Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. An enrichment agent may be added to a vessel that contains the sample for positive selection, or, in other words, to select or aid in selecting the target material from amongst the remainder of the sample. The enrichment agent may be, for example, immunomagnetic beads, buoyant beads, high-density beads, chemicals to change the density of the target material, or the like.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a displacement fluid, a collector, and a primary vessel. In another implementation, the system includes a processing vessel, a displacement fluid, a collector, and a primary vessel.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for picking a target analyte of a suspension. A picker introduces at least one force, such as by a magnetic gradient and/or by a pressure gradient, to extract the target analyte from a specimen. The magnetic gradient may be introduced by a magnet, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, and the pressure gradient may be introduced by a pump which moves within a fluid-primed cannula to create the pressure gradient, thereby drawing the target analyte into the cannula. The picker may also expel the target analyte onto or into a substrate, such as a well plate, after the target analyte has been drawn into the picker by reversing the pressure gradient or removing the magnetic gradient.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. A first depletion agent may be added to a vessel that contains the sample to change the density of a non-target material.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a plurality of processing vessels and a collector. The collector funnels portions of the target material from the suspension through a cannula and into the processing vessels. Sequential density fractionation is the division of a sample into fractions or of a fraction of a sample into sub-fractions by a step-wise or sequential process, such that each step or sequence results in the collection or separation of a different fraction or sub-fraction from the preceding and successive steps or sequences. In other words, sequential density fractionation provides individual sub-populations of a population or individual sub-sub-populations of a sub-population of a population through a series of steps.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a primary vessel, such as a tube, a collector, and a two-part seal including an internal pliant part and an external constricting part. The internal pliant part may be a float and the external constricting part may be a sealing ring. The system may also include a processing vessel, such as an Eppendorf tube, a syringe or a test tube. The collector is sized and shaped to fit into a primary vessel and funnels the target material from the suspension through a cannula and into the processing vessel. In one implementation, the processing vessel includes at least one displacement fluid to be expelled, such that the at least one displacement fluid pushes the target material into the collector.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for picking a target analyte of a suspension. A picker introduces at least one force, such as by a magnetic gradient and/or by a pressure gradient, to extract the target analyte from a specimen. The magnetic gradient may be introduced by a magnet, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, and the pressure gradient may be introduced by a pump which moves within a fluid-primed cannula to create the pressure gradient, thereby drawing the target analyte into the cannula. The picker may also expel the target analyte onto or into a substrate, such as a well plate, after the target analyte has been drawn into the picker by reversing the pressure gradient or removing the magnetic gradient.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. A density-altering agent may be added to a vessel that contains the sample to change the density of a non-target material.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a processing vessel, such as an Eppendorf tube, a syringe or a test tube, and a collector. The collector is sized and shaped to fit into a primary vessel, such as a test tube. The collector funnels the target material from the suspension through a cannula and into the processing vessel. The cannula extends into a cavity at a first end of the collector that holds the processing vessel. The collector includes a funnel at a second end in fluid communication with the cannula. In one implementation, the processing vessel includes at least one displacement fluid to be expelled, such that the at least one displacement fluid pushes the target material into the collector.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. A first depletion agent may be added to a vessel that contains the sample to change the density of a non-target material.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient. The picker may include a hydraulic fluid to hydraulically couple at least two components, such as a moveable pump component and a cannula.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. A density-altering agent may be added to a vessel that contains the sample to change the density of a non-target material.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method and an attachment solution for adhering a cytological or histological sample, such as buffy coat, to a substrate, such as a microscope slide. The attachment solution includes an attachment base, an anti-coagulant, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The attachment base may be an alcohol, an acid, an oxidizer, an organohalogen, a ketone, or any combination thereof. Once a sample is obtained, the sample may be re-suspended in the attachment solution or the attachment solution may be added to the sample. The sample may then be dispensed onto an analysis platform as one or more droplets and cured.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for spreading a fluid across a substrate. A spreader for spreading a fluid across a substrate includes a wiper and a frame. The wiper and the frame may mate to permit translation of the wiper across, and with respect to, the frame. The wiper spreads the fluid across the substrate and the frame supports the wiper and the substrate. The frame may also include a ramp to cause a portion of the wiper to lift away from the substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient. The picker may include a hydraulic fluid to hydraulically couple at least two components, such as a moveable pump component and a cannula.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient. The picker may include a hydraulic fluid to hydraulically couple at least two components, such as a moveable pump component and a cannula.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for spreading a fluid across a substrate. A spreader for spreading a fluid across a substrate includes a wiper and a frame. The wiper and the frame may mate to permit translation of the wiper across, and with respect to, the frame. The wiper spreads the fluid across the substrate and the frame supports the wiper and the substrate. The frame may also include a ramp to cause a portion of the wiper to lift away from the substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus for securely holding a substrate, such as a microscope slide. A holder includes a frame including at least three walls, such as a base, a first arm, and a second arm. Each wall includes a platform or a portion of a platform to support the substrate. The first arm includes at least one securing block and a second arm opposite the first arm includes a secure bar with a securing block. The securing blocks include a ramp to guide the substrate off of the platforms and a stopper to set a maximum lift distance and to constrain the substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for spreading a fluid across a substrate. A spreader for spreading a fluid across a substrate includes a wiper and a frame. The wiper and the frame may mate to permit translation of the wiper across, and with respect to, the frame. The wiper spreads the fluid across the substrate and the frame supports the wiper and the substrate. The frame may also include a ramp to cause a portion of the wiper to lift away from the substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient. The picker may include a hydraulic fluid to hydraulically couple at least two components, such as a moveable pump component and a cannula.