High-throughput digital microfluidic (DMF) systems and methods (including devices, systems, cartridges, DMF apparatuses, etc.), are described herein. The systems, apparatuses and methods integrate liquid handling with the DMF apparatuses, providing flexible and efficient sample reactions and sample preparation. These systems, apparatuses and methods may be used with a variety of cartridge configurations and sizes.

A method and apparatus for controlling and visually, audibly, and tactilely communicating the administration of discrete unit doses of material dispensed from a dropper through use of a modified plunger having a geometric profile corresponding to a unit dose. This profile engages with the dropper interior in a manner that creates audio, visual, and tactile cues as each unit dose is administered. The profile may take the form of peaks and valleys or teeth. Alternatively, the plunger profile may be threaded and may include a channel along the plunger's longitudinal axis.

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.

A fluidic device (10) is described. The fluidic device (10) comprises the first part (110) and the second part (120). The first part (110) comprises a first inlet (111) and a first outlet (112), mutually spaced apart. The second part (120) comprises a first chamber (121) arranged to contain a predetermined first amount A1 of a first fluid F1 therein and a first wall portion (122) arranged to contain, at least in part, the first fluid F1 in the first chamber (121). The fluidic device (10) is arrangeable in a first configuration, wherein the first part (110) is fluidically isolated from the first chamber (121). The fluidic device (10) is arrangeable in a second configuration, wherein the first inlet (111) and the first outlet (112) are fluidically coupled via the first chamber (121), whereby increasing a first pressure P1 in the first chamber (121) via the first inlet (111) urges at least a part of the predetermined first amount A1 of the first fluid F1 through the first outlet (112).

The system includes a pipette tip with a proximal end that has a rim. The rim defines a proximal opening adapted to receive a pipetter, and the rim includes a rim conical edge. The system also has a support card with a top surface, a pipette tip receiver opening within the top surface, the opening adapted to receive the pipette tip and having a receiver opening conical edge. The rim conical edge and the receiver opening conical edge are constructed such that when the pipette tip is disposed of in the pipette tip receiver opening, the rim conical edge abuts the receiver opening conical edge, and the top surface is flush with or nearly flush with the rim.

A method for transferring at least one filling needle of a number of filling needles into an isolator which has a transfer lock, the method having the following steps: providing a first needle carrier within the transfer lock, said needle carrier carrying the number of filling needles; providing a second needle carrier in a first position within the isolator; robot-assisted transferring of the at least one filling needle of the number of filling needles from the first needle carrier to the second needle carrier; and robot-assisted placing of the at least one filling needle of the number of filling needles in the second needle carrier, wherein the at least one filling needle of the number of filling needles is held directly during the robot-assisted placing. A transfer system, in which such a method can be conducted, is also disclosed.

A device for imaging sensitive biological samples is provided. The device can include a plastic frame and a glass coverslip, each can be comprised of a biologically compatible material. The device can then be configured such that a biological sample placed therein can only be in contact with biologically compatible materials and, when imaged, provide optimal imaging characteristics by allowing imaging through the glass coverslip.

An analytical toilet is disclosed with a bowl adapted to receive excreta, a conduit for transporting a liquid excreta sample from the bowl, and a liquid reagent source. The analytical toilet also includes a microfluidic chip that has a sensor configured to detect at least one property of the excreta sample. The microfluidic chip also has an excreta sample path in fluid communication with the conduit and the sensor and a reagent path in fluid communication with the liquid reagent source and the sensor. The length of and number of channels in the sample path and the reagent path are selected so as to control the respective fluid resistance of the excreta sample and the reagent to thereby optimize the mixing and flow rates of the excreta sample and reagent into the sensor. There is also disclosed analytical toilet with a microfluidic chip having reagent path that includes a first and a second channel. The second channel is longer than the first channel. A valve, which is controllable so as to cause the reagent to flow through either the first channel, the second channel or both channels. As such, the fluid resistance of the reagent is controlled, to thereby optimize the flow rate of the reagent into the sensor.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a vial cap is configured for sealing attachment to a tube set and to a vial having a hollow interior configured for receiving and storing a liquid sample. The vial cap may comprise an axially extending cylindrical wall and a radially extending cap top disposed within the cylindrical wall, wherein the cap top has an upper surface and a lower surface. The vial cap may include at least two exterior tubes extending upwardly from the upper surface of the cap top, wherein each exterior tube defines a passageway configured to communicate with the tube set. The vial cap may further include at least two interior tubular structures extending downwardly from the lower surface of the cap top, wherein the at least two interior tubular structures each define a passageway configured to communicate with one of the exterior tubes and the hollow interior.

A heat sealing product suitable for seating one or more individual containers, said heat sealing product comprising: (i) a plurality of individual heat seals set out in a configuration substantially corresponding to the shape and configuration of the container(s) to be sealed, the size and shape of the individual heat seals corresponding substantially to the size and shape of the tops of the individual container(s) to be sealed; (ii) a peelable support film layer coated on one side with a low tack adhesive, the low tack adhesive serving to hold the individual heat seals in place on the support film layer in the desired configuration prior to the sealing process; (iii) alignment points in the sealing product adapted to enable the heat sealing product and therefore the individual heat seals of the heat sealing product to be aligned substantially exactly with respect to the individual containers to be sealed.