Multi-component separation devices configured to separate components of a liquid sample by centrifugation are provided. Aspects of the separation devices include a container having a distal end and a proximal end and a buoy configured to be displaced along a longitudinal axis within the container where the buoy includes one or more sealed chambers. Also provided are methods of using the subject devices to separate components of a multi-component liquid sample such as whole blood, bone marrow aspirate or stromal vascular fraction as well as systems suitable for practicing the subject methods.

In some instances, an apparatus can include a light sensitive imaging sensor having a surface to receive a fluid sample, a body to be moved relative to the light sensitive imaging sensor and having a surface to touch a portion of the fluid sample, and a carrier to move the body toward the surface of the light sensitive imaging sensor to cause the surface of the body to touch the portion of the fluid sample, so that as the surface of the body touches the portion of the fluid, the surface of the body (i) is parallel to the surface of the light sensitive imaging sensor, and (ii) settles on top of the fluid sample independently of motion of the carrier.

A microfluidic apparatus is provided having one or more sequestration pens configured to isolate one or more target micro-objects by changing the orientation of the microfluidic apparatus with respect to a globally active force, such as gravity. Methods of selectively directing the movements of micro-objects in such a microfluidic apparatus using gravitational forces are also provided. The micro-objects can be biological micro-objects, such as cells, or inanimate micro-objects, such as beads.

A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases within a collection container is disclosed. The mechanical separator may have a separator body having a through-hole defined therein, with the through-hole adapted for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The separator body includes a float, having a first density, and a ballast, having a second density greater than the first density. A portion of the float is connected to a portion of the ballast. Optionally, the float may include a first extended tab adjacent a first opening of the through-hole and a second extended tab adjacent the second opening of the through-hole. In certain configurations, the separator body also includes an extended tab band disposed about an outer surface of the float. The separator body may also include an engagement band circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the separator body.

A system and method of automatically preparing and analyzing urine samples for identifying cancer cells is able to complete conventional diagnostic tasks without lab technicians, cytopathologists, or other medical professionals. The method is provided with at least one source sample, at least one manipulator arm, at least one centrifuge, at least one electronic microscope, and at least one unitary controller. The method is further provided with a cytopathological index containing a visual characteristic database and identification confidence threshold rubrics supporting the automation of visual analyses typically performed manually with a conventional microscope. This method is further provided with a data processing function, wherein data stemming from multiple testing cycles may be collated, formatted, and presented for use by medical professionals in determining and projecting the effectiveness of a course of treatment.

An imaging device for determining particle size distribution including a sample receptacle containing a sample and an imager capable of capturing a plurality of images of the sample in a region of observation. The imaging device further includes a radiation source provided linearly opposite to the imager and a base platform that supports the imager and the radiation source.

The present invention relates to a chemical element analysis device and method for contaminants in a liquid. The chemical element analysis device for contaminants in a liquid according to the present invention comprises: a sample storage unit 10 for storing a sampled liquid sample 1; a laser unit 20 for emitting a laser beam 21: 21a, 21b, and 21c and irradiating the laser beam 21 to the sample 1: 1a, 1b, and 1c sprayed from the sample storage unit 10; and a spectrometer 30 for collecting plasma light 31: 31a, 31b, and 31c generated by irradiating the laser beam 21 to the sample 1, and measuring a spectrum of the plasma light 31.

A method for characterizing a target peptide through a detection approach such as mass spectrometry is provided, including: introducing at least one guard molecule to mix with the target peptide; and applying the detection approach for the characterization of the target peptide. Each guard molecule is configured to have similar characteristics as the target peptide, yet is still distinguishable therefrom by the detection approach, such as having a mass spectrometry-distinguishable different M/z value compared with the target peptide. The method can be used to characterize a neoantigen peptide through mass spectrometry, upstream of which the method can further include steps for tissue sample preparation, HLA molecules enrichment, elution, clean-up, and purification. Some or all of these steps can be configured to be executed in a substantially automatic manner with little or no manual intervention. A system for implementing the neoantigen analysis method is further provided.

The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for point-of-care and/or distributed testing services. The methods and devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device can be modified to allow for more flexible and robust use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical, laboratory, and other applications. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention can allow for effective use of samples by improved sample preparation and analysis.

Pharmaceutical compositions for and methods of treating an animal, including a human, and methods of preparing such compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions contain crosslinked amine polymers and may be used, for example, to treat diseases or other metabolic conditions in which removal of protons and/or chloride ions from the gastrointestinal tract would provide physiological benefits such as normalizing serum bicarbonate concentrations and the blood pH in an animal, including a human.