Abstract: A method of cutting at least one thin section from a sample block that is arranged in a cassette and tagging at least one specimen slide such that it can be allocated to the specific sample block from which the thin section has been cut. The method includes removing a cassette from a cassette magazine; reading the machine-readable coded information of the cassette identifier; generating by at least one tagging unit a specimen slide identifier that interrelates to the cassette identifier read by the reading unit; inserting the cassette into a microtome; transferring data from the microtome to a tagging unit via a data transfer path while the cassette is inserted into the microtome; enabling tagging of the specimen slide; tagging the specimen slide by the tagging unit; and cutting the thin section and transferring it onto the specimen slide that was tagged by the tagging unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of liquid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of liquid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.

Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue sample handling apparatus, in particular for grasping histological samples after infiltration of an embedding medium such as, for example, paraffin, which is characterized in that a sample is immobilizable on the handling apparatus, in particular in a sample holding position, by means of negative pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 60, 70, 100, 110, 120) for handling specimen slides (21) encompasses a coverslipping module (14) for coverslipping thin sections arranged on the specimen slides (21), the coverslipping module (14) applying first a mounting medium and then a coverslipping means onto the specimen slides (21). The apparatus (10, 60, 70, 100, 110, 120) further has an output unit (18) for outputting the specimen slides (21), which unit encompasses a drying unit (32) for at least partial extraction of at least one solvent from the applied mounting medium of the specimen slides (21) arranged in the output unit (18).

Abstract: Methods of monitoring acceptance criteria of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes are disclosed herein. The methods described herein provide an ability to control and monitor pharmaceutical manufacturing processes (for example, finishing and packaging of pharmaceuticals) and can ensure data and product integrity and ultimately minimize overall manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A mobile intra-operative microscopic diagnosis laboratory capable of analyzing fresh tissue specimens and providing intra-operative consultation within 20 minutes is described. The mobile laboratory is preferably a van and contains a cryostat for freezing the fresh tissue specimens and a means for cutting the specimens. In addition, it also contains the means for reading the slides to make microscopic diagnosis and a means for handling for fresh tissue and a means for indicating various locations in the specimen, preferably by inking them. It preferably contains a stainer for staining the samples and an intercom for communicating the microscopic diagnosis back to the operating room.

Abstract: In a control method for a computer-controlled liquid handling workstation with a work surface, a motorized pipetting robot with at least one pipette, and a control computer, to which the pipetting robot is connected, a control program activated in the control computer enables the pipetting robot to position the pipette at specific positions on the work surface and to execute a specific action using the pipette. The interface includes an input mechanism, visualization mechanism, interface software, and an electronic memory. The visualization mechanism visualizes the positions at which containers are situated on the work surface of the liquid handling workstation and a selection of the specific actions executable using the pipettes.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a single transportable structure provided with several separate compartments located in a vertical stack within a cabinet, with means for the vertical transport of gel cards, means for the transport of units for moving the cards and pipetting probes, being displaceable to the entire transverse cross-section of the compartments in at least two of the vertical compartments or floors through moving along coordinate axes X, Y, Z at right-angles, and control means so that automatic functioning can take place simultaneously with manual actions to load and unload the necessary materials (samples, reagents, cards, wash solutions and waste solutions) in a random manner.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.

Abstract: A decapping/recapping device for removing closures from sample tubes and for reclosing sample tubes with the same closures is presented. The device comprises individual closure holders, each holder comprising a passive closure gripper for holding a closure, at least one actuator for actuating the passive closure gripper when removing a closure from a tube or reclosing a tube with its respective closure and at least one tube gripper cooperating with the at least one actuator for biasing a tube and its closure away from each other when removing the closure and for biasing the tube and its closure towards each other when reclosing the tube. One actuator is coupled to one passive closure gripper of a closure holder when removing a closure from a tube or when reclosing a tube with its respective closure and is decoupled from a passive closure gripper when the closure holder is holding a closure.

Abstract: A reaction solution is mixed in a short period of time with excellent stirring efficiency. During the stirring of the reaction solution, a rotation motor drives a stirring rod and a vertical motor moves the stirring rod in a vertically reciprocating manner in the reaction solution.

Abstract: A rapid, efficient and convenient method to detect one or more biological entities on a blotting membrane is provided. The detection can relate to the position, nature or amount of the biological substance on one or more membranes. The invention method involves a pressure assisted regiment (such as vacuum or positive gas pressure) for the supply and removal of reagents and permits washing of the contaminants from substances embedded in the membrane to be detected using very low volumes of liquid. This method enables completion of the blocking, washing and antibody binding steps in about 30 minutes without comprising blot quality. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting the method of the invention.

Abstract: A combinatorial chemical formation and assay disc (1) having a base (20) and an upper surface (26) and a lower surface, one of the upper or lower surfaces being an assay surface and a data surface (40) spaced from the assay surface wherein the data surface is on or within the assay disc. The assay surface has a conductive layer (64) on the base, a dielectric or photo-conductive layer (66) on the conductive layer and a chemically functional layer (68, 69) on the dielectric or photo-conductive layer. The assay surface may be planar or include three dimensional features (100, 168).

Abstract: A laboratory instrument for the preparation of samples includes a base housing with a work compartment enclosed by protective walls, at least one multifunctional work head having the ability to turn about a rotary axis pivotally supported on the base housing. At least two defined functional positions that can be aligned with at least one container platform which is arranged in the work compartment. The first functional position contains a receiving device which serves to hold a dosage-dispensing device with free-flowing dosage material, and each of the other functional positions contains an additional device. At least one of the protective walls has a cutout opening, and the at least one multifunctional work head is arranged partially in the cutout, so that portions of the at least one multifunctional work head lies both inside and outside of the work compartment.

Abstract: A self-contained, mobile assay facility built in a modified armored truck is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid cash, by bullion, wire transfer, or by an open hedge. Either a transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots may be safely stored or shipped directly from the mobile facility to a wholesaler for further processing.

Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a rotational-release wheel that is disposed on the outer housing of the sensor-dispensing instrument that is turnable to remove a sensor disposed in the sensor slot.

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: The multichannel capillary biosensor system includes a selecting valve system for selection of the sample or a reagent. The selecting valve system is connected to a second valve system accommodating a sensing channel and a first bypass channel. The second valve system is connected to a directing valve system having at least two positions, with a first position being connected to a second bypass channel and a second position being connected to a detector for detecting the analyte. The device has a pump connected at one end to the second bypass channel and the detector and at a second end to a waste vessel. The device also has a control system for controlling the device. The analyte can be selected from the group of microorganisms, macromolecules, and small molecules.

Abstract: During operation of a staining device (20) including a first container (22) filled with a first process medium (23) and a second container (24) filled with a second process medium (25), samples (26) to be stained are immersed in the first process medium (23). A speed representative of how fast the samples (26) are to be withdrawn from the first process medium (23) is determined according to the first process medium (23) and/or according to the samples (26). Subsequently, the samples (26) are withdrawn from the first process medium (23) at the determined speed.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of prevent consumable part which does not adapt to the sample analyzer from being used and maintain measurement precision. The sample analyzer 10 includes barcode reader 60 for obtaining serial number for identifying pipette tip 80 from barcode 83; containing section 21a for containing pipette tips 80 used by a predetermined mechanism section; CPU 34a for obtaining a number of the pipette tips 80 which have been used by the mechanism section; CPU 51a for obtaining a number of the usable pipette tips 80; warning screens 76, 77, 79 for giving a predetermined warning to a user, when the number obtained by CPU 34a is in a predetermined relationship with the number obtained by CPU 51a.

Abstract: A sensor device (45) for calibrating a staining device (20) has a coupling unit (46) which is configured to be attachable to a transport device (22) of the staining device (20). A sensor unit (48) of the sensor device (45) is adapted to detect the presence of components of the staining device (20).

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for dissolution testing. The system includes multiple dissolution vessels and a dose carrier positioned above the dissolution vessels. The dose carrier holds multiple removable carousels that receive individual doses for dissolution tested. Carousels that receive tablets or sinkers typically have a first configuration, while carousels that receive baskets typically have a second configuration. The two different configurations of carousels are interchangeable on the same dose ring. The system further includes a drive head positioned above the dose carrier, the drive head having a basket arbor and a mixing paddle removably and interchangeably attached. A pipettor integral with the system transfers sample aliquots having volumes in the range of 50 ?l to 1 ml from the dissolution vessels to wells of an external receptacle.

Abstract: A filtration syringe having at least a first and second chamber separated by a fluid permeable membrane, which may be selectively permeable to solids of a certain size, allows aspirated particle-filled fluid to be filtered within the syringe. A centrifuge tube apparatus is also provided for centrifuging a sample collected in a syringe, the apparatus comprising: a syringe comprising at one end a narrowed outlet and means for connection to a needle and at the opposing end a partially inserted syringe plunger; and a syringe holder having an interior for accepting the syringe, wherein the interior comprises at least one ledge for resting the syringe in an inverted position within the holder to prevent further insertion of the plunger during centrifugation, further wherein the syringe holder is sized for insertion in a centrifuge rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tagging a specimen slide are described. The apparatus comprises a receiving region for receiving at least one cassette magazine, a reading unit for reading the machine-readable coded information of a cassette identifier of a cassette, and a tagging unit for generating a machine-readable coded information for tagging the specimen slide with a specimen slide identifier that depends on the cassette identifier. Data are transferred from the microtome to the apparatus via the data transfer path as soon as the cassette is inserted into the microtome, and only then can the machine-readable coded information for tagging the specimen slide be applied onto the specimen slide by the tagging unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus that includes a deck for holding at least one microfluidic chip and capable of being accessed by a liquid handling system, a fluid control system, and a detection system, wherein a chip handling device transports the chip from the deck to the fluid control system and the detection system. The present invention also includes a chip for use with an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus, and a method for processing a microfluidic chip using such an apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.

Abstract: A reaction container holder capable of inhibiting the lowering of the transfer efficiency of heat transferred from a rotating member to a bottom surface of a reaction container, and an analyzer comprising the reaction container holder, are provided. In a reaction container holder comprising: a retaining member unit comprising a plurality of container retaining sections for retaining reaction containers, which house a reaction liquid containing a reagent and a specimen; and a circular rotating member for detachably fixing the unit from above and rotating, the holder keeping the container at a constant temperature by transferring heat from a heat source through the rotating member to the container, the rotating member comprises a level difference section, an upper surface of which is positioned below a bottom surface of the container retained by the unit and above a bottom part of the section, when the retaining member unit is fixed.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method for measurement of biomaterials using the same. The microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure including: a sample chamber which receives and accommodates blood; a reagent chamber which contains a luminescent reactant; a first detection chamber which contains a first material that is positively charged; a second detection chamber which is connected to the first detection chamber, and contains a second material having a boronate moiety; and at least one channel which connects the sample chamber, the reagent chamber and the first and second detection chambers.

Abstract: Manufacturing execution systems (MES) are disclosed herein. The MES and methods described herein provide an ability to control and monitor manufacturing processes (for example, chemical and pharmaceutical) and can ensure data and product integrity and ultimately minimize overall manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A histology tissue embedding apparatus including a reservoir for an embedding medium and an outlet valve connected to the reservoir through which the embedding medium is dispensable, and including trigger means which control the operation of the outlet valve, the trigger means having a rest position in which the outlet valve is closed, wherein the rest position of the trigger means in relation to the outlet valve is adjustable.

Abstract: A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a micropatterned surface that induces clot formation and an array of microfluidic channels though which blood flows. The micropatterned surface contains two clotting stimuli, one for inducing platelet adhesion and another for inducing the coagulation cascade.

Abstract: An automated microscope slide staining system and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments or a pressurizable common chamber for individually and independently processing a plurality of microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually operable heating element.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders for use in an automated sample analyzer is disclosed herein. The apparatus for dispensing sample holders includes a rotating carousel for housing stack of sample holders. Stacks of sample holders from the rotating carousel are fed into a chute where sample holders contact a set of rotating members having helical threads thereon. The helically threaded rotating members engage the sample containers and separate each sample holder from the remaining sample holders in the stack by rotation of the helically threaded rotating members. The sample holder can then be transferred for use in an automated sample analyzer.

Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus is provided with a structure for stopping rotation of a disc at a precise position. The sample analysis apparatus includes a disc configured to rotate on a rotation shaft and having at least one detection zone, an optical sensing apparatus configured to detect a reaction result at the at least one detection zone, at least one position determining protrusion provided on an exterior surface of the disc, a slider movably disposed to in a radial direction relative to the disc, and a stopper mounted to the slider and configured to stop rotation of the disc by blocking the at least one position determining protrusion.

Abstract: An assembly suitable for use in a laboratory instrument is set forth. The assembly comprises a plurality of guide rods that are disposed generally parallel with one another and a plurality of carriage assemblies connected for movement along the plurality of guide rods. A sub-carriage assembly is disposed on at least one of the carriage assemblies and is connected to the carriage assembly for movement in a direction transverse to the plurality of guide rods. A plurality of carriage drive mechanisms are employed to move the plurality of carriage assemblies independently along said plurality of guide rods and a sub-carriage drive mechanism is provided to move the sub-carriage assembly in a direction transverse to said plurality of guide rods.

Abstract: A sample plate for a biochemical analyzer is provided, which includes a main shaft, an inner plate, an outer plate, a refrigeration bin, a tubing portion, a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor cartridge (11) comprising a bottom portion (1) with a well (2) adapted to accommodate a liquid sample and a cover portion (3) for closing said well (2). The well (2) has a sensor surface (4). The bottom portion (1) is adapted for allowing light to enter along a first optical path (5), to be reflected at the sensor surface (4) and to exit along a second optical path (6). The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a cartridge (11).

Abstract: Provided is an automatic analysis apparatus which can obtain stable analysis results by stabilizing a constant-temperature bath and the temperature of a reaction liquid inside reaction containers. For this purpose, the automatic analysis apparatus (1) comprises: a storage tank (10) for storing a temperature controlling liquid (L1) dispensed into reaction containers (5) using dispensing apparatuses (6) and (7); and a dispensation control section for performing a control for dispensing the temperature controlling liquid (L1) using the dispensing apparatuses into an empty reaction container when there is such an empty reaction container, in which neither a specimen nor a reagent is dispensed, on a reaction table (4), where the temperature controlling liquid is cooled down substantially equal to the dispensed reagent by laying a pipe, which is provided between a cooler and a reagent table (2) for passing the coolant, through the temperature controlling liquid in the storage tank.

Abstract: There is provided a highly reliable autoanalyzer less liable to sample and reagent carry-over and capable of preventing contamination and precisely pipetting samples and reagents. Using a sample pipetting nozzle 27 having water-repellent surfaces, a sample is pipetted from a sample cell 25 to a reaction cell 4 having a hydrophilic bottom face.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer includes sample vessels containing samples to be measured and reaction vessels in which to mix a sample and a reagent. A sample dispenser 5 dispenses a sample from any of the sample vessels to any of the reaction vessels. A reagent dispenser dispenses a reagent from a reagent vessel to a reaction vessel, and a stirrer stirs the sample-reagent mix contained in the reaction vessel. A photometric measurement unit is provided for obtaining multiple measurement data points during the progress of reaction of a mixed solution. At least one approximation formula is performed and an approximation curve from the measurement data points is generated. A shape descriptor is calculated from the approximation curve and abnormalities based on the shape descriptor are determined. This not only allows abnormalities to be detected accurately from each measurement result, but also allows the causes of the abnormalities to be identified.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes: a disk having a plurality of holding sections for holding a plurality of containers on the circumference of the disk or on a closed loop that rotationally moves, the disk adapted to move the plurality of containers; a reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent into the container on the disk; and a sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample into the container on the disk. The automatic analyzer also includes a container transfer mechanism for mounting the container in the holding sections on the disk. The container transfer mechanism is driven in such a manner that the container can be mounted in the plurality of holding sections on the disk.

Abstract: Embodiments of an analyzer for performing medical diagnostic analysis of biological samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the analyzer may have a first and at least a second disk-shaped cuvette conveyor each having an array of cuvette holders, a first drive unit for rotating the first cuvette conveyor about a rotation axis, and a second drive unit for rotating the second cuvette conveyor about the rotation axis. The operation of the second drive unit is independent from the operation of the first drive unit. The first cuvette conveyor and the second cuvette conveyor are spaced from each other in an axial direction along the rotation axis and with an air gap between them. The cuvette holders of the first cuvette conveyor and the cuvette holders of the second cuvette conveyor are adapted for holding cuvettes having the same shape and dimensions.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that comprising: a first reagent container to hold a first reagent container with a first record section which contains a first reagent management information; a second reagent container holder to hold a second reagent container with a second record section which contains a second reagent management information; a first information reader; a second information reader; a registration section for registering the combination of the first reagent and the second reagent based on the first reagent management information; a measurement section for conducting a measurement of a predetermined analysis item by using the first reagent and the second reagent corresponding to the combination registered by the registration section; and a processing section for processing a measurement result obtained by the measurement section, and for obtaining an analysis result of the sample.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the analyzer includes a reagent driving disk that accommodates a reagent configured for analysis and that transports the reagent to a desired position, and a fixed disk that has a reagent stand-by position in which to make a reagent container containing the reagent, temporarily stand by, and a magnetic particles stirring position for stirring magnetic particles. A portion of the reagent stand-by position is constituted by a loading system. A reagent container moving unit moves reagent containers containing the reagent, between the reagent driving unit and the fixed disk, according to analytical request status. Providing in a part of the fixed disk the loading system constructed so that reagent containers containing the reagent can be mounted therein during operation enables changing of reagent containers, irrespective of an operational status of the reagent driving disk, and the system to having cold-storage functionality.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a loading station (2) for microscope slides (7) with tissue specimens, a number of reagent stations (3) for staining of the tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides, a conveyor (5) for transfer of microscope slides (7) between the stations (3) in accordance with a staining program, an unloading station (10) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (19) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprise a photo station (25) with a digital camera (26) for automatic photographing with a background light source of the finished treated tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides (7).

Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack contains sensors and performs a test using one of the sensors. The instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor. The sensor release activates a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin. The sensor release aid arm contacts the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.

Abstract: A device for heating a biological sample, the device having a heating source comprising a semiconductor chip. A sample chamber, or other medium to be heated, is positioned adjacent the heating source, wherein the sample chamber is configured to house a biological sample at a predetermined temperature. A microcontroller is electrically coupled to the semiconductor chip and a sensor positioned inside, at, or near the sample chamber. The microcontroller supplies a load current to the heating source to generate heat from the heating source, and the sensor is coupled to the microcontroller to provide feedback for controlling the heat generated by the heating source. The device may also support different heating profiles that are software and/or hardware selectable.