A sample tube includes a barcode split into components at the bottom of the sample tube. Each barcode component stores less than the full data output from the barcode, but the components combine to full data output. Redundant diagonal components provide for error checking. A center region between the barcode components supports an electrical circuit or an optical or acoustic window. The sample tube may have a sidewall with a substantially cylindrical open end and non-cylindrical end closed with a bottom, the non-cylindrical end orienting the sample tube in a rack. Additional non-cylindrical surfaces are provided to orient the sample tube relative to complementary surfaces at a gripper. The sample tube of a particular application is positioned in an acoustic dispensing system where acoustic waves are transmitted through a center window for surveying and dispensing.

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.

Described herein are an adaptable apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of a target substance in a liquid. For example, the adaptable apparatus can be a medallion that detects illicit drugs in a beverage. The adaptable apparatus comprises a detection unit comprising an indicator that is configured to display a signal upon the detection of an interaction with the target substance. In some examples, the adaptable apparatus can be attached to an implement.

A specimen collection device and a method of using the specimen collection device are disclosed herein. In some aspects, the specimen collection device allows for the individual collection of specimens via a removable specimen tray that can easily be swapped during a procedure. The specimen collection device includes a flexible sealing element for the continual use of suction during the procedure even when the specimen tray is not inserted.

A sample tube includes a barcode split into components at the bottom of the sample tube. Each barcode component stores less than the full data output from the barcode, but the components combine to full data output. Redundant diagonal components provide for error checking. A center region between the barcode components supports an electrical circuit or an optical or acoustic window. The sample tube may have a sidewall with a substantially cylindrical open end and non-cylindrical end closed with a bottom, the non-cylindrical end orienting the sample tube in a rack. Additional non-cylindrical surfaces are provided to orient the sample tube relative to complementary surfaces at a gripper. The sample tube of a particular application is positioned in an acoustic dispensing system where acoustic waves are transmitted through a center window for surveying and dispensing.

A sample-containing device configured to be placed into a sample processing instrument for performing a process on a sample contained in the device includes redundant identification features, such as machine-readable tags. A first machine-readable information tag is read before the device is placed in the instrument, and a second machine-readable information tag is read after the device is in the instrument. Information read from the two tags is compared to determine if there is proper correspondence between the information read from the tags to ensure that the correct sample processing device was placed in the instrument.

A test device is configured for diagnostic testing and includes an optical readable medium, in turn including a pattern of spots of material arranged on a surface of the device. Several patterns may be provided. The patterns accordingly formed may be human and/or machine readable. They may notably encode security information, e.g., indicating whether the device has already been used. The spots may notably be inkjet spotted. In addition, a method is provided for decoding information encoded in a pattern of such a test device. In embodiments, liquid is introduced in the device, which comprises additional spots having a substantially different solubility than spots forming the actual pattern. Thus, the additional spots get solubilized in and flushed by the liquid as the latter wets them, and an initially hidden pattern may be read, which is formed of the remaining spots (not solubilized). Encoding methods are also provided.

An embodiment is a sample rack system. The sample rack system comprises a rack having a base, a top opposite the base along a vertical direction, a receptacle that extends from the top toward the base along the vertical direction, and a receiver element proximate the top. The receptacle is sized to receive a sample collection unit. The system also includes a retention clip for holding the sample collection unit in the receptacle. The retention clip includes an engagement head for attachment to the receiver element of the rack. The engagement head defines an outer surface. The retention clip also includes a curved tail that extends from the engagement head and contacts the sample collection unit when the sample collection unit is placed in the receptacle. The outer surface of the retention clip does not project outwardly from the rack when the retention clip is attached to the rack.

A printing module configured to print a label on a curved surface of an article includes an expandable printing mechanism configured to be expanded to an open configuration for receiving the article or contracted to a closed configuration placing the curved surface in an operative position with respect to a print head and an article moving assembly configured to grasp and hold the article and effect relative movement between the curved surface and the print head. The printing mechanism includes contact elements, such as rollers, that contact or otherwise engage the article when the printing mechanism is in the closed configuration and maintain the curved surface in the operative position with respect to the print head during relative movement between the curved surface and the print head.

A printing module configured to print a label on a curved surface of an article includes an expandable printing mechanism configured to be expanded to an open configuration for receiving the article or contracted to a closed configuration placing the curved surface in an operative position with respect to a print head and an article moving assembly configured to grasp and hold the article and effect relative movement between the curved surface and the print head. The printing mechanism includes contact elements, such as rollers, that contact or otherwise engage the article when the printing mechanism is in the closed configuration and maintain the curved surface in the operative position with respect to the print head during relative movement between the curved surface and the print head.