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: 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: 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: 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 a sample analyzing apparatus, an injector assembly injects a reagent onto a sample, and luminescent light from the sample is transmitted to a detector. The assembly may be movable toward and away from the sample. The assembly may include one or more needles that communicate with one or more reservoirs supplying reagent or other liquids. The assembly may include a light guide for communicating with the detector. A cartridge may be provided in which the assembly, one or more reservoirs, and one or more pumps are disposed. The cartridge and/or the apparatus may be configured for enabling rinsing or priming to be done outside the apparatus. The cartridge and/or the apparatus may include one or more types of sensors configured for detecting, for example, the presence of liquid or bubbles in one or more locations of the apparatus and/or the cartridge.

Abstract: A cartridge and cartridge system for use in an apparatus for analyzing a sample are provided. The system has a plurality of cartridges for different applications for a multimode instrument. The cartridges are removably engaged with a cartridge support of the apparatus in a “plug-in” format such that one cartridge may be removed from the apparatus and another cartridge may be easily installed. The cartridge support includes a plurality of cartridge positions that receive cartridges concurrently. One of the cartridges may be a luminescence cartridge that includes an integrated detector that is movable toward and away from a sample carrier of the apparatus, and thus toward and away from a sample located at the sample carrier.

Abstract: A system for performing spectrofluorometry of a fluorophore sample is provided. The system includes an input module that receives user input corresponding to spectrofluorometer settings. A control module transmits control signals for controlling the spectrofluorometer during respective wavelength scans of a fluorophore sample and a blank sample. The control signals provide for automatic execution of the wavelength scans over an excitation wavelength range and an emission wavelength range. A signal-to-background determination module automatically determines multiple signal-to-background ratios based on fluorescence measurements of the fluorophore sample and the blank sample received from the spectrofluorometer. A signal-to-background analysis module automatically determines the maximum signal-to-background ratio from the multiple signal-to-background ratios.

Abstract: A system for performing spectrofluorometry of a fluorophore sample is provided. The system includes an input module that receives user input corresponding to spectrofluorometer settings. A control module transmits control signals for controlling the spectrofluorometer during respective wavelength scans of a fluorophore sample and a blank sample. The control signals provide for automatic execution of the wavelength scans over an excitation wavelength range and an emission wavelength range. A signal-to-background determination module automatically determines multiple signal-to-background ratios based on fluorescence measurements of the fluorophore sample and the blank sample received from the spectrofluorometer. A signal-to-background analysis module automatically determines the maximum signal-to-background ratio from the multiple signal-to-background ratios.

Abstract: A cartridge and cartridge system for use in an apparatus for analyzing a sample are provided. The system has a plurality of cartridges for different applications for a multimode instrument. The cartridges are removably engaged with a cartridge support of the apparatus in a “plug-in” format such that one cartridge may be removed from the apparatus and another cartridge may be easily installed. The cartridge support includes a plurality of cartridge positions that receive cartridges concurrently. One of the cartridges may be a luminescence cartridge that includes an integrated detector that is movable toward and away from a sample carrier of the apparatus, and thus toward and away from a sample located at the sample carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a plurality of samples in sample sites on a substrate, the apparatus having an array of spaced apart light sources coupled to a moveable support so that one or more of the light sources can be selectively used; a frame for supporting the substrate; a detector configured to detect light; an optical relay configured to transmit light from at least one of the plurality of light sources to a sample site and from the sample site to the detector; and a support structure for supporting the frame, the detector and the optical relay.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a plurality of samples in sample sites on a substrate, the apparatus having an array of spaced apart light sources coupled to a moveable support so that one or more of the light sources can be selectively used; a frame for supporting the substrate; a detector configured to detect light; an optical relay configured to transmit light from at least one of the plurality of light sources to a sample site and from the sample site to the detector; and a support structure for supporting the frame, the detector and the optical relay.