Abstract:
Embodiments are directed to a combination of an automation system that continuously tracks the identity and positions of all of its pucks with a single sample identification station and covers/interlocks in order to provide sample chain of custody without the need to re-identify the sample at points of interaction (aspiration, de-capping, etc.). This eliminates the need to have sample identification stations at each interaction point. This reduction of hardware allows the system to be cheaper, smaller, and more reliable. It also allows not only the automation system, but also existing pre-analytical / analytical equipment connected to the automation system, to run more efficiently.
Abstract:
Detection apparatus includes a microfluorometer having an objective, an excitation radiation source, and a detector. The detection apparatus also includes a fluidic system for delivering reagents from a reagent cartridge to a flow cell. The fluidic system includes a manifold body having a plurality of fluidic channels configured for fluid communication between the reagent cartridge and the flow cell. The fluidic system also includes a plurality of reagent sippers. The fluidic system also includes a valve configured to mediate fluid between reagent reservoirs and the flow cell. The detection apparatus also includes a flow cell latch clamp module having a clamp cover for holding the flow cell. The objective is configured to direct excitation radiation from the radiation source to the flow cell and to direct emission from the flow cell to the detector. The microfluorometer is movable to acquire wide-field images of different areas of the flow cell.
Abstract:
An in vitro diagnostics automation system is provided that includes a track and a plurality of sample containers configured to hold a fluid sample to be processed at one or more testing stations. The system also includes one or more priority indicators each configured to be coupled to the plurality of sample containers. Each of the one or more priority indicators includes distinguishing imaging features that indicate information associated with a fluid sample in a corresponding sample container. The system also includes an imaging device configured to image the one or more priority indicators having the distinguishing imaging features imaged by the imaging device. The system further includes a processor configured to determine the information associated with the fluid sample in the corresponding sample container from the distinguishing imaging features and control processing of the sample container based on the distinguishing imaging features imaged by the imaging device.
Abstract:
A sample processing arrangement (2800) for processing a fluidic sample, the sample processing arrangement (2800) comprising a sample holder (14, 40) for accommodating the fluidic sample (38), an apparatus (50) having a rotor mechanism and being configured for selectively operating the sample holder (14, 40) in an orbital motion mode for sample mixing, particularly for shaking, or in a rotary motion mode for sample separation, particularly for centrifuging, a mounting platform (2802) having a central portion on which the apparatus (50)and the sample holder (14, 40) are mounted and having a surrounding portion circumferentially surrounding the central portion, and a plurality of module accommodation positions (2804) circumferentially distributed in the surrounding portion to surround the rotor mechanism and the sample holder (14, 40), wherein each of the module accommodation positions (2804) is configured for detachably accommodating a selectable one of a plurality of sample processing modules (2806),each being configured for fulfilling an assigned sample processing task, by accommodating the respective sample processing module (2806) in the respective one of the module accommodation positions (2804).
Abstract:
An automation system for use with an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a track and a plurality of carriers configured to move along the track and hold one or more of a plurality of samples and one or more of a plurality of reagents having reagent types. The system also includes one or more testing stations, one or more local reagent storage areas located at or proximate to the one or more testing stations and one or more central reagent storage areas. The system further includes a control system configured to direct the one or more reagents from the one or more local reagent storage areas to the one or more testing stations based on received reagent information and direct the one or more reagents from the one or more central reagent storage areas to the one or more testing stations based on the received reagent information.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Stanzvorrichtung zum Verarbeiten von getrockneten auf einer Probenkarte aufgetragenen Proben, insbesondere von DNA enthaltenden Flüssigkeiten wie Blut, Speichel und dergleichen, umfassend wenigstens ein Stanzmittel (110) mit einem Stempel und einem Unterwerkzeug, wo bei der Stempel zwischen einer vom Unterwerkzeug entfernten Ruhestellung und einer dem Unterwerkzeug angenäherten Stanzstellung beweglich ist, und wobei das Stanzmittel (110) eine Aufnahmeöffnung aufweist, in welche eine Proben karte mittels einer beweglichen Greifeinheit (300) der Stanzvorrichtung (10) einführbar und relativ zum Stanzmittel (110) positionierbar ist, und einen mit dem Stempel des Stanzmittels (110) koppelbaren oder gekoppelten Stanzantrieb (14), durch den die Bewegung des Stempels zwischen Ruhestellung und Stanzstellung angetrieben wird. Erfindungsgemäß wird vorgeschlagen, dass das Stanzmittel (110) eine von der Stanzvorrichtung (10) gesonderte Struktur umfasst, an welcher der Stempel und das Unterwerkzeug angeordnet sind, wobei das Stanzmittel (110) mit seiner Struktur derart ausgeführt ist, dass es ein mit der Stanzvorrichtung (10) und dem Stanzantrieb (14) koppelbares, austauschbares Modul bildet. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Dosiervorrichtung (500) mit einer derartigen Stanzvorrichtung (10) und auch ein Stanzmittelmodul (110) ansich.