Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: Improved biochips comprise a matrix layer coupled to a substrate, wherein the matrix layer includes a plurality of ligands in a plurality of predetermined positions and wherein ligands bind to an anti-ligand disposed in a sample fluid. Preferred matrix layers are multi-functional matrix layers that reduce autofluorescence, incident-light-absorption, charge-effects, and/or surface unevenness of the substrate, and contemplated biochips may comprise additional matrix layers. Contemplated biochips may be useful in detection and/or quantification of various anti-ligands, including polypeptides, polynucleotides, carbohydrates, pharmacologically active molecules, bacterial or eukaryotic cells, and/or viruses.

Abstract: A container having a flexible wall receives a continuous flow of a biological fluid that includes a target antigen and emits a continuous flow of the biological fluid at least partially depleted from the target antigen. The container further comprises a compartment with magnetic beads coupled to an affinity marker that binds the target antigen, and the target antigen is separated from the biological fluid using a magnetic force and an automatic mechanical force, wherein at least one of the magnetic force and automatic mechanical force is transmitted through the flexible wall.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: Contemplated methods and kits include a plurality of single stranded oligonucleotides that comprise a discriminating sequence that is encompassed on one end by a label and on the other end by a unique tag sequence. In one preferred aspect, the discriminating sequence is an RNA repeat unit, forms a heteroduplex with a complementary DNA repeat unit of the target nucleic acid, and the discriminating agent is RNaseH. Using such systems, the number of repeat units can be simply identified by hydrolysis of the discriminating sequence where such sequence is adjacent to a predetermined number of DNA repeat units in the single stranded oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A container having a flexible wall receives a continuous flow of a biological fluid that includes a target antigen and emits a continuous flow of the biological fluid at least partially depleted from the target antigen. The container further comprises a compartment with magnetic beads coupled to an affinity marker that binds the target antigen, and the target antigen is separated from the biological fluid using a magnetic force and an automatic mechanical force, wherein at least one of the magnetic force and automatic mechanical force is transmitted through the flexible wall.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: An integrated desktop analytic device comprises a fluidics station coupled to a confocal microscope detector, and a biochip is moved from the fluidics station to the detector without manual intervention of an operator.

Abstract: Various methods are provided for an integrated micro array system (100) that allows fully automated sample processing and detection/quantification of nucleic acid and protein samples in a single analytical device, which may be configured to communicate data to a person other than the person operating the device. The integrated micro array system has a housing (110) in which robotics assembly (120) controls motion of automatic pipette (124) and second actuator (122) that control motion of the automatic actuator (123). Fluidics station (130) includes a plurality of multi-reagent packs (132). Sample station (140) comprises a plurality of sample vessels (142). Pipette tip storage area (150) and magazine holder (160) that includes a plurality of magazine (162). The system also comprise of a sample processing platform (170), a stringency station (181), and optical detector (180), and a data transfer device (190).

Abstract: Improved biochips comprise a matrix layer coupled to a substrate, wherein the matrix layer includes a plurality of ligands in a plurality of predetermined positions and wherein ligands bind to an anti-ligand disposed in a sample fluid. Preferred matrix layers are multi-functional matrix layers that reduce autofluorescence, incident-light-absorption, charge-effects, and/or surface unevenness of the substrate, and contemplated biochips may comprise additional matrix layers. Contemplated biochips may be useful in detection and/or quantification of various anti-ligands, including polypeptides, polynucleotides, carbohydrates, pharmacologically active molecules, bacterial or eukaryotic cells, and/or viruses.

Abstract: A multi-reagent pack has a plurality of reagent compartments and further includes a read-write memory chip that carries data pertaining to a particular test protocol that employs reagents from the reagent compartments. Data may be transferred between the reagent pack and an analytic device, and optionally further to a supplier.

Abstract: An automatic pipette in an analytic device uses disposable pipette tips, and in which proper coupling of the pipette tip to the pipette, accurate volume of the aspirated fluid, and distance of the pipette tip to a biochip are determined using a plurality of sensors that are coupled to the automatic pipette.

Abstract: A detector for optical analysis of a biochip determines the focal position of a plurality of analytes on the biochip using one or more registration markers on the biochip, wherein the analytes and the registration marker are illuminated by different light sources. Therefore, contemplated configurations will significantly reduce overall focusing time and automate proper positioning of the biochip, while allowing to determine a focal position without photobleaching or other undesirable effects on optically labile compounds. Thus, automated analyses can be performed without manual user intervention.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: A cell containing sample is separated into a cell containing portion and a substantially cell depleted portion, by mixing the sample with particles to produce a cell containing network, and separating the network from the remaining substantially cell depleted portion within a plurality of confining walls, wherein at least one of the walls is flexible. While in some aspects the separation is performed employing a magnetic force, in other aspects the separation is performed using two forces, wherein one force is a magnetic force and the other force is a mechanical force. It is contemplated that whole blood may be used as the sample, and that the cell-containing portion largely comprises a network of inter-linked red blood cells. It is especially contemplated that separation involves antiligands, preferably primary antibodies that bind to a ligand such as antigen on or in red blood cell membranes, and secondary antibodies that bind to the primary antibodies.