A method and an apparatus for detecting and quantifying bacterial spores on a surface. In accordance with the method: bacterial spores are transferred from a place of origin to a test surface, the test surface comprises lanthanide ions. Aromatic molecules are released from the bacterial spores; a complex of the lanthanide ions and aromatic molecules is formed on the test surface, the complex is excited to generate a characteristic luminescence on the test surface; the luminescence on the test surface is detected and quantified.

A method for the rearrangement and transfer of N separate biological samples from N separate first locations arranged in an irregular pattern to M separate second locations arranged in a regular pattern on a transfer device, said transfer device comprising at least M adhesive transfer areas, wherein the at least M adhesive transfer areas are formed of at least a sheet of a flexible sheet material, and wherein N2 and NM.

Various implementations, systems and methods are disclosed for continuous, near real-time, hands-off sampling of airborne particulate matter, and qualification and/or quantification of biomolecules in the sample representative for biologic or microbial contamination. The systems and methods may utilize an electrostatic precipitator for sampling the matter; and a measurement assembly configured to illuminate, excite, or breakdown the sampled matter by electromagnetic radiation, and to detect a spectrum, or one or more wavelength bands of the scatter emitted by the sample. In an exemplary implementation, a sputter deposition process is employed to configure the sample for an enhanced plasmon resonance. The measurement data may be transferred via wireless communication means for cloud storage and signal processing.

A system for the separation and detection of inorganic anions in a sample, the system comprising: a separation channel with an inner coating of three or more alternating layers of a cationic polymer (e.g. hexadimethine bromide) and an anionic polymer (e.g. polystyrene sulfonate), wherein the first layer and the final layer are cationic polymer layers; a detector for detecting inorganic anions that pass through a detection zone of the separation channel; an injection system for injecting fluids including sample solutions and background electrolyte into an inlet end of the separation channel; wherein the background electrolyte comprises polyethyleneimine. Also described are corresponding methods, separation capillaries and cartridges for use in the system.

Methods and devices for testing a biological sample are provided. A tape includes multiple channels or reservoirs having inlet and outlet ports. One tape having biological sample disposed in its channels is temporarily mated with another tape having reagents disposed in its channels via a serpentine belt and compression roller assembly. Pulsed fluidic operations combine the reagents and the biological sample for subsequent observation, detection, storage and/or disposal. Fluidic transfer is provided in a uniform operation or in conjunction with a sensory feedback assembly.

A method and apparatus for automatically transferring sections from a sample block to a tape and for transferring select sections to a slide. A tissue storage system for storing cut sections on the tape and digital storage system for storing photos and other information during the transfer of the sections can also be provided, thereby creating a tissue repository and data repository for future use.