Disclosed herein are high-throughput sample processing systems and waste management systems, and methods of using the same.

A pipette tip leading end detection device for detecting that a leading end of a pipette tip is close to a reference surface set to a reaction vessel includes a pipette nozzle, pump, nozzle driver, pressure sensor that detects a pressure generated between the pipette tip and pump, and hardware processor. The hardware processor obtains a determination value using an AD conversion value obtained from the pressure while the pipette nozzle is being lowered, and detects that the leading end of the pipette tip is close to the reference surface on the basis that the determination value is a threshold value or more. The determination value is a calculation value indicating a pressure change speed calculated from AD conversion values within a past certain time and the threshold value is a value larger than maximum noise.

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.

The present disclosure relates to a system for separating a sample including a device and a positive pressure source. The device can include a housing with a proximal end having an interface and a proximal end opening, a distal end opening opposite the proximal end opening, and an interior wall defining an interior of the housing; a bottom frit connected to the interior wall, extending across the interior of the housing, and located proximately to the distal end to minimize sample loss; and a resin disposed within the interior of the housing between the bottom frit and the proximal end. The positive pressure source can connect to the interface of the proximal end to apply positive pressure to the sample. A controller can control the applied positive pressure to the sample via the positive pressure source according to a relationship between the bottom frit, the resin, and the positive pressure.

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

In various implementations, a dropper for a bottle may include a bulb with a flange and an extended leg. The dropper may be used as a cap, in some implementations, with or without a skirt. The dropper may inhibit leaks from a bottle when the dropper is used as a cap for the bottle.

A sampling needle is provided for piercing a septum of a vial containing a sample and aspirating the sample from the vial. The needle may include: a tubular core having a lumen extending therethrough and a piercing end, wherein the tubular core is formed of a bioinert material; a hollow support encircling the tubular core with the piercing end extending outwardly from the support, wherein the support is formed of a rigid material; and a bioinert coating covering a portion of the support adjacent the piercing end, wherein the tubular core and the covering isolates the support from the sample.

A telescoping electric pipette controller has a handle, a head end portion, an outer shell and a manual retainer. One end of the head end portion is arranged in an end portion of the handle in a penetrating manner, the outer shell is sheathed over an outer surface of the end portion of the handle, and one end portion of the manual retainer is rotatably connected to the outer shell. By means of opening or fastening the manual retainer, one end portion of the manual retainer is released outwards or pressed inwards against the head end portion, allowing extension and retraction of the head end portion relative to the handle. The extension and retraction, as well as the locking of part of a grip structure, are controlled by means of a switch, allowing the grip to change the length within a specific range.

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.