Abstract:
A hand-held molecular diagnostic test device includes a housing, an amplification (or PCR) module, and a detection module. The amplification module is configured to receive an input sample, and defines a reaction volume. The amplification module includes a heater such that the amplification module can perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the input sample. The detection module is configured to receive an output from the amplification module and a reagent formulated to produce a signal that indicates a presence of a target amplicon within the input sample. The amplification module and the detection module are integrated within the housing.
Abstract:
A microscope slide holding cassette includes a main body for surrounding and protecting microscopes, and shelves capable of holding the microscope slides. The shelves have support members that extend outwardly in order to support label ends of slides. Catches carried at the end of the support members are capable of limiting movement of the slides during transport of the cassette. To transport slides to different workstations, a pickup device can use a vacuum to pick up a slide without contacting areas of the slide that may have glue. The pickup device can load and unload the cassette. The pickup device can have a low-profile configuration in order to access relatively small spaces for processing flexibility.
Abstract:
This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for preparing a sample of nucleic acid molecules from a biological sample. The methods and devices may perform similarly to or better than standard sample preparation methods. The nucleic acid molecules prepared using the methods and devices provided herein may be utilized for downstream applications, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Abstract:
This invention provides a station for rapidly preparing arrayed slides for hybridizations. At least one micro-arrayed slide is inserted into a carrier. A hybridization chamber is formed by a chamber element contacting the slide. The carrier is removably insertable into the station for the carrying out of various steps associated with the pre-hybridization and post-hybridization processes. The station generally includes at least one wash station assembly, a fluid delivery system, a sample delivery system, and a temperature control system.
Abstract:
The present invention generally discloses an extraction system (10) that provides a locale for fluid processing and extraction on a post-microcapture transfer film (28). The extraction system includes a transfer film carrier (12) and an extraction device (14) forming a reservoir. The extraction system (10) selectively excludes regions (90) of the transfer film (28) from the reservoir to advantageously reduce contamination due to matter adhered to the transfer film by non-specific transfer.
Abstract:
An assay device for testing an analyte comprises a pathway allowing passage of analyte from an application zone to a waste zone. The device includes label material that emits or modifies light and which binds to the analyte. Between the application and waste zones there is a capture zone having capture material for binding any analyte traversing the pathway to the pathway. A first optical filter on one surface of the device allows transmission of light emitted or modified by the label and blocks light of at least one other wavelength range. This enables the device to be illuminated from one surface and light emitted or modified by the label to be detected from the opposite surface. The device may include a second filter allowing shorter wavelength light to reach the label. The device may be viewed using an illuminating reader or held up to a light source for viewing.
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for performing a bioassay, comprising activating capsules containing a signal precursor that is hydrolysable from a latent form in which substantially no signal is generated to a form in which it is able to generate a detectable signal, said activating comprising treating said capsules with heat and with an acid or a base catalysing solution, the combination of said heat and the pH of the catalysing solution being such as to hydrolyse said precursor to the form in which it is able to generate a detectable signal.
Abstract:
Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.
Abstract:
This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.