Abstract: An example includes an apparatus for separating cells from a fluid sample, including a plenum, defining: a centrally located top inlet, and respective side outlets disposed below the inlet and to the side of the inlet; and a bottom outlet disposed below the top inlet, to the side of the two or more outlets, wherein the plenum is configured to receive a fluid and cells suspension through the inlet, and direct it to the bottom outlet, against respective side-walls extending between the bottom outlet and the two or more side outlets, and wherein the distance between each of the two or more side outlets and the bottom outlet is selected to encourage cells to exit through the bottom outlet under a force. Lateral/vertical distance between the inlet and side outlets can provide lateral fluid travel, thereby allowing time for gravity to bias cells toward an outlet.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip orients and isolates components in a sample fluid mixture by two-step focusing, where sheath fluids compress the sample fluid mixture in a sample input channel in one direction, such that the sample fluid mixture becomes a narrower stream bounded by the sheath fluids, and by having the sheath fluids compress the sample fluid mixture in a second direction further downstream, such that the components are compressed and oriented in a selected direction to pass through an interrogation chamber in single file formation for identification and separation by various methods. The isolation mechanism utilizes external, stacked piezoelectric actuator assemblies disposed on a microfluidic chip holder, or piezoelectric actuator assemblies on-chip, so that the actuator assemblies are triggered by an electronic signal to actuate jet chambers on either side of the sample input channel, to jet selected components in the sample input channel into one of the output channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for microdissecting a biological sample. In particular, apparatuses of the invention include a cell collecting device 100 that is operated by a pneumatic device 200. In one particular embodiment, apparatuses of the invention are used for collecting and transferring cell sample to and from cell collecting device 100.

Abstract: A cell capture, disruption, and extraction apparatus includes a disruption chamber configured to receive cell solution and having therein a plurality of abrasives, which can include diamond powder, variably and multi dimensionally disbursed therein, and a pestle positioned in the disruption chamber. The apparatus includes an actuation device configured to agitate the disruption chamber and/or pestle, movement of the abrasives tearing cell structure in the solution to access its contents. A binding column or size exclusion column can be positioned downstream of the disruption chamber. The pestle can rotate with respect to the disruption chamber. The pestle can include a nut-shaped core or axle, and/or include a plurality of extrusions. Cell solution can first be introduced in the disruption chamber, the abrasives capturing the cells and allowing therethrough and purging the waste content, then breaking the cell content through the foregoing agitation process.

Abstract: A separation device that can include a separation tube or container that has a wall defining an internal volume into which a material can be placed is disclosed. The material can include a multi-component mixture or solution. A secondary tube or withdrawal cannula can be placed and/or moved within the tube to withdrawal a material form the tube.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for the microfluidic manipulation, dispensing, and/or sorting of particles, such as cells and/or beads.

Abstract: There is provided a renewable sensor for sensing or selectively capturing a targeted bacteria in a fluid. The renewable sensor includes a surface, the surface includes a substrate, a biologically or bacterially non-adhesive feature disposed on or in functional proximity to at least a portion of the substrate; and an adhesive elements disposed on or in functional proximity to the non-adhesive feature, a flow channel in operative contact with the surface; and a detector configured to detect the targeted cell type captured on the surface. Also provided are method for using the sensor and the surface.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates use of encapsulated aqueous and non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents and their use in laboratory procedures. These encapsulated aqueous or non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents can be completely contained or encapsulated in microcapsules or nanocapsules that can be added to an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier solution or liquid required for medical and research laboratory testing of biological or non-biological specimens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter member. The filter member comprises: a filter for discriminating cells to be analyzed in a sample from other components; a first filter holding member which comprises a first through hole and has a plate-like shape; and a second filter holding member which comprises a second through hole and is fitted into the first filter holding member. When the first and second filter holding members are integrated by fitting the second filter holding member into the first filter holding member, the filter is sandwiched between the first filter holding member and the second filter holding member, and the first through hole is opposed to the second through hole through the filter. A first elastic body is formed on a surface of the first filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter. A second elastic body is formed on a surface of the second filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of enriching rare cells, such as cancer cells, from biological samples, such as blood samples. The methods include performing at least one debulking step on a blood sample and selectively removing at least one type undesirable component from the blood sample to obtain a blood sample that is enriched in a rare cell of interest. In some embodiments magnetic beads coupled to specific binding members are used to selectively removed components.

Abstract: Provided are multiple correlations for relationships between MI value for a brightstock extract and the distillation cut point temperature used for separation of the vacuum resid that is used to form the brightstock extract. Based on these correlations, a BSE having a desired MI value can be formed based on an adjustment of the distillation cut point temperature. A first correlation establishes a relationship between a fractional weight boiling temperature for a vacuum resid fraction and a distillation cut point temperature for separating the vacuum resid fraction from at least one distillate fraction in a feedstock. A second correlation establishes a relationship between a fractional weight boiling temperature for a brightstock extract derived from the vacuum resid fraction, and the fractional weight boiling temperature for the vacuum resid fraction. A third correlation has been established between the fractional weight boiling temperature for the brightstock extract and a mutagenicity index value.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for isolating and detecting rare cells from a biological sample containing other types of cells, particularly including debulking that uses a microfabricated filter for filtering samples. The enriched rare cells can be used in a downstream process such as identification, characterization or growth in culture, or in other ways. Also included is a method of determining tumor aggressiveness or the number or proportion of cancer cells in the enriched sample by detecting telomerase activity, nucleic acid or expression after enrichment of rare cells. Also provided is an efficient, rapid method to specifically remove red and white blood cells from a biological sample containing at least one of the cell types, leading to enrichment of rare target cells including circulating tumor (CTC), stromal, mesenchymal, endothelial, fetal, stem, or non-hematopoietic cells et cetera from a blood sample.

Abstract: A bismuth-containing concentration agent for microorganisms is provided. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for observing or studying cells having a cell wall or invertebrate embryos with an oblong eggshell, the devices comprising wells having a conical or frustoconical shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid sampling, storage, transfer and delivery device comprising housing containing a porous nib. The porous nib in the device contacts the sample, collects the sample, stores the sample, transports the sample inside its porous matrix and releases the sample from the porous matrix upon demand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel category of naphthalene-based two-photon fluorescent probes having a general formula I, wherein: X is selected from the X1, X2, X3 and X4; The mentioned two-photon fluorescent probes have a low fluorescence background in the non-tumor cells and tissues, and have a strong and specific fluorescent signal in the tumor cells and tissues. These probes have a certain level of water-solubility, while having good membrane permeability. In addition, they have a bigger effective two-photon absorption cross section. The compounds of the present invention also have a lower biotoxicity, phototoxicity and photobleaching. There is sufficient difference between the spectral range thereof and that of a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a specimen processing apparatus, comprising: an imaging device for imaging a cap of a covered specimen container containing a specimen; an aspirating device including a specimen aspirating tube, moving the specimen aspirating tube so as to pass the specimen aspirating tube through the cap of the covered specimen container and aspirating the specimen contained in the covered specimen container via the specimen aspirating tube; an aspiration controller for controlling a movement of the specimen aspirating tube into the covered specimen container based on an image obtained by the imaging device; and a specimen processing device for processing the specimen aspirated by the aspirating device.

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

Abstract: A method of mixing magnetic particles (3) in a reaction chamber (2) that is part of a microfluidic device and that contains the said particles in suspension, comprises the steps: (a) providing an electromagnetic means (1,1?,6,7) to generate magnetic field sequences having polarity and intensity that vary in time and a magnetic field gradient that covers the whole space of the said reaction chamber (2); (b) applying a first magnetic field sequence to separate or confine the particles (3) so the particles occupy a sub-volume in the volume of the reaction chamber (2); (c) injecting a defined volume of the said reagent in the reaction chamber; and (d) applying a second magnetic field sequence to leads the particles (3) to be homogenously distributed and dynamically moving over a substantial portion of the whole reaction chamber volume.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel multi-targeted microbiological screening and monitoring methods having substantial utility for monitoring and control of microbial growth and contaminants, microbiological processes, predictive microbiology, and for exposure and risk assessment. Microbial markers shared by both target and index microbes are used in novel methods for microbial monitoring, monitoring of microbial performance potential, trend analysis, and statistical process control (SPC) in processes or systems that are receptive to a plurality of genetically distinct microbes.

Abstract: A concentration agent for capture of microorganisms, including diatomaceous earth bearing, on at least a portion of its surface, a surface treatment comprising a surface modifier comprising titanium dioxide, fine-nanoscale gold or platinum, or a combination thereof, and methods for making the concentration agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for collecting and preparing a body fluid sample, the system comprising a sample container (10) comprising a sample cup (38) for receiving the sample, said sample cup comprising graduated indicator markings (14) corresponding to equal increments of sample volume, a removable lid (16) for sealably covering said sample cup, said lid having an access point which is sealed by a septum, and a removable cap (22) which is effective to cover said access point, and a delivery device for containing a plurality of predetermined reagent doses which are to be added to a sample within the sample container in the predetermined doses relative to the volume of the sample.

Abstract: Sample taking device for extracting a fluid sample from a vessel comprising: a cover portion for closing the vessel such that, in use a headspace is defined between the cover portion and fluid held in the vessel, a sampling chamber comprising a sampling inlet and a sampling outlet, a cannula adapted to provide, in use, fluid communication between the fluid held in the vessel and the sampling chamber through the sampling inlet, and ports to operate the device in at least two operating conditions: a sample preparing condition in which a pressure in the headspace is greater than that of the sampling chamber such that fluid flows through the cannula towards the sampling chamber and can be retained therein, and a sample dispensing condition in which fluid retained in the sampling chamber can be delivered through the sampling outlet and fluid remaining inside the cannula can return to the vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing and agitating an amount of a liquid over a microscope slide, wherein a distribution plate having a microtextured lower surface and at least one passage extending through the plate is secured at a predetermined distance of 10-250 ?m above the microscope slide. Liquid passes through the passage in the distribution plate, and the distribution plate is transversely reciprocated relative to the microscope slide in the plane of the lower surface of the distribution plate or the plane of the upper surface of the microscope slide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method and an attachment solution for adhering a cytological or histological sample, such as buffy coat, to a substrate, such as a microscope slide. The attachment solution includes an attachment base and an anti-coagulant. The attachment base may be an alcohol, an acid, an oxidizer, an organohalogen, a ketone, such as acetone, or any combination thereof, such as Carnoy's solution. Once a sample is obtained, the sample may be re-suspended in the attachment solution or the attachment solution may be added to the sample. The sample may then be dispensed onto an analysis platform as one or more droplets and cured. The sample may be spread on the analysis platform after having been dispensed. The sample may then be fixed, permeabilized, labeled, blocked, and washed. The sample may then be imaged and analyzed.

Abstract: An aerosol collection system and method. The system includes a bio-aerosol delivery device configured to supply bioparticles in a gas stream, a moisture exchange device including a partition member coupled to the gas stream and configured to humidify or dehumidify the bioparticles in the gas stream, and an aerosol collection medium downstream from the moisture exchange device and configured to collect the bioparticles. The method includes delivering bioparticles in a gas stream, humidifying or dehumidifying the bioparticles in the gas stream by transport of water across a partition member and into a vapor phase of the gas stream, and collecting the bioparticles by a collection medium.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally related to differentiating and/or separating portions of a sample that are of interest from the remainder of the sample. Embodiments may be directed towards separating cells of interest from a cell sample. In some embodiments, acoustic impedances of the cells of interest may be modified. For example, the acoustic properties of the cells of interest may be modified by attaching bubbles to the cells of interest. The cell sample may then be subjected to an acoustic wave. The cells of interest may be differentiated and/or separated from the remainder of the sample based on relative displacements and/or volumetric changes experienced by the cells of interest in response thereto. The cells of interest may be separated using a standing wave and sorted into separate channels of a flow cell. Optionally, the cells may be interrogated by a light source and differentiated by signals generated in response thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a biological sample is provided. The biological sample being arranged on a first planar surface of a carrier, the apparatus having a second planar surface arranged substantially parallel to said first planar surface and at a first distance from said first planar surface. The first planar surface and said second planar surface are arranged at an angle (A) greater than zero degree from the horizontal plane (HP). The apparatus having a supply for supplying an amount of a liquid that is to be applied to said biological sample. The first planar surface and said second planar surface are configured to be arranged at a second distance from each other, said second distance being such that said supplied amount of liquid is distributed over said biological sample when said first planar surface and said second planar surface are brought to said second distance from each other.

Abstract: A thin section fabrication apparatus includes an epi-imaging data acquisition unit that performs imaging by radiating epi-illumination and acquires imaging data, a diffusion imaging data acquisition unit that performs imaging by radiating diffusion illumination and acquires imaging data, an exposed shape extraction unit that extracts an exposed shape of an exposure portion of the biological sample which is exposed to a surface of the embedding block, based on the imaging data acquired by the epi-imaging data acquisition unit, an embedded shape extraction unit that extracts an embedded shape of an embedding portion of the biological sample which is embedded in the embedding block, based on the imaging data acquired by the diffusion imaging data acquisition unit, and a control unit that determines ending of the preliminary cutting by comparing the exposed shape extracted by the exposed shape extraction unit and the embedded shape extracted by the embedded shape extraction unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for monitoring airborne microorganisms composed of: a chassis, which has a fan for flowing the air therein from the outside at a portion thereof and of which inside is spatially segmented by partition plates for performing a plurality of steps; a perforated plate, which is disposed at a portion of the chassis and has a plurality of nozzles for focusing split air flows passing through a plurality of spaces in a given direction; a capturing plate, which has a plurality of trapping surfaces at the positions opposite to the plurality of nozzles of the perforated plate; a capturing plate control part, which moves the capturing plate relative to the perforated plate; and an optical detection part for fluorescence generated from the microorganisms on the trapping surface of the capturing plate.

Abstract: Systems for sterile separation of magnetically labeled sample components and methods for using the same are provided. Embodiments of the systems include a magnetic separation device and a pliant sample container, where a portion of the pliant sample container is operatively coupled under pressure to the magnetic separation device. Also provided are methods of using the systems, as well as pliant sample containers configured for use with the subject systems and methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a biopsy collecting device is presented. The apparatus includes a base unit configured to receive the biopsy collecting device comprising at least a needle unit and an activator unit, wherein the needle unit comprises a biopsy specimen. The apparatus further includes a fastening unit disposed at a first end of the base unit and configured to fasten at least a first portion of the needle unit to the base unit. Also, the apparatus includes a holding unit disposed at a second end of the base unit and configured to attach the activator unit of the biopsy collecting device to the base unit.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide a method of sampling, testing and validating test lots (e.g., single-unit production lots), comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the collected product portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples (wherein each test lot sample is attributed to a particular corresponding test lot); enriching the set of test lot samples; removing equal portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample for the target agent/organism, wherein where such testing is positive, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a respective enriched test lot sample and obtaining a negative test result. The methods have broad utility for monitoring all sorts of test lots (e.g., environmental lots, production lots, pharmaceutical lots, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enabling flexibility of the exoskeletons or joints of aquatic organisms immersed in an ion liquid water solution to be maintained without destroying their original forms by reducing the difference in osmotic pressure between the inside and outside of the aquatic organisms, preventing dehydration of biological samples. First, the aquatic organism is put into a low-concentration ionic liquid to increase continuously the concentration of the ionic liquid, enabling the water content of the aquatic organism to be substituted by a high-concentration ionic liquid in their original forms. The use of the increasing method that gentle increase in temperature of the ionic liquid by means of natural seasoning reduces the osmotic pressure difference between the inside and outside of the aquatic organism, increasing the concentration of the ionic liquid inside of the aquatic organism.

Abstract: A device is described that overlays a first fluid, such as blood or a cellular suspension onto a base material, such as a density gradient. In some embodiments, the fluid layering device includes a cylindrical reservoir, a fluid barrier, a coupling extension, a plunger, and an exhaust vent. The fluid layering device can be coupled through its coupling extension to an open end of a container, such as a conical centrifuge tube, including the density gradient. Once attached, the plunger may be lowered to a position above the surface of the density gradient. A first fluid may flow from the reservoir into the conical tube across the plunger, so that a suitable overlay is formed without substantially disturbing a surface of the density gradient. The plunger may be buoyed upward by the first fluid during operation, providing a constant regulation of flow throughout overlaying, regardless of the care and skill of the user.

Abstract: Claimed is an imaging and diagnostic system and method for focal scanning of a specimen using optical projection tomographic microscopy and computer generation of three-dimensional images. One embodiment comprises a light source and an imaging system having an adjustable focal position which acquires a plurality of digital 2D projection images of biological tissue placed within a specimen tube that translates and rotates past an optical lens in a helical pattern. A computer captures the images and generates a 3D composite image. Also claimed is a system and method for preparing a specimen for optical microscopy. One embodiment comprises fixing, staining, and/or optically clearing biological tissue within a microfluidic specimen chamber prior to placement in a specimen tube.

Abstract: Described herein are microfluidic devices and methods that can greatly improve cell quality, streamline workflows, and lower costs. Applications include research and clinical diagnostics in cancer, infectious disease, and inflammatory disease, among other disease areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for these assays.

Abstract: A method for enrichment and isolation of microbial cells and microbial nucleic acids from a biological sample is described. The method comprises (i) adding to an initial volume of biological sample a differential cell lysis solution to obtain a final concentration of 0.1 to 1% of SDS in the sample; (ii) mixing the solution obtained in step (i) for a period of time sufficient to lyse the host cells present in the biological sample, while preserving the integrity of cells; and (iii) separating the microbial cells from the lysed host cells components. Differential cell lysis solutions and kits for practicing the method of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a biological tissue specimen for examination, such as microscopic examination, that involves applying acoustic pressure wave/shock wave (APW/SW) energy to the tissue specimen. The APW/SW energy can be applied to the tissue specimen to augment any one or more steps of processing the tissue specimen. In one example, the APW/SW energy is applied to enhance histotechnological processing of the tissue specimen. Apparatuses and systems that include APW/SW generators and that are specifically configured for processing biological tissue specimens are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting and counting the microorganisms in a sample is described. The method comprises: a) selectively enriching the microorganism sought in the sample, b) inducing or activating at least one enzymatic activity of the microorganism, c) immunomagnetically concentrating the microorganism, d) fluorescently labeling the microorganism, and e) detecting and analyzing the fluorescence making possible the numeration or counting of the microorganisms sought by flow cytometry, filtration cytometry or fluorescence microscopy.

Abstract: An automated method and system for treating one or more tissue samples disposed on slides, the system comprising: a controller, a plurality of slide treatment modules arranged to receive ones of the slides; at least one fluid dispensing robot configured by the controller to dispense a plurality of reagents to said ones of the slides received in the slide treatment modules via an output nozzle disposed on the at least one fluid dispensing robot to treat said one or more tissue samples respectively; and at least one pumping means for pumping said reagents to the output nozzle of the at least one fluid dispensing robot from a plurality of reagent containers comprising said reagents, wherein the at least one fluid dispensing robot is configured by the controller to dispense said reagents in a predetermined sequence for each of the slide treatment modules to treat the one or more tissue samples disposed on each of the slides independently.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and associated methods for selectively extracting a material from a sample are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method for selectively extracting biological material from a biological sample can include identifying a region of biological material to be extracted from a biological sample disposed on a substantially planar surface, applying an extraction tool to the region of biological material to disrupt biological material from the biological sample, and dispensing a liquid at the region of biological material. The method can also include aspirating the liquid and the disrupted biological material from the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sampling biological material on a reference surface, such as the surface of an agar medium, with the aid of a sampling tool, said method making it possible to steer the displacement of the sampling tool towards the reference surface, from a first position towards a second position, and/or of the reference surface towards the sampling tool, from a first position towards a second position, said second position being a contact position in which the sampling tool and the reference surface are in contact, said method comprising the following steps: a) illuminating the sampling tool in said first position in order to make the sampling tool visible and to project an image of the sampling tool onto the reference surface, b) acquiring an image of both the sampling tool and its image projected onto the reference surface, c) processing the image obtained in step b) in order to determine if, on the processed image, the gap between the sampling tool and its projected image is

Abstract: A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range.

Abstract: A filter element (200) and a method are disclosed for retaining particles of a medium, for example (rare) cells of blood. The filter element (200) comprises at least one opening (220) that (i) has an elongate cross section and/or (ii) has a cross section that decreases in flow direction (x) and/or (iii) is bordered by a transparent wall. Preferably, the filter element (100, 200, 300) is provided with a plurality of elongate openings (220) of stepwise decreasing cross section that are arranged on a common transparent slide. Thus high flow rates can be realized throughout the filtering process, and the retained particles are immediately ready for visual inspection without a need for a further transfer.

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

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.

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