The present invention relates to a fluorescent polymer cast on the surface of wells of a plate and a plate comprising the fluorescent polymer. The plate is used in a method for calibrating read-out values of plate readers. The method for calibrating the plate readers can effectively reduce the deviation of read-out values among different plate readers.

A method of operating a pump can include advancing a stepper motor one or more additional steps in a first direction after detecting a first change in a limit sensor state corresponding to a piston reaching an end of its travel in a first direction. After advancing the stepper motor the additional step or steps in the first direction, the stepper motor can be reversed and advanced in a second direction until a second change in the limit sensor state is detected. The stepper motor can then be advanced in the second direction a predetermined number of steps associated with a full travel of the piston.

A holding apparatus includes a top holder having a coupler and a top casing capable of adjusting the distance and tilt therebetween using three points adjustment. When a microfluidic device along with a cover are disposed on a bottom holder of the holding apparatus and the top holder is pivoted with respect to the bottom holder to a closed position, the contact surface of soft plugs on the coupler and the cover can be made parallel by a certain distance with a first surface of the microfluidic device, and the distance between the coupler and the top casing determines the pressure exerted through elastic components onto the microfluidic device, so that external pipes can be seamlessly attached to the microfluidic device and also ensuring no deformation due to external forces should happen on microfluidic device.

The invention relates to a method for transferring a first sample liquid from a first primary vessel into a first target vessel and a second sample liquid from a second primary vessel into a second target vessel with the aid of at least one automated pipetting apparatus comprising a system liquid in an automated analysis machine comprising a control machine.

A test cartridge for evaluating biological fluids can have a sensor flow cell defining a flow path for selectively passing a test fluid or biological fluid across a sensor to evaluate the sensor or the biological fluid. The test cartridge can include a sample port and at least one deformable reservoir, both formed as part of the test cartridge and fluidly connected to the flow path upstream of the sensor. A biological fluid can be manually fed into the flow path through the sample port for evaluation by the sensor. Before the biological fluid is fed through the sample port, the deformable reservoir can be manually ruptured to pass the test fluid contained within the reservoir across the sensor to first evaluate the sensor. In an example, the deformable reservoir can include a first reservoir containing a liquid quality control (LQC) fluid and a second reservoir containing a calibration fluid.

An improved calibration process for a medical testing machine. The machine automatically recognizes that a package of calibration material has been inserted into it, and performs a calibration sequence to ascertain a calibration parameter to be used in performing future tests with the medical testing machine. The calibration package may include machine-readable indicators that the package is to be used for calibration, and of a calibration setpoint of a calibration material in the package. A calibration material may be stored in a lyophilized state in the package, and the medical testing machine may automatically reconstitute the lyophilized material.

Non-limiting embodiments of a modified devices that comprise at least one dye for determining whether results obtained from the conductance of at least one diagnostic assay are biased, as well as kits and methods of use related thereto.

A thermo-gravimetric analysis system includes a chamber having an interior; and a sample crucible connected to and inside of the chamber, the sample crucible configured to hold a sample material. The system further includes a reference crucible connected to and inside of the chamber; and a metal organic framework (MOF) crucible connected to and inside of the chamber, separate from the sample crucible, the MOF crucible including an MOF material.

A system and process may be used to test water samples to measure ATP and/or estimate a microbial population, for example using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) based assay. The system includes a device that is use in combination with single-use or disposable cartridges. The cartridge receives the water sample and is pre-loaded with one or more reagents. The device receives the cartridge and contains physical, electronic and/or mechatronic devices that interact with cartridge. One or more actions such as metering, mixing and conveying are performed automatically by elements of the device and/or cartridge. A sensor in the device measures light produced in the cartridge from a reaction with ATP in the water sample. Optionally, the cartridge also contains a pre-loaded amount of ATP, which is used to provide an internal reference or calibration measurement.

An automated analysis instrument operates to detect inadequate dispensation of a fluidic substance on a tray. The instrument includes an image capturing device to capture an image of at least a portion of the tray including a receptacle portion and a surrounding portion around the receptacle portion. The instrument then identifies the surrounding portion of the at least the portion of the tray in the image, evaluates color components of the image corresponding to the surrounding portion of the at least the portion of the tray, and determines whether the fluidic substance is present on the surrounding portion of the at least the portion of the tray based on at least one of the color components.