A system can include a sampler assembly configured to collect a viscous sample at a first location. In implementations, the viscous sample includes concentrated sulfuric acid (e.g., greater than about 75% H.sub.2SO.sub.4). The system can also include a valve coupled with the sampler assembly for receiving the viscous sample. The valve is configured to couple with a source of a diluent and a sample transfer line. The system further includes a pump coupled with the valve for injecting the diluent into the sample transfer line along with the viscous sample to dilute the viscous sample and transport the diluted sample to a second location remote from the first location via the sample transfer line. In implementations, the sample transfer line is at least approximately two meters in length.

The present disclosure provides a microfluidic device configured to deliver a controlled amount of a liquid to an analysis tool, wherein the microfluidic device comprises: a buffer tank configured to contain a liquid and/or a gas; at leas one level sensor configured to measure a liquid level in the buffer tank; a pneumatic system configured to create selectively a positive or a negative pressure in the buffer tank; at least one intake port to let in a liquid in the buffer tank; at least one delivery port to inject a controlled amount of liquid from the buffer tank onto the analysis tool; at least one drain port with a controlled drain valve, located on the lower part of the buffer tank to discharge the liquid from the buffer tank; a first check valve located upstream of the intake port and a second check valve between the buffer tank and the analysis tool.

Systems and methods are described to determine whether a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling system contains a suitable sample to analyze by an analysis system. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample receiving line configured to receive a liquid segment a first detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a first location in the sample receiving line; a second detector configured to detect the liquid segment at a second location in the sample receiving line downstream from the first location; and a controller configured to register a continuous liquid segment in the sample receiving line when the first detector and the second detector match detection states prior to the controller registering a change of state of the first detector.

The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for preparing a plurality of samples for an analytical method, comprising a carousel (14) with a solid housing (12) and moveable receiving parts (16) for the sample containers (18); a control for controlling the receiving parts (16) in the carousel (14); and a sample receiving device (24) for providing the sample to be analysed; one or more stations (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) for preparing samples are provided on the carousel (14), the receiving parts (16) for the sample containers (18) of the carousel (14) can be positioned on said stations; a centrifuge (22) with pairs of opposite lying receiving parts (42) provided for the sample containers (18), and said receiving parts (42) are arranged such that they can move on the centrifuge (22) and the movements can be controlled in such a manner that the sample holder (18) can be transferred between a receiving part (16) in the carousel (14) and a receiving part (42) in the centrifuge (22).

A fluid analyzer manifold for facilitating flow of a fluid through at least one surface mounted component for analysis by a fluid analyzer. The exemplary fluid analyzer manifold can include an analysis chamber for connection with the fluid analyzer, a first flow channel having a first surface opening and a second flow channel having a second surface opening on the fluid analyzer manifold, and a mounting area on the fluid analyzer manifold. The mounting area can include the first and second surface openings of the first and second flow channels, and facilitates surface mounting the at least one surface mounted component to the fluid analyzer manifold.

Systems and methods are described to provide speciation of silicon species present in a remote sample for analysis. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, receiving a fluid sample containing inorganic silicon in the presence of bound silicon from a remote sampling system via a fluid transfer line; transferring the fluid sample to an inline chromatographic separation system; separating the inorganic silicon from the bound silicon via the inline chromatographic separation system; transferring the separated inorganic silicon and bound silicon to a silicon detector in fluid communication with the inline chromatographic separation system; and determining an amount of one or more of the inorganic silicon or the bound silicon in the fluid sample via the silicon detector.

Systems and methods for delivering fluid to a microfluidic device is provided. The system includes a multi-well plate having a plurality of wells and an inlet tube having a first end being in communication with the one or more wells of the multi-well plate and a second end being in communication with a microfluidic device. The first end of the inlet tube is moveable between the plurality of wells of the multi-well plate to deliver fluid to the microfluidic device from the plurality of wells of the multi-well plate.

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.

The exemplary embodiments may provide a collective insulating sleeve for a plurality of chromatography columns or may provide separate insulating sleeve for each of the chromatography columns in a plurality. As a result, column ovens are not needed, and pre-heaters may not be required for each chromatography column in some exemplary embodiments. Thus, parallel column arrangements in the exemplary embodiments may be more compact than conventional arrangements.

Systems and methods for automatic preconcentration of fluid samples using alternating dual holding loops are described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a first sample loop and a second sample loop alternately fluidically coupled with a sample source; a first valve to alternately introduce fluid from the sample source to the first sample loop and the second sample loop; a second valve to alternately receive fluid from the first sample loop and the second sample loop and to alternately provide access to the preconcentration column to fluid received from the first sample loop and the second sample loop; and a pump system configured to alternately introduce sample held in the first sample loop and sample held in the second sample loop to the preconcentration column via the first valve and the second valve.