resulting luminescence activity. The improved mixing may also allow for a shorter measurement time, thereby improving throughput when assaying a large number of samples.

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

Abstract: A Western Blot assay is performed by performing a probing process on a membrane containing target proteins, by contacting the membrane with a fluorescent resonant energy transfer (FRET) solution and allowing the probing process to proceed for a probing time period. The probing process results in a target protein becoming labeled with both a donor chromophore and an acceptor chromophore, which are effective as a donor-acceptor pair for FRET when so linked to the target protein. While performing the probing process, the labeled target proteins are measured by irradiating the membrane with an excitation light to excite the donor chromophores, wherein in each labeled target protein, the excited donor chromophore transfers energy to the acceptor chromophore by FRET and, in response, the labeled target protein emits an emission light. The intensity of the emission light is then measured. The light measured may be light emitted from the donor chromophore and/or light emitted from the acceptor chromophore.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multiplexed fluorescence detection, including time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) detection. A combination of spectral and temporal differences in fluorescence emission and spectral differences in excitation is used to enhance the ability to separate signals in an assay from multiple fluorescent labels. Different classes of labels may be utilized, including upconversion phosphors as well as lanthanide chelates and transition metal chelates. The methods may be implemented in optical plate readers, including cartridge-based multi-mode readers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method to multiplex long lifetime fluorescent dyes using time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) detection. A combination of spectral and temporal differences in fluorescence emission is used to enhance the ability to separate signals in an assay from multiple dyes. Multiplexed TRF detection apparatuses and systems configured for performing all or part of any of the methods disclosed herein are also provided, particularly apparatuses and systems incorporating cartridge-based multi-mode readers.

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

Abstract: In a method for measuring luminescence of a biological sample utilizing two different luminescence reagents, the sample is agitated to improve mixing with the second luminescence reagent, allowing for a shorter delay time between injection of the second reagent and measurement of the resulting luminescence activity. The improved mixing may also allow for a shorter measurement time, thereby improving throughput when assaying a large number of samples.

Abstract: A microplate reader and a method for operating the microplate reader are disclosed. The microplate reader includes a housing, a first NFC reader/writer, a filter tray positioning device, a filter tray, an optical filter disposed in the filter tray, and a controller. The filter tray has a filter tray NFC tag disposed thereon and the filter has a filter NFC tag disposed thereon. The controller receives information about an assay protocol to be undertaken, wherein the assay protocol specifies a filter to be used. The first NFC reader/writer reads filter information stored in the filter NFC tag, the controller directs the NFC reader/writer to store the filter information in the filter tray NFC tag, and the controller enables operation of the microplate reader to undertake the assay protocol only if filter information indicates that the optical filter is in accordance with the filter specified in the assay protocol.

Abstract: In a method for measuring luminescence of a biological sample utilizing two different luminescence reagents, the sample is agitated to improve mixing with the second luminescence reagent, allowing for a shorter delay time between injection of the second reagent and measurement of the resulting luminescence activity. The improved mixing may also allow for a shorter measurement time, thereby improving throughput when assaying a large number of samples.

Abstract: In an optical-based sample analysis, for example fluorescence-based or absorbance-based measurement, a selection is made between a first excitation light path and a second excitation light path. The first excitation light path directs excitation light from a light source, through an excitation monochromator, through an excitation filter, and to a sample. The second excitation light path directs excitation light from the light source, through the excitation filter, and to the sample while bypassing the excitation monochromator. Excitation light generated by the light source is transmitted along either the first excitation light path or the second excitation light path in accordance with the selection made, thereby irradiating the sample. In response the sample produces emission light (transmitted light in the case of absorbance measurements), which is transmitted to and measured by a light detector.

Abstract: A microplate reader and a method for operating the microplate reader are disclosed. The microplate reader includes a housing, a first NFC reader/writer, a filter tray positioning device, a filter tray, an optical filter disposed in the filter tray, and a controller. The filter tray has a filter tray NFC tag disposed thereon and the filter has a filter NFC tag disposed thereon. The controller receives information about an assay protocol to be undertaken, wherein the assay protocol specifies a filter to be used. The first NFC reader/writer reads filter information stored in the filter NFC tag, the controller directs the NFC reader/writer to store the filter information in the filter tray NFC tag, and the controller enables operation of the microplate reader to undertake the assay protocol only if filter information indicates that the optical filter is in accordance with the filter specified in the assay protocol.

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

Abstract: A light detector includes a cooling device between a photomultiplier tube (PMT) device and a heat sink. A thermally conductive shield encloses the PMT device and the cooling device and is in thermal contact with the heat sink such that the heat sink transfers heat to the shield. The light detector may be included in sample analyzing apparatus configured for making optical measurements of a sample.

Abstract: In an optical-based sample analysis, for example fluorescence-based or absorbance-based measurement, a selection is made between a first excitation light path and a second excitation light path. The first excitation light path directs excitation light from a light source, through an excitation monochromator, through an excitation filter, and to a sample. The second excitation light path directs excitation light from the light source, through the excitation filter, and to the sample while bypassing the excitation monochromator. Excitation light generated by the light source is transmitted along either the first excitation light path or the second excitation light path in accordance with the selection made, thereby irradiating the sample. In response the sample produces emission light (transmitted light in the case of absorbance measurements), which is transmitted to and measured by a light detector.