This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

A method for performing quality control on a diagnostic analyzer includes receiving control measurement values from each of a plurality of diagnostic analyzers. A quality control measurement value is received from a target diagnostic analyzer. The quality control measurement value is compared with statistical criteria associated with the plurality of quality control measurement values received from the plurality of diagnostic analyzers. A comparison result is communicated to a user interface associated with the target diagnostic analyzer.

A parallel preceding system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

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.

A quality control support method for displaying a control chart of quality control related to an analyzer that measures a subject sample, the method comprising: generating a first control chart showing results of measured quality control substances by the analyzer in a first period; receiving a designation of a second period different from the first period, the second period being shorter than the first period and at least partially overlapping with the first period; generating a second control chart showing results of the measured subject samples by the analyzer in the second period; displaying the generated first control chart; and displaying the generated second control, is provided.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for tracking and printing within a histology system. In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes an information reader configured to read identifying data associated with a tissue block, a microtome configured to cut one or more tissue sections from the tissue block, one or more slides for receiving the one or more tissue sections, and a printer configured to receive the identifying data and print, after the one or more tissue sections are cut from the tissue block, one or more labels for the one or more slides, the one or more labels comprising information associating the one more tissue sections on the one or more slides with the tissue block.

An example system to monitor lab equipment includes: lab devices configured to perform sectioning, grinding, mounting, polishing, imaging, and/or hardness testing, of specimens; and an equipment monitoring system configured to: receive the data from the lab devices, the data comprising identifiers of the lab devices, operating statuses of the lab devices, current operating cycle information for the lab devices, error codes, and parameters of the operating cycles performed by the lab devices, wherein the lab devices are configured to transmit the data to the equipment monitoring system via a network; based on the error codes, output operator-readable information associated with the lab devices from which the error codes were received; and in response to at least one of the operating statuses, the current operating cycle information, the error codes, or the parameters satisfying an event definition, output an operator-readable notification identifying an operator action item based on the event definition.

A gene analyzer has a structure in which a metal block, a heater installed on an outer surface of the metal block, and a heat insulator applied onto an outer surface of the heater are integrally formed, thereby miniaturizing the gene analyzer. Further, parts for light measurement, such as a light source element, a light-receiving element, a light source filter, a fluorescent filter, a light source lens, a fluorescent lens, and the like, are installed in a heat insulator light source path and a heat insulator fluorescent path formed in the heat insulator, and the paths formed in the heat insulator are aligned with a block light source path and a block fluorescent path of the metal block.

A sample identification system for an automated sampling and dispensing device is described. In an example implementation, the sample identification system includes a sample probe configured to contact a sample positioned within a sample vessel. Further, the sample identification system includes an identifier capture device configured to measure a sample identifier associated with the sample vessel and generate a data signal in response thereto, where the data signal corresponds to an identity of the at least one sample. During operation, the identifier capture device scans a sample holder, a sample vessel, or a table top of the automated sampling and dispensing device to measure the sample identifier and to generate the data signal in response thereto.

The present invention relates to portable devices for point-of-care diagnostics that can perform measurements on a sample (e.g., blood, serum, saliva, or urine) and relay data to an external device for, e.g., data analysis. The device can comprise a paper-based diagnostic substrate and a base substrate that include electronic circuitry and electronic elements necessary for performing the measurements. The device can also comprise an antenna for near field communication with an external device. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of using these devices.