Abstract: A cover for a biological sample well tray, comprising a cap for sealing a sample well. The cap comprises a well lens for focusing light into the sample well and collecting light from the sample. In another aspect, the cap comprises an elongate portion configured to permit incoming light to pass into the sample well and out of the sample well. Various other aspects comprise a microcard for biological material, and an apparatus for a plurality of sample well strips. A method for testing a biological sample is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manipulating a membrane element within a pressure vessel including a central axis, a distal end, a proximal end and an inlet disposed at the proximal end. The membrane element has a membrane element front face with at least one fluid opening and a membrane element rear face. The membrane element is received within the pressure vessel such that the membrane element front face faces the proximal end, with a possibility to be moved along the central axis by an axial force applied to the membrane element front face. The method includes disposing a fluid-tight element in the pressure vessel to form a fluid chamber at the proximal end between the inlet and the fluid-tight element, and introducing fluid into the fluid chamber to displace the membrane element along the central axis in the direction towards the distal end of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A tumor of interest is classified based on 3-dimensional image data for visualizing the tumor. The system includes an overlay data structure (OL) for computing a TNM (Tumor-Node-Metastasis) overlay for displaying in a tumor image computed from the image data. The TNM overlay includes TNM information for determining the stage of the tumor. An overlay unit (U10) computes the TNM overlay based on the overlay data structure, and positions the TNM overlay on the tumor image. The size of the TNM overlay is based on the scale of the computed tumor image. By making the size of the TNM overlay dependent on the scale of the tumor image, the ratio of the distance between two locations on the positioned TNM overlay to the distance between two locations in the computed tumor image is substantially constant, i.e., substantially independent of the visualization of the image data.

Abstract: A device for fractionation of a fluid containing particles and extraction of a particle-lean volume and a particle-rich volume, including: a cylindrical reservoir including an inlet orifice to supply the reservoir with fluid in a pumping direction from first to second ends of the reservoir; a fractionation body extending along a central axis of the reservoir, an upstream end positioned in vertical alignment above the inlet orifice, a cross section of the fractionation body reducing sharply at its downstream end; the fractionation body defining, with the reservoir, a first passage opening at the downstream end onto a recirculation zone with a geometric singularity; and an extraction mechanism downstream of the fractionation body to separate and extract the lean and rich volumes, including a partition delimiting an extraction volume configured, as fluid circulates in the pumping direction, to receive the particle-lean phase formed in the recirculation zone.

Abstract: A rapid, sensitive method of separating and detecting microorganisms from a sample containing microorganisms, such as but not limited to bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses, and the like. The method relies on separation techniques to separate and concentrate the cells from the sample, together with chemical techniques to amplify the amount of detectable signal from low numbers of cells to provide a rapid and sensitive method of detecting microorganisms. This detection method may utilize: a filtration device; a centrifugation device; a system; a swab device; and kit comprising one or more of the devices and components to perform the present method of separating and detecting microorganisms in a sample containing microorganisms. The sample may be a chemical, cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, or consumable good in its raw material, in-process, and/or finished product states that needs to be tested for any contaminating microorganisms prior to shipment to the consumer.

Abstract: An assembly for processing a sample is provided. The assembly comprises a first body having a plurality of spaced-apart conduits and a second body having a plurality of chambers wherein each conduit is fluidically connected to a separate chamber. The assembly forms a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path comprising a conduit and a chamber. An analyte capture element is detachably attached to a conduit and is in fluidic communication with the liquid flow path of the conduit. Optionally, the assembly further may comprise a third body comprising a plurality of reservoirs. The assembly can be used to process a liquid sample for detecting an analyte.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for separating a biological entity from a sample volume is provided. The apparatus includes an input chamber including an inlet configured to receive the volume sample, and an outlet, at least one magnetic element adjacent a portion of the input chamber, the magnetic element configured to provide a magnetic field in a vicinity of the portion of the input chamber to trap at least some leukocytes from the sample volume, and a filter in fluid communication with the outlet, the filter configured to separate the biological entity. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for separating a biological entity from a sample volume is also provided.

Abstract: A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.

Abstract: A portable apparatus useful for collection and processing of human biological material containing adipose, such as extracted during a lipoplasty procedure to prepare a concentrated product (e.g., stromal vascular fraction) or a fat graft composition. The apparatus has a container with a containment volume with a tissue retention volume and a filtrate volume separated by a filter and with a tapered portion to a collection volume for collecting concentrate product. Inlet and suction ports provide access to the tissue retention volume and filtrate volume, respectively, and an extraction port provides versatile access for removal of target processed concentrate material or fat graft material, which access may be via a lumen through a rotatable mixer shaft. Access ports may be configured for access only from above the container. The apparatus may include a tissue collector disposed in the disuse retention volume to engage and collect collagen or other stringy tissue.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for washing a selected component and removing the selected component from a wash material. The selected component may include red blood cells that are washed to remove a rejuvenating solution. The red blood cells may then be removed with various systems, such as a standing acoustic wave system from the wash solution. Pumps and flow restrictors that provide steady flow from pumps that generate pulsed flow are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for capturing suspended bioparticles in a liquid medium, includes: a tube (101) including first and second ends, the first end of the tube being closed by the surface of a filter membrane (102) rendered stationary by adhesion onto the cross-section of the walls of the tube, a piston (104) including a rod (107) connected to a bearing element (108), the rod sliding along an axis parallel to the wall of the tube (101), and a block (103) of hydrophilic absorbent material placed inside the tube (101), inserted between (i) the inner surface of the filter membrane (102) and (ii) the piston (104) bearing element (108).

Abstract: The application relates to a closing element for closing a container for samples for analysis, particularly biological samples. The application also relates to an assembly of a container and a closing element connected to the container. The application also relates to a device and method for analysing samples. The closure comprises a vent channel (6) with a bacterial filter (7), a penetrable element (5) and the vent channel is configured to be connected with an analyser and can be opened and closed.

Abstract: Sample liquid is collected in a chamber downstream of a separating device. Adjoining the chamber are a plurality of channels which guide the sample liquid to one or more investigating regions.

Abstract: A device and method for producing a portion of platelet rich plasma from a fluid sample obtained from a patient. The device comprises three intercommunicated portions, each portion having an internal chamber defined therein. The fluid sample is first brought into the base portion where it is separated into red blood cells and plasma. The plasma portion of the sample is then withdrawn into the second portion where it is further separated into platelet poor plasma disposed over platelet rich plasma. The portion of platelet poor plasma is then withdrawn from the second chamber, leaving only platelet rich plasma within the second chamber. The base portion also includes a membrane located on its distal end which helps maintain a vacuum within the device when the fluid sample is being initially inserted into base chamber.

Abstract: A multi-well assembly including a filter plate and receiver plate. Each plate includes a plurality of wells, which, when the filter plate is placed in nesting relationship with the receiver plate, each filter plate well has a corresponding receiver plate well into which it extends. The receiver plate wells are of a non-uniform cross-section in order to increase the gap between the outer walls of the filter plate wells and the inner walls of a corresponding receiver plate well when the receiver plate and filter plate are in nesting relationship. The increased gap size reduces wicking and cross-contamination. A multi-section well of maximum cross-section in an upper region and a minimized cross-section in a lower region, with a gradual transition between the regions, is thus provided.

Abstract: A well plate includes a including a top portion, a bottom portion and a membrane disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion. The top portion defines a sample well in fluid communication with an opening defined by the membrane and in fluid communication with a reservoir defined by the bottom portion. The well plate is configured to be used in a centrifugation process of a test sample including a sample material and a wash liquid. The test sample configured to be received within the sample well and the reservoir. The membrane configured to filter the wash liquid from the test sample during the centrifugation process such that the wash liquid can pass from the reservoir, through the membrane and can be captured within a collection chamber while the sample material remains within the reservoir.

Abstract: A multi-well assembly including a filter plate and receiver plate. Each plate includes a plurality of wells, which, when the filter plate is placed in nesting relationship with the receiver plate, each filter plate well has a corresponding receiver plate well into which it extends. The receiver plate wells are of a non-uniform cross-section in order to increase the gap between the outer walls of the filter plate wells and the inner walls of a corresponding receiver plate well when the receiver plate and filter plate are in nesting relationship. The increased gap size reduces wicking and cross-contamination. A multi-section well of maximum cross-section in an upper region and a minimized cross-section in a lower region, with a gradual transition between the regions, is thus provided.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for collecting filterable material to perform assays on a filtration apparatus by applying negative-pressure to the inlet chamber of the filtration apparatus which is independent of negative or positive pressure applied to its fluid path. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber serves to actively aspirate fluid and promote flow into the inlet chamber via the fluid pathway. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber facilitates the use of either negative or positive-pressure based fluid-filtration approaches. Use of the invention improves the functionality and scope of applications that can be performed with enclosed filtration apparatuses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embedding cells that utilizes a flow-through embedding technique maximizes the efficiency of extractions and decreases time for embedding the cell fragments, minimizes cell loss, and automatically positions cell samples at the position in which a microtome blade will section them. The apparatus includes a cell flow pathway defined by an inflow tube for delivering cell fragments from a cell sample to a sample port. The sample port is in fluid communication with a tissue cassette having attached thereto a filter. The cell flow pathway is in communication with a reagent flow pathway for delivering the reagents through the sample port to the cassette. The apparatus is configured such that the application of pressure directs the cell fragments from the cell sample through the cell flow pathway, and effects delivery of the reagents through the reagent flow pathway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for parallel fractionating a multiplicity of individual samples (29) within a 3-dimensional separation medium (6), with the subsequent process steps being carried out: A first space (2) which extends essentially across all three space coordinates contains the separation medium (6). A multiplicity of individual samples (29) is arranged close to an interface of the first space (2), with the individual samples (29) being arranged essentially in a planar fashion, i.e. their particular center-of-gravity positions are described by two coordinates. Under the influence of one or more physical parameters, the individual samples (29) are able to migrate essentially perpendicularly to the area of their application through the separation medium (6), and are fractionated in the process according to one or more of their properties.

Abstract: Among other things, in general, a two-stage filtration and extraction assembly is described, as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Candidate cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), present with blood are captured using a multiple stage device, having successive stages configured to deviate candidate cells out of the blood while slowing down the flow rates of the deviated resultant for easier capture of CTCs through progressive stages. The devices can include separation channel and deviation channels formed of micro-post patterns dimensioned to deviate different desired candidate cells for analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration unit, comprising a membrane filter that can be disposed on a filter support of a bottom part and an attachment that can be placed on the bottom part, wherein the membrane filter has a reinforcing edge, and wherein the membrane filter can be clamped to a clamping part of a cover of a culture medium unit for removal purposes and introduced into the culture media unit. The invention further relates to a method for the microbiological analysis of liquid samples following a filtration process, wherein after removing an attachment a membrane filter is lifted off a filter support for pouring in the liquid sample and set down on a surface of a culture medium disposed in the bottom part of a culture medium unit, and the bottom part is covered by a cover. The cover is placed on the membrane resting on the filter support such that a clamping part present on the filter support clamps to a reinforcing edge of the membrane.

Abstract: Devices and system for preparing samples are described. Such devices can comprise fluidic chambers, reservoirs, and movable structures for controlling the movement of samples. The device can also comprise functional elements for performing specific operations.

Abstract: Provided is a method and device for identifying glycated protein in a sample using a matrix including a boronic acid moiety that binds glycated proteins.

Abstract: A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid analysis cartridge that performs a test on a fluid sample. The fluid analysis cartridge includes: a testing part configured to receive a fluid sample and configured to perform a test on the fluid sample; a housing including at least one supply hole configured to supply the fluid sample to the testing part; a filtering part that is disposed between the at least one supply hole and the testing part and is configured to filter a particular material included in the fluid sample; and at least one stepped part provided on a surface of the housing facing the filtering part and that forms a gap between the filtering part and the surface of the housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for treating biological liquid comprising a platform provided with an edge running front-to-back, a pump (105), a filtration assembly (111, 150), a pre-filtration assembly (114) having an inlet point and an outlet point respectively belonging to first and second T-shaped branching connectors (137, 156), two pre-filtration components (115a, 115b) aligned in a front-to-back direction on said platform along said front-to-back edge and each provided with inlet (157, 158) and outlet (159, 151) nozzles, said installation comprising first and second conduits (152, 153) connected to said first T-shaped connector and respectively to said inlet nozzles and third and fourth conduits (154, 155) connected to said second T-shaped connector and respectively to said outlet nozzles (159, 151), which inlet and outlet nozzles and conduits are on an opposite side of said pre-filtration components (105) to said front-to-back edge of said platform.

Abstract: A separation device for preparing biological samples for cytological, cytohistological and histological analysis includes a series of communicating chambers, means for moving a fluid through the chambers and one or more separating units for separating material contained in the fluid, wherein the separator units are arranged along the path of the fluid between the chambers.

Abstract: A miniature sieve apparatus is described and includes a first sieve, a separator and a second sieve from top to bottom. The first and second sieves are formed with at least one first mesh and a plurality of second meshes, respectively. The first and second meshes are misaligned with each other in a vertical direction of the first and second sieves. The miniature sieve apparatus is provided to separate or screen microparticles with different sizes, such as target cells, bio-medical particles, organic or inorganic microparticles. Additionally, the invention also provides a manufacturing method of the miniature sieve apparatus, and the same material is applied to manufacture the sieves and the separators. Thus, the problem caused by the residual thermal stress due to different material can be solved. Therefore, the cost of the miniature sieve apparatus can be lowered as the yield rate thereof is improved.

Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus comprising: a storage chamber that can store therein a liquid sample including an analysis target to be analyzed; a concentrated sample storage chamber that is provided to communicate with the storage chamber and that stores therein concentrated liquid having an analysis target having a higher concentration than that of the liquid sample; and an analysis target transportation section for transporting the analysis target included in the liquid sample stored in the storage chamber to the concentrated sample storage chamber. A cell analyzer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved upward flow constructed wetland cell for treatment of water contaminated with chlorinated aliphatics is disclosed. The improvements include adding ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms to the methane-oxidizing microorganisms already present in an oxygenated root zone and adding improved pore-water sample chambers for measuring the performance of the constructed wetland cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating plasma by which plasma can be separated from a small amount of whole blood cell sample without centrifugation is disclosed. This apparatus includes a blood channel through which blood flows; and a plasma channel through which plasma separated from said blood flows. The plasma channel is arranged at least partially in parallel with said blood channel and the blood channel and the plasma channel are at least partially in contact with each other along the longitudinal direction of the channels. Blood is made to flow at a flow rate at which blood cell components in the blood flowing through the blood channel axially accumulate and at which hemolysis does not occur. The plasma moves to the plasma channel after being separated into a blood cell layer and a plasma layer.

Abstract: A test cartridge includes an input channel to receive a liquid sample to be tested. A sample chamber is coupled to the input channel to receive the sample. An air permeable membrane is coupled between the sample chamber and ambient to prevent passage of the sample past the membrane and stop movement of the sample in the sample chamber.

Abstract: A microfilter comprising a polymer layer formed from epoxy-based photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures each extending through the polymer layer. A microfilter comprising two or more polymer layers formed from epoxy-based photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures or open areas each extending through the polymer layer. A method of forming a microfilter is also disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer of epoxy-based photo-definable dry film disposed on a substrate, exposing the first layer to energy through a mask to form a pattern, defined by the mask, in the first layer of dry film, forming, from the exposed first layer of dry film, a polymer layer having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the plurality of apertures having a distribution defined by the pattern, and removing the polymer layer from the substrate.

Abstract: A microfilter having a hydrophilic surface and suited for size-based capture and analysis of cells, such as circulating cancer cells, from whole blood and other human fluids is disclosed. The filter material is photo-definable, allowing the formation of precision pores by UV lithography. Exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a microfilter with 3D nanotopography in culture scaffolds that mimic the 3D in vivo environment to better facilitate growth of captured cells.

Abstract: A sample analysis cartridge and a sample cartridge reader are provided. In measuring a particular component included in a sample flowing in a microfluidic channel, a numerical value of hematocrit is reflected to thus improve the accuracy of measurement of the particular component.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid collection device is able to separate the plasma portion from the cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid collection device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection 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 an anticoagulant. The biological fluid collection device is engageable with a testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid collection device to the testing device. The testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting microbial contamination of a liquid specimen comprising a device for concentrating micro-organisms from a liquid specimen, having (i) a hypobaric chamber, (ii) a filter housing comprising a liquid-permeable bed of an adsorbent material and adapted for being fluidly connected to said hypobaric chamber, and (iii) a vacuum pump adapted for being fluidly connected to said hypobaric chamber, said system further comprising a kit for detection of micro-organisms adsorbed to said adsorbent material, wherein said kit is based on enzymatic detection using chromogenic and/or fluorescent substrate analogs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting microbial contamination of a liquid specimen comprising a device for concentrating micro-organisms from a liquid specimen, having (i) a hyperbaric chamber, (ii) a filter housing comprising a liquid-permeable bed of an adsorbent material and adapted for being fluidly connected to the hyperbaric chamber, and (iii) a manner for pressurizing the hyperbaric chamber. The system also comprises a kit for detection of micro-organisms adsorbed to the adsorbent material, wherein the kit is based on enzymatic detection using chromogenic and/or fluorescent substrate analogues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampler which is capable of rapidly and easily separating blood corpuscles from blood, being operated conveniently, and directly using extracted plasma. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sampler includes a chamber and a membrane guide. Here, the chamber includes an insertion unit having an insertion hole on one side, wherein the other side is opened, and an inner side includes a receiving space for receiving a sample. Additionally, one side of the membrane guide is combined to the membrane, and the membrane guide includes a channel wherein filtered materials, which are filtered through the membrane among the samples received in the receiving space, are moved in a gravitational direction.

Abstract: A cell isolation instrument includes: a first container which has an opening in an upper portion; a filtration member which defines at least a part of a lower portion of the first container; an isolation member which is movably housed in the first container to collide with a tissue, thereby isolating cells; and a second container which houses the first container in a manner that the first container can be taken out.

Abstract: Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrate biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. A single-use pipette tip includes fluid ports for aspirating the sample and connecting to a concentrating unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to perform multiple filtration steps with a modular filtration apparatus and single cycle. A stackable modular filter cup has features to allow stacked cups to be separated without the need for substantial effort yet without diminishing the effect of vacuum assisted filtration. Each cup is formed with a slip seal segment and/or a series of substantially vertical channels or ridges on an inner or outer wall to reduce surface contact between nested filter cups.

Abstract: Molecular filters are disclosed herein. An example of the molecular filter includes a rolled substrate having an interior surface and opposed ends that are substantially orthogonal to the interior surface. The rolled substrate defines a layer and a fluid flow path extending from one of the opposed ends to another of the opposed ends. A template is positioned on the interior surface of the rolled substrate. The template includes a matrix, and molecule template locations formed in the matrix.

Abstract: Provided is a microparticle measurement device that can deliver a liquid that is used in the analysis of microparticles in a stable manner. The microparticle measurement device includes a plurality of first tank units to which a liquid is supplied from the outside, and which are respectively connected in parallel, and a bulb unit that is connected to the plurality of first tank units, and which switches to a state in which it is possible to deliver the liquid to a flow channel through which microparticles flow. According to this microparticle measurement device, in addition to performing liquid delivery from a portion of first tank units, in which the replenishment of liquid has been completed, to a flow channel, it is possible to supply liquid from the outside to first tank units other than the first tank units that are delivering liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device for extracting and isolating DNA from cells. The device includes a support having an inlet port for receiving a sample containing a cell, an outlet port for dispensing DNA isolated from the cell, and a microfluidic channel disposed within the support and extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. The microfluidic channel includes a micropillar array, an inflow channel disposed between the inlet port and the micropillar array, and an outflow channel disposed between the micropillar array and the outlet port. The micropillar array includes micropillars spatially configured to entrap, by size exclusion, the cell, to immobilize DNA released from the cell, and to maintain the immobilized DNA in elongated or non-elongated form when hydrodynamic force is applied to the microfluidic channel. Systems and methods of making and using the device are also provided herein.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analyzer, typically for analyzing body fluids, which has one or several exchangeable cassettes (consumables) that contain operating liquids, operating materials and/or consumables and can be inserted into corresponding holders of the analyzer, wherein the analyzer has a system for exchanging ambient air which has a filter unit on the inlet side of the analyzer to filter the ambient air that needs to be exchanged. The filter unit is integrated into at least one of the exchangeable cassettes in order to minimize the amount of maintenance for the analyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to microscale cell separating apparatus which are able to separate cells on the basis of size of the cells, interaction of the cells with surfaces of the apparatus, or both. The apparatus comprises a stepped or sloped separation element (16) interposed between an inlet region (20) and an outlet region (22) of a void that can be tilled with fluid. The void can be enclosed within a cover (12) and fluid flow through the void engages cells with the separation element. Only cells which have (or can deform to have) a characteristic dimension smaller than or equal to the distance between a step and the cover or body can pass onto or past a step. Modifications of surfaces within the apparatus can also inhibit passage of cells onto or past a step.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.