Abstract: Methods for determining metabolic properties of living cells through the uptake of semiconductor nanocrystals by cells. Generally the methods require a layer of neutral or hydrophilic semiconductor nanocrystals and a layer of cells seeded onto a culture surface and changes in the layer of semiconductor nanocrystals are detected. The observed changes made to the layer of semiconductor nanocrystals can be correlated to such metabolic properties as metastatic potential, cell motility or migration.

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

Abstract: A thermal phase separation simulator and method for testing chemicals is disclosed. The simulator comprises a circular block heater carousel mounted for rotation on a stage. The carousel includes a circular array of test wells for receiving a plurality of test bottles, a plurality of heating elements and thermocouples disposed between the wells. Each well has an illumination port and a vertical slit to the outside to allow visual observation or imaging of a vertical swatch of the bottle. An illumination source aligns with the illumination port of each well in response to rotation of the carousel. The method includes adding a mixed phase fluid to a plurality of bottles, adding a chemical agent to each bottle, and simulating a thermal phase separation. Images of the fluid in each bottle are captured and analyzed to determine the performance of the one or more chemical agents.

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

Abstract: A water-quality monitoring system for an aquatic environment that includes a monitoring unit and a chemical indicator wheel designed and configured to be submerged in the water being monitored. The chemical indicator wheel includes a holder that supports a number of chemical indicators selected for use in measuring levels of constituents of the water. When in use, the wheel is drivingly engaged with a monitoring/measuring unit that includes at least one reader for reading the chemical indicators. In some embodiments, each apparatus includes a plurality of immobilized-dye-based chemical indicators that undergo an optically detectable physical change as levels of one or more constituents of the water change. Also disclosed are a variety of features that can be used to provide the monitoring system with additional functionalities.

Abstract: An automated method for assuring sample adequacy. The method includes providing a sample in a testing container, activating an illumination source to pass an illumination beam through the testing container and into the sample, and detecting an intensity of an emitted beam. The emitted beam includes at least a portion of the illumination beam that has been scattered by the sample. The method also includes generating a sample turbidity measurement based on the intensity of the emitted beam, and determining, based on the sample turbidity measurement, an adequacy of the sample to provide accurate results in a primary test.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a plurality of photochemical reaction stages, the microfluidic system comprising a computational processor, a plurality of electrically-controllable photochemical reaction stages, and a series of controllable interconnections for connecting the photochemical reaction stages. In an implementation, the computational processor controls the electrically-controllable photochemical and other chemical reaction stages together with controllable interconnections so as to implement multi-step chemical processes. The microfluidic system can be configured to selectively drive a plurality of photochemical reactions within a mixture of chemical compounds via controlled emission of light of a plurality of wavelengths. The microfluidic system can be configured to comprise various interconnections and combinations of parallel and series chemical reaction stages, and can include a multichannel microfluidic chemical transfer bus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, microfluidic devices, and systems for the detection of an active target agent in a fluid sample. A substrate molecule is used that contains a sequence which may cleave in the presence of an active target agent. A SNAP25 sequence is described, for example, that may be cleaved in the presence of Botulinum Neurotoxin. The substrate molecule includes a reporter moiety. The substrate molecule is exposed to the sample, and resulting reaction products separated using electrophoretic separation. The elution time of the reporter moiety may be utilized to identify the presence or absence of the active target agent.

Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, cartridges, methods, and kits for detecting or quantifying at least two different analytes using at least two different techniques, in a single sample. The cartridges typically comprise at least two test sites and the location of at least one test site is not dependent on a corresponding measurement device. The systems generally comprise a device, memory, and a processing module. The device comprises a light source, an array detector, and a port configured to accept at least a portion of a cartridge. The processing module is configured to perform an image analysis of the cartridge. The methods comprise the steps of acquiring calibration information, acquiring an image of the cartridge, performing an image analysis, and cycling through specific detection or quantification techniques corresponding to the techniques required by the test sites. Computer readable media are also described.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator system and method of using the system to determine efficacy of a sterilization process. The system includes a vial having a first compartment containing spores of one or more species of microorganism; a second compartment containing a growth medium with a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide in which the vial is free of monosaccharide; an enzyme, capable of acting upon the monosaccharide to yield reaction products and electron transfer, disposed on two or more electrodes adapted to carry an electrical signal resulting from the electron transfer, the pair of electrodes positioned to contact the combined contents of the first compartment and the second compartment during incubation; and an apparatus linked or linkable to the electrodes and adapted to detect and measure the electrical signal resulting from electron transfer when the enzyme acts upon the monosaccharide.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tubes and an image analyzing unit are disclosed. An incoming primary rack (PR) containing sample tubes (S) is transferred to an image analyzing unit (310). Geometry parameters of at least one sample tube contained in the primary rack are determined by means of image analyzing and compared with predetermined geometry criteria. If the sample tube's geometry fulfils the criteria, the sample tube is categorized as system conform and removed from the primary rack with a gripper for further processing; otherwise it is categorized as non-system conform and entered into error processing.

Abstract: A biosensor comprising an electrically conductive substrate coated with a modified chitosan biopolymer that has been electrodeposited on the substrate, wherein said modified chitosan biopolymer comprises at least one vesicle binding molecule. The biosensor is manufactured by a method where a modified chitosan biopolymer is electrodeposited on a substrate. The method is also used to manufacture a modified chitosan biopolymer film by electrodeposition of the chitosan on the substrate and later removing the film from the substrate after electrodeposition. The resulting film can be used in bandages to treat various types of wounds. The biosensor can also be used to detect various analytes in samples.

Abstract: A hematological analyzer on whole blood, for analyzing bloods contained in tubes, wherein the tubes are brought and treated in tube mode by the tube. The analyzer includes a stirring device for receiving a blood tube and stirring the blood tube according to a selected stirring mode, a controller connected to the stirring device for stirring the blood tube under conditions controlled according to specific parameters, and a sampling mechanism for extracting a blood sample in the blood tube previously stirred by the stirring device and transferring the blood sample to an analyzing unit. The analyzer is applicable in particular to hematological analyzers for blood cell count.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a first container set section in which a first reagent container, wherein the first container set section includes a first operating section which is operated by a user when setting the first reagent container; a first detector configured to detect an operation of the first operating section; a second container set section in which a second reagent container, wherein the second container set section includes a second operating section which is operated by the user when setting the second reagent container; a second detector configured to detect an operation of the second operating section; an output section; and a controller configured to control the output section to output a predetermined notification, if the second detector detects the operation of the second operating section by the user when it is required to set the first reagent container in the first container set section.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microfluidic system having microfluidic channels on a surface of a hydrophilic substrate, the method including the steps of: hydrophobizing the substrate surface; locating a mask defining the substrate surface, the mask having open areas defining the periphery of the microfluidic channels; and applying an irradiation treatment to areas of the substrate surface exposed by the open areas of the mask, said exposed areas becoming hydrophilic to therefore form said microfluidic channels.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes microfluidic channels, elements for thermally and optically isolating the microfluidic channels, and elements for enhancing the detection of optical signal emitted from the microfluidic channels. The thermal and optical isolation elements may comprise barrier channels interposed between adjacently-arranged pairs of microfluidic channels for preventing thermal and optical cross-talk between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The isolation element may alternatively comprise reflective film embedded in the microfluidic chip between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The signal enhancement elements comprise structures disposed adjacent to the microfluidic channels that reflect light passing through or emitted from the microfluidic channel in a direction toward a detector. The structures may comprise channels or a faceted surface that redirects the light by total internal reflection or reflective film material embedded in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: The present application relates to a sensor (1) for use in detecting an analyte comprising: a transducer (10) composed of a pyroelectric or piezoelectric polymer substrate e.g. PVDF (3) and a transparent electrode layer (4) on a surface of the substrate; a layer of parylene (12) on the transparent electrode layer; and a reagent (17) immobilised on the transducer, the reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte or a derivative of the analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bead incubating and washing on a droplet actuator. Methods for incubating magnetically responsive beads that are labeled with primary antibody, a sample (i.e., analyte), and secondary reporter antibodies on a magnet, on and off a magnet, and completely off a magnet are provided. Also provided are methods for washing magnetically responsive beads using shape-assisted merging of droplets. Also provided are methods for shape-mediated splitting, transporting, and dispensing of a sample droplet that contains magnetically responsive beads. The apparatuses and methods of the invention provide for rapid time to result and optimum detection of an analyte in an immunoassay.

Abstract: The measurement device comprises a sensor holder to which is removable to a biosensor. The sensor holder has measurement-use connection terminals that are in contact with the electrode system in the biosensor and are used to take off signals required for measuring the specific component, and thermocouple-use connection terminals that are in contact with the thermocouple in the biosensor and are used to take off the thermoelectromotive force signals.

Abstract: Provided are automated methods for measuring soluble magnesium concentration in water using fluorescence. The methods employ the use of a pH-buffered liquid and a magnesium coordinating fluorescing reagent. In certain embodiments, the methods may further employ measuring total hardness concentration of the water by displacing any soluble calcium with soluble magnesium and then re-measuring the soluble magnesium concentration. Optionally, the soluble calcium concentration can be determined by subtracting the measured soluble magnesium concentration from the measured total hardness concentration.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.

Abstract: A chromatographic optical detection system includes an optical detector disposed to receive light scattered from a stream of particles and configured to convert the received light to an electrical signal; a signal-processing unit in signal communication with the optical detector to receive the electrical signal, and configured to convert the electrical signal to digital pulses and count the digital pulses to output a first signal corresponding to a number of particles detected in a time interval, and configured to integrate and digitize the electrical signal to output a second signal corresponding to the number of particles detected in the time interval; and a data station in signal communication with the signal-processing unit, and configured to select the first signal, if the number of particles detected in the time interval is less than a threshold criterion, and to select the second signal if the number of particles detected in the time interval exceeds the threshold criterion.

Abstract: A sample rack transport system comprising: a plurality of transport apparatuses which are connected so as to transport a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a control apparatus which communicates with the plurality of transport apparatuses and controls the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses, wherein at least one of the plurality of transport apparatuses includes a transmission switch which is operated by a user to transmit a signal to the control apparatus, and when the transport of the sample rack has stopped due to a trouble which occurred in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses, responsive to an operation of a transmission switch of another transport apparatus, the control apparatus restarts the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. Also, a method for transporting a sample rack.

Abstract: Fluid-based no-moving part logic devices are constructed from complex sequences of micro- and nanofluidic channels, on-demand bubble/droplet modulators and generators for programming the devices, and micro- and nanofluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for storage and retrieval of biological or chemical elements. The input sequence of bubbles/droplets encodes information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets or on-chip chemical synthesis. For performing a set of reactions/tasks or process control, the modulators can be used to program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the micro- or nanofluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated droplets/bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. The whole blood sample may be applied forthwith, without prior processing. The blood cells and blood plasma in the whole blood sample are separated by (lateral) flow migration. Also disclosed is an assembly of a sample support and a device dedicated to measure thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. Advantageously, the sample support comprises a separator medium allowing separation of whole blood into blood cells and blood plasma by means of (lateral) flow migration.

Abstract: An aquatic environment monitoring system and method that includes correction for adverse conditions in the monitoring system involving the development of confidence levels for certain conditions in the monitoring system using stored information related to the aquatic environment and/or the monitoring system. Corrections to adverse conditions may be made by the environment monitoring system automatically by the monitoring system and manually via communications to a user of the system.

Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring prothrombin time (PT) and hematocrit (HCT) by analyzing the change in reactance in a sample are presented. A diagnostic device for measuring HCT and PT of a fluid includes a relative electrode-type sensor device and a blood test card assembly including one or more pairs of electrodes, wherein alternating current (AC) provided by the sensor device is used to measure and calculate HCT and PT of blood test using the reactance analysis.

Abstract: A method for automatic evaluation, processing and/or testing of an anatomic pathology specimen is disclosed. The specimen is placed into a primary or secondary container labeled with a unique identification code, placed into a specimen carrier, and the carrier marked with an identification code which uniquely identifies the specimen and, by virtue of the identification code, the evaluation, processing and/or tests to be conducted thereon. The identification code may be in the form of a bar code, an RFID tag or similar device or any other identification that is either human read able, machine readable or electronically transferred. The specimen contained within the specimen container or within the specimen carrier is entered into the anatomic pathology, histology or molecular diagnostics LAS at a receiving station, which reads the identification code.

Abstract: A method of identifying a patient who is non-compliant with prescribed diet and/or phosphate binder regimen calculates a phosphorus-protein ratio (PPR) by calculating the patient's protein intake, measuring the patient's serum phosphorus concentration, and estimating the amount of phosphorus removed by the patient's kidneys from measured residual urea clearance. The PPR is the ratio between the total amount of phosphorus removed from the patient and the patient's protein intake. The method enables identifying a patient that is non-compliant with prescribed diet and/or phosphate binder regimen if the PPR is outside of an acceptable range.

Abstract: A combinatorial screening method and system are provided. The combinatorial system and method provide rapid data generation for characterization of phase change material. The characterization data is collected through a multipoint probe card where multiple regions are characterized in a single annealing cycle.

Abstract: A vapor sensor is constructed from a single glass filament less than 2 millimeters in diameter and greater than 1 millimeters in length, the filament having a first end and a second end separated by a long axis and comprising electrodes at each end, coated with a resilient material, and a first layer of conducting particles embedded in the resilient material and forming a conducting path between ends of the filament.

Abstract: A calorimeter with at least one reactor for receiving a sample is disclosed. A reactor jacket may surround the reactor. A reactor-heating device and a reactor-cooling device serve to regulate an internal reactor temperature. The reactor-cooling device preferably comprises a thermoelectric cooling element that is thermally connected to a coolant. The reactor-cooling device and the reactor-heating device are preferably individual units, both of which are thermally connected to the reactor by way of the reactor jacket. A temperature control device is provided to control the reactor-heating device and the reactor-cooling device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microchip. The microchip of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first plate; and a second plate coupled to the first plate to form a channel, wherein the first plate comprises: a channel cover part; a first connection part spaced apart from the outer periphery of the channel cover part by a certain distance; and a tensile strength generation connecting part for mutually connecting the channel cover part and the first connection part so that the channel cover part elastically contacts the channel region formed on the second plate when the first plate is coupled to the second plate. According to the present invention, the channel cover part forming the channel elastically contacts the channel region formed on the second plate, thereby providing a microchip capable of providing a channel having a stable structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of dispersing or circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with a plurality of droplet operations electrodes configured to transport the droplet, and a magnetic field present at a portion of the plurality of droplet operations electrodes. A bead-containing droplet is provided on the droplet actuator in the presence of the uniform magnetic field. Beads are circulated in the droplet during incubation by conducting droplet operations on the droplet within a uniform region of the magnetic field wherein droplet operations do not allow magnetically responsive beads to be introduced into a region of the magnetic field which is sufficiently non-uniform to cause bead clumping resulting in a more homogenous distribution of the beads in the droplet. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A diagnosis assisting system comprising: an analyzing section for analyzing a sample collected from a subject; a determining section for determining whether there is a possibility that a subject has a predetermined disease based on an analysis result obtained by the analyzing section; a notification section for notifying the possibility when the determining section has determined that there is the possibility; and a diagnosis assisting information display section for displaying a diagnosis assisting information screen which displays diagnosis assisting information related to the predetermined disease, is disclosed. A diagnosis assisting information providing device and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a measurement sample free from a labeling substance from a blood sample and a hemolytic agent free from a labeling substance, a light information generation portion generating fluorescent information and at least two types of scattered light information from the measurement sample and a control portion performing a first classification of white blood cells in the measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of the fluorescent information and the two types of scattered light information.

Abstract: Fluidic connectors, methods, and devices for performing analyses (e.g., immunoassays) in microfluidic systems are provided. In some embodiments, a fluidic connector having a fluid path is used to connect two independent channels formed in a substrate so as to allow fluid communication between the two independent channels. One or both of the independent channels may be pre-filled with reagents (e.g., antibody solutions, washing buffers and amplification reagents), which can be used to perform the analysis. These reagents may be stored in the channels of the substrate for long periods amounts of time (e.g., 1 year) prior to use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved measurement of absorbance/transmission through fluidic systems are described. Specifically, in one set of embodiments, optical elements are fabricated on one side of a transparent fluidic device opposite a series of fluidic channels. The optical elements may guide incident light passing through the device such that most of the light is dispersed away from specific areas of the device, such as intervening portions between the fluidic channels. By decreasing the amount of light incident upon these intervening portions, the amount of noise in the detection signal can be decreased when using certain optical detection systems.

Abstract: A fluid sample collection device for a disk-based fluid separation system is disclosed. The disk-based separation system includes a compact microfluidic disk with at least one flow channel pattern formed on a side surface of the disk. At least one orifice is formed on an outflow boundary of the disk and is designed in fluid communication with the flow channel pattern through a communication channel. The fluid sample collection device includes at least one collection tube having an open end serving as a fluid receiving end and corresponding to the orifice of the disk with a distance. When the disk is rotated, at least a portion of fluid sample in a sample processing reservoir formed on the disk is delivered by centripetal force through the communication channel and the orifice, and finally the expelling fluid sample is collected in the collection tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a device (1) and method for performing steps of a multi-step process in parallel. The device (1) and method feature a rotor assembly (13) having vessel stations (33) and stator assembly (15) having work positions. The rotor assembly (13) rotates the vessels (17) to the work stations to perform steps of a multi-step process at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas sensor (1) for detecting gases, with at least one gas-sensitive layer which is applied to a substrate (2), wherein at least one conductor track (3) for contact-connecting the layer is also provided on the substrate (2), and wherein the conductor track (3) is formed from a doped metal oxide material with non-catalytic properties in order to avoid the conductor track (3) influencing the detection of the gas. This avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and provides contact-connection of the gas-sensitive layers which does not influence the sensitive properties when detecting the gas by means of the layer.

Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.

Abstract: An automated testing system includes one or more laboratory devices that operate together to perform an assay. The testing system is designed such that a laboratory device may be seamlessly integrated with the remaining devices in a quick and effortless manner. Specifically, the laboratory device is securely mounted on a slidable cart with fluid and electrical connections established therebetween. The slidable cart is in turn adapted to releasably engage with a docking station that is fixedly mounted on the workspace floor, the docking station being provided with at least one fluid input connection, an input power connection and at least one communication signal connection that are relatively permanent in nature. In order to couple the cart to the docking station, the cart is rolled generally into position above the docking station using complementary alignment posts and tracks.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sample analyzer includes an analysis section for analyzing a sample by using a reagent to obtain numerical data and distribution diagram of particles contained in the sample; a display device; an information receiver for receiving an input of reagent information assigned to the reagent; a determination section configured for determining whether or not the reagent satisfies a condition to determine that the reagent is a genuine product based on the reagent information; and a controller that controls the display device to display both the numerical data and the distribution diagram if the reagent satisfies the condition by the determination section and to display the numerical data without displaying the distribution diagram if the reagent does not satisfy the condition by the determination section.

Abstract: A specimen collection assembly and method for detecting the same are disclosed. The specimen collection assembly includes a specimen collection container having an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to receive a biological specimen. The specimen collection container also includes first indicia containing information. The assembly further includes a cap having thereon second indicia, the cap being removably engagable with the open top end of the container. The second indicia contains the same information as the first indicia.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally a method and apparatus for measuring multiple parameters in-situ in a sample collected from an environmental system via a single device. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting the sample from said environmental system via the single device, measuring a first parameter of the sample in-situ via the single device, adding a reagent tot the sample within the single device to create a reagent infused sample and measuring a second parameter of the sample in-situ via the single device using the reagent infused sample.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker.

Abstract: A laboratory module for storing and delivering to further processing of a plurality of samples. The laboratory module has at least one sample rack holding the plurality of samples, a plurality of bays comprised of a plurality of guiding rails, a transport chamber for transporting the plurality of samples to a storage location and for delivering the plurality of samples at predetermined times to a processing system, wherein the transport chamber is adapted to accommodate the at least one sample rack and to align with any one of the plurality of guiding rails for placing thereon or for removing therefrom the at least one sample rack.

Abstract: A method is described for distributing samples within an automated analyzer from a linear arrangement of sample vessels to a processing plate in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement wherein samples are sorted, followed by transfer with a pipetting device with a linear arrangement to a processing vessel in a two-dimensional n×m arrangement and subsequent processing of samples using a second pipetting device which has a two-dimensional n×m arrangement.