Abstract:
A sample processing or assay instrument (100) includes a moveable support (112). The moveable support (112) defines a first pocket (140A) configured to receive a first object (136) having a first machine-readable mark (147). The moveable support (112) defines a second pocket (140B) configured to receive a second object (136) having a second machine-readable mark (147). The moveable support (112) also includes a first fiducial machine-readable mark (150A) and a second fiducial machine-readable mark (150B). The instrument also includes an image capture device (128) that captures a first image including the first fiducial machine-readable mark (150A) and the first machine-readable mark (147) of the first object (136). The image capture device (128) captures a second image that includes the second fiducial machine-readable mark (150B) and the second machine-readable mark (147) of the second object (136). The instrument (100) also includes a processor configured to associate information decoded from the first and second machine-readable marks (150A, 150B) with first and second locations on the moveable support (112).
Abstract:
A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element. A sample rack configured to hold receptacles and to be inserted into the structure below the cover includes a sample rack having receptacle-receiving pockets, each with a resilient element and a positioning feature for holding receptacles of varying sizes in a predetermined position within the receptacle receiving pocket, and a cover including features for preventing a receptacle from being pulled out of its receptacle-receiving pocket when the transfer mechanism is withdrawn from the receptacle.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided for processing a biological sample. Exemplary methods comprise transferring a swab associated with an aliquot of the biological sample into a sample transport media. The methods can provide efficient transfer of a target material such as cells or nucleic acid into the sample transport media for extraction, amplification, and detection of the target material.
Abstract:
A diagnostic system performs a first nucleic acid amplification reaction and a second, different nucleic acid amplification reaction. The diagnostic system includes a compartment configured to store at least a first bulk reagent container comprising a first bulk reagent for performing a sample preparation process, and a second bulk reagent container comprising a second bulk reagent for performing the first reaction. The system including a compartment configured to store at least one unit-dose pack comprising a plurality of unit-dose reagents for performing the second reaction. The diagnostic system is configured to perform the sample preparation process using the first bulk reagent on each of a plurality of samples provided to the diagnostic system. The system is configured to perform the first reaction using the second bulk reagent on a first sample subset, and perform the second reaction using the plurality of first unit-dose reagents on a second sample subset.
Abstract:
System, apparatus, and method for cycling the temperature of at least one receptacle holder that is adapted for use in an automated instrument capable of performing nucleic acid- based amplification tests. Also provided are methods for conducting automated, random- access incubation processes using the same.
Abstract:
Systems and method for detecting optical signals, and for discriminating optical signals emitted by an emission moiety that is excited by an associated excitation signal from background signals and other optical noise, employing digital techniques for determining the portion of a detected optical signal having a modulation frequency corresponding to a modulation of the associated excitation signal.
Abstract:
Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided for processing a biological sample. Exemplary methods comprise transferring a swab associated with an aliquot of the biological sample into a sample transport media. The methods can provide efficient transfer of a target material such as cells or nucleic acid into the sample transport media for extraction, amplification, and detection of the target material.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for transferring containers (100) include or employ a container loading interface (200), a container storage module (400), and a container distributor (300) configured to transfer containers from the container loading interface to the container storage module. The container loading interface includes movable support platform (202) that is movable between accessible and a non-accessible positions and a container loading transport (214). The container storage module includes a housing (402) and a container storage transport (418). The container distributor includes a container gripper (320) configured to grasp a container on the container loading transport and to transfer the container to the container storage transport in the container storage module.
Abstract:
A fluid container holder includes a body having a receptacle configured to receive a container. The body has a conductive outer surface for connection to an electrical ground or voltage source, and the holder is not formed solely of an electrically conductive metal. A fluid container handling assembly includes a drawer having a holder supporting a fluid container, and a frame supporting the holder. The frame is movable between a first position providing access to the holder and a second position positioning the holder within the instrument. The assembly also includes a first lock securing the holder to the frame when the frame is at the first frame position and unlocking the holder from the frame when the frame is at the second frame position. The assembly also includes a holder transporter configured to move the holder between a first holder position and a second holder position within the instrument.