A system and method for conditioning a tissue are provided. The system includes a substrate, a plurality of microwells formed in the substrate, and a microsphere associated with each of the plurality of microwells. The system also includes a pair of flexible pillars within each of the plurality of microwells. Each flexible pillar includes a first end bonded to a respective microwell and at least one flexible pillar has a second end bonded to the microsphere. The flexible pillars are configured to deflect when exposed to a magnetic field to controllably stretch microtissue spanning the flexible pillars.

A sample cell apparatus for use in spectroscopic determination of an analyte in a body fluid sample includes a first plate member and a second plate member made from an optically clear material. A channel extending into a surface of the first plate member and an opposing surface of the second plate member houses a floating seal, which surrounds a fluid sample chamber. The fluid chamber is closed to define a repeatable optical path-length therethrough by urging the first plate member against the second plate member without compressing the floating seal between the first plate member and the second plate member. The seal channel is vented to prevent fluid pressure from flexing the first plate member or the second plate member. An actuator having an extended foot portion extends over the fluid chamber to help prevent flexing of the first plate member or the second plate member.

The present invention relates to a flow-through device comprising at least one separation column wherein a first packing component, which comprises particles of alumina and/or silica, and a second packing component, which comprises a powder of one or more hygroscopic salts are provided. The two packing components may be blended or layered in the device, which may comprise a single tube or a plurality of tubes arranged in a plate format, such as the wells of a multiwall plate or tubes in a rack. In addition, the invention relates to a method for removing one or more matrix components, such as pigments, from a biological sample, by passing said sample across a first packing component, which comprises particles of alumina and/or silica, and a second packing component, which comprises a powder of one or more hygroscopic salts.

This invention relates generally to the field of nucleic acid detection. In particular, the invention provides a lab-on-chip system for analyzing a nucleic acid, which system comprises, inter alia, controllably closed space, and a target nucleic acid can be prepared and/or amplified, and hybridized to a nucleic acid probe, and the hybridization signal can be acquired if desirable, in the controllably closed space without any material exchange between the controllably closed space and the outside environment. Methods for analyzing a nucleic acid using the lab-on-chip system is also provided.

This invention relates generally to the field of analyte assays. In particular, the invention provides a device for analyzing an analyte, which device comprises, inter alia, various means for moving analytes and other items to facilitate binding between analytes and their binding reagents immobilized on a surface and to facilitate clearance of undesirable items away from analyte-binding reagent interaction area to reduce background noise in the assay. Methods for analyzing an analyte using the devices are also disclosed.

An analytical device for automated determining of a measured variable of a liquid sample, includes: a base module; a replaceable cassette connectable with the base module and having at least one liquid container connectable via a fluid line with a measuring cell and containing a reagent to be added to the liquid sample for forming a measured liquid; and a measuring transducer for registering measured values correlated with the measured variable for the measured liquid accommodated in the measuring cell. The cassette has, associated with the at least one liquid container, a fluid coupling apparatus having a primary component and a secondary component and serving for producing a connection of the fluid line with the liquid container.

A sample analysis cup assembly, system and method for purging including a cell body, including a top end; a bottom end; a cell body wall extending axially from the top end to the bottom end; a transverse wall adjacent the top end, including a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; and a raised portion on the transverse wall including a central aperture extending therethrough; a rotatable cap, including a top surface; a bottom surface; and a series of apertures extending from the top surface through the bottom surface, the rotatable cap being structured to engage with the top end of the cell body; and a ring member structured to couple with the bottom end of the cell body are provided.

The present invention is directed to a cap for a biochip storage well. The cap comprises a resilient sealant layer capable, under the application of pressure, of forming a vapour-proof seal with a line contact interface formation extending around the perimeter of a biochip storage well.

An assay assembly comprising the cap of the invention and a biochip storage is disclosed. Methods of sealing a biochip storage well using a cap of the invention are also disclosed.

A method and apparatus for minimizing diagnostic errors due to transposition of biological specimens among subjects provides for independent biometric confirmation that a given specimen is from a given donor. In certain embodiments, a biological specimen confirmation kit comprises a portable and openable case housing components of the kit, at least one biological specimen container adapted to receive a biological testing specimen from a donor, and at least one reference sample device adapted to receive a biological reference specimen from the same donor, such that the testing and reference specimens can later be compared for donor match verification by a reference verification entity.

A liquid holding apparatus for insertion of a test device into a test liquid, the liquid holding apparatus having a) a liquid holding device for holding test liquid; and b) test liquid in the liquid holding device. The liquid holding device has a front wall and a rear wall. The upper section of the liquid holding device has an access section where the front wall can be detached from the rear wall to allow access for a test strip test device. At least a portion of the front wall is substantially transparent or translucent. The front wall is attached to the rear wall at the access section by a first lamination and the front wall is attached to the rear wail below the access section by a second lamination. The peel strength of the second lamination is greater than the peel strength of the first lamination.