Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for mixing a fluid/media for an assay are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a mixing device for an immunochemistry system includes a pipette configured to aspirate fluid and/or paramagnetic particles from or dispense fluid and/or paramagnetic particles into a cuvette, at least one nonconcentric mass configured cause the pipette to move in a mixing motion, and a control unit configured to activate the at least one nonconcentric mass while the pipette is located within the cuvette so as to mix the fluid and/or paramagnetic particles within the cuvette.

Abstract: A dissection system has a dissection platform which has a frame, an agitation platform, a tissue section tray, a solution dispenser unit, an airflow drying unit and a waste collection unit and a specimen collector which has a tubular body, a plunger button, a hollow shaft, a piston cylinder, a motor unit, a piston, a piston spring and a piston rod. The agitation platform, the solution dispenser unit, the airflow drying unit and the waste collection unit are disposed on the frame, and the tissue section tray is removably disposed on the agitation platform. The plunger button, the hollow shaft and the piston cylinder are movably inserted in the tubular body. The piston is slidably inserted within the piston cylinder, the piston spring is biased in between the piston cylinder and the motor unit, and the piston rod is connected in between the motor unit and the piston.

Abstract: A capillary driven microfluidic device with blood plasma separation means that can be used to separate, meter and transfer a blood sample. The blood separation means can be arranged as a capillary pump by the configuration of a porous membrane and the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for isolation of nucleic acids from aqueous samples containing nucleic acids in free form or liberated by lysis. Before or after the polarity of the aqueous solution is lowered, the sample is brought into contact with a solid phase that has a rough or structured surface, whereupon the nucleic acids precipitate on the solid phase and then, together with the solid phase, are removed from this aqueous solution. The rough or structured surface is preferably a non-smooth metal, plastic or rubber surface. Subject matter of the invention is also a test kit and a corresponding instrument for isolation of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Device and method for extraction of nucleic acids, comprising a hollow body, preferably a pipette tip, through which a liquid is passed, characterized in that a material with rough or structured surface is disposed in this hollow body in such a way that it can be circumcirculated by a liquid. After lysis of the sample and adjustment of necessary binding conditions for adsorption of the nucleic acids on the carrier material, the mixture, by means of pipetting processes, is repeatedly “pipetted along” the material for binding nucleic acids, introduced vertically in the pipette tip. The nucleic acids bind to the material. Thereupon washing buffers are likewise “pipetted along” the material for binding nucleic acids. Then a drying step is performed. Finally, the eluent is again repeatedly “pipetted along” the vertically disposed material for binding nucleic acids, and in the process the bound nucleic acid is detached. The nucleic acid is now available for necessary downstream application.

Abstract: Embodiments of a blood coagulation testing system can operate as an automated thromboelastometry system that is particularly useful, for example, at a point-of-care site. In some embodiments, the blood coagulation testing system includes a single-use cartridge component configured to measure and mix reagents with blood received from a blood sample reservoir. A mixing chamber in the single-use cartridge includes different reagent beads that, when exposed to a pre-determined volume of blood, dissolve and mix specific reagents with the blood. The assembled blood cartridge further includes configurations that are designed to prevent blood from prematurely mixing with reagent beads in the mixing chamber and to guide blood flow in the mixing chamber to dissolve reagent beads in a desired order. Thus, the mixture obtained from the mixing chamber can be readily utilized to generate results for the blood coagulation testing system.

Abstract: A pipette tip includes a main body section; and a straight pipe section disposed at the leading end of the main body section, in which the inner diameter of the straight pipe section is 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm inclusive, and the length of the straight pipe section is 5 mm to 15 mm inclusive.

Abstract: A reusable and versatile device/system for mixing liquid drugs or solutions, before their administration into the human body. Mixing is carried out inside an entirely closed circuit, avoiding any contacts between the phases to be mixed and the external atmosphere. Closure of the circuit is realized partly by integral and indissoluble (permanent) connections and partly by reversible connections, such as vascular accesses, unidirectional or bidirectional check valves (NRV), or any other device which allows the creation of a closed circuit even after use, both to the system and the connected accessories, thus minimizing the risks of possible contaminations and/or infections to the patients.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.

Abstract: A dual syringe is provided. The dual syringe includes a first barrel and a second barrel. The first barrel may slidably engage within the second barrel. A first chamber and a second chamber may be formed in the first barrel. A first plunger may be slidably engaged within the first chamber and a second plunger may be slidably engaged within the second chamber. A first valve may be attached in between the first chamber and a mixing chamber of the second barrel 26. Further, a second valve may be attached in between the second chamber and the mixing chamber. Therefore, a first liquid may be pushed from the first chamber into the mixing chamber by the first plunger, and a second liquid may be pushed from the second chamber into the mixing chamber. Then, the mixed liquids may be pushed out of the mixing chamber by both of the first and second plungers.

Abstract: A pipette tip device for use in dispersive SPE. The device includes a pipette tip having a lower barrier, loose sorbent that is freely moveable during the extraction process, and a baffle system that is shaped to disrupt the flow of liquid sample that is aspirated into the pipette tip. The baffle system includes an insert that may be separate from or monolithic with the interior of the pipette tip.

Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body having a reaction chamber for a reagent and a solution reservoir for a solution. The solution reservoir is isolated from the reaction chamber. A plunger is movably coupled with the body. Movement of the plunger from a starting position to a seated position pushes the solution into the reaction chamber. A dispensing path extends from the reaction chamber out of the body. The dispensing path is configured to dispense a reagent mixture formed from the solution and the reagent. A vent path extends from the reaction chamber, the vent path vents reaction chamber gas displaced by the addition of the solution to the reaction chamber throughout movement of the plunger from the starting position to the seated position.

Abstract: A method for assessing a corrosion inhibitor in a coolant, comprises providing a test kit comprising a first chamber containing an acid buffer and a solvent immiscible therein and a second chamber containing an indicator, the second chamber being in fluid communication with the first chamber and being configured such that retraction of the second chamber draws fluid into the first chamber and advancement forces fluid into the second chamber; drawing a coolant sample into the first chamber; contacting the coolant sample with the acid buffer and solvent in the first chamber and extracting the corrosion inhibitor into the solvent; allowing the solvent and buffer to separate in the first chamber; forcing a portion of the separated solvent into the second chamber; contacting the separated solvent with the indicator in the second chamber, and obtaining a visual indication of the presence of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant sample.

Abstract: A mechanically-actuated vacuum-controlled fluid collection system includes a mechanically-actuated vacuum controller (MAVC) to draw fluid into a chamber through the opening to the chamber. The system may include a releasable seal to seal the opening, and the MAVC may include a spring-loaded plunger to create a vacuum within the chamber when sealed. The system includes multiple fluid chambers, and may further include a single actuator or multiple corresponding actuators. The system may be configured to add a pre-loadable reagent to fluid drawn into the one or more chambers, and may be configured to add the reagent in proportion to a volume of the fluid. The system may be controllable to release collected fluid to another device, such as for assay and/or transport. The system may be configured to draw a liquid biological sample such as urine, and may include a fluid interface to draw fluid from a biological sample container.

Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body having a reaction chamber for a reagent and a solution reservoir for a solution. The solution reservoir is isolated from the reaction chamber. A plunger is movably coupled with the body. Movement of the plunger from a starting position to a seated position pushes the solution into the reaction chamber. A dispensing path extends from the reaction chamber out of the body. The dispensing path is configured to dispense a reagent mixture formed from the solution and the reagent. A vent path extends from the reaction chamber, the vent path vents reaction chamber gas displaced by the addition of the solution to the reaction chamber throughout movement of the plunger from the starting position to the seated position.

Abstract: A biological fluid sampling transfer device adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid sampling transfer device is able to separate a plasma portion from a cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid sampling transfer device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid sampling transfer device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The biological fluid sampling transfer device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid sampling transfer device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: A device for collecting, treating and dispensing a biological sample is described. Use of the device permits integration of sample collection, sample treatment, and sample dispensing.

Abstract: An automated or semi-automated method was developed for the isolation of proteins using lanthanide metals. Phosphoproteins and glycoproteins can be isolated from complex biological samples using filtration with novel column configurations.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for sensing molecules. A twin-nanopore probe includes a first channel and a second channel. A first pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the first channel to generate a positive pressure. A second pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the second channel to generate a negative pressure. A container includes ionic solvent with molecules, and a tip of the twin-nanopore probe is submerged in the container of the ionic fluid with the molecules. The first channel, the second channel, the first pressure-controlled reservoir, and the second pressure-controlled reservoir are filled with the ionic fluid. The first pressure-controlled reservoir drives the ionic fluid out of the first channel and the second pressure-controlled reservoir draws in the ionic fluid with the molecules and solvent through the second channel. A flow of ionic current in the twin-nanopore probe is measured to differentiate the molecules that flow through the second channel.

Abstract: A liquid sample is aspirated using an aspirating tube provided with a flow path extending lengthwise in the interior of the tube, and an aspiration orifice for aspirating the liquid sample formed near the tip of the tube. The aspiration of the liquid sample to the aspirating tube is monitored during aspiration. Liquid sample is aspirated by the aspirating tube, and the collected material in the aspirating tube in the region at the tip side from the region containing the liquid sample to be used for measurement is delivered to a detecting part provided externally to the aspirating tube, and whether or not liquid sample is contained in the collected material is detected in the detecting part.

Abstract: A dispensing method which dispenses a first liquid contained in a first vessel which stores the first liquid and a second liquid to introduce the first liquid into a second vessel by using a tube.

Abstract: A reagent kit for detecting bilirubin in a fluid sample. The reagent kit includes a body defining at least one fluid receiving well and an optical window positioned over each at least one fluid receiving well. Each window is formed of a material having a fluorescence intensity that is of a lower magnitude than the fluorescence to be detected from the bilirubin. A hematofluorometer configured to utilize the reagent kit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described for distributing samples within an automated analyzer from a linear arrangement of sample vessels to a processing plate in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement wherein samples are sorted, followed by transfer with a pipetting device with a linear arrangement to a processing vessel in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement and subsequent processing of samples using a second pipetting device which has a two-dimensional n×m arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump device 50 which is usable to dilute a sample 52 before analysis. A first pump 54 pumps the sample to a mixing region 58 where it mixes with a diluent 66. A second pump 64 pumps the diluted sample to the analysis instrument. The flow of the diluent to the mixer is equal to the difference of the flow of the sample to the mixer and the flow of the diluted sample to the instrument. Pumps 54 and 64 are independently controllable by a controller unit which is arranged so that data from the instrument can be used to determine the dilution factor of the sample. Thus, the controller can control this dilution factor in real time, upon receipt of such data from the instrument, by change either one of (or both) the pump's flow rate.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a hand held pipette for aspirating and dispensing liquids including, a stirring device assembly, including a vibration inducing unit, a power source for the vibration inducing unit, and a control for the vibration inducing unit. Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a microplate stirring device including, an orbital plate module having a proximal and distal side; at least one vibration inducing unit attached to the proximal side of said orbital plate module; and a base plate for receiving the microplate. Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid handling system used for aspirating and dispensing liquids including, a stirring module assembly. Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a manual stirring device including, a vibration inducing unit; a power source for the vibration inducing unit; and a control for the vibration inducing unit.

Abstract: A system for titrating liquids, with a syringe or tip, comprising a holding device and at least one tag and a metering equipment, comprising an additional holding device for holding the syringe or tip on the holding device, a reading device for reading the tag of the syringe or tip held by the additional holding device, a driving device having a motor, which is detachably coupled with a plunger of the syringe when the same is held by the additional holding device, or which is coupled with a plunger which is arranged in a cylinder which is coupled with the tip via a fluid conduit, when the same is held by the additional holding device, an operating device for operating the metering equipment and a control device, connected with the operating device, the reading device and the driving device, which controls the movement of the plunger depending of the tag of the inserted syringe or tip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, to a system, and to a method for the preparation and fractioned dispensing of samples of a fluid. The device of the invention comprises a body having formed therein guide means suitable for receiving a sample-taker member and for guiding it in translation through the device, and at least one preparation chamber enabling an aliquot of a fluid sample dispensed into the chamber by a said sample-taker member to be prepared in a stream of a suitable reagent. The guide means pass through the preparation chamber and communicate therewith to enable an aliquot of fluid to be dispensed into the chamber in a determined position of the sample-taker member in the guide means. The preparation chamber has an introduction orifice for introducing at least one reagent into the chamber for mixing the reagent with an aliquot, and at least one dispensing orifice for dispensing the mixture formed by said aliquot and said reagent to recovery and/or analysis means.

Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal force-based microfluidic device, in which biochemical treatments of samples are executed, and a method of fabricating the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device is mountable on a rotatable device and includes: a disk-shaped portion; and an inlet hole defined within, configured to receive fluid from outside the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device having a first opening with a first inner diameter, and a second opening disposed on the first opening having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter, and a depth of the second opening greater than a height of a fluid droplet formable in the second opening.

Abstract: A plunger for mixing a biological sample with a reagent in a tube is moved up and down reciprocally to agitate the biological sample and the reagent for subsequent extraction of the material from the mixture to be analyzed. The plunger's agitation facilitates the concentration of the extracted material to reach an extent where a correct analysis is possible. The plunger of the present invention has a shape of a hollow cylinder with an aperture at the bottom, a plurality of slots formed on the cylindrical surface, and an opening formed at the top. The plunger allows a pipette to draw the extracted material in the test tube out from the opening at the top of the plunger without removing the plunger, and prevents drawing out the fragments of the sample after the biological sample and the reagent have been sufficiently mixed.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A sample handling method may include drawing an encapsulating liquid from an encapsulating-liquid input; discharging the drawn encapsulating liquid (a) onto a free surface of a carrier liquid in a carrier-liquid conduit comprising a stabilisation feature and (b) proximate to the stabilisation feature, the encapsulating liquid being immiscible with the carrier liquid, so that the discharged encapsulating liquid does not mix with the carrier liquid, floats on top of the carrier liquid, and is immobilised by the stabilisation feature; drawing a sample liquid from a sample-liquid input; and discharging the drawn sample liquid, the sample liquid being immiscible with the encapsulating liquid and with the carrier liquid, so that the sample liquid does not mix with the encapsulating liquid or with the carrier liquid.

Abstract: A pipette component for use in performing an experimental procedure with a fluid sample and a pipette, the pipette component including: a pipette interface configured to engage sealingly and separably with a body of the pipette; a tip interface configured to engage sealingly and separably with a replaceable tip; and an experiment region configured to receive at least part of the fluid sample by operation of the pipette, and configured to perform at least part of the experimental procedure in the experiment region using the at least part of the fluid sample.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an integrated ‘lab-on-a-Pipette’™ which will provide sample-to-answer single cell genetic diagnosis for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and other forms of single cell analysis (SCA). SCA is a quickly growing field with substantial impact in prenatal testing, cancer biopsies, diabetes, stem cell research, and our overall understanding of heterogeneity in biology. However, single cell genetic analysis is challenging, inaccurate, and in many cases impossible, due to the small amount of sample (5 pg), and difficulties in handling small sample volumes (50-100 pL). The ‘lab-on-a-pipette’ device integrates a microaspiration tip with microfluidic analysis components to conduct in-situ, real-time single cell genetic diagnosis in a single device. The microaspiration tip extracts and encapsulate a cell into an ultra-low volume plug (˜300 pL).

Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir. The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to dispense the reagent mixture from the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for mixing and self-cleaning elements in microfluidic systems based on electrothermally induced fluid flow. The apparatus and methods provide for the control of fluid flow in and between components in a microfluidic system to cause the removal of unwanted liquids and particulates or mixing of liquids. The geometry and position of electrodes is adjusted to generate a temperature gradient in the liquid, thereby causing a non-uniform distribution of dielectric properties within the liquid. The dielectric non-uniformity produces a body force and flow in the solution, which is controlled by element and electrode geometries, electrode placement, and the frequency and waveform of the applied voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel system for efficiently and accurately analyzing targets in samples and for preparing samples for analysis with various analytical methods. A version of the present invention comprises a multi-function probe, configured for pipetting liquids directly, with a pipet tip, or with an assay unit described herein. Another version of the present invention includes an apparatus for conducting an immunoassay or selective adsorption separation comprising an assay unit and a multi-function probe. Another version of the present invention includes a multi-function probe and assay unit for use with an automated Cartesian robot. Other versions include one- or two-dimensional arrays comprising multi-function probes connected to syringe barrels for use with assay units.

Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump device 50 which is usable to dilute a sample 52 before analysis. A first pump 54 pumps the sample to a mixing region 58 where it mixes with a diluent 66. A second pump 64 pumps the diluted sample to the analysis instrument. The flow of the diluent to the mixer is equal to the difference of the flow of the sample to the mixer and the flow of the diluted sample to the instrument. Pumps 54 and 64 are independently controllable by a controller unit which is arranged so that data from the instrument can be used to determine the dilution factor of the sample. Thus, the controller can control this dilution factor in real time, upon receipt of such data from the instrument, by change either one of (or both) the pump's flow rate.

Abstract: A pipette tip assembly includes a pipette tip having a first open end adapted to receive a pipette tip mounting shaft of a pipette, a second open end, and an open channel therebetween. The assembly also includes a mixer disposed in the channel, the mixer including at least one porous mixing device. The at least one porous mixing device includes a three-dimensional lattice defining a plurality of tortuous, interconnecting passages therethrough, and has physical characteristics to sufficiently mix first and second fluids drawn or expelled through the mixer, which characteristics include a selected one or more of mean flow pore size, thickness and porosity.

Abstract: A wave-guide having an isolated coupling interface. In one variation, a constant negative pressure is maintained around the area surrounding the wave-guide. Coupling liquid may be directed to the tip of the wave-guide to provide the coupling interface between the wave-guide and a source fluid container. The suction from the constant negative pressure may remove excess coupling liquid and isolating the coupling liquid to the area around the tip of the wave-guide. The wave-guide assembly may also include mechanisms for adjusting the volume of fluid at the tip of the wave-guide. When the position of the wave-guide is displaced, fluid compensation mechanism may increase or decrease the volume of fluids at the distal end of the wave-guide to maintain proper coupling between the wave-guide and the source fluid container. Methods for utilizing negative pressure around the distal end of the wave-guide to isolate the coupling liquid are also described.