Abstract: A diagnostic system performs disease diagnostic tests using at least an optical property modifying device and a mobile device. A user provides a biological sample from a patient to the optical property modifying device that reacts with a reagent in one or more reaction chambers of the device. The user captures one or more images of the one or more reaction chambers using an optical sensor of the mobile device. The diagnostic system can determine a quality level of the images based on factors such as skew, scale, focusing, shadowing, or white-balancing. Based on an analysis of the captured image, the diagnostic system can determine a test result of a disease diagnostic test for the patient. The diagnostic system may communicate the test result, as well as instructions for the disease diagnostic test, to the user via the mobile device.

Abstract: Provided herein are an optical test platform and corresponding method of manufacturing the same. The test platform may include a shell defining a cavity for receiving a sample tube, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture of the shell may each be configured to optically couple the cavity with an exterior of the shell. The test platform may further include a first window and a second window embedded in the shell. The first window may seal a first aperture and the second window may seal a second aperture. The first window and second window may each permit the optical coupling of the cavity with the exterior of the shell. The first window and the second window may be optically coupled via the cavity, and the shell may prohibit optical coupling between the first window and the second window through the shell.

Abstract: A plasmon resonance (PR) system, instrument, and/or device and configurations thereof for measuring molecular interactions is disclosed. In some embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) system, instrument, and/or device. In other embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system, instrument. The PR system, instrument, and/or device may include, for example, force feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, optical feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, local thermal control of an LSPR chip (e.g., a ring Peltier, a continuous Peltier), dual displacement pumps for constant flow delivery to a microfluidic device, a dual channel LSPR sensor, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods of characterizing a population of particles using a particle analyzer. Particles may be characterized by size, absolute number, whether the particle is non-proteinaceous or proteinaceous, whether a proteinaceous particle has or lacks a certain physical property, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of processing a Raman spectroscopy signal. The method includes: obtaining a first resolution of Raman spectroscopy by irradiating a target sample with broadband excitation light; calculating a Raman spectroscopy signal corresponding to the Raman spectroscopy of the first resolution; and calculating a signal corresponding to a second resolution of Raman spectroscopy that is higher than the first resolution by deconvoluting a Raman light signal.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for carrying out an analysis, having a substrate of synthetic material, which has cavities for the formation of channel structures and chambers, wherein the cavities are closed on one side of the substrate by a film adhesively bonded or welded to the substrate, and having a housing component that is produced with a hard and a soft component, which, on the side of the substrate facing away from the film, is connected to the substrate, completing functional sections respectively fulfilling the function of the flow cell. The housing component is formed as a multifunctional part completing more than two functional sections.

Abstract: A container for culturing a blood sample. The container has a reservoir that is no larger than about 40 ml in volume with culture media therein varying in amount by volume 0.5 ml to about 20 ml. The container is adapted to receive a blood sample drawn from a patient, wherein the blood volume is about 1 ml to about 20 ml. In some embodiments the ratio of blood volume to culture media volume is about 2:1 to about 1:2 and the volume of blood does not exceed about 10 ml. In some embodiments, the media is lytic media. A method for using the container to culture a blood sample is also contemplated. In such method, the container is inoculated with the blood sample. In certain embodiments, the volume of the blood sample does not exceed 10 mls.

Abstract: A flow stabilized chip includes a chip mainbody, a buffering chamber and two fluid delivery ports. The chip mainbody has a pipe-connection surface. The buffering chamber is disposed in the chip mainbody. The two fluid delivery ports are disposed on the pipe connection surface and connected to the buffering chamber. The chip mainbody includes, in order from the pipe-connection surface to a bottom of the chip mainbody, a first base plate, a first elastic membrane, a second base plate, a second elastic membrane and a third base plate. The first base plate includes a first opening. The second base plate includes a second opening. The third base plate includes a third opening. The first elastic membrane, the second base plate and the second elastic membrane are stacked in sequence to form the buffering chamber.

Abstract: A cell bag rotator is constructed to slowly agitate a plurality of cell bags by rotation along a rotation axis that is at least partially horizontal. The cell bag rotator comprises a plurality of plates to which a respective cell bag is attached. The cell bag rotator is suitable for mixing cells with particles for performing various types of subsequent cell therapy processes on the cells.

Abstract: Implementations are described herein for isolating mirrors and/or other potentially-vulnerable components of multi-pass optical systems from samples being analyzed, while mitigating interference and/or reduction in optical power. In one implementation, an apparatus may include: an optical cell with one or more passages, the one or more passages provided for introducing a sample into an interior of the optical cell for analysis and for removing the sample from the interior; a first mirror with a first reflective surface that faces the interior of the optical cell; one or more additional mirrors with one or more corresponding additional reflective surfaces that face the first reflective surface of the first mirror; and a wedge-shaped optical element positioned between the first mirror and the interior of the optical cell.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and apparatus are provided for controlling components of a detection device. The device may detect turbidity of liquid with sensors such as a density sensor and/or nephelometric sensor. A light modulation pattern may reduce or eliminate interference in sensor readings. Readings may be performed during off cycles of an illumination light to reduce interference but to provide improved visibility of a tube. Dark and light sensor readings may be performed with an emitter respectively off or on to account for ambient light in subsequent readings. Readings from the density sensor and/or nephelometric sensor may be used to calculate McFarland values. The device may be zeroed based on an emitter level that results in a sensor reading satisfying a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an optical wireless communication (OWC) laser light communications device. The laser light communications device comprises one or more pairs of transmitting and receiving cells. The transmitting and receiving cells may be used in a variety of arrangements and configurations, and scaled appropriately for given data transmission needs. A laser light signal, comprising a communication layer and a high-energy protection layer, is sent from transmitting cells to receiving cells. The high-energy protection layer physically envelopers the communication layer. The protection layer provides for enhanced security and encryption, and ensures signal integrity when received and ultimately decoded and interpreted. The receiving cells may be configured to utilize the energy of the high-energy protection layer, such as by using the energy to charge a battery, or to provide energy for a subsequent transmission.

Abstract: A multichannel angular spectrometer includes an array of fiber pickups having an arcuate arrangement and focused about a sample volume. A broadband light source is configured to illuminate a sample within the sample volume. At least one dispersion element is in optical communication with the array of fiber pickups. An imaging sensor is in optical communication with the array of fiber pickups. The imaging sensor is configured to image the broadband light received by the array of fiber pickups and dispersed by the at least one dispersion element. A processor is in electrical communication with the imaging sensor. The processor has a power supply and computer-readable memory.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microinjection chips, devices, and systems for injection of unicellular or multicellular organisms. The microinjection chip and device disclosed herein include the microfluidic features, inlet port, pre-injection reservoir, injection channel and post injection channel in fluid communication with each other. The inlet port is adapted to sequentially move individual organisms into the injection channel, which is adapted to immobilize the individual organism in fluid. The injection channel features a side wall adapted to receive a microinjection pipette without a microinjection port and to reseal when the microinjection pipette is removed.

Abstract: A sample testing apparatus includes a sample tray defining a planar surface and a plurality of wells recessed relative to the planar surface, and a lid member configured to be sealed about the planar surface of the sample tray. The lid member includes an adhesive layer configured to be sealed to the planar surface of the sample tray, a breathable film layer disposed about the adhesive layer, and a backing layer disposed about the breathable film layer. Methods of using the sample testing apparatus for testing a sample and kits to facilitate such testing are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a biological specimen holder for positioning multiple specimens for imaging by a light-sheet microscope. The specimen holder allows developing plant embryos, small intact animals, or organs to be imaged in the light-sheet microscope in a single setting. The specimen holders significantly improve the imaging conditions with respect to the standard glass capillary system. Also provided is a semi-automatic image processing pipeline that quantifies cell divisions of plants imaged with both the glass capillary and the novel chambers. Plants imaged using the specimen holder undergo cell divisions for a period at least 16 times longer than those imaged with a glass capillary system and allow increased sample throughput and the option of incorporating light emitting diode (LED) lights to generate a light-controlled environment are also advantages.

Abstract: A cuvette for arrangement in an optical measuring device includes a receiving chamber for a measuring medium having an inlet. The receiving chamber is delimited at least in some regions by two opposing plane-parallel side surfaces. Two opposing metallic electrodes are arranged in the receiving chamber on the opposing side surfaces.

Abstract: A foldable display panel, including an active area and a non-active area disposed around the active area, and a deformation layer disposed in the non-active area of the display panel. A material of the deformation layer includes a force-strained material configured to detect a degree of deformation and a cracking defect of the display panel according to a luminous color and brightness of the force-strained material.

Abstract: An optical gas concentration measurement apparatus is disclosed. The optical gas concentration measurement apparatus includes a thermally insulated enclosure that has a gas sample cell situated within. A thermally-insulating, light-guiding element passes through an access port of the thermally insulated enclosure and is configured to direct light from a light source outside of the thermally insulated enclosure to the gas sample cell. A light detector outside of the thermally insulated enclosure is optically coupled to the gas sample cell and an electronic assembly outside of the thermally insulated enclosure is configured to receive information from the light detector.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an impedance cytometer which includes a carrier that can be attached to a living being, with a biosensor mounted thereto. The bio sensor includes a microfluidic flow channel, formed in the carrier, and an impedance circuit. The microfluidic flow channel accommodates passage of a particle therethrough. The impedance circuit, connected to the microfluidic flow channel, includes a signal generator that produces a high-frequency drive signal applied to the flow channel to produce a biosensor output signal having high-frequency variation resulting from the drive signal and low-frequency variation resulting from impedance variation within the flow channel during the particle's passage. A lock-in amplifier is disposed to (i) amplify the bio sensor output signal, (ii) mix the amplified signal with the drive signal, and (iii) frequency-filter the mixed, amplified signal to output an impedance signal representing the low-frequency impedance variation resulting from the passage of the particle.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to constantly keep a state in a flow cell steady by filling a detection flow channel with a liquid. The configuration of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problem is as follows. Specifically, the present invention is an automatic analysis apparatus provided with a detection unit including a flow cell that accommodates a liquid serving as an analysis subject; a suction nozzle that is positioned upstream of the flow cell and that sucks the liquid to be introduced into the flow cell; a pump that is positioned downstream of the flow cell and that supplies the liquid to the flow cell; flow channels that connect the flow cell, the suction nozzle, and the pump; a power source; and a power-cutting instructing unit that gives an instruction to cut the power supply at least to the pump.

Abstract: A molecular spectrophotometric method of high precision and accuracy for determining concentration of oil-derived hydrocarbons in water is described. The method allows to obtain direct measurements of oil mass concentration in a water sample and uses environmentally friendly solvents.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a rotating capillary chamber. In one example, a system comprises a rotating capillary chamber arranged in a body of a fluid collection device, wherein the capillary chamber may rotate between two or more positions.

Abstract: Fiducial markers are provided on patterned arrays of the type that may be used for molecular analysis, such as sequencing. The fiducials may have configurations that enhance their detection in image or detection data, that facilitate or improve processing, that provide encoding of useful information, and so forth. Examples of the fiducials may include a non-closed shape that may encode information, allow for bubbles to escape during manufacture, and provide additional advantages over closed shape fiducials.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An integrated device includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits radiation; at least one element for directing the emission radiation in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission radiation travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the integrated device. Each sensor may detect emission radiation from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods for improving optical analysis of a thin layer of a sample sandwiched between two plates.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flow cell body, a plurality of electrodes, an imaging assembly, and one or more barrier features. The flow cell body defines one or more flow channels and a plurality of wells defined as recesses in the floor of each flow channel. Each well is fluidically coupled with the corresponding flow channel. The flow cell body further defines interstitial surfaces between adjacent wells. Each well defines a corresponding depth. Each electrode is positioned in a corresponding well of the plurality of wells. The electrodes are to effect writing of polynucleotides in the wells. The imaging assembly is to capture images of polynucleotides written in the wells. The one or more barrier features are positioned in the wells, between the wells, or above the wells. The one or more barrier features contain reactions in each well, reduce diffusion between the wells, or reduce optical cross-talk between the wells.

Abstract: A fastening device for holding a sensor has a cylindrical form limited by a proximal end and a distal end. The fastening device includes a tubular body extending along a median longitudinal axis (I-I) between a first end and a second end, and including a longitudinal through passage for receiving the sensor. At the second end of the tubular body there is a flared portion extending radially inwards and defining an orifice with a cross-section of smaller dimensions than the cross-section of the sensor. The fastening device also includes a device for axially immobilizing the sensor in the longitudinal through passage. The axial immobilization device is shaped so as to keep the distal end of the sensor at a longitudinal distance (E) from the flared portion. The fastening device is a device for bringing a fluid inside the tubular body and into the space between the flared portion and the distal end of the sensor.

Abstract: A target particle transferring device is disclosed, which comprises: (a) a substrate with a thickness of T and a width of W, having top and bottom portions, the top portion having a top surface and the bottom portion having a bottom surface; (b) a notch structure formed in the bottom portion of the substrate, comprising: a groove with a width of W1, located at a distance oft below the top surface of the substrate, wherein the groove is formed in the bottom portion from the bottom surface extending toward the top portion; and (c) a target substrate portion with a width of W2 and a thickness of T, located in the top and bottom portions of the substrate and being surrounded by the groove. Methods of transferring a target particle from one device to another is also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining whether an object is present on a surface of a flow channel of a flow cell. Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating the flow cell with two or more frequency modulated beams of light from a laser, detecting first and second reflected beams of light reflected by a first surface and a second surface of the flow channel, calculating a frequency of oscillations generated by interference between the first and second reflected beams of light, determining a distance between the first surface and the second surface based on the calculated frequency of interference oscillations and determining whether an object is present on the surface of the flow channel based on the determined distance.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments directed to rotor devices, systems, and kits. Embodiments of rotors disclosed herein may be used to characterize one or more analytes of a fluid. An apparatus may include a first layer being substantially transparent. A second layer may be coupled to the first layer to collectively define a set of wells. The second layer may define a channel, and the second layer may be substantially absorbent to infrared radiation. A third layer may be coupled to the second layer. The third layer may define an opening configured to receive a fluid. The third layer may be substantially transparent. The channel may establish a fluid communication path between the opening and the set of wells.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a process includes a housing with a viewing panel. The viewing panel includes a view port. An emitter generates light and illuminates an observation zone of the process. A detector is disposed within the housing and is configured to detect light entering the housing through the view port and create a plurality of images of the process in the observation zone. A thermal regulation system is configured to generate heat in the vicinity of the viewing panel of the housing so as to increase the temperature of at least the view port above ambient temperature.

Abstract: An aseptic sampling apparatus includes an isolator, a liquid delivery port that is disposed in the isolator, a sampling section that is disposed inside the isolator, a first flow path that communicates with a discharge flow path of the sampling section, and that connects an inside and outside of the isolator to each other through the liquid delivery port, a fluid supplying unit that supplies a fluid to the sampling section, a gas supplying unit that communicates with the fluid supplying unit, and a seal member that prevents the fluid supplied from fluid supplying unit to the discharge flow path from leaking.

Abstract: A laser ablation probe comprises a tubular element adapted for conducting a carrier fluid in a substantially laminar flow. The tubular element comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet arranged at opposite end portions of the tubular element for enabling the carrier fluid to flow through the tubular element. The tubular element further comprises a central portion having an aperture defined therein for admitting an aerosol generated by laser ablation from a material sample into the carrier fluid flow when this sample is positioned outside the tubular element at a distance in the range of 0 ?m to 100 ?m from the aperture.

Abstract: A test tube may include: an annular body having an open first end, a closed second end, a longitudinal surface extending between the open first end and the closed second end and enveloping a hollow interior of the annular body and a central longitudinal axis; wherein the longitudinal surface of the annular body may include: a first longitudinal portion that may include the open first end of the annular body and having a substantially circular cross-section; and a second longitudinal portion that may include: a first longitudinal side having a substantially circular-arc cross-section; and a second longitudinal side tapering in a longitudinal direction of the annular body towards the closed second end of the annular body.

Abstract: Specimen delimiting element which, at least in one region, has a nano-porous material which is transparent to at least one observation radiation which is capturable by means of a microscope. The nano-porous material has pores, the mean pore diameter of which is smaller than the wavelength of the observation radiation, and a proportion of at least 5% of the volume of the nano-porous material is taken up by the pores at least in portions of said nano-porous material.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing optical properties of a sample includes a housing to receive a light source and a detector; a sample locus defined relative to the housing and positioned such that when a light source and a detector are in predetermined positions, the sample locus is subject to illumination by the light source and the detector is positioned to receive and detect light from the sample; a cover on the housing, the cover being movable in a hinged manner between an open position and a closed position; and a sample-receiving surface for receiving a free-standing sample in liquid or semi-solid form. When the cover is moved to the closed position it encloses the sample locus, with the sample-receiving surface being tilted away from horizontal during the closing movement and the sample being retained thereon by surface tension or adhesion and brought to the sample locus in an enclosed environment.

Abstract: A fluid delivery method for delivering a liquid sample to a flow cell including a taper section including a first and a second inner walls opposing the first inner wall, which is inclined to the second inner wall so that a distance between the first and the second inner walls at a downstream side of the taper section is shorter than a distance at an upstream side of the taper section, and including measurement flow path provided downstream of the taper section, through which a liquid sample flows together with a sheath fluid. The fluid delivery method includes sample introduction of delivering the liquid sample into the taper section along the second inner wall until the liquid sample reaches the measurement flow path, and sample pressing by delivering the sheath fluid into the taper section along the first inner wall after the liquid sample reaches the measurement flow path.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement, operate, and manufacture a chemical detection device. In one embodiment, a device includes a flow path comprising an analyte reporter configured to receive samples passed by the flow path. The device also includes an excitation source configured generate a response from the analyte reporter. The device also includes a detector configured to receive the response from the analyte reporter to determine whether the samples comprise a material of interest. The device also includes a support structure configured to position the flow path relative to the excitation source and the detector, wherein the support structure comprises a carbon filled polymer material. Additional devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an analytical system with at least three components: a multiwell plate on which the wells are included in an optically transparent area; a frame holding the multiwell plate close to its edge while permitting the plate a certain extent of freedom of movement; a baseplate to which the multiwell plate, but not the frame is firmly fixed via a docking mechanism, such that different expansion of plate and frame can be compensated. A second aspect described herein relates to a method of docking a corresponding multiwell plate held by a frame to a baseplate and subjecting the multiwell plate to a step of a biological or chemical assay within this arrangement.

Abstract: An optical cell for performing light spectroscopy (including absorbance, fluorescence and scattering measurements) on a liquid sample in microfluidic devices is disclosed. The optical cell comprises an inlaid sheet having an opaque material inlaid in a clear material, and a sensing channel that crosses the clear material and the opaque material provides a fluidic path for the liquid sample and an optical path for probe light. Integral optical windows crossing a clear-opaque material interface permit light coupling into and out of the sensing channel, and thus light transmission through the sensing channel is almost entirely isolated from background light interference. A microfluidic chip comprising one or more optical cells is also disclosed. The optical cells may have different lengths of sensing channels, and may be optically and fluidly coupled. A method of manufacturing an optical cell in a microfluidic chip is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments create an arrangement and a method for analyzing a fluid. The arrangement (10) for analyzing a fluid comprises beam splitter and mixer optics (12) configured to spatially mix an optical signal and split the same into at least two spatial sub-beams and a flow cell (14) configured to spectrally influence at least the two spatial sub-beams (15a; 15b) by means of a probe of the fluid. The arrangement further comprises a measurement system (16) configured to measure the at least two spatially separated sub-beams (15a; 15b).

Abstract: Sample cells, light scattering detectors utilizing the sample cells, and methods for using the same are provided. The sample cell may include a body defining a flowpath extending axially therethrough. The flowpath may include a cylindrical inner section interposed between a first outer section and a second outer section. The first outer section may be frustoconical. A first end portion of the first outer section may be in direct fluid communication with the inner section and may have a cross-sectional area relatively smaller than a cross-sectional area at a second end portion thereof. The body may further define an inlet in direct fluid communication with the inner section. The inlet may be configured to direct a sample to the inner section of the flowpath.

Abstract: A system includes a cuvette including a cuvette body forming a substantially planar exterior surface and having a sensor window defined within the substantially planar exterior surface. The cuvette further includes a probe retention structure extending from the cuvette body. The system includes a probe with a probe body and a protrusion that is removably coupled to the probe retention structure.

Abstract: A laser absorption spectroscopy exhaust gas sensor includes an optical cell with porous walls having pores with a mean diameter in the range of 0.1 nm to 1 mm; gold mirrors within the optical cell positioned to support a multi-pass optical path within the optical cell; an active heating element adapted to heat the optical cell to prevent condensation; a laser adapted to generate a laser beam; an optical detector adapted to detect a returning laser beam; and a processor for controlling the laser and the active heating element and for analyzing signals from the optical detector to identify a gas in the optical cell.

Abstract: Before repeating the processing that an LC/MS analysis is performed after diluting a large number of pretreated media samples (S16 to S19), an LC-MS stabilization processing (S11) of supplying a mobile phase to the LC-MS and performing an analysis without a sample according to the same gradient profile as that in a culture medium sample analysis and a standard sample analysis (S13) of supplying a standard sample to the LC-MS and obtaining data for generating a calibration curve are performed. Before the LC-MS stabilization processing and before the standard sample analysis, respectively, a standby time corresponding to a required time of a sample dilution is provided (Steps S10 and S12). With this, the time of the cycle including the LC-MS stabilization processing and the time of the cycle including the standard sample analysis are made to be the same as the time of the cycle of a dilution and an analysis to a culture medium sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to analytical testing devices comprising microfluidics and methods for performing an assay on a fluid sample received within the microfluidics, and in particular, to mitigating drift of fluid samples over a sensor by incorporating a bypass channel into the microfluidics. For example, a test cartridge device is provided that includes a fluid sample entry port and holding chamber connected to a bifurcation junction of a sensor channel and a bypass channel. The sensor channel includes an upstream region and a downstream region, and an analyte sensor is in the upstream region. As a cross-sectional area of the bypass channel is greater than the cross-sectional area of the downstream region of the sensor channel, the bypass channel is a preferred path for excess sample flow and pressure, and thus sample drift above the analyte sensor is mitigated.

Abstract: A diagnostic kit includes: a diagnostic chip formed with a flow channel through which a diagnostic sample moves; a diagnostic sample movement regulation unit opening/closing one end of the flow channel to regulate movement of the diagnostic sample; an optical information detection unit detecting optical information on the diagnostic sample; and a controller controlling operation of the diagnostic sample movement regulation unit and the optical information detection unit, wherein the optical information detection unit includes: a light source illuminating the diagnostic sample; and a sensor sensing the optical information from the diagnostic sample, the diagnostic sample movement regulation unit is operatively associated with the optical information detection unit, and the diagnostic chip and the optical information detection unit are moved relative to each other upon operation of the diagnostic sample movement regulation unit.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip orients and isolates components in a sample fluid mixture by two-step focusing, where sheath fluids compress the sample fluid mixture in a sample input channel in one direction, such that the sample fluid mixture becomes a narrower stream bounded by the sheath fluids, and by having the sheath fluids compress the sample fluid mixture in a second direction further downstream, such that the components are compressed and oriented in a selected direction to pass through an interrogation chamber in single file formation for identification and separation by various methods. The isolation mechanism utilizes external, stacked piezoelectric actuator assemblies disposed on a microfluidic chip holder, or piezoelectric actuator assemblies on-chip, so that the actuator assemblies are triggered by an electronic signal to actuate jet chambers on either side of the sample input channel, to jet selected components in the sample input channel into one of the output channels.