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.

Devices, systems and methods including a sonicator for sample preparation are provided. A sonicator may be used to mix, resuspend, aerosolize, disperse, disintegrate, or de-gas a solution. A sonicator may be used to disrupt a cell, such as a pathogen cell in a sample. Sample preparation may include exposing pathogen-identifying material by sonication to detect, identify, or measure pathogens. A sonicator may transfer ultrasonic energy to the sample solution by contacting its tip to an exterior wall of a vessel containing the sample. Multipurpose devices including a sonicator also include further components for additional actions and assays. Devices, and systems comprising such devices, may communicate with a laboratory or other devices in a system for sample assay and analysis. Methods utilizing such devices and systems are provided. The improved sample preparation devices, systems and methods are useful for analyzing samples, e.g. for diagnosing patients suffering from infection by pathogens.

A display is provided for an automatic analyzer to display statistics such as measurement results. A width of a display in a window that displays statistics may be adjusted and the amount of information to be displayed on the display is changed according to a level of detail of the information which the operator wants to confirm. Sample information, measurement results, and detailed information related to the measurement results are simultaneously displayed without a subwindow being displayed in overlapped form in the limited display area.

Provided are an automatic tissue staining device and an automatic tissue staining method capable of advancing treatments according to precise treatment times without a hitch. The automatic tissue staining device includes a supply head that supplies a treatment fluid, a horizontal direction movement unit that moves the supply head in a horizontal direction, and a holding unit that holds a plurality of glass slides on which samples are set. The automatic tissue staining device further includes a control unit that judges occupancy status of the horizontal direction movement unit in a condition that one or more of the glass slides are situated in a first region prior to supplying the treatment fluid from the supply head to one or more samples on the one or more glass slides situated in the first region, suspends a start of a treatment for the samples on the one or more glass slides situated in the first region when the horizontal direction movement unit is occupied, and permits the treatment for the samples on the one or more glass slides situated in the first region when the horizontal direction movement unit is not occupied.

Combined dissolution rate and permeation rate testing apparatus includes temperature-controllable testing cell units arranged on a housing frame. Each testing cell unit includes a donor chamber receivable of dissolution media, a receptor chamber receivable of bodily fluid, gaskets that retain a membrane between the two chambers, and controllable mixers that mix the fluid in the receptor chamber. A flow control arrangement operatively circulates dissolution media through the donor chamber and enables sampling of the dissolution media. Another flow control arrangement operatively circulates bodily fluid through the receptor chamber. An analysis unit analyzes dissolution media removed from the donor chamber and bodily fluid removed from the receptor chamber to provide data about dissolution of a pharmaceutical product dissolved in the dissolution media and permeation of the pharmaceutical product through the membrane into the bodily fluid.

A medical diagnostic system is provided to automate analysis of samples to predict a medical condition, such as pregnancy or chronic kidney disease. The system may provide test strip usage automation. The medical diagnostic system may include a sample collection component, collection cup contamination protection mechanism, sample volume control component, test strip reader component, which may be manifested as a lateral flow strip reader, flow reader, sample analytic component, data processing component, data communication component, networked data management component, and device cleaning mechanism. A method to automate analysis of samples to predict a medical condition using the medical diagnostic system is also provided.

Methods for preparing a biological sample for testing by Maldi where such methods are selected based on sample parameters. Maldi scores are obtained for a range of sample parameters (e.g. McFarland, dispense volume and number of dispenses). From the data, sample preparation parameters can be selected for a biological sample being prepared for Maldi testing. One sample preparation strategy uses multiple dispenses of sample with an intervening drying step, which yields more accurate Maldi scores, particularly for samples at the low range of McFarland values (e.g. below about 2).

An apparatus and a method for indicating a reagent status in a reagent bottle in a tissue processor and a tissue processor are provided. The apparatus includes a detector, a controller, and an indicator. The detector is configured to detect the reagent status. The controller is configured to generate a control signal based on the reagent status. The indicator is configured to generate a signal for indicating the reagent status based on the control signal. The apparatus may intuitively indicate the reagent status for an operator, such that the operator may replace the reagent timely and accurately, avoiding reagent replacement error.

A sample imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging section for imaging a stained sample including a stained cell to generate a cell image relating to the stained cell included in the stained sample; and a staining abnormality detector for detecting an abnormality relating to staining of the stained sample on the basis of the cell image generated by the imaging section, is disclosed. A sample imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging section for imaging a stained sample to generate a cell image relating to a cell included in the stained sample; and an imaging abnormality detector for detecting an abnormality relating to the imaging section on the basis of the cell image generated by the imaging section, is also disclosed.

An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. A central scheduler can communicate wirelessly with the carriers to direct the carriers to carry a fluid sample to testing stations along a track within the automation system. The carriers can utilize landmarks and distance encoding to reach destinations accurately and quickly, including, for example within less than the time for a single operation cycle of an automated clinical analyzer. The distance encoding can include optical marks repeated at regular intervals (pitch), where the intervals are conveyed to the carriers wirelessly or via optical encoding. The pitch of the encoding can differ for different sections of track depending on the position precision desired.