Abstract:
Methods for analyzing raw electropherogram data are disclosed. Some methods includes extracting color data as a function of time or position from the raw electropherogram darta, selecting from the electropherogram one or more peaks that contain color data for a first dye and substantially no color data from other dyes used in electrophoresis. The method also includes determining the color spectrum of the first dye, and using the color spectrum of the first dye to deconvolve the color data of the raw electropherogram data to separate the contributions of each of the dyes to the raw electropherogram data. Systems and apparatus for producing electropherograms are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A biometric biochemical analysis system includes a user interface module to provide instructions for collecting and handling biochemical sampling and processing related to biometric data gathering as well as capturing biometric data using digital data capturing devices. The user interface module and display are integrated with analysis and communications portions of the biometric biochemical analysis system to provide a portable system for multi-portion data collecting, storage, verification, and analysis.
Abstract:
Provided herein are instruments and cartridges for processing samples. The cartridges include fluidic circuits in which fluid movement can be regulated by diaphragm valves. In certain cartridges, deformable material providing a diaphragm contacts an interface in the instrument that actuates the diaphragm directly, without intervening actuation layer. Certain cartridges have a plurality of fluidic circuits and fluid distribution channels or pneumatic distribution channels configured to deliver fluids or pneumatic pressure to any of the fluidic circuits, selectively. Certain cartridges have compartments containing on-board reagents. Compartments can be closed by a film attached to a body the cartridge through a heat seal.
Abstract:
Provided herein is a system and method for review of forensic report computer files. The method can involve notifying a plurality of service providers of a job to be performed, accepting a bid from a service provider to perform the job, providing the computer file to the service provider, receiving from the service provider a forensic result such as a reviewed file.
Abstract:
A command center includes at least one network communications interface configured for two-way communications with a plurality of sites remote from the command center and at least one display screen and user interface. Each of the plurality of sites includes at least one forensic field test device configured to identify individuals using DNA samples from the individuals. The display screen and user interface are configured to depict aspects of forensic field test devices of the plurality of sites, wherein the aspects include a site identifier for each of the forensic field test devices and one or more additional aspects.
Abstract:
Provided herein is a fluidic cartridge having a body comprising a malleable material and a layer comprising a deformable material bonded to a surface of the body that seals one or more fluidic channels that communicate with one or more valve bodies formed in a surface of the body. The valve can be closed by applying pressure to the deformable material sufficient to crush and close off a fluidic channel in the body. Also provided are a cartridge interface configured to engage the cartridge. Also provided is a system including a cartridge interface and methods of using the cartridge and system.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides, among other things, a cartridge comprising: (a) a cartridge body comprising a malleable material and having, disposed on a surface of the body, at least one valve body comprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet, each fluidically connected to a fluidic channel; and (b) a layer comprising a deformable material bonded to a surface of the cartridge body and sealing the at least one valve body at points of attachment, thereby forming at least one valve; wherein the at least one valve body is depressed in the cartridge body relative to the points of attachment and wherein the deformable material covering the at least one valve body retains sufficient elasticity after deformation such that in a ground state the valve is open. Also disclosed is an instrument comprising a cartridge interface and a cartridge as described herein engaged with the cartridge interface, wherein (II) the cartridge interface comprises: (A) at least one mechanical actuator, each mechanical actuator positioned to actuate a valve; and (B) at least one motor operatively coupled to actuate a mechanical actuator toward or away from a valve.
Abstract:
This invention provides a fluidic device comprising a diaphragm valve having a fluidics layer, an actuation layer and an elastic layer between the fluidics layer and the actuation layer, the elastic layer having a diaphragm that is mechanically sealed against the fluidics layer and the actuation layer by a sealing ring in the actuation layer.
Abstract:
The invention provides for devices and methods for interfacing microchips to cartridges and pneumatic manifolds. The cartridges, microchips, and pneumatic manifolds can be integrated with downstream preparation devices, such as thermal regulating devices and separation and analysis devices.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.