Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials as a filtration material pervious to nitrogen dioxide and impervious to ozone. The invention also relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials having a specific surface, measured by the BET method, of 15 to 40 m2/g inclusive and a form factor, equal to the ratio (highest dimension/lowest dimension) of the nanomaterial, of 5 to 250 inclusive, as material for filtering a gas mixture containing nitrogen dioxide and ozone, being pervious to the nitrogen dioxide and impervious to the ozone. The invention can be used in the field of air pollution.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method, devices, instrument and program for extraction an ingredient from a liquid sample by bidirectional transfer of an aliquot of fluid between compartments, the method can be applied to a wide variety of laboratory techniques such as; solid phase extraction by filter disc, column chromatography, magnetic separation, diagnostic tests and others, the system is suitable for single or multi sample handling, manual operation or integrated into an automated system, can be used in a lab or in field.

Abstract: A portable handheld medical diagnostic device includes a housing forming a protective enclosure. A main circuit board is located in the protective enclosure. The main circuit board includes a controller facilitating a physiologic measurement. A display device is connected to the main circuit board that displays information related to the physiologic measurement. An electronic skin is on the housing. The electronic skin comprises a liquid crystal material and is configured to display a color.

Abstract: Methods and materials for making an apparatus which duplicates the functionality of a physiological system is provided.

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: A microfluidic fluid separator for separating target components of a fluid by filtration is described. Methods for separating target components of a fluid by filtration and methods for processing blood on a large scale with the microfluidic fluid separator are provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for measuring a level of cholesterol therewith are provided. The cholesterol measurement apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a plurality of chambers and at least one channel through which the plurality of chambers are interconnected. The plurality of chambers include a reaction chamber which contains a capture binder, a buffer chamber which contains an elution buffer and is connected to the reaction chamber, and at least one detection chamber which contains a cholesterol measurement reagent and is connected to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with one or more leukocidal reagents that reduce or eliminate the metabolic activity of leukocytes, and performing an immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of analyte in the sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with one or more enzymes and optionally one or more enzyme substrates and cofactors.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention described herein is directed to a detection system utilizing at least one radiofrequency identification (RFID) sensor comprising: an RFID sensor comprising: a substrate; an antenna; a sensor material selected to be sensitive to one of chemical or biological environment; and a reader, wherein said reader is configured to measure a signal in the form of a complex impedance from said RFID tag wherein said signal comprises a plurality of frequencies and a frequency shift of the maximum of the imaginary part of the complex impedance, a frequency shift of the minimum of the imaginary part of the complex impedance, a frequency shift of the maximum of the real part of the complex impedance, and changes in magnitude of the real part of the complex impedance; and, wherein said complex impedance is related to a nature and a concentration of analyte species derived from multivariate analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate a surface-structured device for life-sciences and a life-science method applying the surface-structured device. The surface-structured device has a substrate with a frontside surface corresponding to a first surface; and a plurality of protrusions arranged on the frontside surface. A shortest dimension of the protrusions at the junction from the protrusion to the front-side surface is smaller than 250 nm and at least a first group of the plurality of protrusions is arranged on a first planar area of the frontside surface in a first regular pattern in a plane of the first planar area of the frontside surface. Further embodiments relate to a stamper which may be used in the manufacturing method of the surface-structured device and a manufacturing method for surface-structured device.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for determining antioxidant activity of a test sample in intact cells. The method includes determining the antioxidant capacity of a test sample in intact red blood cells, wherein the test sample is added to intact red blood cells and oxidative damage is measured by alteration of fluorescence intensity of an oxidation-sensitive fluorescent indicator dye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating fine particles by measuring the magnetic susceptibilities thereof using isomagnetophoresis. In a system for separating fine particles using isomagnetophoresis according to the present invention, fluids having different magnetic susceptibilities and fine particles to be measured are introduced into a microfluidic channel to form a magnetic susceptibility gradient, a strong magnetic field is applied to the channel to control the behavior of the introduced fine particles, thus moving the fine particles to respective positions at which the fluids having magnetic susceptibilities identical to those thereof is present. According to the present invention, fine particles having a fine difference in magnetic susceptibility can be separated from each other by measuring the magnetic susceptibilities thereof.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system for sampling the contents of a container of fluid includes an elongate hollow sampling conduit extending between a first end for withdrawing the fluid from the container and a second end for returning the fluid to the container, pump means for circulating the fluid between the container and the sampling conduit, a sample probe having a tip extending into the sampling conduit so as to contact the fluid within the sampling conduit, and a controller unit for controlling flow of the fluid within the sampling conduit and monitoring the properties of interest of the fluid within the sampling conduit via signals received from the sample probe. The present invention also provides an in-line pH probe.

Abstract: The present invention, referred to as Surface-Free Affinity Purification (SFAP), relates to a system and method for purifying low abundance peptides, including digested plasma proteins. SFAP combines the components and processes of Surface-Free Isolation, Specific Competitive Elution, Dual Epitope Isolation and Protective Solvents in the purification of low abundance proteins, all of which may be performed in a single column. This column is a constant volume Diafiltration Column equipped with stirring that can be driven by an HPLC. Digested plasma may be injected into the Diafiltration Column by the HPLC. Immunoglobulins, Specific Competitive Elutants, Protective Solvents are injected in a series of injections that result in the purified peptides bound to the surfaces of a very-low volume hydrophobic reversed phase trap from which they can be easily injected into mass spectrometry detection instruments.

Abstract: A microfluidic arrangement for extracting and optionally processing an extract from a sample and for transferring the extract in flowable form to a microfluidic chip using an extractor with a compressible extraction chamber and at least one opening thereof, a reactor that has a reaction chamber, an inlet opening that communicates with the at least one opening of the extractor, wherein the two openings define a flow path between the chambers, an outlet opening for fluidically connecting to the microfluidic chip and a ventilation opening of the reaction chamber, and having a filter arrangement installed in the flow path between the extractor and the reactor. A lab-on-a-chip system with such a microfluidic arrangement and a microfluidic chip that is rigidly connected to the reactor.

Abstract: A sensor instrument system for detecting and identifying analytes in fluids of a region contains a local sensor instrument and remote central station. The instrument includes a core technology employing a single sensor having two electrodes operated by an electrical frequency sweeping to generate two sets of patterned electrical information from a single measurement, a data transmission module and a GPS receiver module. The central station connects to a network means connected to a plurality of local receiving sites equipped with including the respective transceivers, so that the local analyte electrical information and geographic position information transmitted by the instrument can be wirelessly and remotely received and processed by the central station.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for preventing interfering substances from affecting the accuracy of a lateral flow immunoassay. In preferred embodiments, a test strip includes a capturing zone that includes at least one mobile capturing reagent that separates at least one interfering substance from the analyte. The capturing zone is preferably located upstream of the sample application zone. In some embodiments, the reagent/conjugate zone is also located upstream of the sample application zone. The capturing zone may be located upstream, downstream, or overlapping with the reagent/conjugate zone in these embodiments. In other preferred embodiments, one or more mobile capturing reagents are included in the elution medium/running buffer. In yet other embodiments, the capturing reagent is incorporated into a sample collection device of a sample collection system, preferably separate from the chromatographic test strip. A lysis zone is also included in some preferred embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for near real-time in-situ soil solution measurements is presented. An outer sleeve is placed in soil where ionic concentrations of organic or inorganic species are to be measured. A porous section connects with the outer sleeve (the porous section initially loaded with distilled water) equilibrates with the solution present in soil pores to form a solution to be measured. The initial distilled water is displaced within the porous section by a removable plunger. After substantial equilibration of the solution to be measured within the apparatus, the plunger is removed and a removable probe replaced. The probe may be an Ion Selective Electrode, or a transflection dip probe. The probe then may be used under computer control for measurement of solution properties. The Ion Selective Electrode may measure nitrate (NO3?) concentrations. The transflection dip probe may be read with spectrometer with an input deuterium light source.

Abstract: There is provided a method of monitoring for the presence of phosphate esters in jet fuel. The method comprises obtaining from a jet fuel source a jet fuel test sample suspected of containing phosphate esters. The method further comprises combining the jet fuel test sample with a polar solvent and a nonpolar solvent to form a mixture. The method further comprises agitating the mixture. The method further comprises extracting the polar solvent from the mixture. The method further comprises performing a combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometer analysis of the polar solvent to monitor for the presence of any phosphate esters and to obtain an actual concentration level of any phosphate esters. The method further comprises comparing the actual concentration level of any phosphate esters with a calibration standard concentration of phosphate esters in clean jet fuel.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided for collecting samples in a fluid environment, the assembly utilizing a laminar convective flow to cause the flow of a preservative/fixative and a filtrate through a filter. A substantially concave dead space around the filter is flushed free of the preservative and the differential in density of the preservative and filtrate causes the more dense fluid to collect in the reservoir and preserve the collected specimen.

Abstract: The system has a plurality of dishes (1) for receiving at least one sample, each dish having a perforated base (2) enabling liquid reagents or solutions to pass continuously therethrough, the dishes being superposed in a confining tube (5); a circuit (50) for the continuous outflow of the solutions originating from distinct reservoirs (17); a multipath electrovalve (15); an electric pump (13); and a member for controlling and commanding the pump (13) and the multipath electrovalve (15) in a sequential and coordinated manner.

Abstract: A method for analyzing hemoglobin in a sample by separation analysis while suppressing the denaturation of the hemoglobin includes separating hemoglobin in the presence of at least one of a sulfurous acid compound and a dithionous acid compound.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for high-throughput screening of fluidic samples. In some embodiments, two chromatography columns are utilized in series. The first chromatography column can have a high affinity for phosphorylated compounds while the second chromatography column has a high affinity for one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to thrombospondin fragments found in plasma, their use or use of portions thereof in diagnostic methods, as method calibrators, method indicators, and as immunogens, and as analytes for methods with substantial clinical utility; and their detection in plasma or other bodily fluids for purpose of diagnostic methods, especially for cancer.

Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and kits for determining the presence or absence, and the amount if present, of vitamin D analogs in samples. One embodiment of the present method for detecting the presence or absence of vitamin D analogs in a sample comprises the steps of adding an effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent to the sample to form a cationic treated sample. The effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent enhances the signal from vitamin D analogs upon analysis by mass spectroscopy.

Abstract: The invention provides kits and methods for detecting or monitoring the number of cells in sample. The cell comprises a cell surface associated protein (CSAP) comprising a cytoplasmic (cytosolic) and an extracellular (ecto) domain. The kit comprises: (i) a chromatographic device; and (ii) a CSAP-binding agent. The method comprises: (i) optionally contacting the sample with an agent capable of lysing or permeabilizing CSAP bearing cells; (ii) contacting the sample with a CSAP-binding agent that binds to the cytoplasmic domain of the CSAP; and (iii) directly or indirectly evaluating the level or presence of bound CSAP in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tissue processing, particularly, to the treatment of fluids used in tissue processing. In one embodiment the present invention provides for treating a tissue processing fluid comprising first processing fluid comprising a first processing fluid and a second contaminating fluid, by: gradually varying the pressure of the fluid from an initial pressure level to a first pressure level such that the fluid remains below a vaporizing point of the second contaminating fluid and, heating the fluid to at least a vaporizing temperature of the second contaminating fluid. In another embodiment, the present invention removes the second contaminating fluid from the fluid by varying at least one of the pressure and temperature of the fluid so as to allow the second contaminating fluid to vaporize. Alternatively, an embodiment of the present invention interleaves the step of removing with one or more tissue processing protocol steps.

Abstract: A device for limiting sample evaporation. The device has a vessel body having a body exterior surface and at least one body interior surface. The at least one body interior surface has one or more walls defining a first chamber, a second chamber and a conduit means. The first chamber has a first chamber opening for receiving at least one of the groups selected from a sample and a sample dispensing device. The first chamber opening defines the border of the body exterior surface and the body interior surface. The conduit means is in communication with the first chamber and the second chamber for receiving at least one of the group consisting of sample from said first chamber, a sample from a sample dispensing device and a sample dispensing device passing through or into the conduit means for placing the sample in the conduit means or into the second chamber.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

Abstract: A method for extracting low-molecular-weight proteins/peptides contained in a body fluid sample, particularly, in serum or plasma. The method includes the steps of (a) to (e): (a) adding reagent 1 containing urea and thiourea and reagent 2 containing a reducing agent to the body fluid sample, mixing them, subsequently dropping the mixture into reagent 3 containing 90% or more of an organic solvent, and mixing them; (b) stirring at a low temperature the mixed solution obtained in step (a); (c) centrifuging at a low temperature the stirred solution obtained in step (b) and removing the supernatant; (d) adding reagent 4 containing an organic solvent and an acid to the precipitate obtained in step (c) and mixing them; (e) stirring at a low temperature the mixed solution obtained in step (d); and (f) centrifuging at a low temperature the stirred solution obtained in step (e) and recovering the supernatant.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float having a passageway extending between first and second ends thereof with a pierceable head enclosing the first end of the float, a ballast longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows extending between a portion of the float and a portion of the ballast. The bellows is adapted for deformation upon longitudinal movement of the float and the ballast, with the bellows isolated from the pierceable head. The float has a first density and the ballast has a second density greater than the first density. The bellows is structured for sealing engagement with a cylindrical wall of a tube, and the pierceable head is structured for application of a puncture tip therethrough. The separation device is suitable for use with a standard medical collection tube.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.

Abstract: A combined detector capable of simultaneously detecting both a value indicating a physical/chemical phenomenon such as a pH value and the intensity of an energy beam such as light. The combined detector comprises a physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) and an energy beam detecting system. The physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) has a sensing section (21) whose potential varies with a physical/chemical phenomenon, a charge supply section (22) for supplying first charge to the sensing section, a charge supply control section (23) provided between the sensing section (21) and the charge supply section (22), a first charge storage section (26) for storing the first charge transferred from the sensing section (21), and a charge transfer control section (27) provided between the sensing section (21) and the first charge storage section (26).

Abstract: Textured heterogeneous surfaces and related articles as can be used in conjunction with methods for selective sensing and/or separation. When used for selective particle separation such a system can comprise a heterogeneous surface comprising a surface member and a plurality of components extending therefrom, such components spaced about and having a surface density, with heterogeneity comprising different interactions of the surface member and of the extended components with a particle exposed thereto. Various surface heterogeneities and different interactions can be utilized. However, in certain embodiments, competing electrostatic interactions, or a combination of electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions, with a particle can be utilized. Such a system can utilize a surface member having a charge difference with respect to the components extending therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to harvesting a target material from a suspension using a tube and float system. A suspension suspected of containing a target material is combined with a solution having one or more labels that distinguish the target material from other materials in the suspension. The tube, float, and suspension are centrifuged to separate various materials in the suspension according to associated specific gravities. The float expands the axial length of the target material layer and displaces the target material to a narrow space between the float and the inner wall of the tube. The space is illuminated with light that causes the labels to emit light identifying the location of the target material within the tube. One or more openings can then be formed in the tube at or near the point where the target material is located and the target material harvested.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: To provide a sensing device using a piezoelectric sensor having an oscillation area for detection and an oscillation area for reference and capable of achieving a high measurement sensitivity by improving shapes of excitation electrodes. On a quartz-crystal piece 20a, there are provided strip-shaped left side area and right side area which are formed symmetrically to be separated from each other into left and right with respect to a center of a circle 53 being a contour of a planar shape of a reaction channel 52 and extend in a longitudinal direction in a parallel manner.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting substances, such as explosives and/or drugs, using, in part, short bursts of energy light from a relatively low energy strobe. Embodiments include coupling the strobe with a detector for use in a portable hand-held unit, or a unit capable of being carried as a backpack. Embodiments further include placement of one or more stroboscopic desorption units and detectors in luggage conveyors systems, carry-on X-ray machines, and check-in counter locations. Embodiments further comprise the use of a strobe or another energy source to assist in maintaining the integrity of a SERS substrate surface operatively associated with the detector system, wherein the SERS substrate may be positioned in hand wand spaced apart from at least a portion of the detector. In another embodiment, the Raman excitation source may be located directly in the hand wand of a portable stroboscopic detection system.

Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip extraction columns for the purification of a DNA vector from un-clarified cell lysate containing cell debris as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit.

Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic filter includes a first portion, and a second portion which is spaced apart from and faces the first portion. The first portion includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in a first direction, and the second portion includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A filtering apparatus including a body which includes a plurality of the hydrodynamic filters and filters a fluid including target molecules, an inlet portion in connection with the body, and an outlet portion in connection with the body.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a microfluidic system for detecting a biological entity in a sample volume is provided. The microfluidic system may include: a chamber configured to receive the sample volume, wherein the chamber includes a detection region for detecting the biological entity; a first port in fluid communication with the chamber; and a second port including a filter in fluid communication with the chamber; and wherein a fluid provided to the first port or the second port flows between the first port and the second port through the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the preparation of native and non-denatured biomolecules using solid-phase extraction channels. The invention is particularly suited for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of protein analytes. The invention further provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of multi-protein complexes.

Abstract: An automated assay processing method including transferring a first number of samples from respective sample containers to a first intermediary vessel, determining the testing adequacy of a second number of samples in a second intermediary vessel, preparing a third number of samples in a third intermediary vessel for downstream testing; and transferring a fourth number of samples from a fourth intermediary vessel to an output sample tray. These steps are all performed essentially simultaneously within the duration of a single clock cycle and are repeated during one or more subsequent clock cycles. The clock cycle may be relative to each intermediary vessel. The clock cycle also may be universal to the first, second, third and fourth intermediary vessels.