In one embodiment, a biological sample analyzer has a housing having at least one outer wall that defines a cavity therein. A receptacle, which can support a consumable holder containing a biological sample, is disposed within the cavity. At least one heater applies heat to the consumable holder when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle. At least one heater sensor detects a temperature of the receptacle over time. A controller directs the at least one heater to apply an elevated temperature to the consumable holder and reduces an amount of heat applied to the consumable holder before the consumable holder exceeds a target temperature that is less than the elevated temperature. By applying the elevated temperature, the consumable holder can be heated quicker than if it where heated at only the target temperature.

Flow cells and corresponding methods are provided. The flow cells may include a support frame with top and back sides, and at least one cavity extending from the top side. The flow cells may include at least one light detection device with an active area disposed within the at least one cavity. The flow cells may include a support material disposed within the at least one cavity between the support frame and the periphery of the at least one light detection device coupling them together. The flow cells may include a lid extending over the at least one light detection device and coupled to the support frame about the periphery of the at least one light detection device. The lid and at least a top surface of the at least one light detection device form a flow channel therebetween.

An integrated stage for holding rapid test reagent cards includes two U-shaped sidewalls opposite to each other, a first receiving space, a second receiving space, and an elastic sheet. The U-shaped sidewalls cooperatively define the first receiving space. The second receiving space is formed in the first receiving space and is lower than the first receiving space. The elastic sheet is arranged on a short side of the first receiving space. The first receiving space is used for allowing the integrated stage to hold a first rapid test reagent card. The second receiving space is used for allowing the integrated stage to hold a second rapid test reagent card. The integrated stage utilizes the elastic sheet to hold and fix the first rapid test reagent card or the second rapid test reagent card.

A point-of-care testing (POCT) system comprising an analyzer, a measurement cartridge, and a calibration cartridge for calibrating the measurement cartridge is described. The measurement cartridge comprises at least one electrochemical sensor for measuring the one or more properties of the blood sample, and the calibration cartridge comprises a similar at least one electrochemical sensor and at least one sealed blister containing calibration fluid for calibrating the measurement cartridge. Examples of properties of the blood sample may be pH, blood gases, electrolytes, and metabolites like glucose and creatinine. The measurement cartridge may also comprise an optical chamber for measuring for example, bilirubin and hemoglobin species, for which the analyzer comprises stored calibration algorithms. The optical chamber may be disposed in any location in the measurement cartridge, for receiving a portion of the blood sample.

In one embodiment, a biological sample analyzer has a housing having at least one outer wall that defines a cavity therein. A receptacle, which can support a consumable holder containing a biological sample, is disposed within the internal cavity. At least one heater applies heat to the receptacle when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle. At least one heater sensor detect temperatures of the receptacle over time. A controller detects whether the consumable holder is below an ambient temperature based on a decrease in temperature of the receptacle when the consumable holder is inserted into the receptacle. The controller also increases an amount of thermal energy transferred from the at least one heater to the consumable holder when the controller detects that the consumable holder is below the ambient temperature so as to heat the consumable holder to a target temperature.

A controlled environment enclosure comprises a robotic arm manipulation system used to protect and unprotect a fluid path and a swab within the controlled environment enclosure. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be protected against dangerous decontamination vapors and chemicals before the controlled environment enclosure is decontaminated. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be unprotected without the use of gloves or other means that degrade the integrity of the controlled environment enclosure when decontamination is completed. The apparatus and method allow for the protecting, unprotecting and decontaminating sequences to be automated. In some embodiments the fluid path comprises a fill needle that can removably and aseptically be sealed with a disposable monolithic injection moulded polymeric fill needle sheath. The apparatus and method further allow for the use of a swab disposed in a swab holder that is aseptically and removably sealable to a swab cap to protect the swab against decontamination vapors.

A controlled environment enclosure comprises a robotic arm manipulation system used to protect and unprotect a fluid path and a swab within the controlled environment enclosure. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be protected against dangerous decontamination vapors and chemicals before the controlled environment enclosure is decontaminated. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be unprotected without the use of gloves or other means that degrade the integrity of the controlled environment enclosure when decontamination is completed. The apparatus and method allow for the protecting, unprotecting and decontaminating sequences to be automated. In some embodiments the fluid path comprises a fill needle that can removably and aseptically be sealed with a disposable monolithic injection moulded polymeric fill needle sheath. The apparatus and method further allow for the use of a swab disposed in a swab holder that is aseptically and removably sealable to a swab cap to protect the swab against decontamination vapors.

In one embodiment, a diagnostic system includes an instrument coupled to a client device and having at least one sample processing bay. The diagnostic system has a software architecture including instrument software (ISW) associated with the instrument. The ISW receives an assay definition file (ADF) that has a control file and an assay analysis module (AAM) file. The processing bay prepares and senses the sample according to parameters in the OPUS file and then generates sensor scan data. The diagnostic system then analyzes the sensor scan data and prepares a report according to the AAM file.

In one embodiment, a biological sample analyzer has a housing having at least one outer wall that defines a cavity therein. A receptacle, which can support a consumable holder containing a biological sample, is disposed within the internal cavity. At least one heater applies heat to the receptacle when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle. At least one heater sensor detect temperatures of the receptacle over time. A controller detects whether the consumable holder is below an ambient temperature based on a decrease in temperature of the receptacle when the consumable holder is inserted into the receptacle. The controller also increases an amount of thermal energy transferred from the at least one heater to the consumable holder when the controller detects that the consumable holder is below the ambient temperature so as to heat the consumable holder to a target temperature.

The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods, for performing biological and chemical assays.