A method for analyzing genomic DNA includes introducing a plurality of samples comprising human cells into individual vessels in each of a plurality of multi-vessel well plates. At least a subset of the human cells in the plurality of samples is lysed without the use of heat. DNA in the at least a subset of lysed human cells is isolated with the use of a plurality of paramagnetic beads. The isolated DNA is analyzed to identify one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), wherein the lysing, isolating, and analyzing steps are performed substantially in parallel for each of the plurality of samples.

A method of reading machine-readable labels on sample receptacles. In the method, a sample rack is moved between a first position and a second position within a housing, where the sample rack supports a plurality of sample receptacles, and each sample receptacle has a machine-readable label. An absolute position of the sample rack is measured as the sample rack moves between the first and second positions. An image of the machine-readable label associated with each sample receptacle is acquired as the sample rack moves between the first and second positions. Finally, the acquired image of each machine-readable label is decoded.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are described for the handling of biological specimens for analysis. The systems, methods and apparatus are designed to reduce errors in misidentification, incorrect processing, and recordkeeping and reporting. The systems, methods, and apparatus can also provide real time tracking of samples at any stage, from collection to processing to analyzing to storage.

A system for tracking one or more subjects for collecting airborne contaminants. The system includes one or more subjects configured to collect air contaminants. Each of the one or more subjects includes an identification tag encoded with identification information identifying the each subject. The system further includes an identification reader configured to decode the identification information encoded within the identification tag of a scanned one of the one or more identification tags. A computer receives and stores the decoded identification information in a record in a database. The computer may also receive and stored an identification code for a user who scanned the scanned identification tag in the record in the database. Additional records in the database are created each time the identification tag of one of the one or more subjects is scanned. The one or more subjects are thereby tracked as they collect airborne contaminants and are incubated.

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide sample verification capabilities in a single device or system. Devices are disclosed herein. Systems including these devices are also provided. These devices and systems may be configured for verifying sample integrity prior to a subject leaving a sample collection site so that any further samples or other corrective action can occur without having to make a separate visit.

An automated assay-fluid dispensing system includes a database that associates assay protocols with assay procedures, the procedures including a first assay procedure specifying dissimilar first and second channel procedures for driving first and second channels of a fluid-dispenser cassette. The system includes a controller with a procedure selector to select or to assist a human to select an assay procedure from the database to be executed in an assay run. The controller also includes a cassette driver to drive the cassette to dispense fluids automatically to multiple sites during the assay run so that fluids in the first and second channels are dispensed in accordance with the dissimilar first and second channel procedures. The system includes a cassette interface to engage the cassette so that the controller can drive it to implement the assay run.

A sample vessel assembly, comprising a base member including a base flange having first and second opposing surfaces, first and second sides intersecting with one another; and a first sidewall extending from the first surface at a distance from the first and second sides; and a lid member, including: a lid flange having third and fourth opposing surfaces, third and fourth sides intersecting with one another; and a second sidewall extending from the third surface at a distance from the third and fourth sides, the second sidewall engageable with the first sidewall such that the first surface of the base flange and the third surface of the lid flange are in an opposing spaced-apart relationship with one another and such that the first and second sidewalls cooperate with one another to define a sample chamber. Further disclosed is a method for automated analysis of samples in a sample vessel assembly.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are described for the handling of biological specimens for analysis. The systems, methods and apparatus are designed to reduce errors in misidentification, incorrect processing, and recordkeeping and reporting. The systems, methods, and apparatus can also provide real time tracking of samples at any stage, from collection to processing to analyzing to storage.

A host system recognizes a sample pretreatment system at which a primary sample has first arrived and records the information, if multiple containers containing the primary sample are input. Upon issuing an analysis request to the sample pretreatment system, the host system determines whether the primary sample (sample bearing the same barcode for sample identification) is input to a system different from the system to which the sample was input for the first time and, if that is the case, then determines that the sample is input to the wrong system and issues a do-nothing request (request to do nothing) so that an aliquoting operation will not be performed. Given the do-nothing request from the host system, the sample pretreatment system does not prepare any aliquot sample and places the input sample onto a tray in a predetermined position.

An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. The intelligent carriers can include one or more image sensors to observe the relative motion of the track as the carrier traverses it. The carriers can also observe position marks on the track surface to provide absolute position information, which can include additional data, such as routing instructions. Synchronization marks may be provided to correct errors in the observed trajectory.