We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

An apparatus for spreading at least one reagent on at least a portion of a microscope slide includes a spreading device positionable in association with a microscope slide in a way that the spreading device defines a gap between the spreading device and the microscope slide and in a way that the spreading device and the microscope slide are movable relative to one another to spread at least one reagent on at least a portion of the microscope. The spreading device has a reservoir in which the at least one reagent is stored in a way that the at least one reagent is dischargeable from the reservoir onto the microscope slide when the spreading device is positioned in association with the microscope slide.

A device for positioning vessels, with a holder for vessels, comprising a series of receptacles arranged on a circular line, for a circular ring-shaped vessel chain, a central area, arranged within the series of receptacles, and having further receptacles for single vessels containing reagents, and means for aligning, and with
a carrier for single vessels, which comprises a holding plate in the form of a circular disc or of a part of a circular disc, which has holes for single vessels at certain positions, and which has at least one further means for aligning the carrier to the means for aligning the holder in a certain position, wherein in this position, the holes are aligned to certain further receptacles, the remaining further receptacles are covered up by the holding plate, and single vessels filled with reaction liquid can be inserted into the holes and into the further receptacles aligned thereto.

A method and system for automatic in-vitro diagnostic analysis are described. The method includes adding a first reagent type and a second reagent type to a first test liquid during a first and second cycle times respectively. The addition of the first reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a second reagent type to a second test liquid during the first cycle time. The addition of the second reagent type to the first test liquid includes parallel addition of a first reagent type to a third test liquid during the second cycle time, respectively.

A medical analysis method uses a medical analysis machine provided with a poly-articulated robot (70) comprising joints defining at least six axes of rotation (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6) and adapted for spacing and/or orienting a terminal member (66) according to six degrees of freedom, the terminal member bearing a grasping member (78) adapted for grasping a container (16). The medical analysis method comprises at least the succession of steps consisting of providing a container (16) containing a sample to be treated stemming from a human being or an animal, transferring said container (16) towards at least one treatment station of the medical analysis machine (100) by means of the poly-articulated robot, treating the sample in a treatment station, transferring the container towards a station for capturing images, and displaying the treatment results through a user interface.

A reagent container transfer mechanism transfers a reagent container selected from among reagent containers stored in a second reagent container storage section to a first reagent container storage section. A controller controls the reagent container transfer mechanism to transfer a reagent container from a second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section on the basis of a predetermined priority condition. The predetermined priority condition is one of a reagent provided with an effective calibration curve result, a number of remaining tests, and an expiration date of a reagent.

We describe a method for conducting an assay in a multi-well assay plate using an apparatus comprising a light detection subsystem, a liquid handling subsystem, and a plate handling subsystem. This is particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, it may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

A storage and retrieval system is provided. The storage and retrieval system having a frame and a shuttle movable within the frame, the shuttle having a carriage extending at least partially between a top and bottom of the frame. At least one tension member extends between a first and second ends of the frame and is coupled to the shuttle. At least one drive member extends between the first and second ends of the frame and is coupled to the shuttle. The at least one drive member and the at least one tension member project from opposite sides of the shuttle towards respective first and second ends of the frame and effect stabilization of the carriage against at least rotation relative to the frame. The at least one tension member crosses the at least one drive member and the at least one drive member effects movement of the shuttle.