A single junction sorter for a microfluidic particle sorter, the single-junction sorter comprising: an input channel, configured to receive a fluid containing particles; an output sort channel and an output waste channel, each connected to the input channel for receiving the fluid therefrom; a bubble generator, operable to selectively displace the fluid around a particle to be sorted and thereby to create a transient flow of the fluid in the input channel; and a vortex element, configured to cause a vortex in the transient flow in order to direct the particle to be sorted into the output sort channel.

The present disclosure relates to a specimen collection device comprising ventilation means for drying a collected specimen. The device further comprises a cassette into which the specimen collected is secured to maintain evidentiary chain of custody requirements while providing unobstructed access to a collected specimen for automated analysis. Methods of using the device are also provided.

An integrated sample analysis system is disclosed. The sample analysis system contains (1) a sample preparation/analysis module having sample purification device comprising a monolith that binds specifically to nucleic acids and a sample analysis device comprising a microarray enclosed in a reaction chamber having a hydrophilic interior surface; (2) a temperature control module comprising a thermocycler having a thermally conductive temperature-control bladder; and (3) an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the microarray in the reaction chamber.

One example includes a device that may include a heating element and a molecular binding site. The heating element may heat a fluid volume, interfaced with the heating element, in response to a voltage being applied to the heating element, the heat transforming the fluid volume from a liquid state into a vaporized state to generate fluid motion within the fluid volume. The molecular binding site may be disposed proximate to the heating element, in which a portion of the fluid volume expands when the fluid volume transforms from the liquid state into the vaporized state, the vaporized state of the fluid volume generating the fluid motion within a target fluid that is disposed within the molecular binding site.

Microfluidic devices are provided for continuous sampling of biological fluid for extended periods of time, e.g. for periods of time up to and including 10 days. The microfluidic devices can be made from porous hydrophilic substrate, e.g. hydrophilic paper substrates. The devices can include a collection pad, an evaporative pump, and a channel connecting the collection pad and the evaporative pump. Hydrogels at the collection pad can promote collection of sweat or other biological fluids from a subject, which in some aspects is assisted by the use of one or more microneedles on the substrate. An evaporative pump can provide for long periods of sampling by providing continual pumping, e.g. through the use of an evaporation pad where sampled fluid can evaporate.

A method for the regulated humidification and temperature control of a gas mixture in an inner chamber of an incubator, which inner chamber is sealed off from the surroundings by a housing, includes conducting heat from at least one condensation surface inside the incubator, which at least one condensation surface is separate from the inner surfaces of the inner chamber, is conducted out of the incubator to the outside through a wall delimiting the inner chamber by a heat conductor. Outside the incubator, the heat conductor is connected to a cooling body which releases the heat to the relatively cold ambient air. The method allows dispensing with a cooling unit and at the same time avoid sources of contamination due to moisture condensing out.

A method for concentrating at least one analyte including the following steps: preparing a first phase including at least one analyte; depositing a drop of the first phase on a substrate; depositing on the drop of first phase a drop of a second liquid phase including at least one surfactant, the second phase being non-miscible with the first phase; evaporating the drop of the second phase; and evaporating the drop of the first phase. Also relates to a method for detecting at least one analyte using the concentration method; and a system using the detection method.

An integrated sample analysis system is disclosed. The sample analysis system contains (1) a sample preparation/analysis module having sample purification device comprising a monolith that binds specifically to nucleic acids and a sample analysis device comprising a microarray enclosed in a reaction chamber having a hydrophilic interior surface; (2) a temperature control module comprising a thermocycler having a thermally conductive temperature-control bladder; and (3) an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the microarray in the reaction chamber.

A blood sampling device is provided having holder with a manipulating end and an absorbent probe on the opposing end. The probe is of hydrophilic polymer sized to directly absorb a predetermined volume of up to about 30 microliters of blood. Ribs on the holder position the probe within a compartment of a container to prevent contact with the container. The ribs also position the probe within extraction wells.

A blood sample collection and/or storage device includes a two-piece housing that encompasses a port at which a fingertip blood sample is collected at a sample port. After the sample is taken, the two-piece housing is moved to a closed position deposit the sample onto a storage membrane Embodiments of the device include a one or more capillaries with movable plungers that dispense fluid from the sample port onto the membrane as the housing is closed. A desiccant, which may be held in place by a backbone structure within the housing, is positioned adjacent the membrane. The housing may also be opened to access the stored sample for further processing.