A device to detect pathogens and/or analytes in a test sample is designed to include a core, which may have first and second chambers. The first chamber is designed to accept a combination of a test specimen and a buffer liquid. A piston is designed to slideably engage into the first chamber of the core, wherein the end of the piston may engage with the bottom of the first chamber and be capable of grinding the test specimen. A plunger is designed to slideably engage with the second chamber of the core, and is in fluid communication with the first chamber. An assay section is attached to the core, and is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The assay device is designed to include a test strip that is capable of detecting and indicating the presence of pathogens and/or analytes in the combination of the test sample and buffer liquid.

Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of utilizing force-modulated hybridization to determine the length of an analyte strand, to determine an unknown nucleic acid sequence, or to determine the binding of a nucleotide to an active agent. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to sample holder devices and methods of utilizing such devices. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to detection devices.

The invention relates to a system is provided that comprises a first container, a second container and a fluorescence detection device. The first container comprises a first set of chemicals and/or agents and is closed prior to use. The second container comprises a second set of chemicals and/or agents that are at least in part distinct from the chemicals and/or agents of the first set. The first container comprises a lid, that can be opened when the first container and the second container are combined to form a single, fluid tight assembly, in order to allow the contents of the first container to enter the second container.

A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a capture plate and a capture plate module configured to facilitate binding of nucleic acids within the set of biological samples to magnetic beads; a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols; and an assay strip configured to combine nucleic acid samples with molecular diagnostic reagents for analysis of nucleic acids.

A point-of-care diagnostic system that includes a cartridge and a reader. The cartridge can contain a patient sample, such as a blood sample. The cartridge is inserted into the reader and the patient sample is analyzed. The reader contains various analysis systems, such as a magneto-optical system that measures a light transmission differential through the patient sample in varying magnetic fields. The reader can process data from the various patient sample analysis to provide interpretative results indicative of a disease, infection and/or condition of the patient.

Apparatus is provided including a tube and a plunger sized and shaped to be inserted into the tube. A distal end of the plunger is shaped to define one or more first passageways therethrough, and the plunger is shaped to define one or more compartments in fluid communication with the first passageways. A filter is coupled to the distal end of the plunger. The plunger is shaped to define a second passageway that passes through the plunger from a proximal end of the plunger to the distal end of the plunger, and is positioned to facilitate testing of the filter. The apparatus is configured such that while the plunger is advanced within the tube while fluid is within the tube, the fluid in the tube is pushed through the filter, through the first passageways, and into the one or more compartments. Other embodiments are also described.

A microfluidic valve can include a substrate having a microfluidic channel formed in the substrate. A sealing layer can be over the microfluidic channel. A flexible blister layer can be over the sealing layer. The flexible blister layer can include a blister formed as a distended portion with a blister volume between the flexible blister layer and the sealing layer. The microfluidic valve can be actuatable by puncturing the sealing layer by pressing on the blister. Actuating the microfluidic valve can either allow fluid to flow through the microfluidic channel or block fluid from flowing through the microfluidic channel.

An analysis device employs an analysis kit including a chip provided with a capillary through which a sample flows and a cartridge superimposed on the chip and provided with a liquid reservoir. The analysis device includes a guide-in section into which the analysis kit is guided, a placement section on which the analysis kit placed so as to be supported, a pusher member that pushes the analysis kit from one side face of the analysis kit, contact members that oppose another side face on an opposite side in the horizontal direction to the one side face of the analysis kit placed on the placement section, and contact the other side face of the analysis kit being pushed in by the pusher member so as to position the analysis kit in the horizontal direction, and a measurement member that measures a component present in the sample in the analysis kit.

Provided herein are systems and methods for a point of care apparatus. The point of care apparatus includes a fluid container for receiving a biosample, an intermediate cap, and a cartridge having at least one microfluidic channel.

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.