Abstract: Methods of pre-heating a test vessel prior to transfer of the test vessel to an incubator may shorten an incubation cycle, ensure proper temperature of a test specimen in the test vessel, and/or improve testing accuracy and/or throughput in a bio-liquid specimen testing apparatus. The methods include providing a test vessel pre-heating apparatus having a receptacle sized to receive a test vessel therein and having at least one heating unit configured to heat by direct conduction at least one side of the test vessel. The methods also include heating at least one side of the test vessel via direct contact using the at least one heating unit. Specimen testing apparatus and test vessel pre-heating apparatus configured to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Methods of pre-heating a test vessel prior to transfer of the test vessell to an incubator may shorten an incubation cycle, ensure proper temperature of a test specimen in the test vessel, and/or improve testing accuracy and/or throughput in a bio-liquid specimen testing apparatus. The methods include providing a test vessel pre-heating apparatus having a receptacle sized to receive a test vessel therein and having at least one heating unit configured to heat by direct conduction at least one side of the test vessel. The methods also include heating at least one side of the test vessel via direct contact using the at least one heating unit. Specimen testing apparatus and test vessel pre-heating apparatus configured to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A fluid level detecting system provides an input signal at a specific frequency to a sample in a container. A probe contacts the energized sample and provides a signal to a level sensing circuit. The level sensing circuit amplifies the signal from the probe and then bandpass filters, tuned to the specific frequency, the amplified signal. This filters out extraneous signals received from, for example, a cover on the container, and specifically identifies when the probe has contacted the sample fluid by comparing the filtered signal to threshold levels.

Abstract: Electrodes are integrated into a container design for fluid level detection in the container. The electrodes have a conductive surface, and an adhesive backing may be attached opposite the conductive surface to secure the electrodes to the container. Electrical contact to each conducting surface is made to a detection circuit to obtain a fluid level. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag may be incorporated onto the container along with the level detection circuit to record the container history, such as last used time event, net evaporation during storage, re-suspension performance after storage, number of agitation cycles, instrument serial number, date opened/accessed, and other desirable information.

Abstract: A heater for heating fluidic elements and fluids is provided. The heater quickly and efficiently heats elements and samples without occupying a lot of space in in vitro diagnostic environments. The heater includes an induction coil, sized and configured to allow for a fluidic element to be placed therein, and induction circuitry coupled to the induction coil that facilitates induction heating through electromagnetic induction. A current is generated to pass through the induction coil, creating a field within the induction coil that generates heat that is transferrable to conductive objects placed within the field. In this manner, heat is transferred to the fluidic element and to fluids in contact with the fluidic element.

Abstract: Electrodes are integrated into a container design for fluid level detection in the container. The electrodes have a conductive surface, and an adhesive backing may be attached opposite the conductive surface to secure the electrodes to the container. Electrical contact to each conducting surface is made to a detection circuit to obtain a fluid level. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag may be incorporated onto the container along with the level detection circuit to record the container history, such as last used time event, net evaporation during storage, re-suspension performance after storage, number of agitation cycles, instrument serial number, date opened/accessed, and other desirable information.

Abstract: A fluid level detecting system provides an input signal at a specific frequency to a sample in a container. A probe contacts the energized sample and provides a signal to a level sensing circuit. The level sensing circuit amplifies the signal from the probe and then bandpass filters, tuned to the specific frequency, the amplified signal. This filters out extraneous signals received from, for example, a cover on the container, and specifically identifies when the probe has contacted the sample fluid by comparing the filtered signal to threshold levels.

Abstract: A heater for heating fluidic elements and fluids is provided. The heater quickly and efficiently heats elements and samples without occupying a lot of space in in vitro diagnostic environments. The heater includes an induction coil, sized and configured to allow for a fluidic element to be placed therein, and induction circuitry coupled to the induction coil that facilitates induction heating through electromagnetic induction. A current is generated to pass through the induction coil, creating a field within the induction coil that generates heat that is transferrable to conductive objects placed within the field. In this manner, heat is transferred to the fluidic element and to fluids in contact with the fluidic element.