A detection device configured to detect each color of a plurality of components of a biological-sample is provided. The detection device executes the detection process with respect to the container which stores the sample containing the first and the second components. The detection device includes an image pickup device for picking up an image of the container, a background section serving as background of the image pickup section, and a detection section for detecting color of the first component of the sample. The container is disposed between the image pickup section and the background section. The detection section is configured to identify a first region of the first component having the label attached to the container as background, and a second region of the first component having the background section as background so as to detect color information on the first component from at least one region of the first and the second regions.

A rotary analysis apparatus and related methods are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a rotary machine operable to rotate or spin a removable disk-type analytical cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of fluidly isolated processing trains for processing multiple samples simultaneously. Each process train includes an extractant mixing chamber, slurry filtration chamber, supernatant collection chamber, and reagent mixing chamber in fluid communication. In one use, soil sample slurry is prepared and added to the extractant mixing chamber. The slurry is mixed with an extractant by rotating the cartridge to separate out an analyte from the mixture. A sediment filter in the filtration chamber deliquifies and traps soil particles to produce clear supernatant. A color changing reagent or fluorescent agent may be mixed with the collected supernatant for subsequent colorimetric, fluorescent, turbidimetric, or other type of analysis.

Provided herein are devices and methods of processing a sample that include, in several embodiments, rotating one or more microfluidic chips that are mounted on a support plate using a motor driven rotational chuck. By spinning one or more of the microfluidic chips about a common center of rotation in a controlled manner, high flow rates (and high shear forces) are imparted to the sample in a controlled manner. Each microfluidic chip can be rotated 180 on the support plate so that the sample can be run back-and-forth through the microfluidic devices. Because the support plate can be driven at relatively high RPMs, high flow rates are generated within the microfluidic chips. This increases the shear forces on the sample and also decreases the processing time involved as the sample can quickly pass through the shear-inducing features of the microfluidic chip(s).

A positioning system for a sample analysis device is disclosed. The positioning system comprises (1) a carousel comprising a platform and a sample loading tray mounted on the platform, and (2) a stage comprising a positioning system for positioning the carousel under the optical path of an imaging system. The sample loading tray is configured for holding a cartridge comprising one or more lateral flow cells (LFCs).

A capillary cavity 19 and an inlet 13 protruding circumferentially outward from an axial center 107 are connected by a guide section 17 formed so as to extend circumferentially inward and on which a capillary force acts. A sample liquid collected from a leading end of the inlet 13 is transferred to a separation cavity 23. A bent section 22 and a recess 21 are formed at a connected section of the guide section 17 and the capillary cavity 19 so as to change the direction of a passage.

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.

The present invention relates to a system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in biological samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a system comprising a disposable cartridge and an optical cup or cuvette having a tapered surface; wherein the walls are angled to allow for better coating and better striations of the light, an optics system including an optical reader and a thermal controller; an optical analyzer; a cooling system; and an improved spectrometer. The system may utilize the disposable cartridge in the sample processor and the optical cup or cuvette in the optical analyzer.

A positioning system for a sample analysis device is disclosed. The positioning system comprises (1) a carousel comprising a platform and a sample loading tray mounted on the platform, and (2) a stage comprising a positioning system for positioning the carousel under the optical path of an imaging system. The sample loading tray is configured for holding a cartridge comprising one or more lateral flow cells (LFCs).

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.

Described herein are automated and customizable sample preparation and analysis systems for detection and quantification of biomarkers (e.g., metabolites and/or lipids) in biological samples (e.g., blood, serum, or plasma) in a clinical setting. The automated systems are controlled by scripts that integrate communication between the components of the sample preparation system. Also described herein are mass spectrometry-based analytical methods featuring efficient system calibration and sample analysis that provide for accurate quantification of a set of markers in biological samples. The methods are capable of automatic high sample throughput in a clinical setting for detection and quantification using a mass spectrometry system and high performance liquid chromatography column.