In an embodiment, an optical system comprises an optical cell having an interior fluid chamber defined by an interior surface of a housing, a process inlet disposed in the housing and in fluid communication with the interior fluid chamber, and a process outlet disposed in the housing and in fluid communication with the interior fluid chamber, wherein the process inlet and process outlet facilitate the flow of a fluid through the interior fluid chamber. A sampling outlet can be disposed in the housing and in fluid communication with the interior fluid chamber. A first bi-directional pump can be in fluid communication with the sampling outlet and a first storage vessel and can be configured to withdraw a first sample of the fluid via the sampling outlet and to cause the first sample to flow into the first storage vessel.

Sampling devices for sampling an aqueous source (e.g., field testing of ground water) for multiple different analytes are described. Devices include a solid phase extraction component for retention of a wide variety of targeted analytes. Devices include analyte derivatization capability for improved extraction of targeted analytes. Thus, a single device can be utilized to examine a sample source for a wide variety of analytes. Devices also include an isotope dilution capability that can prevent error introduction to the sample analysis and can correct for sample loss and degradation from the point of sampling until analysis as well as correction for incomplete or poor derivatization reactions. The devices can be field-deployable and rechargeable.

An example of an apparatus and method for sampling food. The apparatus includes a sampling unit for collecting the food. The apparatus further includes a transfer unit connected to the sampling unit. In addition, the apparatus includes an extraction system and a valve disposed between the transfer chamber and the extraction chamber.

Provided are low flow groundwater fluid sampling systems and related methods of collecting fluid samples, including a low flow pump, flow cell, waste container and a communication device in communication with those components. In this manner, the low flow pump may be controlled to ensure a desired constant flow-rate is achieved, and a remote operator may monitor the status of fluid being pumped to the flow cell with the communication device, such as with a portable electronic device, including a smart phone. The system may alert the operator that fluid is ready to be collected for sampling, including at an off-site laboratory. Particularly useful applications are for monitoring groundwater quality and contamination.

Provided is a liquid sample sampling device used in an operation, and belongs to the technical field of sampling devices. The sampling device includes a negative pressure suction head, an auxiliary tube connected with a side wall of the negative pressure suction head, and a sampling bottle connected with the auxiliary tube. A rebound connecting plate is arranged at a position connecting the negative suction head and the auxiliary tube. The side wall of the negative pressure suction head is provided with a push switch. A diameter of the auxiliary tube is larger than a diameter of the negative pressure suction head. The push switch is an elastic membrane switch.

An assembly for mitigating spillage of patient sample in a patient sample tube having an open top includes a patient sample in the tube and a layer of inert material floating on the sample fluid, such that the material restricts splashing movement of the sample's surface. The material can include a foam, a gel, or a disk. The disk can be approximately the diameter of the sample tube with a center opening configured to accept a pipette to provide access to the patient sample.

Automated pipetting systems and methods are disclosed for aspirating and dispensing fluids, particularly biological samples. In one aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a manifold and one or more pipette channels. The manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of lanes. Each lane includes an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel. The pipette channels can be modular. Each pipette channel includes a single dispense head and can be selectively and independently coupled to any one lane of the plurality of lanes. In some aspects, a valve in the pipette channel is in simultaneous fluid communication with a pressure port and a vacuum port of the manifold. The valve selectively diverts gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head in response to control signals received through the electrical connector of the manifold.

The disclosed methods for preparing cytological samples may include placing a cytological sample in a concave filter in a filtration system, applying a negative pressure to an outer side of the concave filter with a vacuum device to withdraw a liquid from the cytological sample, applying a sectionable matrix material over the filtered cellular material within the concave filter, and removing an assembly including the filtered cellular material and the sectionable matrix material from the filtration system. Various other related methods, systems, and materials are also disclosed.

Provided is a temperature control system applied to an apparatus for analyzing a sample using a pipette nozzle and a reaction container, including a pipette tip temperature controller that heats a pipette tip which is fitted on the pipette nozzle and aspirates or discharges liquid and a reaction container temperature controller that heats the reaction container. The pipette tip temperature controller heats, in a concentrated manner, at least a distal end portion of the pipette tip of the pipette nozzle located at a predetermined heating position with hot air emitted from a heat source and is configured such that a distal end is capable of arriving at the reaction container by lowering the pipette nozzle from the heating position.

Liquid level sensing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example method includes moving a cannula to pierce a seal of a container to provide access to a liquid in a cavity of the container; moving a probe through a passageway of the cannula and into the cavity of the container; and when the probe is at least partially positioned in the cannula: providing a first signal to the probe to cause the probe to emit a first electrical field; and providing a second signal to the cannula to cause the cannula to emit a second electrical field.