The invention relates to a sample-holding element (20) for a liquid sample for the simultaneous analysis of three or more chemico-physical parameters of the liquid by means of an analysis device. The sample-holding element (20) has a sample-holding chamber (31), which can be filled with the liquid, wherein the sample-holding element (20) has at least three measurement points (24, 25, 26, 26N, 27) arranged adjacent to each other, which are distributed over the sample-holding chamber (31), wherein two of the measurement points (24, 25) are a photonic measurement point (24) and a refractive-index measurement point (25) and wherein the at least one further measurement point is selected from the group comprising at least a pH measurement point (26), a conductivity measurement point (27) and a germ measurement point. The sample-holding element (20) is a planar element (20) that is double-walled at least in some sections and that has plates (30, 30), which are arranged on each other in a plane-parallel manner and are connected to each other at the edges thereof at least in some sections, wherein the sample-holding chamber (31) is formed as a planar gap between the plates (30, 30) and the distance between the plates (30, 30) is just so large that the liquid sample can be subjected to the capillary effect between the double walls (30, 30). The measurement point (25) for measuring the refractive index has a refraction structure (25, 25) on one of the plates (30, 30) in a region predefined therefor. The invention further relates to an analysis device set having the sample-holding element (20) and having an analysis apparatus (1) and to a method for the simultaneous analysis of three or more chemico-physical parameters of the liquid.

A reagentless whole-blood analyte detection system that is capable of being deployed near a patient has a source capable of emitting a beam of radiation that includes a spectral band. The whole-blood system also has a detector in an optical path of the beam. The whole-blood system also has a housing that is configured to house the source and the detector. The whole-blood system also has a sample element that is situated in the optical path of the beam. The sample element has a sample cell and a sample cell wall that does not eliminate transmittance of the beam of radiation in the spectral band.

A device for holding samples to be analyzed using the infrared transmission spectroscopy comprised of three or more infrared transparent windows that creates unparalleled gaps while maintaining a consistent path length, which eliminates interference fringes and ensures that quantitative analysis can be achieved. The present invention allows the use of high refractive index material, silicon, as window material. The device using silicon windows can serve both purposes of sample storage and infrared measuring cell. All-purpose disposable sample holders are now possible. In one embodiment, a pre-assembled sample holder is most suitable for loading and analyzing flowable liquid samples. In another embodiment, a sample holder can be easily assembled after high-viscosity fluids and deformable solid samples are loaded. In an alternative embodiment, the device comprised of two or more infrared transparent windows and a reflective mirror can be used for quantitative analysis using transflection infrared spectroscopy.

In order to provide an absorption analyzer capable of directly measuring an analysis target gas flowing into or produced in a vessel such as a chamber and preventing a measurement error due to moisture condensation, the absorption analyzer is adapted to include: a light emission module that is attached covering a first opening of the vessel into which the analysis target gas flows or in which the analysis target gas is produced and emits light into the vessel; and a light detection module that detects the light emitted from the light emission module and passing through the vessel. In addition, the light emission module is adapted to include: a base flange that is attached around the first opening on an outer surface of the vessel; a window material whose outer surface is tilted at a predetermined angle; a seal member; and a pressing body.

Instruments, systems, and methods for measuring optical density of microbiological samples are provided. In particular, optical density instruments providing improved safety, efficiency, comfort, and convenience are provided. Such optical density instruments include a handheld portion and a base station. The optical density instruments may be used in systems and methods for measuring optical density of biological samples.

Provided herein are an optical test platform and corresponding method of manufacturing the same. The test platform may include a shell defining a cavity for receiving a sample tube, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture of the shell may each be configured to optically couple the cavity with an exterior of the shell. The test platform may further include a first window and a second window embedded in the shell. The first window may seal a first aperture and the second window may seal a second aperture. The first window and second window may each permit the optical coupling of the cavity with the exterior of the shell. The first window and the second window may be optically coupled via the cavity, and the shell may prohibit optical coupling between the first window and the second window through the shell.

Embodiments as disclosed herein may provide a sensor system including a container, such as a bag, having a port assembly integrated therewith. The port assembly includes an optically transparent window and be configured such that a sensor may be mechanically attached to the port assembly to interface with the optical window. The sensor may include an index of refraction (IoR) sensor that measures the chemical concentration of a liquid inside the container based on a refractive index.

The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for performing an assay on a dry slide or other solid media using a reduced reading window. In an embodiment, method of performing at least one assay comprises obtaining an image of a fluid sample located on a dry slide, positioning a reading window to correspond to an area of the fluid sample in the image, determining an interference area within the reading window based on light intensity, reducing the reading window to eliminate the interference area from the reading window, and performing at least one assay using the reduced reading window.

Provided herein are an optical test platform and corresponding method of manufacturing the same. The test platform may include a shell defining a cavity for receiving a sample tube, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture of the shell may each be configured to optically couple the cavity with an exterior of the shell. The test platform may further include a first window and a second window embedded in the shell. The first window may seal a first aperture and the second window may seal a second aperture. The first window and second window may each permit the optical coupling of the cavity with the exterior of the shell. The first window and the second window may be optically coupled via the cavity, and the shell may prohibit optical coupling between the first window and the second window through the shell.

Cryogenic analysis assemblies and methods are provided. The assemblies and/or methods can be configured for optical sample analysis. The assemblies and/or methods can include: an objective assembly operatively aligned with a sample support assembly, both the objective assembly and sample support assembly residing within a vacuum housing; wherein the objective assembly defines an objective mount housing an objective coupled to a mounting ring within a chamber below a heater assembly; and an insulative member between the objective mount and the mounting ring, the insulative member supporting the objective mount and thermally isolating the objective mount from the mounting ring.