This invention relates to an apparatus for conducting immunoassay test. The apparatus includes a groove unit having a groove along a vertical direction configured to hold a rod-shaped portion of a probe along the vertical direction, and a push pin configured to move along a horizontal direction, the push pin being capable of residing at a first position and a second position. A tip of the push pin is capable of pressing the rod-shaped portion of the probe against the groove when the push pin resides at the first position. The distance between the tip of the push pin and the groove is larger than a diameter of the rod-shaped portion of the probe when the push pin resides at the second position.

Integrated devices that include a sample preparation component integrated with a detection component are disclosed. The sample preparation component may be a digital microfluidics module or a surface acoustic wave module which modules are used for combing a sample droplet with a reagent droplet and for performing additional sample preparation step leading to a droplet that contains beads/particles/labels that indicate presence or absence of an analyte of interest in the sample. The beads/particles/labels may be detected by moving the droplet to the detection component of the device, which detection component includes an array of wells. Additonal analyte detection devices configured to operate an analyte detection chip to prepare a test sample and to detect an analyte related signal from the prepared test sample in the analyte detection chip are disclosed. The analyte detection chip may include a digital microfluidics (DMF) region and an analyte detection region which may overlap or may be spatially separated. The analyte detection device may be configured for detection of analyte by an optical or electrochemical means operably connected with an analyte detection chip inserted into the device.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

A multiplexed sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. A plurality of substantially cylindrical reagent bead 2500 are inserted in use within a hole or aperture of the sample well. The substantially cylindrical reagent beads are positioned so as not to protrude beyond an upper surface of the base portion.

A diagnostic and prognostic method and system for sequentially analyzing in a biological fluid or tissue extract the presence of an antigenic infectious agent, infectious organism or its toxic product; an antibody response to the antigenic infectious agent, infectious organism or its toxic product; one or more biomarkers formed during infection in response to a communicable disease; and one or more biomarkers to assess the severity of the disease and to monitor the effectiveness of drug therapy or vaccination.

A microfluidic device for the separation and immobilization of one or more cells into sample wells based on one or more physical properties of the one or more cells is provided. Metallic film or magnets are positioned on or below the wells. Openings in the device above the sample wells accommodate a measurement system to determine one or more physical characteristics or properties of the one or more cells immobilized within the microfluidic device. A method for determining a property or one or more physical characteristics of the immobilized one or more cells is also provided.

Methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood) include introducing a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).

Devices and methods for performing pre-analysis sample processing of biological and chemical samples using robotic liquid handlers are disclosed. Methods for solid phase extraction, protein precipitation and filtration of biological and chemical samples using automation and the devices in a rapid and convenient way are described.

The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing and antigen screening. Polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications. Antigen screening may comprise the use of one or more engineered cells. Engineered cells may be useful for characterizing one or more analytes including, for example, a polypeptide antigen.

The present invention provides point-of-care blood typing devices. The devices require only a small sample of blood and are able to provide results within minutes. The devices are capable of identifying A, B, AB, and O type blood. The devices are also capable of identifying blood that is positive (+) or negative (−) for the D antigen.