Abstract: The instant disclosure provides nucleic acid amplification systems and multi-reaction analysis systems useful in the efficient processing of samples, including clinical samples. Integrated systems that include nucleic acid amplification devices functionally combined with multi-reaction analysis systems are also included. Also provided are methods for monitoring multiple concurrent nucleic acid amplification reactions that include the use of devices and systems described herein.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample preparation cartridges including a frame that includes a plurality of wells integrated therewith, where the plurality of wells have a closed bottom and an open top. The frame further includes an opening within the frame having a reaction vessel (RV) or RV cap removably disposed therein, where the plurality of wells and the opening are linearly arranged relative to each other. Also provided are sample preparation cartridges that include a frame, two or more cartridge separation projections on a top side of the frame, and two or more cartridge separation projections on a bottom side of the frame. The cartridge separation projections separate the cartridge and a different cartridge when the cartridge and different cartridge are stacked. Methods of using the sample preparation cartridges, as well as nucleic acid sample preparation units that include the sample preparation cartridges, are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: The instant disclosure provides nucleic acid amplification systems and multi-reaction analysis systems useful in the efficient processing of samples, including clinical samples. Integrated systems that include nucleic acid amplification devices functionally combined with multi-reaction analysis systems are also included. Also provided are methods for monitoring multiple concurrent nucleic acid amplification reactions that include the use of devices and systems described herein.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: The instant disclosure provides nucleic acid amplification systems and multi-reaction analysis systems useful in the efficient processing of samples, including clinical samples. Integrated systems that include nucleic acid amplification devices functionally combined with multi-reaction analysis systems are also included. Also provided are methods for monitoring multiple concurrent nucleic acid amplification reactions that include the use of devices and systems described herein.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample preparation cartridges including a frame that includes a plurality of wells integrated therewith, where the plurality of wells have a closed bottom and an open top. The frame further includes an opening within the frame having a reaction vessel (RV) or RV cap removably disposed therein, where the plurality of wells and the opening are linearly arranged relative to each other. Also provided are sample preparation cartridges that include a frame, two or more cartridge separation projections on a top side of the frame, and two or more cartridge separation projections on a bottom side of the frame. The cartridge separation projections separate the cartridge and a different cartridge when the cartridge and different cartridge are stacked. Methods of using the sample preparation cartridges, as well as nucleic acid sample preparation units that include the sample preparation cartridges, are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluid flow during a fluid exchange procedure. In one aspect, a system is provided for controlling a net fluid volume difference of a patient during and/or after a fluid exchange procedure. The system comprises a first flow path for flowing at least a first fluid from the patient and a second flow path for flowing at least a second fluid to the patient. First and second reservoirs are respectively associated with the first and second flow paths. A controller is associated with the first and second flow paths for controlling first and second flow rates and operable to determine an actual flow rate for each first and second fluid and to change a first or second flow rate in response to a difference between at least one of such flow rates and its respective actual flow rate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluid flow during a fluid exchange procedure. In one aspect, a system is provided for controlling a net fluid volume difference of a patient during and/or after a fluid exchange procedure. The system comprises a first flow path for flowing at least a first fluid from the patient and a second flow path for flowing at least a second fluid to the patient. First and second reservoirs are respectively associated with the first and second flow paths. A controller is associated with the first and second flow paths for controlling first and second flow rates and operable to determine an actual flow rate for each first and second fluid and to change a first or second flow rate in response to a difference between at least one of such flow rates and its respective actual flow rate.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods convey blood drawn from a donor through a blood processing circuit to separate the blood into at least one targeted blood component for collection. The systems and methods derive an estimated effect of the procedure upon the donor. The estimated effect can be expressed in terms of a net blood fluid volume loss, or as a hematocrit of the donor after completion of the desired blood collection procedure. The systems and methods present the estimated effect to an operator for viewing, reading, or offloading.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods convey blood drawn from a donor through a blood processing circuit to separate the blood into at least one targeted blood component for collection. The systems and methods derive an estimated effect of the procedure upon the donor. The estimated effect can be expressed in terms of a net blood fluid volume loss, or as a hematocrit of the donor after completion of the desired blood collection procedure. The systems and methods present the estimated effect to an operator for viewing, reading, or offloading.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods convey blood drawn from a donor through a blood processing circuit to separate the blood into at least one targeted blood component for collection. The systems and methods derive an estimated effect of the procedure upon the donor. The estimated effect can be expressed in terms of a net blood fluid volume loss, or as a hematocrit of the donor after completion of the desired blood collection procedure. The systems and methods present the estimated effect to an operator for viewing, reading, or offloading.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate blood into constituents including a plasma constituent that includes a platelet volume. The systems and methods detect the optical density of the plasma constituent and generate a first output indicative of the optical density. A processing element integrates the first output relative to the volume of plasma constituent and generates an integrated output. The integrated output correlates to the platelet volume. A second processing element generates an output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises a value indicating a blood volume that needs be processed to obtain a desired platelet volume.

Abstract: A centrifuge for continuously separating the various constituents of blood or other biological fluids includes a rotating bowl having high-G and low-G walls. An inwardly directed ramped surface on the high-G wall interacts with an interface region between the separated fluid constituents to provide an optically detectable indication of the position of the interface between the high-G and low-G walls. An optical sensor sensing each passage of the ramped surface past a point develops a changing signal indicative of the interface position. Signal processing circuitry responsive to the signal measures such signal parameters as peak amplitude, signal area and signal shape. By so monitoring these signal parameters, a better indication of actual interface position between the high-G and low-G walls can be obtained. This, in turn, results in better control over centrifuge operation and improved separation of the desired fluid components.

Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge includes a disposable fluid processing assembly having a fluid processing chamber. Fluid is communicated to and from the fluid processing chamber through a flexible umbilicus. The fluid processing chamber spins while the centrifuge pulls the umbilicus around an axis of centrifugation. The centrifuge engages the umbilicus through a thrust bearing received in a gimbal assembly carried on a rotating wing plate. The gimbal assembly allows the umbilicus to pivot relative to the wing plate under the forces developed during centrifugation. The gimbal assembly includes a bearing retainer adapted to securely retain umbilicus thrust bearings of differing sizes a gimbal that loosely but securely retains the bearing retainer. Clearance between the gimbal and the bearing retainer enable the bearing retainer to accommodate thrust bearings of differing sizes without causing gimbal binding.

Abstract: A controller for a peristaltic pump receives as an input pressure P.sub.i sensed at the inlet of the pump. The controller derives a nonlinear scale factor S.sub.Pi that varies as a step function with P.sub.i. The scale factor S.sub.Pi equals a first nonvariable value when P.sub.i lays in a first defined zone of inlet pressures, and equals a second nonvariable value, different than the first nonvariable value, when P.sub.i lays in a second defined zone of inlet pressures different than the first defined zone of inlet pressures. The controller generates a pump speed command based, at least in part, upon S.sub.Pi.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump tube holder includes a body that supports a flexible tubing loop in an erect, outwardly bowed position extending from the body for engagement with a peristaltic pump rotor. The holder also includes a receptacle carrying the body. The receptacle includes a wall forming a chamber that covers the flexible tubing loop and at least partially shields it from contact. The chamber further serves, during engagement between the tubing loop and a peristaltic pump rotor, as a cover for the peristaltic pump rotor.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump tube holder includes a body that supports a flexible tubing loop in an erect, outwardly bowed position extending from the body for engagement with a peristaltic pump rotor. The holder also includes a receptacle carrying the body. The receptacle includes a wall forming a chamber that covers the flexible tubing loop and at least partially shields it from contact. The chamber further serves, during engagement between the tubing loop and a peristaltic pump rotor, as a cover for the peristaltic pump rotor.