Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of detecting nucleic acid molecules by immunoassay detection. Detection of a specific nucleic acid molecule of interest is achieved by using a nucleic acid probe in solution which hybridizes in solution to the nucleic acid molecule of interest. Immunoassay detection is achieved by using an antibody specific for the hybrid formed by hybridization of the nucleic acid probe to the nucleic acid molecule of interest.
Abstract:
A sample analyzer with fixed and variable indexing that is structured and arranged to align reaction vessels, e.g., cuvettes, at a pre-determined, fixed point while maintaining a positional sequence using variable indexing. Variable indexing allows cuvettes to be presented to multiple, fixed point resources at multiple occasions in a systematic progression in a highly efficient manner. The presentation of cuvettes to multiple, fixed point resources at multiple times is superior to existing indexing.
Abstract:
A sample insertion apparatus enabling a sample to be inserted into a diagnostic analyzer in a hands-free manner. The sample insertion apparatus includes an insertion head having a coupler configured to couple to a sample container having an insertion member, an arm containing a sample probe positioned stationary relative to the arm, and a retraction assembly coupled to the insertion head and configured to cause the sample container to move towards the sample probe to insert the sample probe into the insertion member. Sample insertion and operating methods for hands-free insertion of a sample into a diagnostic analyzer are described, as are other aspects.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for transferring a fluid sample from a fluid sample collection apparatus to a liquid sample analyzer. The apparatus includes a barrel having a first end, a second end, a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, and an inner surface defining an internal chamber. The first end has an inlet opening and the second end having an outlet opening. The first end of the barrel has a barrel connection portion engageable with a portion of the fluid sample collection apparatus and the second end of the barrel has a tubular portion configured to engage with the liquid sample analyzer so a combination of the fluid sample collection apparatus and the barrel is attachable to the liquid sample analyzer with no additional support.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to a device and method for analyzing a blood sample, particularly including pre-analytical (qualification), analytical and post-analytical (verification) testing. More particularly the disclosure relates in certain embodiments to a device configured for collecting, imaging and lysing blood cells in a sample vessel by means of ultrasonic acoustic waves, generated in the vessel by an acoustic transducer driven at one particular excitation frequency or more particular excitation frequencies, or one range of frequency or ranges of frequencies. In some non-limiting embodiments, the ultrasonic acoustic waves are generated by a single acoustic transducer. Further on, according to certain embodiments, the device and workflow are configured for three analytical steps in single device, comprising pre-analytical (qualification), analytical and post-analytical (verification) testing.
Abstract:
A method for detecting an abnormal operating condition of a heat exchanger is provided. The method includes determining the actual current through a heat exchanger, using the actual current to indicate an abnormal operating condition, and declaring a fault state. A step of comparing the baseline current to the actual current includes normalizing the actual current, calculating a difference between the normalized actual current and the baseline current, and determining that difference is less than zero.
Abstract:
Reagents, kits, and microfluidics devices are disclosed for detecting the presence and/or concentration of antibodies directed to microorganisms in human biological samples. Also disclosed are methods of production and use of the reagents, kits, and microfluidics devices. Anti-human immunoglobulin antibodies are utilized as a reagent in a bridging immunoassay for detection of the microorganisms.
Abstract:
Methods of identifying a defect in a machine vision system. Embodiments of the method include providing a first imaging device having a first field of view; moving a reflective tool through the first field of view; capturing a plurality of images of the reflective tool at different locations in the first field of view using the first imaging device; and analyzing at least one of the plurality of images to identify one or more defects in the machine vision system. Systems and apparatus configured to carry out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.
Abstract:
Labels that include dibromopyridazinedione attached to signal molecules are disclosed, along with methods of producing and using same. Also disclosed are conjugates of the label attached to an analyte-specific binder, as well as methods of producing and using same. Kits containing the labels and/or conjugates are also disclosed, along with microfluidics devices containing same.
Abstract:
Systems and methods include an optimization-based load planning module including a data-reduction scheme for analyzers of bio-fluid samples. The optimization-based load planning module is executable on a computer server and is configured to optimize assay type assignments across a large number of analyzers based on one or more objectives, such as: load balancing, efficient reagent usage, reduced turn-around-time, reduced quality assurance costs, and/or improved system robustness. The optimization-based load planning module uses a data-reduction scheme to generate a load plan comprising computer-executable instructions configured to cause a system controller of a diagnostic laboratory system to assign each of the requested test types to be performed over the planning period to one or more selected analyzers in accordance with the one or more preferences or priorities. Other aspects are also described.