Assay cartridges are described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, thy reagent pill zones and the like. In certain embodiments, these cartridges are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick. Also described are kits including such cartridges and a cartridge reader configured to analyze an assay conducted using an assay cartridge.

Systems and methods for processing biological specimens are provided. The biological specimen processing system generally includes a flow cell carrier for holding a microfluidic flow cell and a fluidic handling unit attachable to the flow cell carrier. The fluidic handling unit interfaces with the microfluidic flow cell and can include fluidic pumps, fluidic connections, integrated electronics, and processing software to facilitate processing of a biological specimen contained in the microfluidic flow cell.

An apparatus for thermal cycling can transfer heat uniformly and efficiently. The apparatus can be used in a method that reduces condensation on sample wells. The apparatus can also be manufactured to provide uniform configurations. For example, a sample illustratively for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in each sample well and the components of the embodiment of the thermal cycler apparatus shown at including a well block, a base plate, a layer of adhesive, a peltier device, another layer of adhesive and a heat sink.

Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.

A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.

Independent automatic analysis apparatuses include controllers for controlling an operation of each unit of the apparatus, reagent-related information input/output units for inputting and outputting reagent-related information I related to a reagent installed in a reagent supply portion including a reagent in use, reagent vessel detection units for detecting that a reagent vessel is taken in and/or taken out of the automatic analysis apparatus, and reagent-related information reading units for reading reagent-related information from the reagent and/or reagent vessel in use detected to be taken in by the reagent vessel detection unit. The controllers compare the reagent-related information read by the reagent-related information reading unit with the reagent-related information input to the reagent-related information input/output units, and control an operation of the reagent supply portion based on a comparison result thereof.

An analysis system and a method for testing a biological sample, wherein an operating instrument is provided which preferably can be separated from an analysis device with respect to a data connection and/or wirelessly connected to the analysis device.

A system includes sample containers and a computing system. The sample containers include one or more data storage media configured to store sample information relating to the respective sample contained in each sample container. The sample information include data indicating a sample type, an intended use of the sample contained within the respective sample container, and a sample collection time. The computing system is configured to receive the sample information from the sample containers and determine, based on the sample information, an action for increasing a likelihood that one or more applicable samples of the plurality of samples will be viable for the intended uses of the applicable samples. The computing system is further configured to perform the action.

Systems and methods for using smart sample containers to manage complex sample evaluation workflows, are disclosed. An example method for using a smart sample container configured to manage a sample evaluation workflow according to the present invention comprises, obtaining a sample evaluation workflow for the one or more samples, receiving interactions with external devices, and based on the sample evaluation workflow, and causing the external devices to perform actions to advance the sample evaluation workflow. The smart sample container may further modify the sample evaluation workflow based on results of actions performed by the sample evaluation workflow and/or store information relating to the results of such actions. In this way, the smart sample containers are able to dynamically drive the evaluation of a sample through its sample evaluation workflow.

Systems, computer program products, and methods for using a flow cell array are provided herein. A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a device to cause the device to determine placement of multiple reaction site openings, wherein each reaction site opening is connected to a first sub-surface channel; connect the first sub-surface channel to two or more additional sub-surface channels by multiple vias; and provide a material for multiple reaction sites, wherein an overlap of the multiple reaction site openings and the material delineate the multiple reaction sites.