There is provided an automated system for preparing tissue samples that comprises one or more microtomes, a hydration system, and a processor, the processor being programmed to initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a first tissue block comprising a first tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the first tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a first predetermined time, and initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a second tissue block while the first tissue block is being hydrated, the second tissue block comprising a second tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the second tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a second predetermined time, and to initiate the one or more microtomes to begin sectioning of the first tissue block while the second tissue block is being hydrated.

Disclosed here are kits comprising pre-packed stabilizing solutions for stabilizing combinations of biomarkers demonstrating sufficient accuracy and specificity for identifying kidney injuries. Such kits can be better adapted for sample collection at a subject's dwelling, thus easing the burdensome requirement of continuous monitoring for kidney injury.

The dispensing unit includes a disc, a cartridge, and a dispensing holder. The disc has a disc shape and includes a track region provided with recesses and projections alternately arranged in a radial direction. The cartridge includes a penetration hole, and a well is formed by the penetration hole and the track region in a state in which the cartridge is attached to the disc. The dispensing holder includes a holding part to be inserted into the penetration hole, and a guide hole penetrating the holding part. The guide hole has a truncated cone shape in which a first opening diameter on the holding part side is smaller than a second opening diameter on a side opposite to the holding part, and a center line of the guide hole is located on a line passing through the center of the disc and the center of the well.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preserving and extracting nucleic acids from saliva. The compositions include a chelating agent, a denaturing agent, buffers to maintain the pH of the composition within ranges desirable for DNA and/or RNA. The compositions may also include a reducing agent and/or antimicrobial agent. The invention extends to methods of using the compositions of the invention to preserve and isolate nucleic acids from saliva as well as to containers for the compositions of the invention.

Devices that may couple two or more apparatuses, such as an organ-on-a-chip device and a microfluidic device. Devices that include an organ-on-a-chip device, a microfluidic device, and a cap that couples the organ-on-a-chip device and the microfluidic device. Systems that include the devices and a detection unit. Methods for quantitation of insulin.

The invention(s) cover systems and methods for target detection in a multiplexed and rapid manner. Embodiments of the system can include: a base substrate; and an array of sample processing regions defined at a broad surface of the base substrate, wherein each of the array of sample processing regions includes: a set of microwell subarrays arranged in a gradient by volumetric capacity between an upstream end and a downstream end of each respective sample processing region, and a boundary separating each respective sample processing region from adjacent sample processing regions. The system can support methods, with example implementation by an automated platform, for returning preliminary results from a subset of microwells of the samples processing regions, as well as results pertaining to specific and non-specific amplification, for multiple targets of a sample.

A system for biological analysis includes a housing, a block assembly within the housing having a sample block and a baseplate, a heated cover and a cover carrier. The sample block receives a sample holder comprising an RFID tag. A first drive mechanism generates relative movement between the sample block and the baseplate along a first axis. A second drive mechanism generates relative movement between the heated cover and the cover carrier along a second axis that is different from the first axis. Based on a first command the first drive mechanism releasably engages the sample block and operates the second drive mechanism to releasably engage the heated cover with the cover carrier. The system also includes first and second RFID antennas that receive RFID data from the sample holder RFID tag that is read by at least one RFID reader.

Systems, apparatus, and methods for conducting amplification-based analyses, including PCR testing. In one illustrative embodiment, a system may include a testing container assembly and a testing unit. The testing container assembly may include a sample collection port, a sample preparation chamber, and a reaction chamber. The sample collection port may include a bottom opening sealed by a plug member. In use, the testing container assembly may be placed in a seat of the testing unit with a sample in the sample collection port, closed by a lid. A plunger may dislodge the plug member and the sample drawn into the sample preparation chamber. Once sample preparation is complete, a channel may be opened, and the prepared sample flows into the reaction chamber which is then sealed. Testing including amplification reactions, may then be performed, followed by detection, as by detecting fluorescent emissions in the reaction chamber.

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide a liquid handling device that enables a user to more easily and efficiently perform sample dilutions, without requiring the user to perform any calculations or be in a controlled environment (e.g. a laboratory or sterile/aseptic environment). Advantageously, this may enable a user to perform sample dilutions and subsequent sample processing outside of a laboratory, such as during field work, or in environments, regions or countries where access to sterile/aseptic environments may be difficult or nonexistent. The device may be used to dilute any liquid sample, such as biological samples, chemical samples, or environmental samples (e.g. liquid samples taken from a river or lake, or soil samples that are mixed with liquid).