Abstract:
The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.
Abstract:
A sample tube carrier insert having a bottom portions with opposing projections vertically extending above bottom portion so that an interfere nee -fit is formed between the bottom of a sample tube carried by the carrier and the projections to prevent undesirable rotation of the tube.
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. Prior to connection of the fluid connector and the substrate, the fluid path may be filled with a sample (e.g., blood). The sample may be obtained, for example, by pricking a finger of a user until blood is drawn from the finger into the fluid path (e.g., by capillary forces). Upon connection of the fluidic connector and the channels of the substrate, the sample can pass through a reaction area within the first channel of the substrate. This process can allow components of the sample to interact with components disposed in the reaction area. Afterwards, reagents from the second channel can flow to the reaction area via the fluid path, allowing components in the reaction area to be processed (e.g., amplified to produce detectable signal). Components in the reaction area can then be determined using various methods of detection.
Abstract:
A system and method are provided for providing information on at least one container for storing a biological sample, including: a holder configured to hold at least one biological sample container and a receiver configured to receive information relating to at least one of the container or the biological sample as well as data relating to at least one instruction for printing the information. The system and method further include a printer configured to print the information in accordance with the at least one instruction. In one embodiment, the printer is configured to print the information directly on the container. In another embodiment, the system and method further include an applicator configured to apply a label on the container and the printer is configured to print the information on the label. In another embodiment, the system and method include a detector configured to detect whether the container contains the biological sample and a processor configured to determine the manner for printing the information. In this embodiment, the determination is based, at least in part, on whether container contains the biological sample.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a fluid collection device wherein multiple, individual samples of fluid can be collected simultaneously. The device includes a chamber and an adapter which substantially and simultaneously distributes the blood to individual chambers with chamber specific additives. Also included is a system for using the blood collection device, preferably within a diagnostic testing laboratory.
Abstract:
A disposable apparatus (8) for testing a liquid specimen is disclosed including an enclosure made from paper (22) (or cardboard); the paper coated on at least one side with a water resistant coating (20) and at least one test strip (15) is interfaced to the enclosure. The test strip is housed within the enclosure, outside the enclosure or extends from the enclosure. The entire apparatus is disposable without disassembly.
Abstract:
A device for culturing cells or tissue includes a culture dish (12) with a bottom wall (16) and at least one sidewall (18) to define an interior cavity (20), at least one channel (32) formed on the bottom wall (16) to minimize the effect of fluid movement on biologies in the dish and, optionally, at least one barrier wall (24) for partitioning the interior cavity (20) into a plurality of compartments (22). The barrier wall (24) maintains a biologic in one compartment separate from a biologic in another compartment. The barrier wall (24) may also provide fluid communication between compartments (22).
Abstract:
A label comprises a first area having a first barcode printed thereon and a second area having a second barcode printed thereon. The first barcode is of a first format, the second barcode is of a second format and each barcode encodes at least a subset of identical information. The subset of identical information encoded in the first barcode and the second barcode may include information identifying the patient, the type of sample, or date or time of sampling, or any combination thereof.
Abstract:
A system has utility is guiding and tracking the execution of manual procedures. The system includes a support that holds multiple sample receptacles, computational circuitry to execute a protocol script that delivers instructions for executing various steps of the procedure, and a protocol progress sensor that advances the execution of the protocol script. The computer may be comparable in size to a support for holding the receptacles The receptacles be arranged in a frame, may be sealed with peelable or puncturable films and may include identifiers that are read by the system. The receptacles may be filled with a high heat capacity material to maintain a given temperature range. A variety of companion devices may interact with the system using the protocol script. An instrumented pipettor can communicate with the system for semi-automated execution of protocols.
Abstract:
A system and method are provided for providing information on at least one container for storing a biological sample, including: a holder configured to hold at least one biological sample container and a receiver configured to receive information relating to at least one of the container or the biological sample as well as data relating to at least one instruction for printing the information. The system and method further include a printer configured to print the information in accordance with the at least one instruction. In one embodiment, the printer is configured to print the information directly on the container. In another embodiment, the system and method further include an applicator configured to apply a label on the container and the printer is configured to print the information on the label. In another embodiment, the system and method include a detector configured to detect whether the container contains the biological sample and a processor configured to determine the manner for printing the information. In this embodiment, the determination is based, at least in part, on whether container contains the biological sample.