摘要:
A fluid transfer apparatus includes a fluid transfer probe, a fluid level detection system, and a tip detection system. The fluid level detection system is configured to detect contact by the fluid transfer probe with a fluid surface within a receptacle from a signal based on the capacitance of the fluid transfer probe. The tip detection system is configured to detect the presence or absence of a tip at a distal end of the fluid transfer probe from a signal based on the capacitance of the fluid transfer probe.
摘要:
There is described a method for calibrating or monitoring performance of an optical measurement device using an optical reference material that emits a reference emission: (a) moving, using a robotic arm, a first reference device comprising an optical reference material into a signal-detecting position of the optical measurement device; (b) detecting, using the optical measurement device, an emission emitted by the optical reference material of the first reference device in the signal-detecting position; (c) generating a reference signal representing a characteristic of the emission detected by the optical measurement device; and (d) comparing the reference signal to an expected reference signal for the emission to calibrate or monitor the performance of the optical measurement device; preferably, wherein the optical measurement device comprises a fluorometer.
摘要:
There is described a method for calibrating or monitoring performance of an optical measurement device using an optical reference material that emits a reference emission: (a) moving, using a robotic arm, a first reference device comprising an optical reference material into a signal-detecting position of the optical measurement device; (b) detecting, using the optical measurement device, an emission emitted by the optical reference material of the first reference device in the signal-detecting position; (c) generating a reference signal representing a characteristic of the emission detected by the optical measurement device; and (d) comparing the reference signal to an expected reference signal for the emission to calibrate or monitor the performance of the optical measurement device; preferably, wherein the optical measurement device comprises a fluorometer.
摘要:
There is disclosed an apparatus comprising: a receptacle holder comprised of a heat-conducting material and including a plurality of receptacle wells, wherein each receptacle well is configured to receive a receptacle therein and includes a through-hole extending from an inner surface of the receptacle well to an outer surface of the receptacle holder; a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having first and second ends, wherein the first end is in optical communication with one of the receptacle wells, and the second end is in optical communication with at least one of an excitation signal source and an emission signal detector, wherein the first end of each optical fiber is disposed outside or within, or extends through, a corresponding through-hole in each receptacle well, and wherein the first end of each optical fiber is moveable within the corresponding through-hole relative to the surface of the receptacle well; one or more thermal elements positioned proximal to the receptacle holder for altering a temperature or temperatures of the receptacle holder, wherein the thermal element is positioned proximal to a side surface of the receptacle holder, and provides thermal energy through the receptacle holder to each of the plurality of receptacle wells; one or more support(s), each positioned proximal to the side surface of the receptacle holder, wherein the one or more thermal elements are positioned between the support and the receptacle holder, and wherein the support comprises a heat sink, or the support is provided in thermal communication with a heat sink; and one or more thermal devices disposed within the heat sink for pre-heating the heat sink.
摘要:
A lyophilization nest and method of using the same is described herein. In various embodiments, the lyophilization nest is configured to support one or more receptacles each supporting one or more substances within an interior space of the lyophilization nest. The interior space may be in fluid communication with the exterior of the lyophilization nest through one or more vent holes extending through a surface of the lyophilization nest. Each of the one or more vent holes have a corresponding sealing element configured to selectively form an air-tight seal within the vent holes, such that a controlled environment may be maintained within the interior space when the ambient conditions surrounding the lyophilization nest are not lyophilization conditions. The one or more sealing elements may be operable while the lyophilization nest is positioned within a sealed lyophilizer by depressing the sealing elements into corresponding vent holes to form the air-tight seal.
摘要:
A sample testing system includes a test receptacle support structure, an optical element positioned for transmitting electromagnetic radiation emitted or reflected by a sample disposed in a test receptacle supported by the test receptacle support structure, a cleaning member, and an automated transport arm configured to (i) detachably couple the cleaning member, (ii) move the detachably-coupled cleaning member into a position proximate to and/or contacting the optical element, and (iii) decouple the cleaning member.
摘要:
Systems for effecting transfer of reaction receptacles between modules of an instrument for performing multi-step analytical procedures and for adjusting for variations in the positions of such modules includes a receptacle carrier supported on a track on which the carrier translates between different modules located adjacent to the track. The carrier includes a receptacle distribution head supported on a receptacle carrier carriage. The distribution head includes a receptacle moving mechanism adapted to move receptacles into and out of the distribution head and into and out of a module. The carriage is engaged with the track and adapted for translation along the track. Drive systems effect powered translation of the carriage, powered elevation and rotation of the distribution head, and powered movement of receptacles into and out of the distribution head. A transfer position locating system automatically determines a receptacle transfer position of the receptacle carrier with respect to each module.
摘要:
An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.