Disclosed are high-throughput vessel sorting systems and methods of sorting sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for sorting a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample is disclosed.

Disclosed are high-throughput vessel sorting systems and methods of sorting sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for sorting a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample is disclosed.

A carrier plate for inserting containers filled with a medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic substance into a freeze dryer, wherein the carrier plate comprises a plurality of receptacles that are configured to each receive a container. Furthermore, the present application relates to a carrier plate arrangement having a plurality of such carrier plates. Furthermore, the present application relates to a loading system for a freeze dryer, wherein the loading system comprises one or more handling devices and one or more such carrier plates or the carrier plate arrangement. Furthermore, the present application relates to a loading system and to a freeze-drying system having such a loading system.

Cartridges and related systems and methods are disclosed. In accordance with an implementation, a method includes securing a sample container in a sample container receptacle of a cartridge using a sample container lock and coupling the cartridge to a cartridge receptacle of a system. The method also includes depositing a sample from the sample container within a sample well of the cartridge and determining a presence of a target molecule within the sample using the system. In response to the target molecule being present within the sample, the method includes releasing the sample container lock of the cartridge to allow the sample container to be removed from the sample container receptacle and for the cartridge to remain coupled to the system.

Cartridges and related systems and methods are disclosed. In accordance with an implementation, a method includes securing a sample container in a sample container receptacle of a cartridge using a sample container lock and coupling the cartridge to a cartridge receptacle of a system. The method also includes depositing a sample from the sample container within a sample well of the cartridge and determining a presence of a target molecule within the sample using the system. In response to the target molecule being present within the sample, the method includes releasing the sample container lock of the cartridge to allow the sample container to be removed from the sample container receptacle and for the cartridge to remain coupled to the system.

A method of reading machine-readable marks on a movable support and object of a sample instrument. The method includes capturing a first image of the moveable support as the moveable support moves from a first position to a second position using an image capture device; determining whether a first fiducial machine-readable mark on the moveable support is in the first image; determining, when the first fiducial machine-readable mark is in the first image, whether a first machine-readable mark on a first object coupled to the moveable support is in the first image at a predetermined position relative to the first fiducial machine-readable mark; and associating information decoded from the first machine-readable mark on the first object with a first location on the moveable support associated with the first fiducial machine-readable mark.

A method of reading machine-readable marks on a movable support and object of a sample instrument. The method includes capturing a first image of the moveable support as the moveable support moves from a first position to a second position using an image capture device; determining whether a first fiducial machine-readable mark on the moveable support is in the first image; determining, when the first fiducial machine-readable mark is in the first image, whether a first machine-readable mark on a first object coupled to the moveable support is in the first image at a predetermined position relative to the first fiducial machine-readable mark; and associating information decoded from the first machine-readable mark on the first object with a first location on the moveable support associated with the first fiducial machine-readable mark.

A reaction vessel comprises a lower chamber with a first volume, and an upper chamber with a second volume greater than the first volume. A thermocycling system for heating the reaction vessel includes a lower heating zone to heat the lower chamber, an upper heating zone to heat the upper chamber, and a lid heater to heat an opening of the upper chamber. A method comprises loading a sample into a lower chamber of a reaction vessel, thermocycling the lower chamber using a lower heating zone of the thermo cycler, combining an additive into the sample to produce a combination filling the lower chamber and at least partially filling an upper chamber of the reaction vessel, and incubating the upper and lower chambers using the lower heating zone and an upper heating zone. The lower and upper chambers can have different wall thicknesses to facilitate heat transfer.

A reaction vessel comprises a lower chamber with a first volume, and an upper chamber with a second volume greater than the first volume. A thermocycling system for heating the reaction vessel includes a lower heating zone to heat the lower chamber, an upper heating zone to heat the upper chamber, and a lid heater to heat an opening of the upper chamber. A method comprises loading a sample into a lower chamber of a reaction vessel, thermocycling the lower chamber using a lower heating zone of the thermo cycler, combining an additive into the sample to produce a combination filling the lower chamber and at least partially filling an upper chamber of the reaction vessel, and incubating the upper and lower chambers using the lower heating zone and an upper heating zone. The lower and upper chambers can have different wall thicknesses to facilitate heat transfer.

A method is taught for the accurate determination of the premature rupture of membranes (PROM), defined as spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of uterine contractions. More specifically, a lateral flow assay strip tests for at least two antigens to greatly limit or eliminate the possibility of false negatives. A built-in timer in the cassette holding the lateral flow assay further increases the accuracy of the test. A collection buffer vial with self-contained shipping and dropper caps and built-in stand is also taught.