Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for thermally cycling a sample. Particular embodiments comprise a first pivot arm configured to pivot around a first pivot axis; a second pivot arm configured to pivot around a second pivot axis; a first thermal mass and a second thermal mass coupled to the first pivot arm; and a third thermal mass and a fourth thermal mass coupled to the second pivot arm, wherein the first and third thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a first position, and the second and fourth thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a second position.

Abstract: A sample processing assembly for treatment of a sample on a substrate includes a mounting surface for the substrate and a closure body configured to releasably retain a cover member. The closure body is movable between an open position and a substantially closed position. When a substrate is placed in the assembly and the closure body is in the substantially closed position while retaining a cover member, a reaction chamber is formed for processing a sample. A cover member for use with the sample processing assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An analysis system includes a degassing cell, at least one first valve, and at least one second valve. The at least one first valve is fluidly coupled with a top of the degassing cell, the at least one first valve configured selectably connect the degassing cell to a displacement gas flow and to a vacuum source. The at least one second valve is fluidly connected with a lateral side of the degassing cell and separately fluidly connected with a bottom of the degassing cell. The at least one second valve is selectably coupled with any of a source of a sample-carrying fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver a sample to an analysis device, or a waste output.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems, and apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a chromatography system. The chromatography system includes a mobile phase pump configured to pump a liquid mobile phase through a column and a restrictor positioned downstream of the column and upstream of a detector. The system also includes a valve configured to operate in at least two positions. In a first position, the valve is configured to direct the output of the column to bypass the valve and reach the detector, while in the second position the valve directs the output of the column to waste.

Abstract: An extraction system includes a support bar including a sample well, a reagent well, at least one washing well, and at least one protection and retention housing; a pipetting element removably mounted on the support bar and extending at least partially into the at least one protection and retention housing; and a filtering and transfer device configured to capture and accumulate microorganisms contained in the sample and transfer the captured and accumulated microorganisms, the filtering and transfer device being removably mounted on the support bar and extending at least partially into the at least one protection and retention housing. The filtering and transfer device includes a hollow body having an elongated shape and including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; and a filtering element fixed to the distal end portion of the hollow body.

Abstract: An example method includes connecting a flow cell to an instrument. The flow cell includes a flow channel including a manifold section having a manifold section swept volume and a detection section having a detection section swept volume. A ratio of the detection section swept volume to manifold section swept volume is at least 10 to 1. A first reagent is pumped through the flow channel. A first chemical reaction is performed between the first reagent and analytes positioned in the detection section. A subsequent reagent is pumped through the flow channel to flush out the remaining reagent. A concentration of at least 99.95 percent of reagent positioned in the detection section is the subsequent reagent, after pumping a total volume of the subsequent reagent through the flow channel that is equal to or less than 2.5 times a total swept volume of the manifold section plus the detection section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are platforms, systems, and methods including a cell culture system that includes a cell culture container comprising a cell culture, the cell culture receiving input cells, a cell imaging subsystem configured to acquire images of the cell culture, a computing subsystem configured to perform a cell culture process on the cell culture according to the images acquired by the cell imaging subsystem, and a cell editing subsystem configured to edit the cell culture to produce output cell products according to the cell culture process.

Abstract: A planar modular microfluidic module, system and method for manufacturing such module is provided. The module includes a base layer, and a fluidic layer configured to be attached to and on top of the base layer, whereby the base layer and said fluidic layer configured to create a single basic module, a jacket configured to cover the base module around its lateral sides, in order to provide sturdiness to the basic module and create a jacket covered module. The jacket includes a physical connector configured to enable lateral connection between adjacent modules, the physical connector positioned on at least one lateral side of the jacket covered module, and a fluidic connection port located within said physical connector and configured to enable fluid flow connection between adjacent modules.

Abstract: A spa tub includes a spa shell configured to contain a volume of water; a circulation system configured to create a flow of the water to and from the spa shell; and a testing system configured to acquire water samples from the volume of water and to perform water quality tests on the water samples. The testing system includes a housing; a circulation pump disposed within the housing configured to acquire the water samples from the volume of water; a replaceable reagent cartridge removably received within the housing; and a water test assembly disposed within the housing. The water test assembly is configured to receive the water samples acquired by the circulation pump and a reagent from the reagent cartridge. The water test assembly is configured to mix the water samples and the reagent and to perform the water quality tests on the mixed water samples and reagent.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer includes: a specimen holding unit configured to hold a specimen container in which a specimen is stored; a dispensed container holding unit configured to hold a plurality of dispensed containers; a dispensing probe configured to separate a predetermined amount of the specimen from the specimen container, and configured to dispense the specimen into the dispensed container; a probe washing device configured to wash a leading end of the dispensing probe in a washing liquid; and a controller configured to control driving of the dispensing probe. The controller includes an arithmetic processing unit configured to calculate a concentration of the specimen in the specimen container. The specimen is subject to dilution with the washing liquid adhered to the leading end of the dispensing probe in the probe washing device. The arithmetic processing unit sets a maximum number of times for dispensing the specimen, based on the concentration.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analyte meter (10) for medical tests having a meter housing (12), a strip port (14) mounted in an opening of the meter housing (12) and configured to receive a measuring part of a test strip (18), and a sealing insert (16) which is arranged within the strip port (14) and provides an insertion path for the test strip (18). For improved screening against contamination, it is proposed that the sealing insert (16) comprises a plurality of sealing elements (42) which are arranged consecutively along the insertion path, wherein each of the sealing elements (42) has a slit (46) that forms a sealed aperture for the test strip (18) to pass through.

Abstract: A body for an acoustic resonance fluid flow speed sensor or an acoustic resonance fluid flow sensor comprising such a body, the body comprising a reflector surface with at least one section that is more hydrophilic than a surrounding section of the reflector surface to promote movement of water from a centre toward an edge of the reflector surface.

Abstract: An analysis system includes a degassing cell, at least one first valve, and at least one second valve. The at least one first valve is fluidly coupled with a top of the degassing cell, the at least one first valve configured selectably connect the degassing cell to a displacement gas flow and to a vacuum source. The at least one second valve is fluidly connected with a lateral side of the degassing cell and separately fluidly connected with a bottom of the degassing cell. The at least one second valve is selectably coupled with any of a source of a sample-carrying fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver a sample to an analysis device, or a waste output.

Abstract: The disclosed method of manufacturing may include positioning a membrane on top of a channeled layer where the channeled layer includes a shim portion that is dimensioned to limit the amount of compression appliable to the membrane. The membrane may be positioned at a juncture in the channeled layer. The method may next include positioning a transmission housing layer membrane and the channeled layer. The method may also include fastening the channeled layer, the membrane, and the transmission housing layer together. The channeled layer, the membrane, and the transmission housing layer may be held together with at least one fastening member. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a micro flow channel chip that is used for a treatment or analysis of a liquid sample, the method being capable of producing a micro flow channel chip with high shape accuracy and high efficiency. The method includes a step of forming a groove on one surface of a base material; a lamination step of forming an adhesive resin layer on at least one surface of a resin film, and thereby obtaining a first laminate; and an adhesion step of arranging the surface of the base material where a groove has been formed and the adhesive resin layer of the first laminate to face each other, and bonding the base material and the first laminate such that the adhesive resin layer covers the groove, in which the glass transition temperature of the adhesive resin layer is 25° C. or lower.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge and method for measuring one or more properties of a blood sample are provided. The disposable cartridge can receive a sample when it is in an unsealed configuration. After adjusting the cartridge from the unsealed configuration to a sealed configuration, facilitated by a hingedly attached cap, pressurized air from an air bladder may be used to force the blood from a sample storage well into a detection chamber in a regulated manner, so that the one or more properties of the blood sample may then be measured.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting analytes in liquid specimen is provided. The detection device comprises: a specimen chamber for collecting or storing a liquid specimen; a detecting chamber for containing a detecting element; and a through hole for transferring the liquid specimen between the specimen chamber and the detecting chamber. The through hole can be opened or self-sealed. The sealing or opening of the through hole controls whether or not the liquid specimen in the specimen chamber enters the detecting chamber via the through hole. Furthermore, a detection method is provided.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for rapidly metering a sample for measuring a property of the sample is described. The cartridge can receive a sample when it is in an unsealed configuration, and a cap is used to facilitate metering of the sample and sealing the cartridge. When the cartridge is in a sealed configuration, pressurized air is used to push the metered sample into a chamber containing at least one reagent, and subsequently into a detection chamber for measuring a property of the sample.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a disposable cartridge for rapidly metering a sample for measuring a property of the sample. The cartridge can receive a sample when it is in an unsealed configuration, and a cap is used to facilitate metering of the sample and sealing the cartridge. When the cartridge is in a sealed configuration, pressurised air is used to push the metered sample into a chamber containing at least one reagent, and subsequently into a detection chamber for measuring the property of the sample.

Abstract: A body fluid test arrangement for an absorbent article includes a body fluid test device for receiving and examining voided body fluid. The body fluid test arrangement is configured to attach to a topsheet of the absorbent article. The body fluid test arrangement includes a fastening means for attachment to the topsheet of the absorbent article by a peelable connection between the body fluid test arrangement and the topsheet. The fastening means provides an attachment of the body fluid test arrangement having a peel strength from 0.05 to 1.65 (N×cm)/cm2. An absorbent article including a body fluid test arrangement also is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a device for transporting and preparing cellular material in a fluid for subsequent diagnostic purposes, comprising a cylinder having a fluid-tight screw-on cap and a fluid-tight base part that can be screwed off of the cylinder. The cap can be screwed onto the base part in a fluid-tight matter. The device provides for introducing cellular material to be diagnosed into a fluid in the cylinder, closing the cylinder by a cap for transport, removing the cap, introducing a filter device and concentrating the cellular material on a filter surface, after which the fluid level is at that part of the base part below the connection to the cylinder, disposing of the filtrate, removing the base part, pressing the filter surface onto an object carrier for a cell analysis, and closing the base part by the cap for further transport.

Abstract: This invention includes the implementation of several unconventional droplet manipulations on a superhydrophobic-patterned surface microfluidic platform, which may be applied to automated biological analyzes and point-of-care diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A microscope system includes: a microscope that generates an observation image of a specimen; an image obtaining unit that obtains an RGB image of the specimen; a spectroscopic information obtaining unit that obtains spectroscopic information of the specimen; an analyzer that analyzes the RGB image; a determining unit that determines a necessity of obtaining the spectroscopic information based on a result of the analysis of the analyzer; and a control unit that controls an operation of the spectroscopic information obtaining unit based on a result of the determination of the determining unit.

Abstract: A system that includes a cartridge housing and a hollow transfer module, according to an embodiment is described herein. The cartridge housing further includes at least one sample inlet, a plurality of storage chambers, a plurality of reaction chambers, and a fluidic network. The fluidic network is designed to connect the at least one sample inlet, a portion of the plurality of storage chambers and the portion of the plurality of reaction chambers to a first plurality of ports located on an inner surface of the cartridge housing. The hollow transfer module includes a second plurality of ports along an outer surface of the transfer module that lead to a central chamber within the transfer module. The transfer module is designed to move laterally within the cartridge housing. The lateral movement of the transfer module aligns at least a portion of the first plurality of ports with at least a portion of the second plurality of ports.

Abstract: A device for separating particulate matter (e.g., cells) from a liquid including a housing defining an elongate chamber disposed between a receiving end and a dispenser end, a plunger slidably inserted within the chamber from the receiving end, an upper disc and a lower disc each independently slidably affixed to the plunger, the lower disc facing the dispenser end and including at least one filter arrangement, and a liquid including particulate matter disposed within the chamber when the upper disc and lower disc are in an aspiration mode. The upper disc is independently slidable with respect to the lower disc to achieve a filtration mode.

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.

Abstract: The present invention can be described as an apparatus and cartridge for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid. The invention can also be described as a method of detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid using the apparatus and cartridge. The method comprises the steps of clamping a sensor cartridge into a cartridge receiver of the apparatus, providing fluid to a fluid flow-path of the cartridge, illuminating at least a portion of a sensor, and using a photodetector to detect a change in the optical property of the sensor, wherein the change is caused by the presence or absence of an analyte in the fluid.

Abstract: A substrate of a lab-on-a-chip system has two adjacent recesses, one serving as a flow channel and the other one being filled with an elastomer compound. In a first state, the elastomer compound and the substrate delimit the flow channel in a section. In a second state, the elastomer compound takes up the space in the recess in the substrate along a cross-section of the flow channel, thereby completely closing the flow channel. The substrate and the elastomer compound may be produced by injection molding techniques.

Abstract: Apparatuses for preparing a sample are disclosed herein. The apparatuses include a chamber, a first valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, a second valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, and a pump comprising an actuator and nozzle.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes a sample carrier receiving region configured to receive a sample carrier. The sample carrier includes at least one sample channel carrying at least one sample, at least one agent chamber carrying at least one agent to be moved to the at least one sample channel to facilitate processing of the at least one sample, and the at least one agent chamber includes at least one chamber cover covering at least one opening of the at least one agent chamber, inhibiting flow of the at least one agent from the at least one agent chamber to the at least one sample channel. The sample processing apparatus further includes a chamber opener configured to facilitate opening the at least one chamber cover. The sample processing apparatus further includes a fluid mover that moves the agent out of the at least one agent chamber after the at least one chamber cover is opened and into the at least one sample channel.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing a fluid comprising a dry portion and a wet portion is presented. Only the wet portion is contacted by the fluid. The wet portion comprises a fluid dispenser unit having a inlet opening, a capillary nozzle providing a fluid outlet, a cavity, the capillary nozzle having an end within the cavity, and a plunger. The plunger moves within the cavity into an opening position allowing an inflow of the fluid through the inlet opening through the cavity and an outflow of the fluid through the capillary nozzle. The plunger has a sealing surface directed towards the end of the capillary nozzle. The plunger moves into a closing position for sealing the end of the capillary nozzle with the sealing surface. The dry portion comprises a closing component for exercising a magnetic closing force onto the plunger for attracting the plunger into the closing position.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve system is disclosed that includes a matrix, a hydrophilic acceptor region a hydrophilic transfer region, and a hydrophobic gap between the acceptor region and the transfer region.

Abstract: A microfluidic device including at least one microvalve which controls a flow of a fluid, where the at least one microvalve includes: a pneumatic layer, a fluidic layer disposed opposite to the pneumatic layer; an elastomer membrane disposed between the pneumatic layer and the fluidic layer; and an asymmetric valve seat protruding from a surface of the fluidic layer toward a surface of the elastomer membrane and asymmetrically dividing a space between the fluidic layer and the elastomer membrane.

Abstract: A valve unit and an apparatus having the same include a plug which includes a phase change material in a solid state at a room temperature and a plurality of fine heat-dissipating particles dispersed in the phase change material. The fine heat-dissipating particles dispersed in the phase change material dissipate heat by absorbing an electromagnetic wave energy generated by electromagnetic wave radiation from the outside and block fluid flow in a path formed by a channel. As an external energy source irradiates an electromagnetic wave on the plug, the plurality of fine heat-dissipating particles dissipate heat and the phase change material becomes molten, thus opening the path to allow the fluid to flow.

Abstract: A microvalve for controlling fluid flows, and a sealing device for sealing cavities in a microfluidic system, particularly in a lab-on-a-chip system, and a method for the production thereof. A sealing surface of a valve body, or a sealing element, respectively, rests on a sealing surface of a substrate and is pressed against the sealing surface of the substrate in a fluid-tight manner by means of a clamping element. The clamping element and/or the valve body, or the sealing element, respectively, are at least partially elastic.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a base (2); a moveable or removable door (20), said device having a closed door position; and in the closed door position, a circuit (8) comprising a bag comprising two flexible films and conveying network connectors, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on said front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); said bag being clamped between said first shell (16) and said second shell (17) in a state in which conduits of said network for conveying liquid are formed between said films.

Abstract: A biochip for multiplex genetic identification is disclosed. An biochip for separating and detecting a plurality of DNA fragments includes a set of inputs and chambers for receiving a sample matrix of genetic material and reagents needed to conduct a polymerase chain reaction amplification of the genetic material. The biochip also includes a plurality of separation and detection chambers that physically separate different DNA fragments that have been marked with labels that emit similar colors, thereby enabling the independent detection of the different DNA fragments.

Abstract: A sample testing cartridge is usable to perform a variety of tests on a visco-elastic sample, such hemostasis testing on a whole blood or blood component sample. The cartridge includes a sample processing portion that is in fluid communication with a sample retention structure. A suspension, such as a beam, arm, cantilever or similar structure supports or suspends the sample retention portion relative to the sample processing portion in a unitary structure. In this manner, the sample retention portion may be placed into dynamic excitation responsive to excitation of the cartridge and correspondingly dynamic, resonant excitation of the sample contained within the sample retention portion, while the sample processing portion remains fixed. Observation of the excited sample yields data indicative of hemostasis. The data may correspond to hemostasis parameters such as time to initial clot formation, rate of clot formation, maximum clot strength and degree of clot lysis.

Abstract: A computer system for analyzing a specimen processing workflow in a pathology laboratory including a display and a processor configured to provide a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface to the display, receive, via the first interface, a first set of parameters associated with an existing specimen processing workflow in a pathology laboratory, the first set of parameters including a workflow process and a workflow scale, and determine, based on the first set of parameters, current performance data of the existing specimen processing workflow having an associated current cost information and current time utilization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve structure for a microfluidic channel, where the valve serves the opening and closing of a channel (8) on a second level raised through channel pillars from the plane of the microfluidic channel network at the first level of a base plate (1), and where the channel wall is formed of a resilient material. The valve structure consists of a base plate (1) part, of protruding supporting walls (3, 3?) belonging to the base plate (1) and of a resilient part (7) between the supporting walls (3, 3?), within which the channel (8) is formed, and it consists furthermore of pressing appliances (9, 9?) situated on the two sides of the channel, as well as of displacement appliance (10) ensuring the movement of the pressing appliances in the direction of the mid-line of the channel (8).

Abstract: An inlet valve charges an inner chamber of a system or sample container with liquid and has a first pipetting axis, an inlet opening, it supplies liquid by a laboratory pipette that is automatically reclosed and also has a valve body with a blocking element, a pressing part and a throat, a valve space enclosing the valve body at least partly near the throat, a spring mechanism and a sealing element. The throat connects the blocking element to the pressing part and has an open passage region which opens into the liquid passage of the pressing part and into the valve space. The spring mechanism presses a sealing surface of the blocking element against the sealing element in a closed position of the valve body. The valve body can be brought to an open position by pressing the pressing part against the spring mechanism.

Abstract: A microfluidic device including a microvalve includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, an elastic film between the first and second substrates, a microfluidic channel on the second substrate, a valve seat of the second substrate protruding in the microfluidic channel, and a fine structure on a surface of the elastic film, facing the valve seat and which contacts the valve seat when the microvalve is operated.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and fluid delivery system for automated assays. The apparatus, for example, may be used for western blotting that uses flow lines for multiple reagents. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a tray base with one or more fixed or disposable trays for testing samples, multiple flow lines, and multiple valves and the system is used for automatic controlled delivery of different fluids from supply vessels to different trays and discharges them to designated reservoirs or sewage system with minimum of operator actions. The system may include air line to assist supply and discharge the fluids and also coupled with measuring vessels with adjustable volume and valves adapted to interface with a valve operating unit with drive means.

Abstract: It comprises, in addition to a sampling system (3), at the outlet of a vat (1) containing the liquid to be sampled, a selector (4) that establishes switching on an array of similar vats (1), and especially a suction unit (5) that operates by releasing compressed air into a nozzle (28); the airflow direction is controlled by a valve (29) between a direction directed toward the outlet (6), causing the suction of the liquid from the vat (1), and an opposite direction when the valve (29) is closed, feeding the liquid back into the vat (1) and cleaning the pipe (2).

Abstract: A microvalve assembly (10) includes an elongate valve body (14) having opposed first and second major surfaces, the first major surface defining a valve recess (34) and the second major surface defining first and second fluid ports (20,22). Both the fluid input port and the fluid output port extend in fluid communication with the valve recess. A gasket (12) is freely positioned within the valve recess so as to extend in overlying registry with either or both of fluid ports. A valve cover (16) is bonded to the valve body and includes a first planar surface positioned in overlying registry with the valve recess so as to enclose the gasket therein. The valve cover is deflectable into the valve recess so as to cause the gasket to seal at least one of the fluid ports.

Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge for analyzing a blood sample including an optical light scattering measurement channel is described. In use, processed sample may be introduced into a sheath fluid channel at an angle, ?, of approximately 90 degrees, relative to the direction of flow of the sheath fluid. In addition, delivering the sample from the side into the sheath fluid may facilitate better positioning of the core within the hydrodynamic focusing channel for measurement.

Abstract: A two-step method for loading a fluid sample into a disposable fluid analysis cartridge is described. First, capillary action may be used to initially draw a sample through a sample introduction port and into a sample collection reservoir provided in the fluid analysis cartridge. Once the fluid sample has been drawn into the sample collection reservoir by capillary action, a negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull the sample from the sample collection reservoir and into a sample loading channel. A valve may be disposed between the sample collection reservoir and the sample loading channel to prevent backflow of sample into the sample collection reservoir and to retain sample in the sample loading channel.

Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge for analyzing a blood sample including an optical absorbance measurement channel is described. The optical absorbance measurement channel includes a plasma separation region and at least one sub channel including a cuvette that is in fluid communication with the plasma separation region and configured to receive a plasma portion of a blood sample that has been passed through the plasma separation region. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to draw the sample through the plasma separation region and into the sub channel including the cuvette.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing fluid samples include a diffused air flotation (DAF) system and a jar. The jar includes a diffuser for injecting the diffused air into the jar and a tap for drawing a fluid out of the jar.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for sample management for use in conjunction with sequencing devices that sequence biological samples, e.g., DNA and RNA. A sequencing device or a network of sequencing devices may be scheduled according to the characteristics of the samples in queue and the capabilities and availability of sequencing devices. Biological samples may be automatically queued and loaded via a sample distribution system. A sample distribution system may be used to reduce operator intervention.