The invention relates to a discoid sample holder (1), on which a device (2) for carrying out at least one processing step is formed. According to the invention, a slot (3), into which a sampling instrument (4) can be introduced, and means (5) for releasing a sample from the sampling instrument (4) arranged in the receptacle (3), are formed in the sample holder.

Methods and devices for isolating microbial cells from a sample, extracting eukaryotic DNA from a sample, and identifying the microbial species in the sample are disclosed herein.

A method for preparing for preparing a solution comprising a plurality of particles in a vial is disclosed. The method includes agitating the vial at a first predetermined mixing speed. The method also includes dispersing, into the vial, during the agitating, a first volume of buffer solution at a first predetermined dispensing rate to suspend the plurality of particles in the solution, wherein particles of the plurality of particles comprise a unique identifying feature.

A test tube holding assembly or test tube rack includes at least two test tube holders, where each test tube holder in turn defines a central longitudinal axis, two storage zones, and includes a connecting member. The connecting members permit coupling of the two test tube holders and rotation of the two coupled test tube holders about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of at least one of the test tube holders. The test tube holders are also positionable in multiple orientations, where each orientation at least partially determines which of the two storage zones are available to receive a test tube therein.

In one aspect the invention relates to reactors and a reactor system that include multiple microstructures each having a first edge and a second edge and an entrance side (18) and including an entrance port (22) and one or more other ports through the entrance side with all of the ports through the entrance side (32a, 32b) arranged in a standard pattern and closer to the first edge than the second edge. Desirably, the entrance port (22) and an exit port (24) are concentric.

Automated analyzer (2000) comprising a housing (2010, 3010), a robotic arm comprising an end effector (2360), the end effector (2360) comprising a body (2320) rotatably connected to an articulating arm and first (2363a) and second fingers (2363b) coupled to the body (2362) and being moveable relative to each other in a first direction, each of the fingers (2363a, b) having an engagement feature (2361) projecting inwardly from each of the first and second fingers (2363a, b) and toward the other of the first and second fingers (2363a, b). The automated analyzer (2000) further comprises a shuttle platform (2030) for receiving a shuttle (2030) carrying sample containers (03), the containers carrying sample (03) to be evaluated by the analyzer (2000) and the shuttle platform (2030) comprising a jaw assembly that engages the bottom portion of the sample containers when the jaw assembly is in the closed position.

Liquid sample collection devices, systems, and methods. In one example, the system includes a liquid collection device, a cap for the liquid collection device, and a sealed reagent liquid container installed in the cap, in which depressing the cap relative to the liquid collection device unseals the reagent liquid container. In another example, the system includes a liquid collector and a collection chamber in which the collection chamber holds a reagent in a sealed condition and the liquid collector is actuable to disrupt a sealing membrane associated with the collection chamber. In another example, the system includes a liquid collector and a collection chamber in which the liquid collector holds a reagent in a sealed condition and in which the liquid collector is actuable to drain the reagent from the liquid collector into the collection chamber.

An analytic device comprising a device housing, a dock to receive a camera enabled mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone and other smart devices, and a processing device to communicate with the mobile electronic device and to control a condition of the assay tube, such as temperature. In another example, the analytic device comprises a device housing and a circuit board. A processing device, a heating block defining a recess to support assay tube, and a resistive heater are surface mounted to the circuit board. A light source and a fan are also provided. A dock may be provided to support a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device communicates with the processing device to cause the application of reaction conditions to the assay tube, to perform a PCR procedure, for example. Methods are also disclosed.

Modular active surface devices for micro fluidic systems and methods of making same is disclosed. In one example, the modular active surface device includes an active surface layer mounted atop an active surface substrate, a mask mounted atop the active surface layer wherein the mask defines the area, height, and volume of the reaction chamber, and a substrate mounted atop the mask wherein the substrate provides the facing surface to the active surface layer. In other examples, both facing surfaces of the reaction chamber include active surface layers. Further, the modular active surface device can include other layers, such as, but not limited to, adhesive layers, stiffening layers for facilitating handling, and peel-off sealing layers. Further, a large-scale manufacturing method is provided of mass-producing the modular active surface devices. Further, a method is provided of using a plasma bonding process to bond the active surface layer to the active surface substrate.

The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, an easy-to-operate, fully closed component, which can be part of an instrument, for purification of biomolecules from biological samples, and subsequent transfer, and testing of the biomolecules, as well as an instrument comprising the component, and a method for using the component.