Certain aspects relate to systems and usage techniques for modular lateral flow assay reader devices that can receive a number of different modules having a barcode scanning input device and optional network connectivity capabilities. A barcode scanning module can provide a simple input method that reduces errors compared to manual data entry. A network connectivity module can enable transmission of test results over a public network for standardizing, tracking and electronically connecting test results from assay reader devices located throughout a network. Such devices can programmatically implement a simplified workflow whereby pressing a single button readies the device for imaging, analyzing, and data storage/transmission and, in some implementations, configures the device to operate in one of a plurality of device operation modes.

Methods and systems allow characterization of sample vessels and carriers in an automation system to determine any physical deviation from nominal positions. In response, an offset can be calculated and applied when positioning a carrier relative to a station, such as a testing or processing stations (or vice-versa). This may allow for precise operation of an instrument with a sample vessel on an automation track, while compensating for deviation in manufacturing and other tolerances.

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.

A laboratory sample distribution system is provided comprising a number of sample container carriers and a number of transport modules, wherein each transport module comprises: a transport surface, wherein the transport modules are arrangeable adjacent to one another in a row-direction and in a column-direction such that the transport surfaces of the transport modules together form a common transport surface, and controllable drive means being arranged below the transport surface and being adapted to move sample container carriers on top of the transport surface, wherein at least some transport modules of the number of transport modules are movable transport modules being adapted to be moved during operation of the laboratory sample distribution system such that a gap is formed between transport modules arranged in row-direction and/or column-direction or that a gap is closed between transport modules arranged in row-direction and/or column-direction.

A sample analysis system includes one or more sets. Each of the one or more sets include includes a measurement block including measurement units configured to test a sample contained in a sample container, and a transport unit disposed corresponding to the measurement block. The transport unit includes a first transport path along which a sample rack is transported from an upstream side to a downstream side and a second transport path along which the sample rack received from the first transport path is transported to the measurement units in the measurement block. The second transport path is configured to move the sample rack back and forth between the measurement units to distribute the sample containers held on the sample rack to the measurement units.

A device for container storing is presented. The device comprises storage with at least one storing level including a pipetting storing level for fluid pipetting. Each storing level has storing positions having a container holder to detachably hold at least one container. A handler is movable with respect to the storage for transferring containers with respect to the storing positions. A storing position of the pipetting storing level includes a flat spring to bias a container against the container holder. The flat spring has a through hole to provide a pipette access to a lid of the container. A system for pipetting is also presented, comprising the device and a pipettor movable with respect to the pipetting storing level with at least one pipette for pipetting contained in a container stored in the pipetting storing level. The pipette has a pipette tip to penetrate a lid of the container.

An automatic analyzer is capable of normally maintaining a device condition and exhibiting a stable performance by automatically monitoring a cleaning implementation situation using a wash rack. The automatic analyzer includes an analysis unit, a rack loading unit into which at least a sample rack that holds the sample and a wash rack that holds a cleaning liquid are loaded. A transportation mechanism transports the sample rack and the wash rack to the analysis unit. A management control unit causes the wash rack to be transported to an analysis unit, causes a cleaning operation of the analysis unit by the cleaning liquid held by the wash rack, and causes stopping of the sample analysis operation of the analysis unit to which the wash rack has been transported until a performance of the analysis unit is determined to be normal based on the cleaning operation.

An object of the invention is to provide a method by which failure or performance deterioration of a temperature adjustment unit can be detected while specifying a cause part in a state where a nucleic acid amplification process is being performed. In order to achieve said purpose, an initial value of the level of control signals input to a temperature adjustment element during temperature maintenance, temperature rise, and temperature fall is set in advance and an error determination threshold is set on the basis of this value. Errors (malfunctions, performance deterioration) in the temperature adjustment unit are diagnosed and components causing said errors are identified, by comparing current control signal levels and threshold values monitored in a state in which the nucleic acid amplification process is being undertaken.

An automatic biochemical analyzer, comprises a reaction wheel comprising an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the reaction wheel is equally divided into multiple cuvette positions along a circumferential direction; the inner ring and the outer ring, respectively, each have a photoelectric detection position, a sample injecting position, a reagent injecting position, a sample stirring position, a reagent stirring position, and a cuvette cleaning position; the photoelectric detection position of the inner ring and the photoelectric detection position of the outer ring have a cuvette position interval of N along a counterclockwise or clockwise direction; and the sample injecting positions, the reagent injecting positions, the sample stirring positions, and the reagent stirring positions of the inner ring and the outer ring, respectively, have a cuvette position interval of M along the same direction, M and N being natural numbers, and the difference between M and N being 0 or 1.

A modular sample store including a storage area; a service area; a transfer area; a motorized robot with a lifting device and at least one platform; and a controller. The sample store service area includes one integrally formed cubic vat module and the sample store storage area includes at least one integrally formed cubic vat module. Each one of the aforementioned vat modules includes an essentially horizontal vat floor and four joining vat walls that are connected to the vat floor and that are leaving an open vat space. The modular sample store also includes upper side walls and a cover plate to close the sample store. Each vat floor and vat wall includes an outside liner and an inside liner, which outside and inside liners in each case are separated by a clearance. This clearance is essentially filled with a polymer foam material that provides fixation of the outside and inside liners to each other as well as thermal insulation of and reinforcement to the thus integrally formed cubic vat module sandwich construction.