Abstract: Magnetic handling structure comprising a retractable magnet and a probe for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.

Abstract: A reaction vessel with a bottom drain opening supporting a selected unpressured head of fluid by the surface tension of the fluid. A device processing zone includes a support for spaced rows of reaction vessels, passages communicating with their drain openings of supported vessels, and a pressure source for selectively draining fluid through the drain openings. Generally horizontal bar magnets are supported for selected vertical movement between the vessel rows. A dispensing head has X discharge openings selectively positionable over X selected reaction vessels. A metering pump mechanism selectively meters X a selected quantity of fluid a bulk supply (where X is at least four), and selectively pumps the metered selected quantities through the drain openings to the selected reaction vessels. Methods of drawing fluid from the vessels using the pressure source, and moving the magnets to form a pellet of analyte are also included.

Abstract: Magnetic handling structure comprising a retractable magnet and a probe for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.

Abstract: Magnetic handling structure (1a) comprising a retractable magnet (4) and a probe (3) for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.

Abstract: A device facilitating mixing of a fluid containing magnetic or magnetizable particles, including a support for a container for the fluid and particles, a first magnet adjacent one side of the support, a second magnet adjacent the other side, and a drive for moving the second magnet between a first position near the container top and a second position near the container bottom. The first magnet is supported in a third position on the one side near the container bottom. A related tray and method for mixing magnetic particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reaction vessel with a bottom drain opening supporting a selected unpressured head of fluid by the surface tension of the fluid. A device processing zone includes a support for spaced rows of reaction vessels, passages communicating with their drain openings of supported vessels, and a pressure source for selectively draining fluid through the drain openings. Generally horizontal bar magnets are supported for selected vertical movement between the vessel rows. A dispensing head has X discharge openings selectively positionable over X selected reaction vessels. A metering pump mechanism selectively meters X a selected quantity of fluid a bulk supply (where X is at least four), and selectively pumps the metered selected quantities through the drain openings to the selected reaction vessels. Methods of drawing fluid from the vessels using the pressure source, and moving the magnets to form a pellet of analyte are also included.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the level of liquid in a container in an analytical instrument, typically an automated analytical instrument in a laboratory. The apparatus comprises: (a) an electrically conductive support; (b) an electrically conductive platform rising up from said electrically conductive support, said platform capable of supporting at least one container that is capable of containing a liquid, said platform having an area less than that of the electrically conductive support; (c) an electrically conductive element, such as, for example, the electrically conductive tip of a probe, the distance between the electrically conductive platform and the electrically conductive element capable of being reduced or increased by relative movement between the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive platform; and (d) a capacitance sensor coupled to the electrically conductive element (c) and arranged to provide an electrical signal representing the capacitance.

Abstract: Magnetic handling structure (1a) comprising a retractable magnet (4) and a probe (3) for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.

Abstract: Magnetic handling structure (1a) comprising a retractable magnet (4) and a probe (3) for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.

Abstract: A device facilitating mixing of a fluid containing magnetic or magnetizable particles, including a support for a container for the fluid and particles, a first magnet adjacent one side of the support, a second magnet adjacent the other side, and a drive for moving the second magnet between a first position near the container top and a second position near the container bottom. The first magnet is supported in a third position on the one side near the container bottom. A related tray and method for mixing magnetic particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the level of liquid in a container in an analytical instrument, typically an automated analytical instrument in a laboratory. The apparatus comprises: (a) an electrically conductive support; (b) an electrically conductive platform rising up from said electrically conductive support, said platform capable of supporting at least one container that is capable of containing a liquid, said platform having an area less than that of the electrically conductive support; (c) an electrically conductive element, such as, for example, the electrically conductive tip of a probe, the distance between the electrically conductive platform and the electrically conductive element capable of being reduced or increased by relative movement between the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive platform; and (d) a capacitance sensor coupled to the electrically conductive element (c) and arranged to provide an electrical signal representing the capacitance.

Abstract: A method of performing a determination of an item of interest in a sample using a single structure is disclosed. A sample is provided accessible to the single structure. A first container for processing the sample is placed in a first process path on the single structure. The sample is transferred to the first container in the first process path. A reagent is added to the first container in the first process path. Contents of the first container is mixed in the first process path. The item of interest in the sample is separated from the contents of the first container in the first process path. The separated item of interest in the sample is transferred from the first container in the first process path to a second container in a second process path on the single structure. Contents of the second container is brought to a first temperature different from a temperature of the first process path in the second process path. The item of interest in the second container is detected in the second process path.

Abstract: A method of performing a determination of an item of interest in a sample using a single structure is disclosed. A sample is provided accessible to the single structure. A first container for processing the sample is placed in a first process path on the single structure. The sample is transferred to the first container in the first process path. A reagent is added to the first container in the first process path. Contents of the first container is mixed in the first process path. The item of interest in the sample is separated from the contents of the first container in the first process path. The separated item of interest in the sample is transferred from the first container in the first process path to a second container in a second process path on the single structure. Contents of the second container is brought to a first temperature different from a temperature of the first process path in the second process path. The item of interest in the second container is detected in the second process path.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods of processing a sample containing at least one biological element. In one method, a first conductor and a second conductor are introduced into or located adjacent the sample. A voltage is applied between the first conductor and the second conductor. The voltage is adjusted to reduce an ability of the at least one biological element to be amplified or detected in a PCR reaction process, such that the biological element is removed from a binding member, and/or to unzip the at least one biological element.

Abstract: A fluid assembly and a method are provided. In one embodiment, the fluid assembly is insertable into a container holding a first fluid to be supplied to a diagnostic instrument and comprises a first element, a second element, and a first conduit fluidly connected between the first element and the second element such that the first fluid in the container moves through the first conduit towards the diagnostic instrument. A second conduit containing a second fluid is fluidly connected between the first element and the second element. A pressure transducer is fluidly connected with the second conduit such that the second fluid is bounded within the second conduit by the first fluid and the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer monitors pressure of the second fluid to indicate a volume of the first fluid in the container.

Abstract: Embodiments of a container for holding an item are disclosed. In one embodiment, the container comprises an open end, a closed end and a shank connecting the open end with the closed end. A flange extends from the open end. The flange has a configuration which supports the container in an intended relationship with respect to a relatively large tube, a relatively small tube or a carrier.