This invention relates to a cartridge assembly tray for conducting automated biochemical tests, such as immunoassay tests. The tray comprises a base member, a hinged frame and a locking mechanism. The base member includes a plurality of slots within the base member. Each of the plurality of slots is to receive a test cartridge. The hinged frame is coupled to the base member. The hinged frame is capable to rotate to an opened position or a closed position. The hinged frame includes a horizontal push bar configured to apply a downward force to test cartridges received in the plurality of slots when the hinged frame is in the closed position. The locking mechanism is to lock the hinged frame in the closed position when the hinged frame rotates to the closed position.

The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run.

This invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for performing biological assays by using indicators that modify one or more optical properties of the assayed biological samples. The subject methods include generating a reaction product by carrying out a biochemical reaction on the biological sample introduced into a device and reacting the reaction product with an indicator capable of generating a detectable change in an optical property of the biological sample to indicate the presence, absence, or amount of analyte suspected to be present in the sample.

The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a detection method which can safely recover a remaining sample from a detection device without causing a biological disaster. In order to achieve at least one of these goals, this detection method involves: a sample collection step for collecting a sample from the sample holding well, and transferring the same to a detection chip; a detection step for detecting the detected substance captured in the detection chip by means of a detection unit; and, after the sample collection step, a remaining sample recovery step for collecting the sample remaining in the sample holding well and transferring this to a sample recovery well. At that time, after the remaining sample recovery step, the surface area of the opening in the sample recovery well is smaller than the surface area of the opening in the sample holding well.

Double bag having a first compartment containing a composition to be distributed and a second compartment for receiving a used fluid, a first bag connector communicating with the first compartment and serving to empty the latter, and a second bag connector communicating with the second compartment and serving to fill the latter.

Methods of testing HIV viral load are described. The methods comprise detecting HIV viral RNA in a sample of leukocyte-depleted blood. Such methods can be carried out on low-volume samples obtained without the need for venipuncture or a centrifuge. The methods are particularly suited for HIV viral load testing in resource-limited settings. Methods for monitoring HIV infection are also described, as well as kits for carrying out the methods.

Methods of testing HIV viral load are described. The methods comprise detecting HIV viral RNA in a sample of leukocyte-depleted blood. Such methods can be carried out on low-volume samples obtained without the need for venipuncture or a centrifuge. The methods are particularly suited for HIV viral load testing in resource-limited settings. Methods for monitoring HIV infection are also described, as well as kits for carrying out the methods.

This invention relates to a cartridge assembly tray for conducting automated biochemical tests, such as immunoassay tests. The tray comprises a base member, a hinged frame and a locking mechanism. The base member includes a plurality of slots within the base member. Each of the plurality of slots is to receive a test cartridge. The hinged frame is coupled to the base member. The hinged frame is capable to rotate to an opened position or a closed position. The hinged frame includes a horizontal push bar configured to apply a downward force to test cartridges received in the plurality of slots when the hinged frame is in the closed position. The locking mechanism is to lock the hinged frame in the closed position when the hinged frame rotates to the closed position.

A method is provided for suppressing, in a color reagent solution which is used to measure a component within a sample and which contains an oxidative color reagent dissolved therein, a background rise that occurs when the color reagent solution is stored. The method includes adjusting a hydrogen ion exponent (pH) of the color reagent solution so as to be strongly acidic. The hydrogen ion exponent is preferably adjusted to 2.9 or below or to 2.1 or below. The color reagent solution is preferably used to measure the degree of oxidative stress. The oxidative color reagent is preferably a phenylenediamine derivative.