Systems and methods for analyzing an analyte extracted from a sample using an adsorbent material.

The present subject matter provides processes and kits for identifying the presence of waste water or human-derived pathogens, particularly those associated with the presence of human fecal matter, in surface or subsurface water sources.

A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers. One or more of the chambers may be a processing chamber which includes two ports configured to selectively engage the at least one external port of the body, and a fluid processing material such as an enrichment material or a depletion material. In some embodiments, one or more chambers may include a separation channel, and an electric field may be applied across the separation channel.

A solid phase microextraction device is disclosed, including a substrate having at least one planar surface, a sorbent layer disposed on at least a portion of the at least one planar surface, a tapering tip extending from the substrate, a receptacle mount configured for removable attachment to an emplacement of a receiving device, and a clocking feature configured for fixing a radial orientation of the at least one planar surface with respect to the receiving device. A solid phase microextraction device repository is disclosed including a wall surrounding a chamber, a plurality of orifices disposed in the wall configured to receive and retain the device, and a plurality of clocking feature interfaces disposed in the wall. A solid phase microextraction device manipulator is disclosed, including a manipulator shaft, an emplacement configured to removably engage a receptacle mount, an electrically conductive contact disposed at the emplacement, an ejector, and a clocking feature interface.

Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.

The invention relates to a method for isolation of nucleic acids from aqueous samples containing nucleic acids in free form or liberated by lysis. Before or after the polarity of the aqueous solution is lowered, the sample is brought into contact with a solid phase that has a rough or structured surface, whereupon the nucleic acids precipitate on the solid phase and then, together with the solid phase, are removed from this aqueous solution. The rough or structured surface is preferably a non-smooth metal, plastic or rubber surface. Subject matter of the invention is also a test kit and a corresponding instrument for isolation of nucleic acids.

A solid phase microextraction device is disclosed, including a substrate having at least one planar surface, a sorbent layer disposed on at least a portion of the at least one planar surface, a tapering tip extending from the substrate, a receptacle mount configured for removable attachment to an emplacement of a receiving device, and a clocking feature configured for fixing a radial orientation of the planar surface with respect to the receiving device. A solid phase microextraction device repository is disclosed including a wall surrounding a chamber, a plurality of orifices disposed in the wall configured to received and retain the device, and a plurality of clocking feature interfaces disposed in the wall. A solid phase microextraction device manipulator is disclosed, including a manipulator shaft, an emplacement configured to removably engage a receptacle mount, an electrically conductive contact disposed at the emplacement, an ejector, and a clocking feature interface.

A thermal desorption tube for use with a battery power source that includes a tube body having a tube middle portion, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet, a heating element having a first element end and a second element end wherein the heating element is disposed within the tube body between the gas inlet and the gas outlet, wherein the heating element has a RTC value greater than 0.003 per degree Celsius, and wherein the first element end and the second element end are configured to electrically couple to a power source, and a sorbent material disposed within the tube middle portion wherein the sorbent material is disposed and occupies all available space within the tube middle portion surrounding, within and adjacent the heating element and wherein the sorbent material is in direct contact with the heating element.

A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers. One or more of the chambers may be a processing chamber which includes two ports configured to selectively engage the at least one external port of the body, and a fluid processing material such as an enrichment material or a depletion material. In some embodiments, one or more chambers may include a separation channel, and an electric field may be applied across the separation channel.

Systems and methods for analyzing an analyte extracted from a sample using an adsorbent material.