The present invention is related to a portable apparatus for performing uni-directional convective qPCR or qRT-PCR in a mixing reagent containing a target nucleic acid and a fluorescence dye including denaturation, annealing and extension processes. The apparatus includes at least a temperature controlling unit which comprises at least one heat source and one temperature sensor, a circulation-enabling container, a light source, a photo-detector, a filter, a set of optical elements, and a processor.

Systems, methods, and devices for analyzing small volumes of fluidic samples, as a non-limiting example, less than twenty microliters are provided. The devices are configured to make a first sample reading, for example, measure an energy property of the fluid sample, for example, osmolality, make a second sample reading, for example, detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the fluid sample, or make both the first sample reading and the second sample reading, for example, measuring the energy property of the fluid sample as well as detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the fluid sample.

A nucleic acid analysis apparatus includes a casing, a main frame, a fluid delivery unit, a thermal unit, a driving unit, and at least one optical unit. The casing has an upper casing and a lower casing. The main frame is disposed in the lower casing and has a chamber for mounting a cartridge therein. The fluid delivery unit is adapted to transport reagents within the cartridge for sample purification and/or nucleic acid extraction. The thermal unit is adapted to provide a predefined temperature for nucleic acid amplification. The driving unit is disposed in the lower casing and connected with the main frame, and includes a motion control unit capable of pressing the cartridge during sample purification and/or nucleic acid extraction and rotating the cartridge with a predefined program during nucleic acid amplification and/or detection. The optical unit includes plural optical components for detection.

The invention is directed to devices and methods for performing rapid low-cost bioassays in self-contained disposable cartridges that provide efficient mixing of sample and reactants under a layer of liquid wax. Some embodiments additionally use gravity assisted distribution of sample and assay reagents in conjunction with an appliance containing all necessary valves, pneumatic sources, heat sources and detection stations.

A device for sealing a reagent container storing and providing liquids, in particular in an analyzer system. The invention also relates to a reagent container using such device for sealing, a cartridge for holding such reagent container, and a method for removing a liquid from such reagent container. The instant invention provides a device for sealing a reagent container comprising an annular member configured to be inserted into the reagent container, wherein the annular member is configured to being movably coupled to the reagent container relative to its longitudinal center axis; an opening passing from a top end of the annular member to a bottom end of the annular member; and a sealing element arranged between the top end and the bottom end of the annular member for sealing the opening.

The invention relates to a biological sampling and storage container comprising a top cover and a bottom cover adapted to fit onto each other; and a sampling element having a proximal end onto which the top cover fits and a distal end onto which the bottom cover fits, said sampling element further comprising a sampling container comprising a sampling chamber for accepting the biological sample; an aliquoting element removably mounted on and in said sampling container, said aliquoting element comprising a structural element onto which one or more aliquoting chambers are positioned; and optionally, an ejector removably mounted onto said aliquoting element, wherein the ejector comprises an ejector wand fitting into the aliquoting chambers.

An incubation system includes an actuator, a platform, an incubation lid, and a dispenser. The actuator includes a motion disc and a shaft connected to the motion disc. The shaft extends away from the motion disc. The platform is connected to the shaft of the actuator in a manner allowing movement transmission. The platform has a through hole and a thermal conductive plate. One end of the through hole is sealed by the thermal conductive plate. The incubation lid is movably disposed over the platform. The platform is thermal insulating. The incubation lid has an opening allowing fluid communication, and the dispenser suspends over the thermal conductive plate of the platform.

A microfluidic system for fluid transport is provided. The microfluidic system includes a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes an inlet body including an inlet. The microfluidic device includes a base supporting the inlet body. The base includes a channel in fluid communication with the inlet. The base includes one or more sensors formed on a surface of the channel, or one or more sensors formed in one or more wells formed in the surface of the channel. The channel is configured to facilitate flow of the fluid. The fluid includes a plurality of beads. The fluid includes a plurality of suspended cells. The inlet is configured to receive the fluid at an inlet port. The inlet is configured to output the fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the channel. The inlet is configured to provide substantially uniform flow of the fluid across a substantial portion of a horizontal dimension of the channel. The device is configured to compensate for edge effects otherwise present therein. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

An analysis unit formed by an analysis body housing an analysis chamber and having a sample inlet and a supply channel configured to fluidically connect the sample inlet to the analysis chamber. Dried assay reagents are arranged in the analysis chamber and are contained in an alveolar mass. For instance, the alveolar mass is a lyophilized mass formed by excipients and by assay-specific reagents.

A sample collection device is composed of a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer includes a mixture of carbon nanotubes and a polymer. The sample collection device has a hole at a tip of the sample collection device with the hole having a size ranging from about 0.15 mm to about 0.25 mm.