The invention relates to a microfluidic chip with specifically shaped chambers to improve operability. The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a microfluidic chip, which has reagents embedded inside and which can perform analysis of multiple target analytes from a single test sample. Further, the invention relates to a simple analysis system that can be used by non-technical users by automating several stages of the process and providing the end user with simple feedback.

The invention relates to a pipetting device having an exchangeable pipette tip for suctioning and discharging fluid volumes for use in automated laboratory systems. The invention relates to a pipetting device having a pipette tip detection unit and for detecting a pipette tip on a pipette device of this type. A detection unit detects whether a pipette tip is connected to the pipette tube or determines a characteristic feature of the connected pipette tip. The pipette tip forms at least one portion of a first electrode when the pipette tip is in electrical operative contact with the pipette tube and, e.g., a pipette tip holder, a contact for setting down the pipette tip holder or a working table over which the pipette tube can be moved forms at least one portion of a second electrode.

Described are exemplary embodiments of a syringe identification system for use with a positive displacement pipette, such as a handheld powered positive displacement pipette. An exemplary syringe identification system may include a sensor, such as a color sensor, that is located at or near a distal end of the pipette and arranged such that the sensor is operative to read an identifying marking(s) on a syringe that has been installed to the pipette. The sensor may be a color sensor having an illumination source and configured to read a color code on the syringe. The color code may be usable to identify the syringe to the pipette.

The present invention relates to a method for determining the position of a robotic arm in an automatic liquid handling system in which a measurement probe with a first electrode is arranged on the robotic arm and, together with a second electrode formed by at least part of a working area or at least part of a container or container carrier forms a measurement capacitor that is operatively connected to a measurement unit for measuring an impedance, in particular a capacitance of the measurement capacitor. The method involves moving the measurement probe along a first path, detecting a first change in the impedance, in particular in the capacitance of the measurement capacitor at a first point on the first path, and defining at least one first reference spatial coordinate for a control unit of the robotic arm on the basis of the first point on the first path.

A method of characterizing candidate agents including steps of (a) providing a library of candidate agents attached to nucleic acid tags; (b) contacting the library with a solid support to attach the candidate agents to the solid support, whereby an array of candidate agents is formed; (c) contacting the array with a screening agent, wherein one or more candidate agents in the array react with the screening agent; (d) detecting the array to determine that at least one candidate agent in the array reacts with the screening agent; (e) sequencing the nucleic acid tag to determine the tag sequences attached to candidate agents in the array; and (f) identifying the at least one candidate agent in the array that reacts with the screening agent based on the tag sequence that is attached to the at least one candidate agent.

In a polymer assay cartridge having wells containing reagents, beads and sample, where the wells are covered (e.g., with Parafilm or films) and shipped to the point of care, the reagents and well contents can leak out. The reagent solutions are made semi-solid by adding hydrogel reagents and cooling to form a gel. Preferably, the hydrogel is heated before an assay is conducted with the cartridge, and pigmented beads in the wells indicate melting or excessive heating, or congealing of the hydrogel, based on pigment color change

A sample tracking card for attachment to a container containing a biological sample that has been obtained for testing is described. The card comprises an aperture for receiving an end of a sample collection container and a tab for engaging with another end of the sample collection container to attach the container to the card. The card allows the result of testing on the sample to be reliably matched with the subject without revealing the subject's identity on the container. Kits comprising the card and the container are also described.

A customizable laboratory instrument comprising an interior space for receipt of test materials therein. An indented exterior surface of the laboratory instrument defines a boundary surface, a backing surface, and a sidewall. The backing surface is offset from the boundary surface a distance substantially equal to a depth of the sidewall. A panel having an edge is attachable to the sidewall such that a space is formed between the panel and backing surface for receipt of an object therein.

Among other things, the present invention is related to devices, systems, and methods of performing biological and chemical assays for certain analysis and to the identification, tracking, and monitoring of these devices and systems.

Provided is a multichannel pipette whose number of channels can be arbitrarily set and managed to improve usability of the multichannel pipette and improve productivity, quality control, and maintainability in a research site. A multichannel pipette includes a pipette main body, a lower part attached to a lower end portion of the pipette main body, and a plurality of chip holder units housed inside the lower part, wherein each of the chip holder units has a connecting portion attachable to and removable from any of a plurality of to-be-connected portions provided in a unit case inside the lower part, and each of the chip holder units is attachable to and removable from the lower part.