Embodiments of lab automation workstations are disclosed in which the pod that performs pipetting operations is integrated with pipette tip-loading functionality. To generate the necessary tip-loading force, a dual drive system is used that is symmetric about the Y-axis to allow for offset or partial tip box loads by dynamically centering the drive force (e.g., the tip-loading force) over the reaction load. This minimizes the need for oversized linear motion components while still allowing for the generation of high tip-loading forces needed to properly load a large number of pipette tips simultaneously.

The sample container loading or storing unit includes a sample rack tray and a sample rack tray installation portion on which the sample rack tray is installed, the sample rack tray installation portion includes a claw portion that moves in a contact direction with a sidewall portion of the sample rack tray, the sample rack tray includes a claw guard portion provided on the sidewall portion of the sample rack tray, and the claw guard portion is configured to be separated from the sidewall portion of the sample rack tray by being pushed by a sample rack.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for measuring glycated A1c hemoglobin. A glycated hemoglobin level measuring system includes a sample testing apparatus having a microchannel that compresses a blood sample traveling through, a first pair of electrodes coupled to the microchannel, and a second pair of electrodes coupled to the microchannel. The glycated hemoglobin level measuring system further includes an analysis apparatus having sensors coupled to the first and second pairs of electrodes and configured to calculate a travel time taken by a red blood cell to pass through the first and second pairs of electrodes. The glycated hemoglobin level measuring system can use the travel time to measure a rigidity of the red blood cells and the corresponding glycated hemoglobin level.

A device and a method of using the device for determining hematocrit in a whole blood sample. The device includes a first portion having an introducer, at least one fluid channel, a fluid actuator, and an analysis sensor and conductivity sensor disposed within the fluid channel. The second portion includes at least one well containing at least one material. The first portion and second portion are movable with respect to each other. The introducer is configured to transfer at least a portion of the material from the well in portion two into the fluid channel of portion one. The method includes measuring the resistance over substantially the entire portion of a whole blood sample and calculating an average hematocrit level of the whole blood sample based on the measured resistance.

The present inventive concept relates to a method for measuring analyte concentration in a sample fluid, comprising: receiving dilution fluid or sample fluid comprising analyte in a microfluidic channel, wherein the dilution fluid or sample fluid further comprises a molecule which is different from the analyte; performing a first affinity-based assay in a first detection zone of the microfluidic channel to measure a signal indicative of the concentration of the molecule in the dilution fluid or sample fluid; mixing the dilution fluid or sample fluid in the microfluidic channel with another of the dilution fluid or sample fluid to obtain a diluted sample fluid; performing a second affinity-based assay in a second detection zone of the microfluidic channel to measure a signal indicative of the concentration of the molecule in the diluted sample fluid; performing a third assay in the second detection zone to measure a signal indicative of the concentration of the analyte in the diluted sample fluid; determining a concentration of the molecule in the received dilution fluid or sample fluid, based on the measured signal of the first affinity-based assay; determining a concentration of the molecule in the diluted sample fluid, based on the measured signal of the second affinity-based assay; and determining the analyte concentration in the sample fluid on basis of the measured signal indicative of the concentration of analyte in the diluted sample fluid and a ratio between the determined concentration of the molecule in the received dilution fluid or sample fluid and the determined concentration of the molecule in the diluted sample fluid. The present inventive concept further relates to a microfluidic arrangement for facilitating measurement of analyte concentration in a sample fluid, and to a system for measuring analyte concentration in a sample fluid, comprising the microfluidic arrangement, and to a diagnostic system comprising the microfluidic arrangement.

Focused acoustic radiation, referred to as tonebursts, are applied to a volume of liquid to generate a set of droplets. In one embodiment, a first toneburst is applied to temporarily raise a mound or protuberance on a free surface of the fluid. After the mound has reached a certain state, at least two additional toneburst can be applied to the protuberance to sequentially eject multiple bursts of multiple droplets. In one embodiment, the state of the mound can be maintained by a sustained acoustic signal, during which time multiple additional tonebursts can be applied to sequentially eject multiple bursts of multiple droplets from the mound.

A chemical liquid supply unit includes a chemical liquid storage storing a chemical liquid, a chemical liquid supply line that is connected to the chemical liquid storage, the chemical liquid flowing through the chemical liquid supply line from the chemical liquid storage, and a chemical liquid inspection means detecting impurities from the chemical liquid flowing through the chemical liquid supply line using a spectroscopy method.

An automatic assaying system having a multiplex pipette cartridge section in which pipette cartridges are docked. At least one pipette cartridge has a different pipetting characteristic from another corresponding pipette cartridge, the different pipetting characteristic being selectable from a number of different pipetting characteristics. A multiplexing work item holder has an array of work item holder docks that dock corresponding work item holders selectable from pipette trays and pipette tip set racks that define the selectable different pipetting characteristic. One or more of the work item holder docks are indexed to selectably multiplex both the different interchangeable pipette trays and the at least one pipette set rack. A carrier moves the pipette cartridge or a work item holder carriage and a controller selects the at least one pipette tip set rack corresponding to a work item holder dock so as to effect automatic selection of the different pipetting characteristic.

This invention relates to an apparatus for conducting immunoassay test. The apparatus includes a groove unit having a groove along a vertical direction configured to hold a rod-shaped portion of a probe along the vertical direction, and a push pin configured to move along a horizontal direction, the push pin being capable of residing at a first position and a second position. A tip of the push pin is capable of pressing the rod-shaped portion of the probe against the groove when the push pin resides at the first position. The distance between the tip of the push pin and the groove is larger than a diameter of the rod-shaped portion of the probe when the push pin resides at the second position.

Devices, systems, and methods for reducing the introduction of bubbles to flow cells and removing existing bubbles from flow cells are provided. The devices, systems, and methods detect and redirect bubbles away from the flow cell before the bubble reaches the inlet or wash away bubbles from within the flow cell.