Abstract: A blood glucose level measuring apparatus and measurement data management apparatus are provided which can carry out measurement of the blood glucose level of a plurality of patients relatively rapidly and reliably, while also addressing emergency situations. The blood glucose level measuring apparatus includes a patient identifier, blood glucose level measuring device, a date/time counter, a display, and a controller. The controller controls in a normal measurement mode the cross-checking of patient identification information and a patient data table, and then, if patient identification information is not found, measurement of the blood glucose level is inhibited. The controller also controls in an emergency measurement mode in which carrying out of measurement of the blood glucose level is permitted without acquiring the patient identification information by the patient identifier.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: A self-contained, fully automated, biological assay-performing apparatus includes a housing; a dispensing platform including a controllably-movable reagent dispensing system, disposed in the housing; a reagent supply component disposed in the housing; a pneumatic manifold removably disposed in the housing in a space shared by the dispensing platform, removably coupled to a fluidic transport layer and a plurality of reservoirs, wherein the fluidic transport layer, the reservoirs, and a test sample to be introduced therein are disposed in the housing in the space separate from the dispensing platform; a pneumatic supply system removably coupled to the pneumatic manifold in the housing in a space separate from the dispensing platform; and a control system coupled to at least one of the dispensing platform and the pneumatic supply system, disposed in the housing.

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

Abstract: A sample processing system 101 that may be automated and methods are disclosed where sample(s) 198 are arranged on a carrier element 197 and a process operation control system 171 automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to an desired aggregation of event dictated by an input 173. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities 606 may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing. Suggested operator actions may be displayed that might further enhance the scheduling of the altered aggregated event topology together with an automatic operator need prompt 608 that may inform an operator of a need for a particular action in order to accomplish the desired tasks.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, arrangements and methods for quantifying the concentration of an analyte present in bodily fluid, including: an assay pad having at least one chemical reagent capable of producing a detectable signal in the form of a reaction spot upon reaction with the analyte; a light source; a detector array; a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory comprising: (a) at least one value indicative of one or more of: (i) the level of hematocrit contained in the sample; (ii) the volume of the sample applied to the assay pad; or (iii) imperfections present in the reaction spot; and (b) at least one algorithm for calculating the concentration of the analyte contained in the sample.

Abstract: A cartridge and cartridge system for use in an apparatus for analyzing a sample are provided. The system has a plurality of cartridges for different applications for a multimode instrument. The cartridges are removably engaged with a cartridge support of the apparatus in a “plug-in” format such that one cartridge may be removed from the apparatus and another cartridge may be easily installed. The cartridge support includes a plurality of cartridge positions that receive cartridges concurrently. One of the cartridges may be a luminescence cartridge that includes an integrated detector that is movable toward and away from a sample carrier of the apparatus, and thus toward and away from a sample located at the sample carrier.

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: Apparatus (1) includes a device (20) for moving at least one compartment (2) in the apparatus, the compartment forming a support for tubes (3), which apparatus further includes elements (50) for taking a specimen of a product contained in the tubes, the movement device (20) including elements (21) for guiding the compartment during movement of the compartment and further including stirring members (27) for the guiding elements, the movement device being mounted on a chassis (4) of the apparatus.

Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample with a liquid in a container is disclosed. The sample analyzer comprises: a reader that reads an information of a liquid in a container, the information of the liquid being stored in a storage medium; a display; and a controller including a processor and a memory under control of the processor, the memory storing instruction causing the processor to carry out operations comprising: determining whether the sample analyzer is ready to read the information of the liquid by the reader; and causing, when the sample analyzer is determined to be ready, the display to display an indication that indicates the sample analyzer is ready to read the information of the liquid by the reader.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sequential sample preparation system using a sequential centrifuge for preparing samples for analysis. Methods of more efficiently preparing discrete samples sequentially for subsequent analysis are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially preparing discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional preparation processes that use batch centrifugation systems. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample preparation system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The integrated sequential preparation system with the integrated sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical or STAT samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved by preparing discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes a suction nozzle; a liquid transfer syringe; a suction channel which connects the suction nozzle and the liquid transfer syringe; a flow cell which is arranged in the middle of the suction channel; a detector for sample analysis which is arranged in the flow cell; a reaction auxiliary liquid vessel and a cleaning liquid vessel which store liquids to be sucked in by the suction nozzle; means for supplying a diluting fluid to the vessels; a cleaning tank for dumping liquid remaining in the vessels; and a controller for supplying the diluting fluid to the vessels when the remaining liquid is discharged from the vessels and thereafter having the diluted remaining liquid sucked into the flow cell via the suction nozzle and having the sucked remaining liquid discharged to the cleaning tank.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit; a second measurement unit; a transport unit for transporting a sample container to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: obtaining measurement item information indicating a measurement item of the sample contained in the sample container; and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the second measurement unit when a first measurement item and a second measurement item different from the first measurement item are indicated in the measurement item information, and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the first measurement unit or the second measurement unit when the first measurement item is indicated and the second measurement item is not indicated in the measurement item information.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for attaching an RFID tag to a memory cassette for tissue specimens and a memory cassette for tissue specimens having the RFID tag attached thereto, in which the RFID tag is attached to the memory cassette for tissue specimens and the RFID tag operates stably even when the memory cassette having the RFID tag attached thereto comes in contact with chemicals or is submerged in various chemical solutions. The method includes forming the memory cassette for tissue specimens provided on an inclined plane of a front surface of a body with an RFID tag insertion groove, inserting the RFID tag into the RFID tag insertion groove provided on the inclined plane of the body, and attaching a protective cap onto the top of the inclined plane of the body in which the RFID tag is inserted into the RFID tag insertion groove, and coupling the protective cap to the inclined plane of the body by ultrasonic welding to adhere the RFID tag to the body of the memory cassette for tissue specimens.

Abstract: A cartridge for an apparatus for analyzing blood chemistry includes an apparatus frame having a compartment; a cartridge that is inserted into the compartment of the apparatus frame and includes a sensor card, a solution valve unit, and a blood introducing unit; a controller that receives a signal generated from the sensor card and processes the signal; a lever for the blood introducing unit connected to the apparatus frame; a power transmitting unit that is provided to the apparatus frame and transmits power of the lever for the blood introducing unit to open/close the blood introducing unit of the cartridge; a solution transporting unit that is provided to the apparatus frame and transports the solutions; and a driving unit that actuates the solution valve unit of the cartridge by the controller and opens or closes the tubing flowing of the solutions.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for performing automated assays, and particularly to performing sequential assays on a sample on an automated instrument.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed. The sample analyzer comprises: a reader for reading ID of a sample from a sample container; an aspirator that aspirates a sample in a sample container; an analyzing section that analyzes the aspirated sample; a manual input receiver for receiving a manual input of an ID of a sample; an start instruction receiver for receiving a start instruction to cause the aspirator to aspirate a sample; and a controller. When receiving the start instruction without receiving the manual input, the controller controls the reader to read an ID from a sample container and then controls the aspirator to aspirate the sample from the sample container. When receiving the start instruction after receiving the manual input, the controller controls the aspirator to aspirate a sample without reading of an ID of the sample.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzer includes a magnetic field generator, a photometric unit, a measurement unit, and a decision unit. The magnetic field generator causes magnetic separation in a reaction liquid stored in a cuvette by magnetic particles. The photometric unit includes a light source unit configured to generate light, and a detection unit configured to detect the light generated by the light source unit and generate an output signal corresponding to the detected light. The measurement unit measures a measurement item based on the output signal. The decision unit decides the use range of the output signal to be used to measure the measurement item in accordance with spatial unevenness of the magnetic separation by the magnetic field generator.

Abstract: An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. A central scheduler can communicate wirelessly with the carriers to direct the carriers to carry a fluid sample to testing stations along a track within the automation system. The carriers can utilize landmarks and distance encoding to reach destinations accurately and quickly, including, for example within less than the time for a single operation cycle of an automated clinical analyzer. The distance encoding can include optical marks repeated at regular intervals (pitch), where the intervals are conveyed to the carriers wirelessly or via optical encoding. The pitch of the encoding can differ for different sections of track depending on the position precision desired.

Abstract: To provide an automated analyzer adapted for accommodating a larger number of reagent cassettes to meet calls for increases in analytical throughput and in the number of analytical items, and thus using the accommodated reagent cassettes more efficiently. An automated analyzer body 100 includes a main reagent buffer 4 for storing a plurality of reagent cassettes each containing a reagent used for analysis and a subsidiary reagent buffer 12. A reagent cassette transfer 11 transfers the reagent cassettes from the main reagent buffer to the subsidiary reagent buffer, and vice versa. A control unit 200 operates so that when a reagent cassette that is not set in the main reagent buffer is to be used for an assigned analysis, the reagent cassette for the assigned analysis is transferred from the subsidiary reagent buffer to the main reagent buffer.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus is described, which is suitable for the withdrawal of portions of biological material from a parent test tube (1), mobile in a conveyor (6) of a test tube transport plant by means of transport devices (8) of single test tubes, to be loaded in one or more child test tubes (2) countermarked beforehand with suitable identification means and to be sent to different biological material analysis instruments interfaced to said transport plant.

Abstract: To perform accurate measurement in the analysis of chemical components with low concentration, pretreatment such as concentration and purification of samples is essential. For high-throughput of pretreatment of biological samples, various random clinical testing is encountered, where analytes change from sample to sample. The pretreatment apparatus has a separating agent selectively separating a specific component by allowing a sample solution to flow therethrough. A holding section holds a plurality of housing sections, which house the separating agent therein, and has an endless track. A pressurizing section applies pressure to the housing section in a continuous and random-accessible manner; and an extraction solution receiver mechanism selectively receives an extracted solution from the separating agent housed in the housing section. A mass spectrometer is that can be connected to the pretreatment apparatus. Thus, a large number of specimens can be simultaneously processed.

Abstract: This analysis apparatus includes a transporter transporting the specimens to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, and a control portion so controlling the transporter as to transport a first specimen container, stored in the rack, storing a first specimen to the first measurement unit and as to transport a second specimen container, stored in the rack along with the first specimen container, storing a second specimen to the second measurement unit.

Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing a measurement sample prepared by a sample and a reagent is disclosed. The sample analyzer includes a rotatable first holding section for holding a first reagent container containing a first reagent and a second reagent container containing a second reagent circularly, a rotatable second holding section for holding a third reagent container containing a third reagent and a fourth reagent container containing a fourth reagent circularly, the second holding section being arranged concentrically relative to the first holding section, a dispenser for dispensing a reagent selected from the first to fourth reagents into a measurement sample container for preparing a measurement sample, and a controller.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: Novel and improved systems and methods for high speed arraying, hybridization, quantitative development and/or assaying are provided. Some embodiments provide a web based arraying format. Some other embodiments provide a sheet based arraying format. Some embodiments use a drop on drop assaying or hybridization mode. In some embodiments, a substantially inert substrate is utilized. In some other embodiments, an interactive substrate is utilized.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer includes a sample dispensing unit that dispenses a sample into a reaction vessel, a reagent dispensing unit that dispenses a reagent, a sample nozzle cleaning tank that cleans a nozzle of the sample dispensing unit, a reagent nozzle cleaning tank that cleans a nozzle of the reagent dispensing unit, a compressor that supplies compressed air, and cleaning water supply means that supplies cleaning water. The tanks each have an upper vent that allows a nozzle to have access for cleaning, a lower vent that drains the cleaning water, a cleaning water jet port that sprays the cleaning water to the nozzle, and a compressed air jet port that removes residual cleaning water left on the nozzle. The lower vent has an opening area wider than that of the upper vent.

Abstract: The present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations.

Abstract: A controller for an automated immunoassay system is provided to manage the system resources and control the flow of samples under test. The controller allows tests to be run dynamically instead of in a serial, first in first out flow. The controller evaluates the set of tests to be run and generates a sequencing strategy. The sequencing strategy is based on the paths specified for each type of assay, the numbers of tests to be run, the priority of each test and the resources required for each test. In addition, the controller can resolve resource allocation conflicts and modify the sequencing strategy as test conditions change during operation.

Abstract: An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. To aid in operator handling of payloads and carriers, carriers include an electronically rewritable display on a surface visible to an operator. The display can include an LCD, E-ink, or other rewritable display and can utilize color, pattern, or text to convey status information of the payloads to the operator.

Abstract: The invention provides for an analysis system (100, 300, 400) for analyzing a biological sample (108) comprising an analyzer (102) with an analytical unit (106) for analyzing the biological sample to obtain an analysis result (140). The analyzer is configured for receiving a cartridge (110) comprising an identifier (114) and containing at least one reagent for analyzing the biological sample. The analyzer comprises an identification unit (116) for reading the identifier. The analyzer accepts the cartridge if the identifier is valid. The analysis system further comprises a protocol creation system (150, 104).

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and method for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops provided by a liquid handling system has a liquid handling tip. A light source irradiates the liquid drop; a detector measures sample light; and an optics system with first optical elements transmits irradiation light, and a processor processes the measurement signals. The liquid drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the liquid handling tip in a position where the liquid drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The liquid drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the liquid handling tip. A mutual adaption of the size and position of the liquid drop with respect to the first optical elements is achieved.

Abstract: When the type is to be changed from serum (preceding sample) to urine (current sample), “serum” is set to a preceding type and “urine” is set to a measurement type at number 1 in a condition number. At condition number 1, the wash type is pattern 1, with washing performed once with detergent 1. Where the preceding sample is serum and the current sample is CSF, the condition number is 2 and the wash type is pattern 2, with washing performed twice using detergent 1 and once with detergent 2. Where the preceding sample is urine and the current sample is CSF, the condition number is 3 and the wash type is pattern 3, with washing performed once with detergent 1, once with detergent 2, and once with water. In the case of pattern 4, washing is performed three times with detergent 1.

Abstract: Reaction containers (110) each comprising a plurality of treatment parts (wells) (501-506) are placed side by side in a reaction container set so as to be movable independently of each other in the direction of arrangement of the treatment parts (wells). A plurality of stems (401) correspond to the respective reaction containers (110) and are disposed above the reaction containers to be vertically movable and disposed in the direction crossing the direction of movement of the reaction containers. Control is performed so that when the reaction containers (110) and a stem mechanism (111) are operated together and one of the treatment parts (501-506) of each of the reaction containers (110) comes immediately below the stem mechanism (111) in accordance with a treatment procedure, a stem (401) corresponding thereto, a magnetic chip (402) attached thereto, or the cover (405) thereof can go into and out of the treatment part.

Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously determining the concentration of at least one CN compound in an aqueous solution, wherein a carrier gas, for example compressed air, is introduced into the aqueous solution and the introduced carrier gas is fed at least partially to a gas analyzer, for example an HCN gas analyzer, the analysis data of which are considered in the determination of the concentration of the CN compound in the aqueous solution. In order to create advantageous method conditions, the temperature of the aqueous solution exposed to carrier gas is considered in the determination of the concentration of the CN compound.

Abstract: Provided is an analyzing program for a laboratory test, which stores a measurement program for concurrently processing inspection cartridges regarding all the combinations of prepared reaction and measurement patterns, the analyzing program causing an analyzing apparatus to execute the processes of reading the reaction and measurement patterns of the inspection cartridges in each of which one of the reaction and measurement patterns prepared in advance is provided, invoking a measurement program corresponding to a combination of the read reaction and measurement patterns, and performing reaction and measurement in accordance with the invoked measurement program.

Abstract: The present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations.

Abstract: A reagent preparing device capable of supplying a predetermined reagent, which includes a first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid, to a measurement section for measuring a specimen using the reagent, comprising: a reagent preparing section for preparing the predetermined reagent; a characteristic measurement device for measuring characteristic of the reagent prepared by the reagent preparing section; and a controller configured for performing operations comprising, controlling the supply of reagent prepared by the reagent preparing section to the measurement section according to the measurement result by the characteristic measurement device, and calibrating the characteristic measurement device based on a known characteristic value of a standard liquid having the known characteristic value and a measurement result obtained by measuring the characteristic of the standard liquid by the characteristic measurement device, is disclosed. A specimen processing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A specimen processing device is disclosed that comprises: a processing unit configured to aspirate a specimen from a specimen container accommodating the specimen, and to process the aspirated specimen; a state transition section configured to make the processing unit undergo transition to a pause state; an instruction accepting section configured to accept an instruction to start processing of the specimen when the processing unit is in the pause state; and a pause state releasing section configured to release the processing unit from the pause state to make the processing unit perform the processing of specimen when the instruction to start the processing is accepted by the instruction accepting section. A specimen processing method using a specimen processing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a reagent container set section for setting a reagent container; a reader/writer configured to read out an information from the recording medium attached to the reagent container set in the reagent container set section and configured to write an information on the recording medium; a writing instruction section configured to issue an instruction to write the information on the recording medium; and a controller configured to control the reader/writer to write the information on the recording medium attached to the reagent container set in the reagent container set section if the kind information read out from the recording medium indicates the specific reagent and the writing instruction section has issued the writing instruction. Also, a method of writing information on a recording medium attached to a reagent container.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among others, apparatus for detecting a disease, comprising a system delivery biological subject and a probing and detecting device, wherein the probing and detecting device includes a first micro-device and a first substrate supporting the first micro-device, the first micro-device contacts a biologic material to be detected and is capable of measuring at the microscopic level an electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, acoustical, biological, chemical, physical, or mechanical property of the biologic material.

Abstract: Disclosed are computer-implemented methods of sorting particles from a particle stream in a flow cytometer. The methods include: calculating sort decision making parameters using the raw event data values from a flow cytometer and a sort logic; performing sort logic computations using the sort logic definition and the sort decision making parameters to generate sort decisions; converting the sort decisions into sort commands; and sending the one or more sort commands to the flow cytometer. Sort logic computations may include algorithmically using conditional branching logic, and may include sort logic equations having mathematical functions characterizing one or more regions of interest in multidimensional data space. Such mathematical functions may be determined based on one or more parameters provided by a user. Also disclosed are corresponding systems having a flow cytometer and a computer.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample processing section, a transporting section, an identification data acquirer and a system controller. When identification data of a washing fluid tube is acquired by the identification data acquirer, the system controller controls the transporting section to supply the washing fluid tube to the sample processing section. When the washing fluid tube arrives at the sample processing section, the sample processing section aspirates the washing fluid in the supplied washing fluid tube and performs a washing of at least one part of the sample processing section. The system controller prohibits the washing with the washing fluid tube if identification data of a sample tube is acquired after the identification data of the washing fluid tube is acquired and before the washing is started.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based particle sorting. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a suspension of particles; and (b) electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations using droplets comprising particles. A method of transporting a particle is also provided, wherein the method includes providing a droplet comprising the particle and transporting the droplet on a droplet microactuator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic analysis device that enables easy selection of a desired reagent-setting position and efficient execution of reagent information confirmation and reagent usage setup, by displaying, at a high level of visibility and in an enlarged format, both of the selected reagent-setting position and means for moving, for example, a mouse pointer to an anterior or posterior display position with respect to the selected reagent-setting position. A display controller 312A displays a list of reagent-setting positions provided in a reagent disk 301. An extended display controller 312A1 displays, in an enlarged format, a reagent-setting position that has been selected from the reagent-setting position list displayed by the display controller, the display of the selected reagent-setting position being enlarged distinctly from that of other reagent-setting positions.

Abstract: A protective sheath for prolonged storage of pathology paraffin blocks. The sheath protects the paraffin block against gouging, scratching, denting, rodents, and insects. A pathology slide slides into a slot in the protective sheath and is held into place by retainers running on the interior face of the protective sheath. A paraffin block cassette accepts a paraffin block and slides into a sample block sleeve holder disposed on one edge of the sheath.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement unit holds a reagent to be used in a sample measurement and measures a sample by using the reagent; a memory storing a usage amount of the reagent used by the measurement unit; a controller calculates an estimated usage amount of the reagent for a specific day, based on the usage amount of the reagent stored in the memory; and a display, wherein the controller controls the display to show a screen including graphic information illustrating a remaining amount of the reagent held by the measurement unit and the estimated usage amount of the reagent for the specific day, first numerical information indicating, by means of a numerical value, the remaining amount of the reagent, and second numerical information indicating an excess or shortage amount of the remaining amount of the reagent relative to the estimated usage amount of the reagent.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods useful for the processing of a tissue sample and the preparation of cells, cell aggregates and/or tissue fragments. The invention provides two-stage filer devices and two-membrane devices. Cell aggregates and/or tissue fragments prepared using such devices and according to methods of the present invention can be used in a variety of assay systems, including, but not limited to, drug validation assays, drug screening assays, proliferation assays, metabolic assays, metastasis assays, angiogenesis assays, binding assays, biochemical assays, cellular assays, genetic assays, and the like.