Abstract:
Apparatus for thermal processing of nucleic acid in a thermal profile is provided. The apparatus employs a reactor holder for holding reactors to accommodate reaction material containing nucleic acid. The apparatus comprises: at least two baths separated by thermally insulating partition plate(s) where bath mediums are each maintainable at a predetermined temperature; and a transfer means for allowing the reactors to change position once or plurality of times between any two adjacent baths by selectively opening the partition plate(s) and without lifting the reactors out of the baths.
Abstract:
There is provided a method of charging an array of micro-capillaries, the micro-capillaries having at least one end that is open for fluid communication, the method comprising the steps of: (a) filling the array of micro-capillaries with an assay liquid; (b) controllably evaporating at least some of the assay liquid to remove it from the microcapillary and creating a void space in each of the capillaries between the assay liquid and the open end; and (c) filling the void space with a liquid that is immiscible with said assay liquid. There is also provided a use of the disclosed method for conducting a polymerase chain reaction and a device for charging an array of micro-capillaries.
Abstract:
A supporting structure for supporting a plurality of sealed medical cartridges is disclosed, comprising a planar supporting plate having a plurality of receptacles for accommodating the sealed cartridges. Retaining protrusions are formed at the bottom ends of the receptacles protruding inward, which are mated with the shoulder portions of the sealed cartridges in such a manner that the shoulder portions of the sealed cartridges are supported on the retaining protrusions of the receptacles and that the upper ends of the sealed cartridges protrude from the upper ends of the receptacles at an upper side of the planar supporting plate, when the sealed cartridges are accommodated upside-down in the receptacles. The inventive nest will be suitable for any nested liquid filling machine without much changes in filling table and general settings.
Abstract:
A method for producing a mini-vial (1) of the type comprising a tubular container or vial (2), closed at a first end (5) and open at its second end (6) and capable of containing a product in fluid phase, a plunger (3) sealingly movable in said vial (2) through said second end (6) and having an internal cavity (13) capable of receiving the fluid from said vial (2), the plunger (3) having a first end (9) on which is placed a sealing cap and a second end (11) movably slidable in the vial (2) and at which is located a membrane filter (16), said plunger (3) and vial (2) being obtained by moulding; the plunger (3) being envisaged as overmoulded onto the filter located at its second end, said membrane filter forming a single body with said plunger.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method of thawing a sample comprised in a container, the method comprising the steps of: a) calculating an agitation program as a function of either or both of the sample volume and the type of the container, and the ice fraction in the sample, and optionally the thermal conductivity of the sample container; b) agitating said sample according to the program to agitate at least one region of the sample; and c) changing the agitation program applied to at least one region of the sample in response to changes in the sample volume and/or sample ice fraction. The invention further provides a method of reducing shearing to cells during a method of agitation, and methods for thawing a sample wherein a sample container is differentially heated. An apparatus for use in the methods is also provided, as is an apparatus for thawing and/or cooling a sample which comprises a resilient vessel wall.
Abstract:
A system for collecting biomolecules comprising an extractor assembly comprising a top cap, an extractor core, an extractor core adaptor, an extractor body having an internal volume, and a bottom cap ring. The top cap comprises a sample connection port and is configured to be secured to the extractor body by the bottom cap ring. The extractor core is adapted to be removably attached to a connection interface of the top cap and contains a substrate for collecting the biomolecules. The extractor core adaptor has an upstream open end for mating with the downstream end of the extractor core and a downstream protrusion configured to project through an opening in the extractor body. Methods for using the system to collect samples for transport and further processing to detect disease are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Nucleic acid amplification tests have been widely used in clinical laboratories. Nucleic acid extraction from biological materials is challenging because different unfavorable substances may co-extract and inhibit downstream applications. The present claimed invention relates to a composition of and a method for treating the sample prior, during or post extraction of nucleic acid. More specifically, the claimed invention relates to a composition of and a method for using low concentrations of common organic solvents to remove inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification. The present claimed invention can be used for extracting nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other biological materials or matrices, including but not limit to, stool samples, body fluids, plants and cultures. The method is rapid, low-cost, and easy to use in a laboratory setting. The nucleic acid extracted in accordance with the claimed invention can be used for nucleic acid amplification reactions.
Abstract:
An insert for a sample collection tube includes a generally hollow tubular body insertable into the sample collection tube. The tubular body is open at least at one end. The tubular body of the insert has an internal cross-sectional area dimensioned to accommodate a width of test strip which comprises a plurality of test areas arranged along its length. The internal cross-sectional area of the tubular body is further dimensioned such that volume of 2.5mL of a liquid sample inside the insert occupies a height which is at least sufficient to wet all of the test areas of the test strip when the strip is inserted lengthwise into insert containing the liquid sample.
Abstract:
A liquid dispensing device for a container, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. The liquid dispensing device can include a penetrating tip configured to penetrate a container, which is configured to have a liquid disposed therein. Relative movement of the penetrating tip and the container toward one another can be operable to create an opening in a portion of the container, and the liquid can dispense from the container through the opening.