Abstract: An automatic analyzer is provided which is easier to investigate when some troubles such as data abnormality occur in a sample analysis result as compared with an automatic analyzer according to the related art. The automatic analyzer includes: analysis units that perform analysis and quality control analysis for ensuring quality of the analysis; a storage medium that stores quality control results of the quality control analysis performed by the analysis units; a monitor that displays the quality control results; and a control PC that controls an operation of the analysis units (8, 9, and 16), executes, when an arbitrary result is selected from the quality control results stored in the storage medium, based on the selected quality control result, statistical calculation of the selected result and a quality control result performed in the past, and causes the monitor to display a statistical calculation screen as a statistical calculation result.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for tracking and printing within a histology system. In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes an information reader configured to read identifying data associated with a tissue block, a microtome configured to cut one or more tissue sections from the tissue block, one or more slides for receiving the one or more tissue sections, and a printer configured to receive the identifying data and print, after the one or more tissue sections are cut from the tissue block, one or more labels for the one or more slides, the one or more labels comprising information associating the one more tissue sections on the one or more slides with the tissue block.

Abstract: A method for reducing the variability, as measured by relative standard deviation (RSD), of an analytical testing technique is provided. This improvement in RSD improves the confidence in the values obtained during field testing. The method includes incorporating a focusing agent into the sampling media, which permits providing sampling media such as thermal desorption tubes preloaded with the focusing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved abnormality determining method for an automatic analyzer and related automatic analyzer that detects abnormalities for a reaction process of a reaction solution. The method for determining the presence of absence of abnormalities in the reaction process and performs the determination by acquiring acquisition conditions for multiple items of measured data, acquiring the measured data detected by a spectral detector that match the acquisition conditions, calculating a feature quantity of the measured data, generating a determination criterion based on the feature quantity, and determining the presence or absence of abnormalities by comparing the feature quantity of the measured data subject to the determination with the determination criterion. The acquisition condition includes information relating to a number of a divisions of a measured value range and information relating to the number of items of data in each divided segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory instrument for the instrument-controlled handling of a partial problem in a treatment process which contains treatments of at least one laboratory sample. The invention moreover relates to a system containing a plurality of such laboratory instruments, wherein the system serves for the instrument-controlled handling of a problem containing a plurality of these partial problems in the treatment process of at least one laboratory sample. And the invention relates to a method for the instrument-controlled handling of a partial problem in a treatment process which contains treatments of at least one laboratory sample.

Abstract: A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for tracking and printing within a histology system. In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes an information reader configured to read identifying data associated with a tissue block, a microtome configured to cut one or more tissue sections from the tissue block, one or more slides for receiving the one or more tissue sections, and a printer configured to receive the identifying data and print, after the one or more tissue sections are cut from the tissue block, one or more labels for the one or more slides, the one or more labels comprising information associating the one more tissue sections on the one or more slides with the tissue block.

Abstract: A method comprising: adhering a first surface of a mask to a carrier substrate via a first adhesive layer; forming a second adhesive layer on at least one of a second surface of the mask or a third surface of a wafer having a second alignment mark; bringing the carrier substrate and the wafer towards each other along a vertical axis such that the second surface of the mask and the third surface of the wafer is separated by an alignment gap based on a thickness of the second adhesive layer; performing an alignment operation based on imaging the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark; configuring the second surface of the mask to adhere to the third surface of the wafer via the second adhesive; and disconnecting the carrier substrate from the mask.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic analysis device (100), including: a dispensing unit (20), configured to dispense a sample and/or a reagent into a reaction vessel; a reaction unit (10), configured to incubate the reactant in the reaction vessel and transfer the reaction vessel; a B/F unit (2), configured to wash the reactant in the reaction vessel; a detecting unit (1), configured to detect a reaction signal in the reaction vessel; wherein the reaction unit (10) includes one rotating device (11) provided with a reaction vessel position to bear and fix the reaction vessel. The technical solution of the disclosure eliminates the washing tray and the detecting tray, simplifies the system structure and the control flow, and also significantly reduces the size of the reaction unit (10), implements flexible incubation time, and improves the working efficiency of the analysis device (100).

Abstract: A method for reducing the variability, as measured by relative standard deviation (RSD), of an analytical testing technique is provided. This improvement in RSD improves the confidence in the values obtained during field testing. The method includes incorporating a focusing agent into the sampling media, which permits providing sampling media such as thermal desorption tubes preloaded with the focusing agent.

Abstract: A portable device for imaging a solid or fluid biological sample. The portable device accepts a wafer for carrying the biological sample. The portable device comprises a camera, and a casing which is configured to receive the wafer. The wafer is positioned inside the casing at an imaging location so that the camera can capture images of the sample. The portable device can also comprise a rotary driver to rotate the wafer between a series of orientations. Each orientation bringing a different area of the biological sample into a field of view of the camera.

Abstract: A method for reducing the variability, as measured by relative standard deviation (RSD), of an analytical testing technique is provided. This improvement in RSD improves the confidence in the values obtained during field testing. The method includes incorporating a focusing agent into the sampling media, which permits providing sampling media such as thermal desorption tubes preloaded with the focusing agent.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes: a member to be washed, such as a probe or a stirrer for contacting and stirring a liquid; a wash station in which the member to be washed is washed with a washing liquid; and a measuring part that measures an optical characteristic of an evaluation reagent contained in a reaction cell. A control unit brings the member to be washed that has been washed in the wash station into contact with the evaluation reagent, causes the measuring part to measure the optical characteristic after contact with the evaluation reagent, and calculates the amount of the washing liquid carried into the reaction cell by the member to be washed, based on the measured optical characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and quantifying film forming amines in water systems are described. Water containing a film forming amine is combined with a fluorescent dye, the pH of the water is reduced, and then the fluorescence signal of the fluorescent dye is measured. The fluorescence signal is indicative of the amount of film forming amine in the water, and can be used to quantify the amount of film forming amine and control the amount of film forming amine that is introduced into the water system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multi-cuvette cartridges, flow cells, and electrical pulse systems for treatment of large volumes of biological samples with pulsed electric fields. The multi-cuvette cartridges systems may include mechanical motors for automatic positioning and alignment between the cuvettes and the electrodes of the electrical pulse systems. The flow cell systems may include fluidic systems, such as pumps, nozzles and valves, which may operate in coordination with the electrical systems for efficient exposition of biological samples. Embodiments having flow cell systems that allow “on-demand” production of activated sample are also disclosed.

Abstract: A crescent PLOT column is disclosed, including a capillary column having an inlet, an outlet, a bore, and an inner surface surrounding the bore and extending between the inlet and the outlet. A layer of particles is localized on a radial portion of the inner surface. The layer of the particles includes a radial thickness decreasing from a center of the radial portion to a periphery of the radial portion, forming a crescent shape in a radial frame of reference. A method for preparing the crescent PLOT column is disclosed, including loading the capillary column with a fluid including a carrier and particles such that the fluid is contained within the capillary column. The capillary column and the fluid contained within the capillary column are subjected to a centrifugal force. The carrier is removed, and a layer of the particles is localized on the radial portion of the inner surface.

Abstract: A sample processing station includes two or more container holders on a platform that is rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each holder is configured to rotate about a secondary axis of rotation. The station includes a capping/decapping mechanism to cap or decap a container held in one of the container holders and a drip tray movable between a first position not under the capping/decapping mechanism and a second position under the capping/decamping mechanism.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for calibrating a laser power are described. A system may include a sample to be tested and a control sample that comprises a control analyte. A user may indicate a known concentration of the control analyte to the system (e.g., by entering a concentration value into a user interface or other process). The system may perform multiple runs at different laser powers and compare the measurements of each run against expected values for the control analyte at the known concentration. From that comparison, a calibrated laser power may be computed and that computed power level can be used by the system for the running of tests on an unknown sample.

Abstract: A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.

Abstract: Manually operated pipettors, widely used in clinical, forensics, pharmaceutical research, hospital and biotech laboratories to transfer small volumes of liquid, may be subject to positional errors, operator use errors and hidden performance degradation. Manual pipette performance cannot be accepted without monitoring and reporting. This invention concerns a computer controlled vision tracking and lighting system working in conjunction with a sensor controlled fluid dispensing device and controller to confirm pipette tip positional locations during aspiration and dispensing operations with automatic monitoring of liquids entering and leaving a pipette apparatus to digitally track a manual pipetting operation with a digital output file of validated liquid transfer results. The invention may also monitor possible error conditions and prevent improper liquid transfers during the manual process.

Abstract: An identification device for identifying identifiers on and/or features of laboratory objects and/or of samples located therein in conjunction with automated laboratory systems or facilities, for example, medical, chemical, or pharmaceutical analysis devices. Barcodes on sample containers, for example, sample tubes, reagent tubs, or microplates are used, for example, as identifiers. An optical recording unit and a mirror are used, the spacing is variable for the detection of laboratory objects, each at different distances, from a recording distance by the optical recording unit is within a depth of field of the optical recording unit. The mirror is used for imaging the laboratory object to be detected on the optical axis. The identification device is substantially simplified, more reliable, and more cost-effective in comparison to known devices that use a zoom lens together with an autofocus unit.

Abstract: Provided is a sample introduction system for sequentially introducing a plurality of samples into an analyzer 200, the system including: an auto-sampler 300 including a sampling needle 302 for suctioning a sample from each well 312 provided in a plate 311 placed on a sample rack 310 or from a sample container 313 placed in the well 312, and a needle drive mechanism 303 for driving the sampling needle 302 in horizontal and vertical directions; an operation section 10 for allowing a user to command the needle drive mechanism 303 to drive the sampling needle 302; and a display controller 28 for displaying, on a screen of a display section 30, an identification of the well 312 related to a reference point defined on the plate 311 in a correction process conducted by the user by manipulating the operation section 10 so as to operate the needle drive mechanism 303 so that the sampling needle 302 is transferred to a predetermined position serving as the reference point.

Abstract: A machine for automatic in vitro detection of analytes, the machine being of the type including an optical reader device capable of detecting the optical response of the reaction solution to electromagnetic stimulation using a photoelectric receiver that is carried by a movable carriage of the machine and that moves under automatic control in order to bring the photoelectric receiver into various positions, each corresponding to various respective analysis zones. The photoelectric receiver forms part of a spectrometer capable of delivering a chromatic spectral decomposition of the optical response. Also provided are methods of automatic in vitro detection and/or quantification of analytes. In one method, a chromatic spectral decomposition of the optical response is acquired and two distinct optical agents are detected separately using the spectral decomposition.

Abstract: A wipe for detecting the presence of an explosive substance is composed of an absorbent or adsorbent substrate and a chemical detection solution impregnated within the substrate. In one embodiment the chemical detection solution includes a combination of reagents operable, when contacted with a particular explosive substance to undergo a chemical reaction or a series of chemical reactions to produce a compound having a visible color. In another embodiment, the chemical detection solution includes a redox color indicating agent that is operable to exhibit a color change upon reacting with the explosive substance.

Abstract: A machinery for preparation and analysis of one or more slides for a biological material according to an immuno-fluorescence technique includes a loading station for one or more containers of test liquids and/or samples of product; a positioning station of the slides; a containment station of one or more slide covers; an analysis station having a microscope that acquires digital images at one or more magnifications; an assembly, mobile inside the area defined by the machinery and controlled to move through the stations to prepare one or more slides according to a predefined protocol and arrange them in a corresponding analysis station for subsequent acquisition of digital images; one or more covers for each slide arranged in the seat; a container of the covers, the assembly being controlled to remove the covers once the phase of pre-dilution of the samples has been completed and arrange them inside the container.

Abstract: A coagulation test device for measuring clotting time and clot characteristics of a whole blood sample under different hemostatic conditions. Results of the test are used as an aid in management of patients with coagulopathy of unknown etiology in order to help the physician determine appropriate clinical action to arrest bleeding in a patient.

Abstract: In blood coagulation time measurement, the reaction time relies on the blood coagulation ability of a specimen and is not fixed. In particular, in module-type devices, errors may occur in the specimen processing, measurement number, and measurement time between a plurality of blood coagulation analysis units, leading to the risk of lowering the processing capability of the device as a whole.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to exemplary embodiments of systems, methods, techniques, processes, products and product components that can facilitate users making improved absorbance or fluorescence measurements in the field of spectroscopy with reduced (minimal) sample waste, and increased throughput, particularly in the study of biological sciences. A method and device for photometric measurement of liquids. The method includes the steps of: The method includes the steps of: providing a pipette tip, the pipette tip being made of an optically clear body having an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining an inner space for receiving a liquid sample, the inner space providing a cross-sectional path length for light; positioning the pipette tip between a light source and a light collector; measuring light transmission through the liquid sample; adjusting the inner space of the pipette tip to change the cross-sectional length, and measuring light transmission through the liquid sample.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology related to processing samples of nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods for enriching samples for small nucleic acids, such as small circulating cell-free DNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory instrument for the instrument-controlled handling of a partial problem in a treatment process which contains treatments of at least one laboratory sample. The invention moreover relates to a system containing a plurality of such laboratory instruments, wherein the system serves for the instrument-controlled handling of a problem containing a plurality of these partial problems in the treatment process of at least one laboratory sample. And the invention relates to a method for the instrument-controlled handling of a partial problem in a treatment process which contains treatments of at least one laboratory sample.

Abstract: A position adjustment method for a movable unit in a sample analyzer which includes: a measurement section which causes a movable unit to operate in order to measure a sample; and a communication section for performing communication with outside, includes: a terminal screen displaying step of causing a portable terminal device to display a position adjustment screen for accepting an input for changing a position of the movable unit, the portable terminal device configured to be able to perform communication with the communication section; and a movement executing step of causing the measurement section to execute a movement of a corresponding movable unit in accordance with the input for changing the position received by the communication section.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus (1) for measuring fluorescence and absorbance of a substance in a sample, said apparatus (1) comprising: a flow cell (2) for containing a sample, a first light source (3), a first conductor (5) for transmitting light from the first light source (3) to the flow cell (2) for irradiating a sample contained therein, a second conductor (7) for transmitting light from the flow cell (2) to a sample detector (9) arranged to detect an electromagnetic radiation that has passed through said cell (2), and a processing unit (16) arranged to receive a first signal (31) from a reference detector (15) and a second signal (32) from the sample detector (9) and to determine an absorbance based on said first and second signals (31,32), said apparatus (1) further comprising a second light source (4), a third conductor (6) for transmitting light from the second light source (4) to the cell (2) and wherein the sample detector (9) is further arranged to also detect fluorescence signals in the light that has pa

Abstract: An automatic analysis device has a structure that allows the operator to add or replace a reagent. A reagent container loading portion has an opening through which a reagent container is adapted to be introduced into the device. A reagent container transport tool has a plurality of reagent container insertion slots and is movable up and down. A refrigerator to cool a plurality of reagent containers has an opening that allows the reagent container transport tool to pass therethrough. An elevating and lowering mechanism is configured to elevate or lower the reagent container transport tool. A reagent container loading portion has a plurality of guide grooves arranged radially on its lower surface in front of the opening that are adapted to guide a reagent container. The guide grooves communicate with the respective reagent container insertion slots arranged radially on the reagent container transport tool at an elevated position.

Abstract: Selection-focus coils de-signed for 3D FFL-based MPI may allow for spatial encoding without additional shift coils and provide relatively large FOV and field gradient with very flat FFL. Additionally, a single-sided FFL-based device which is capable of 3D imaging is disclosed. With sufficient current amplitudes, FFL could encode the whole volume of a small animal or penetrate deep into human organs such as the vascular system or lymph nodes. An MPI device based on the proposed selection scheme could be a compact and robust alternative to the state-of-the-art FFP (FFL)-based MPI scanners.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic in-vitro diagnostic analysis are described. The method includes adding a first reagent type and a second reagent type to a first test liquid during a first and second cycle times respectively. The addition of the first reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a second reagent type to a second test liquid during the first cycle time. The addition of the second reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a first reagent type to a third test liquid during the second cycle time, respectively.

Abstract: A thermal cycler for a microfluidic device includes a controller operable to provide a series of electrical signals, a heat sink, and a heating element in thermal communication with the heat sink and operable to receive the series of electrical signals from the controller. The thermal cycler also includes a thermal chuck in thermal communication with the heating element. The thermal chuck comprises a heating surface operable to make thermal contact with the microfluidic device. The heating surface is characterized by a temperature ramp rate between 2.5 degrees Celsius per second and 5.5 degrees Celsius per second and a temperature difference between a first portion of the heating surface supporting a first portion of the microfluidic device and a second portion of the heating surface supporting a second portion of the microfluidic device is less than 0.25° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calorimeter including at least one measurement sensor (4) for receiving at least one sample, and at least three stages (1, 2, 3) for controlling the temperature, with decreasing size, each including a mounting (10, 20, 30) and means for controlling the temperature, the smallest stage being associated with said at least one sensor (4), in which: a first stage (1) also includes a screen (11) forming a first enclosure with the mounting (10) of said first stage; a second stage (2) is placed inside (12) said first enclosure and the mounting (20) thereof is thermally coupled with the mounting (10) of the first stage by first thermal conductances (23) comprising Peltier elements; and a third stage (3) is placed inside the second enclosure defined by the second stage and is thermally coupled with said second stage (2) by second passive thermal conductances (33) defining an adapted time-constant value.

Abstract: A fluorescence and/or chemiluminescence measuring device and method, able to achieve a series of actions synchronously including placing reaction cup, injection, extraction, reading, releasing reaction cup and light block, and no extra arm for getting and releasing reaction cup is needed. A sliding cartridge drives the reaction cup to perform movement to achieve the actions above in turn. Moreover, it maximally ensures a consistence of distance and relative height between each reaction cup and the reading photomultiplier device, so as the operation speed is faster and easier.

Abstract: A lance and a method determine reaction data of the course of a reaction, in which a reaction gas is top-blown by at least one lance onto a metallic melt in a metallurgical vessel and measured data are determined in this way, reaction data for the course of the reaction are determined as a function of these, where the lance for determining measured data blows out a gas which is conveyed separately from the reaction gas through at least one outlet opening of at least one measuring conduit. The lance for determining measured data blows out the gas which is conveyed separately from the reaction gas laterally through at least one outlet opening of at least one measuring conduit and the internal pressure of at least one gas bubble of this gas formed at this outlet opening of the respective measuring conduit is measured.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to exemplary embodiments of systems, methods, techniques, processes, products and product components that can facilitate users making improved absorbance or fluorescence measurements in the field of spectroscopy with reduced (minimal) sample waste, and increased throughput, particularly in the study of biological sciences. A measuring system is provided having: a base unit with a means for locating a pipette tip; a pipette tip designed to interact with the base unit for purposes of accurate pipette tip positioning; at least one light supplying unit positioned to supply light to a liquid sample in the pipette tip and at least one light collecting unit positioned to collect light from a liquid sample in the pipette tip.

Abstract: An automated analyzer with an on-board fridge for long-term cooling of reagents, and a method for isolating and analyzing an analyte comprising long-term cooling of reagents.

Abstract: A driving device of a micropump and a microvalve is provided. The driving device comprises a pump driver controlled by a pump controller, a valve driver controlled by a valve controller, a power supply part, a switch part. The pump driver having a first shape memory alloy wire, a micropump of the first shape memory alloy wire, a wiring part arranged in parallel to the first shape memory alloy wire, and a first selector switch that switches between a state where only the first shape memory alloy wire is energizable and a state where the wiring part is energizable. The valve driver having a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires, a plurality of microvalves of second shape memory alloy wires, and a second selector switch that brings into a state where one of the plurality of second shape memory alloy wires is energizable.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus for performing biochemical analysis of a sample using nanopores comprises: a sensor device that that supports plural nanopores, reservoirs holding material for performing the analysis; a fluidics system; and plural containers for receiving respective samples, all arranged in a cartridge that is removably attachable to an electronics unit arranged to generate drive signals to perform signal processing circuit to generate output data representing the results of the analysis. The fluidics system supplies samples selectively from the containers to the sensor device using a rotary valve. In one valve, a stator defines a plurality of first ports arranged around the rotational axis and a collection chamber extending in around the axis of rotation in communication with a second port. A rotor provides a passage extending between the collection chamber and a position in communication with any one of the plurality of first ports.

Abstract: A point of care testing system includes a reader having an incubator disposed within a reader housing, the incubator having a rotor supported for rotation and having a plurality of circumferentially disposed slots. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the rotor about a center axis A plurality of analytical test elements are sized for fitting in the slots of the incubator either manually or on demand. Each analytical test element commonly includes a support within a cartridge. The support retains at least one of a dry chemistry chip comprising a porous spreading layer disposed in stacked relation with at least one reagent layer or a lateral flow assay device wherein the plurality of test elements can assume a common form factor with multiplexed capability, and in which cartridges are preferably gated to enable random access processing.

Abstract: A wipe for detecting the presence of an explosive substance is composed of an absorbent or adsorbent substrate and a chemical detection solution impregnated within the substrate. The chemical detection solution includes a redox color indicating agent that is operable to exhibit a color change upon reacting with the explosive substance.

Abstract: A method and a device for handling test tubes in a laboratory automation system are presented. During the handling, an open end of the test tube is covered by a residue-free removable, flat cover element forced against the open end of the test tube.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic in-vitro diagnostic analysis are described. The method includes adding a first reagent type and a second reagent type to a first test liquid during a first and second cycle times respectively. The addition of the first reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a second reagent type to a second test liquid during the first cycle time. The addition of the second reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a first reagent type to a third test liquid during the second cycle time, respectively.

Abstract: A liquid analysis system for a photometric determination of an analyte in a liquid sample includes an analyzer comprising a photometer, an RFID parameter reading device and an identifier reading device, and a cuvette package comprising an RFID parameter transponder and a plurality of test cuvettes of one batch. Each test cuvette comprises a reagent. Batch identification and batch-specific reagent data are stored in the RFID parameter transponder. Each test cuvette comprises a batch-specific identifier including a batch identification. The batch identification is configured to be read by the identifier reading device.

Abstract: An automated dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method of detecting and quantifying N-nitrosamines in an aqueous sample. The method includes (a) extracting an aqueous solution including the N-nitrosamines by mixing an extraction solvent and a dispersive solvent with the aqueous solution, such that the N-nitrosamines, or a portion thereof, re-distribute from the aqueous solution to the extraction solvent, (b) permitting the resulting mixture in (a) to form a two-phase mixture containing an aqueous phase containing the aqueous solution with reduced amounts of the N-nitrosamines and an organic phase including the extraction solvent with the N-nitrosamines extracted from the aqueous solution, (c) injecting the organic phase, or a portion thereof, into an injection port of a gas chromatograph coupled with at least one mass spectrometer, and (d) analyzing the N-nitrosamines by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to detect and quantify the concentration of the N-nitrosamines in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A sample preparation device and associated method is provided for preparing samples according to an assay protocol. A cell deposition module deposits a sample on each of a plurality of assay devices supported by a support device. An epitope retrieval module deposits a reagent on each of the samples. Each of the samples is brought to a selected temperature. A heating device, corresponding to each of the assay devices, directly interacts with the corresponding assay device and may be used to heat each assay device to the selected temperature, in conjunction with the epitope retrieval module depositing the reagent on each of the samples. A staining module deposits a staining reagent on each of the samples, and removes excess staining reagent. The staining, epitope retrieval, and cell deposition modules cooperate with the support device and heating devices to form a unitary sample preparation device.