Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a filtration device and method for filtering liquids. In conventional devices, a liquid is placed in a vial, and a plunger, having a filter membrane located at one end, is depressed into the vial, causing the liquid to pass through the filter membrane into the interior of the plunger, where it is stored until required for further processing. However, such plungers are typically made of a plastics material. It is undesirable to store the filtered liquid in contact with plastics for extended periods of time, as contaminants may leach from the plastics material into the sample. In embodiments of the present invention, a filtrate receptacle made from a different material to the plunger, such as a glass material, is located in the interior of the plunger and the filtered liquid collected in the filtrate receptacle after passing through the filter membrane.

Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which includes a body and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material, the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The body of the device slideably supports the sample collection member, and the body or collection member includes a ramp-like projection portion operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect the transfer as the collection member slides within the body.

Abstract: A cutting tool is shown for cutting, handling and then ejecting disks of material cut from a sheet or like material, the tool comprising: a body having a proximal end adapted to be rotatably driven about an axis, and having a distal end including a generally cylindrical cutting portion rotatable about said axis for cutting and receiving said disks; an ejector slideable parallel with the axis and within said cylindrical cutting portion for ejecting the received cut disks; and a grip rotatably mounted to the body such that the grip can be held without substantial rotation while the body is rotated said grip being operable to cause said sliding of the ejector and for ejecting the disks.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a filtration device for use in filtration of a liquid, and disclose: a liquid receptacle having an open end and a closed end; a plunger body moveable at least partially within the liquid receptacle along an axis said axis extending between the open and closed ends, said plunger including a filtrate chamber in fluid communication with the liquid receptacle via a fluid filtering path and a filter disposed in the filtering path, and the device further including a slidable seal for inhibiting or preventing fluid flow across the seal during said plunger movement; wherein said seal includes a first skirt depending from the plunger at one end of the first skirt, said first skirt having an outer surface which in use slidably and sealingly abuts the vial, and having, at least in an uncompressed state, a generally annular separation between the skirt and the plunger body, which separation extends generally parallel to the axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring biological material onto storage media, said apparatus comprising a powered hand held device including a powered hammer arrangement, the apparatus further comprising an anvil arrangement and a storage media accepting area between the hammer and the anvil, the apparatus being operable such that in use the storage media is repeatedly compressed between the hammer and the anvil by blows from the hammer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a biological sample holder and for holding biological samples. Conventionally, processing of biological samples, which may be stored on a biological sample storage medium, is done manually with samples being tested individually. However, handling of the samples is difficult and time consuming; greater demand for storage and extraction of genetic material has led to a requirement for greater throughput. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a biological sample holder comprising a chamber holding a biological sample storage medium, the chamber comprising one or more openings for receiving a liquid when inserted therein. This provides a means of holding a biological sample which is easy to handle and suitable for automation, for example in an array of such holders, allowing processing of multiple biological samples in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for preserving biological samples and, more particularly, an arrangement for drying biological samples disposed on sample storage substrates. The systems and methods for preserving biological samples can include a heating element such as a chemical heating pad that facilitates drying of the biological samples.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding biological samples and methods of assembling the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a pair of rigid frames is described, each frame comprising an aperture. A biological sample storage medium is placed between the two frames so that the biological sample storage medium at least partly overlaps each of the apertures in the frames. The two frames are joined to fix the biological sample storage medium in place while allowing access to the biological sample storage medium via each of the apertures. The frames can be rigid and waterproof, and provide a robust storage media for biological samples. At least one pre-defined area of weakness can be provided in the frames, to allow removal of a portion of the frames, which may correspond to indicia on the storage medium.

Abstract: The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection member having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.

Abstract: A container holding, and a method of storing, freeze-dried biological samples. The container includes a chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion. The chamber includes a wall, and the lower portion of the chamber is fluidly connected to the upper portion of the chamber such that, when liquid is received at the upper portion, the received liquid can pass to and accumulate in the lower portion. Further, the freeze-dried material is located in the lower portion, and the container includes a physical structure in the form of a stop protruding inwards from the wall, the physical structure being for inhibiting the freeze-dried material from moving from the lower portion of the chamber to the upper portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which includes a body and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material, the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The body of the device slideably supports the sample collection member, and the body or collection member includes a ramp-like projection portion operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect the transfer as the collection member slides within the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a syringeless filter device compressor for compressing one or more syringeless filter devices. Such syringeless filter devices are typically compressed entirely by hand; however, this may be uncomfortable and/or dangerous for the operator. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a holder for holding a plurality of syringeless filter devices in a two-dimensional array, and a compressor device. The compressor includes a pusher which can be moved by an actuator to compress the filtration devices held in the two-dimensional array. These features enable a compact compressor device for compressing syringeless filter devices, without the operator being in contact with the syringeless filter device during the compression process.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring biological material onto storage media, said apparatus comprising a powered hand held device including a powered hammer arrangement, the apparatus further comprising an anvil arrangement and a storage media accepting area between the hammer and the anvil, the apparatus being operable such that in use the storage media is repeatedly compressed between the hammer and the anvil by blows from the hammer.

Abstract: A cutting tool (1) is shown for cutting, handling and then ejecting disks of material cut from a sheet or like material (101 FIG. 2b), the tool comprising: a body (10) having a proximal end (12) adapted to be rotatably driven about an axis Ax, and having a distal end (14) including a generally cylindrical cutting portion (16) rotatable about said axis for cutting and receiving said disks; an ejector (20) slideable parallel with the axis and within said cylindrical cutting portion for ejecting the received cut disks; and a grip (40) rotatably mounted to the body such that the grip can be held without substantial rotation whilst the body is rotated said grip being operable to cause said sliding of the ejector and for ejecting the disks.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a syringeless filter device compressor for compressing one or more syringeless filter devices. Such syringeless filter devices are typically compressed entirely by hand; however, this may be uncomfortable and/or dangerous for the operator. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a holder for holding a plurality of syringeless filter devices in a two-dimensional array, and a compressor device. The compressor includes a pusher which can be moved by an actuator to compress the filtration devices held in the two-dimensional array. These features enable a compact compressor device for compressing syringeless filter devices, without the operator being in contact with the syringeless filter device during the compression process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for drying of biological samples on a sample storage substrate, comprising at least one sample storage substrate holder and at least one chemical heat pad.

Abstract: The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection member having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a container holding, and a method of storing, freeze-dried biological samples. In particular, there is provided a container holding a freeze-dried material comprising a biological sample, the container comprising a chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion, the chamber comprising a wall and the lower portion being fluidly connected to the upper portion such that, when liquid is received at the upper portion, the received liquid can pass to and accumulate in the lower portion. Further, the freeze-dried material is located in the lower portion, and the container comprises a physical structure in the form of a stop protruding inwards from the wall, the physical structure being for inhibiting the freeze-dried material from moving from the lower portion of the chamber to the upper portion of the chamber.