Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge, spinnable around a rotational axis, has aliquoting and metering chambers, a connecting duct there between, and a vent connected to the metering chamber and nearer to the rotational axis than the metering chamber. The metering chamber has side walls that taper away from a central region. Capillary action next to the side walls is greater than in the central region. A circular arc about the rotational axis passes through a duct entrance in the aliquoting chamber and a duct exit in the metering chamber. The cartridge has a downstream fluidic element which is part of a fluidic structure for processing a biological sample into the processed biological sample. A valve connects the metering chamber to the fluidic element, which is fluidically connected to the fluidic structure. The fluidic structure receives the biological sample and has a measurement structure for enabling measurement of the processed biological sample.

Abstract: A micro flow filtration system comprises a fluid circuitry (3) and a first reservoir (1) outside the circuitry (3) suitable for containing a fluid. The fluid circuitry (3) comprises a tangential flow filtration module (10) capable of separating the fluid sample into a retentate stream and a permeate stream upon passage of the fluid sample into the tangential flow filtration module (10) through an inlet feed (18). The fluid circuitry (3) further comprises a second reservoir (2) integrated in the fluid circuitry (3), a pump (5) for creating and driving a fluid flow, optionally at least one pressure sensor (6, 7 or 8) for acquiring and detecting data about the fluid sample, optionally a pressure regulator (9) for regulating the flow in the fluid circuitry (3) and a plurality of conduits (22) forming the fluid circuitry (3) together with the second reservoir (2), the TFF-module (10), the pump (5), the pressure sensor (6, 7 or 8) (if present) and the pressure regulator (9) (if present).

Abstract: A method of performing an optical measurement of an analyte in a processed biological sample using a cartridge is provided. The cartridge is operable for being spun around a rotational axis. The method comprises: placing the biological sample into a sample inlet; controlling the rotational rate of the cartridge to process a biological sample into the processed biological sample using a fluidic structure; controlling the rotational rate of the cartridge to allow the processed biological sample to flow from the measurement structure inlet to an absorbent structure via a chromatographic membrane, and performing an optical measurement of a detection zone on the chromatographic membrane with an optical instrument. An inlet air baffle reduces evaporation of the processed biological sample from the chromatographic membrane during rotation of the cartridge.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge, spinnable around a rotational axis, has a support structure with a front face perpendicular to the rotational axis, a fluidic structure for processing a biological sample into the processed biological sample, a measurement structure with at least one detection zone on the front face, and a rotatable lid covering the front face. The rotatable lid is rotatable about the rotational axis relative to the support structure from a first position relative to the support structure to a second position relative to the support structure. The rotatable lid has a sample inlet opening and a detection zone opening. In the first position, a sample inlet is aligned with the sample inlet opening and the measurement structure is covered by the rotatable lid. In the second position, the sample inlet is covered by the rotatable lid and the measurement structure is aligned with the detection zone opening.

Abstract: A medical system for determining an analyte quantity in a blood sample via a cartridge that spins around a rotational axis. The cartridge may include: a separation chamber that separates blood plasma from the sample; a processing chamber containing a reagent with a specific binding partner which binds to the analyte to form an analyte specific binding partner complex; a first valve structure connecting the separation chamber to the processing chamber; a measurement structure to measure the quantity of the analyte, wherein the measurement structure includes a chromatographic membrane with an immobilized binding partner for direct or indirect binding of the analyte or the analyte specific binding partner complex, and an absorbent structure that is nearer to the axis than the membrane; a second valve structure connecting the processing chamber to the measurement structure; and a fluid chamber filled with a washing buffer and fluidically connected to the measurement structure.

Abstract: A micro fluid filtration system (100) preferably for increasing the concentration of components contained in a fluid sample has a fluid circuitry (1). The fluid circuitry (1) comprises the following elements: A tangential flow filtration element (7) capable for separating the fluid sample into a retentate stream and a permeate stream upon passage of the fluid, an element for pumping (3) for creating and driving a fluid flow through the fluid circuitry (1) and at least one element for obtaining information about the properties of the fluid sample within the circuitry. The circuitry further comprises a plurality of conduits (24) connecting the elements of the fluid circuitry (1) through which a fluid stream of the fluid sample is conducted. The circuitry (1) has a minimal working volume of at most 5 ml, which is the minimal fluid volume retained in the elements and the conduits (24) of the circuitry (1) such that the fluid can be recirculated in the circuitry (1) without pumping air through the circuitry (1).

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge, spinnable about a rotational axis, has fluid and aliquoting chambers, a metering chamber connected to a vent that is nearer to the rotational axis than the metering chamber, first and second ducts connecting the fluid and aliquoting chambers, and the metering and aliquoting chambers, respectively. Metering chamber side walls taper away from a central region, wherein capillary action next to the walls is greater than in the central region. Fluid flows to the metering chamber using capillary action via the second duct that has an entrance and exit in the aliquoting and metering chambers, respectively; the exit being closer to the rotational axis than the entrance. A downstream fluidic element connects to the metering chamber via a valve. A fluidic structure receives and processes a biological sample into the processed biological sample and has a measurement structure that enables measurement of the processed biological sample.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge spinnable around a rotational axis has a fluid chamber for receiving a fluid, an aliquoting chamber, a duct connecting the fluid chamber and the aliquoting chamber, a downstream fluidic element, a siphon for siphoning the fluid from the aliquoting chamber to the downstream fluidic element, a fluidic structure for processing a biological sample into the processed biological sample, and a measurement structure for enabling measurement of the processed biological sample. The siphon has a siphon entrance in the aliquoting chamber and a siphon exit in the downstream fluidic element, wherein the siphon has a bend, wherein the bend is the portion of the siphon closest to the rotational axis, wherein the siphon entrance starts at the bend, wherein the siphon entrance extends to a lower portion of the aliquoting chamber. This enables multiple aliquots of fluid to be removed from the aliquoting chamber by the siphon.

Abstract: A method and cartridge for determining an amount of at least two analytes in a biological sample and an automatic analyzer are disclosed. The cartridge may comprise a cartridge inlet, a sample holding chamber fluidically connected to the inlet, and two or more metering chambers. Each metering chamber may comprise a sample inlet, a sample outlet, and a metered outlet for dispensing a predetermined volume. At least one sample distribution channel is connected between the sample outlet of a metering chamber with a sample inlet of another metering chamber. For each metering chamber, a connecting tube fluidically connects the sample inlet with the sample holding chamber, a microfluidic structure for processing the sample into a processed sample connects to the sample outlet, and a measurement structure fluidically connects to the microfluidic structure and enables measurement of the processed sample to determine the amount of the analyte in the processed sample.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge, spinnable about a rotational axis, has fluid and aliquoting chambers, a metering chamber connected to a vent that is nearer to the rotational axis than the metering chamber, first and second ducts connecting the fluid and aliquoting chambers, and the metering and aliquoting chambers, respectively. Metering chamber side walls taper away from a central region, wherein capillary action next to the walls is greater than in the central region. Fluid flows to the metering chamber using capillary action via the second duct that has an entrance and exit in the aliquoting and metering chambers, respectively; the exit being closer to the rotational axis than the entrance. A downstream fluidic element connects to the metering chamber via a valve. A fluidic structure receives and processes a biological sample into the processed biological sample and has a measurement structure that enables measurement of the processed biological sample.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge, spinnable around a rotational axis, has aliquoting and metering chambers, a connecting duct there between, and a vent connected to the metering chamber and nearer to the rotational axis than the metering chamber. The metering chamber has side walls that taper away from a central region. Capillary action next to the side walls is greater than in the central region. A circular arc about the rotational axis passes through a duct entrance in the aliquoting chamber and a duct exit in the metering chamber. The cartridge has a downstream fluidic element which is part of a fluidic structure for processing a biological sample into the processed biological sample. A valve connects the metering chamber to the fluidic element, which is fluidically connected to the fluidic structure. The fluidic structure receives the biological sample and has a measurement structure for enabling measurement of the processed biological sample.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge, spinnable around a rotational axis, has aliquoting and metering chambers, a connecting duct there between, and a vent connected to the metering chamber and nearer to the rotational axis than the metering chamber. The metering chamber has side walls that taper away from a central region. Capillary action next to the side walls is greater than in the central region. A circular arc about the rotational axis passes through a duct entrance in the aliquoting chamber and a duct exit in the metering chamber. The cartridge has a downstream fluidic element which is part of a fluidic structure for processing a biological sample into the processed biological sample. A valve connects the metering chamber to the fluidic element, which is fluidically connected to the fluidic structure. The fluidic structure receives the biological sample and has a measurement structure for enabling measurement of the processed biological sample.

Abstract: A cartridge for an automatic analyzer, formed from a cover and carrier structure, is operable for rotation about an axis and has at least one container with at least one reservoir containing at least one fluid. Each container may rotate about the axis within a cavity and relative to the carrier structure. A piercing structure opens a seal of each reservoir when the container rotates relative to the carrier structure. Each container and each cavity has a frictional element that mate and cause friction. Each container has an engaging surface which mates with an engaging surface of a rotational actuator that applies torque to rotate and open the container via the piercing structure. A fluidic structure of the cartridge processes a biological sample into a processed biological sample and enables via a measurement structure measurement of the processed biological sample. A duct is between the cavity and the fluidic structure.

Abstract: A flow filtration system (1) for concentration of components contained in a fluid sample comprises a fluid channel (2) being formed by two conduits (4, 5) allowing a bidirectional flow of the fluid sample through the fluid channel (2), a tangential flow filtration module (3) and at least two pairs (8, 9) of piston pumps (6) each having two piston pumps (6), wherein the piston pumps (6) having a piston swept volume forming a reservoir being able to contain the fluid for volumes of up to 100 ml. The tangential flow filtration module (3) is located in the fluid channel (2) so that a fluid flowing through the channel (2) passes through the filtration module (3). At each end (10, 11) of the channel (2) one piston pump (6) of each pair (8, 9) of piston pumps (6) is located in such a manner that the piston pumps are fluidically connected in parallel.

Abstract: System and method of determining an amount of an analyte in a blood sample using a cartridge and blood collector are disclosed. The blood collector has a mounting surface, a capillary structure with a curved portion, and a capillary inlet. The cartridge has a receiving surface, a cartridge inlet, a microfluidic structure, and a measurement structure. The method includes placing the blood sample into the capillary inlet; attaching the mounting surface to the receiving surface; rotating the cartridge about a rotational axis to transport the blood sample from the capillary structure to the cartridge inlet and into the microfluidic structure; controlling the rotation of the cartridge to process the blood sample into the processed sample using the microfluidic structure; controlling the rotation of the cartridge to transfer the processed sample to the measurement structure; and measuring the amount of the analyte using the measurement structure and a measurement system.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge, spinnable around a rotational axis, has a support structure with a front face perpendicular to the rotational axis, a fluidic structure for processing a biological sample into the processed biological sample, a measurement structure with at least one detection zone on the front face, and a rotatable lid covering the front face. The rotatable lid is rotatable about the rotational axis relative to the support structure from a first position relative to the support structure to a second position relative to the support structure. The rotatable lid has a sample inlet opening and a detection zone opening. In the first position, a sample inlet is aligned with the sample inlet opening and the measurement structure is covered by the rotatable lid. In the second position, the sample inlet is covered by the rotatable lid and the measurement structure is aligned with the detection zone opening.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge spinnable around a rotational axis has a fluid chamber for receiving a fluid, an aliquoting chamber, a duct connecting the fluid chamber and the aliquoting chamber, a downstream fluidic element, a siphon for siphoning the fluid from the aliquoting chamber to the downstream fluidic element, a fluidic structure for processing a biological sample into the processed biological sample, and a measurement structure for enabling measurement of the processed biological sample. The siphon has a siphon entrance in the aliquoting chamber and a siphon exit in the downstream fluidic element, wherein the siphon has a bend, wherein the bend is the portion of the siphon closest to the rotational axis, wherein the siphon entrance starts at the bend, wherein the siphon entrance extends to a lower portion of the aliquoting chamber. This enables multiple aliquots of fluid to be removed from the aliquoting chamber by the siphon.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge, spinnable about a rotational axis, has fluid and aliquoting chambers, a metering chamber connected to a vent that is nearer to the rotational axis than the metering chamber, first and second ducts connecting the fluid and aliquoting chambers, and the metering and aliquoting chambers, respectively. Metering chamber side walls taper away from a central region, wherein capillary action next to the walls is greater than in the central region. Fluid flows to the metering chamber using capillary action via the second duct that has an entrance and exit in the aliquoting and metering chambers, respectively; the exit being closer to the rotational axis than the entrance. A downstream fluidic element connects to the metering chamber via a valve. A fluidic structure receives and processes a biological sample into the processed biological sample and has a measurement structure that enables measurement of the processed biological sample.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer cartridge, spinnable around a rotational axis, has aliquoting and metering chambers, a connecting duct there between, and a vent connected to the metering chamber and nearer to the rotational axis than the metering chamber. The metering chamber has side walls that taper away from a central region. Capillary action next to the side walls is greater than in the central region. A circular arc about the rotational axis passes through a duct entrance in the aliquoting chamber and a duct exit in the metering chamber. The cartridge has a downstream fluidic element which is part of a fluidic structure for processing a biological sample into the processed biological sample. A valve connects the metering chamber to the fluidic element, which is fluidically connected to the fluidic structure. The fluidic structure receives the biological sample and has a measurement structure for enabling measurement of the processed biological sample.

Abstract: A cartridge for an automatic analyzer, formed from a cover and carrier structure, is operable for rotation about an axis and has at least one container with at least one reservoir containing at least one fluid. Each container may rotate about the axis within a cavity and relative to the carrier structure. A piercing structure opens a seal of each reservoir when the container rotates relative to the carrier structure. Each container and each cavity has a frictional element that mate and cause friction. Each container has an engaging surface which mates with an engaging surface of a rotational actuator that applies torque to rotate and open the container via the piercing structure. A fluidic structure of the cartridge processes a biological sample into a processed biological sample and enables via a measurement structure measurement of the processed biological sample. A duct is between the cavity and the fluidic structure.