Methods and apparatus that mix a plurality of individual capture reagents for diagnostic assays are described herein. In an embodiment, a system for optically analyzing a patient sample includes an automated immunochemistry analyzer storing a plurality of capture reagents and a plurality of paramagnetic particles, a user interface configured to allow a selection of a combination of two or more of the capture reagents, and a logic implementer configured to cause the automated immunochemistry analyzer to (i) mix together each capture reagent of the combination of two or more of the capture reagents; (ii) bind the mixture of the combination of two or more of the capture reagents to the paramagnetic particles; (iii) bind the patient sample to the bound mixture of the combination of two or more of the capture reagents; and (iv) optically analyze the patient sample.

A method using a chemical analyzer for removing a component of a liquid sample which may interfere with a test performed on a test assay includes the steps of adding the liquid sample to a sample cup, transferring a volume of the liquid sample to a mixing cup containing an IMAC (Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography) resin containing porous beads to form a sample/resin solution in the mixing cup, using a pipette of the chemical analyzer to repeatedly aspirate the sample/resin solution into a disposable pipette tip of the pipette and expelling the sample/resin solution from the pipette tip into the mixing cup to achieve a mixed sample/resin solution in the mixing cup, and allowing the mixed sample/resin solution in the mixing cup to rest undisturbed so that the interfering component of the liquid sample adheres to the porous beads and the beads settle to a bottom portion of the mixing cup, resulting in a refined liquid sample devoid of the interfering component and occupying an upper portion of the mixing cup for later dispensing on the test assay.

A nucleic acid extracting device includes a reagent containing unit, a mixing unit, and a flow channel unit. The reagent containing unit contains a specimen, a magnetic bead, and a reagent for extracting. The mixing unit includes a mixing chamber and a stirring assembly. The mixing chamber includes a chamber portion and a tube portion. The stirring assembly includes a main body and an extension. The main body is provided in the chamber portion. The tube portion connects the chamber portion. And the extension connects the main body and extends into the tube portion. The extension and an inner wall of the tube portion have first and second gaps therebetween respectively along first and second directions of the tube portion. The first gap is less than the second gap. The flow channel unit is connected between the reagent containing unit and the mixing unit.

An insert mounted in a mixing cup and used by an automated chemical analyzer for removing a targeted component of a liquid sample includes a porous matrix formed of or carrying in an immobilized state functionalized particles having properties such that the targeted component of the liquid sample adheres to the functionalized particles. When the liquid sample is expelled from a disposable tip fitted on the end of a pipette forming part of the automated chemical analyzer into the mixing cup, the liquid sample is drawn into the matrix of the insert by capillary action, whereupon the targeted component of the liquid sample adheres to the immobilized functionalized particles of the matrix.

The present invention relates to an automated immunoassay device for detecting particular ingredients contained in a biological sample, and a method therefor.

Apparatus for separation, washing and mixing of magnetic particles in at least one reaction cup, adapted to be used in an immunoanalyzer system, said at least one reaction cup containing nanometric magnetic particles (beads) binding immuno-complex antibody, antigen molecules, and liquid, comprising: a supporting dial mechanism (11) in the form of a rotating carousel , comprising an upper side with a number of holes adapted to host a corresponding number of said at least one reaction cup (1) in substantially vertical positions, and a lower side comprising a number of guide grooves (2) radially behind corresponding holes of the upper side, a number of magnet mechanisms (30) adapted to be inserted in corresponding ones of said guide grooves (2) and to slide therein, so as to radially approach to or depart from the side external surface of corresponding ones of said at least one reaction cup (1); at least one washing mechanism (40) firmly installed around said supporting dial mechanism (11), and comprising a washing needle (44) able to move vertically in and out said at least one reagent cup for charging or extracting said liquid; at least one mixing mechanism (70) firmly installed behind and aside said supporting dial mechanism (11), adapted to shake (stir) at least one reaction cup so as to mix the content of the reaction cup.

In a magnetic particle operation device 1, a plurality of liquid layers 11 and a plurality of gel-like medium layers are alternately arranged. Magnetic particles 13 are introduced into the uppermost liquid layer 11 of the magnetic particle operation device 1, and a holding magnet 60 is in contact with the outer surface of the bulging portion 21 of the container 20. Therefore, during the storage of the device 1, the magnetic particles 13 in the bulging portion 21 are aggregated and held at a position facing the holding magnet 60 in the sample introduction space by the magnetic force of the holding magnet 60. As a result, during the storage of the device 1, the magnetic particles 13 can be prevented from being brought into contact with the gel-like medium layer 12. Further, when the device 1 is used, the magnetic particles 13 can be dispersed in the liquid layer 11 by moving the holding magnet 60 away from the container 20.

Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

A method for processing a fluid sample containing a first target analyte includes introducing a first batch of magnetic particles into a fluid conduit, the fluid conduit having a first open end, a second open end, and a first electromagnetic trap between the first open end and the second open end. The magnetic particles include a first receptor to bind the first target analyte in the fluid sample. The method further includes activating the first electromagnetic trap to trap and mix the magnetic particles within the first electromagnetic trap. A flow of the fluid sample is introduced through the fluid conduit from the first open end to the second open end. Deactivating first electromagnetic trap releases the magnetic particles from the first electromagnetic trap.

Methods and apparatus that mix a plurality of individual capture reagents for the diagnostic assays are described herein. In an embodiment, a system for optically analyzing a patient sample includes an automated immunochemistry analyzer storing a plurality of capture reagents and a plurality of paramagnetic particles, a user interface configured to allow a selection of a combination of two or more of the capture reagents, and a logic implementer configured to cause the automated immunochemistry analyzer to (i) mix together each capture reagent of the combination of two or more of the capture reagents; (ii) bind the mixture of the combination of two or more of the capture reagents to the paramagnetic particles; (iii) bind the patient sample to the bound mixture of the combination of two or more of the capture reagents; and (iv) optically analyze the patient sample.