We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Apparatuses and methods for dried blood spot (DBS) sample collection are disclosed. A dried blood spot sampling device is configured to deliver blood through a passage to an absorbent disk in the device and control an amount of blood saturating the absorbent disk. The sampling device may include a manually actuatable component adjustable between a first position, in which an outlet of the passage is not in physical contact with the absorbent disk, and a second position, in which the outlet of the passage is in physical contact with the absorbent disk.

Package assemblies for storing diagnostic cartridges or storing wet/dry reagents are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tray member defining a first volume and a second volume, and a cover member coupled to the tray member covering the first volume and the second volume. The tray member includes a central portion that separates the first volume from the second volume. The first volume is configured to receive a desiccant package and a sample container containing a first reagent. The first reagent has a solid form. The second volume is configured to receive a reagent module containing a second reagent. The second reagent has a liquid form. The cover member and the central portion of the tray member are configured to isolate the first volume from the second volume.

Disclosed herein are methods and kits for performing microbiome analysis in the field of microbiology. More specifically, disclosed herein are methods and kits for remote sample collection and sample preservation so that analysis may be performed on the sample in a laboratory.

Provided herein are sample collection devices that include a first body structure portion that comprises a drying agent compartment configured to receive a drying agent and a second body structure portion operably connected, or connectable, to the first body structure portion. The second body structure portion includes a sample collection support compartment comprising one or more segments that communicate with the drying agent compartment at least when the first and second body structure portions are operably connected to one another in a closed position. The sample collection support compartment is configured to receive a sample collection support. Related kits, systems, computer readable media, and methods are also provided.

A reagent cartridge includes a cartridge body configured to store a solid reagent, the cartridge body having a reagent well accessible through an access port. A seal plate is proximate the access port, the seal plate extends away from the access port to a seal plate edge remote from the access port. The reagent cartridge includes an isolation envelope surrounding the reagent well. The isolation envelope includes a seal membrane covering the access port, at least one isolation wall, and at least one isolation cavity interposed between the isolation wall and the well sidewall. One or more reagent cartridges are received in a cartridge magazine. The cartridge magazine includes at least one complementary profile seat configured to receive the one or more reagent cartridges having a corresponding cartridge profile.

A reagent preparation assembly includes a body and a reaction chamber adjacent the body, the reaction chamber includes a reagent therein, such as a lyophilized reagent. An access port extends into the reaction chamber, and the access port is configured to receive an instrument. A seal extends across a portion of the reaction chamber and the access port. A reconstitution assembly is movably coupled with the body. The reconstitution assembly includes a plunger, a syringe and a piston. The plunger is movably coupled with the body. The syringe is selectively engaged with the plunger. The syringe includes a solution reservoir containing a solution, and movement of the syringe pierces the seal. The piston is selectively engaged with the plunger, and the piston is movably coupled within the syringe. Movement of the piston pushes the solution into the reaction chamber.

Apparatuses and methods for dried blood spot (DBS) sample collection are disclosed. A dried blood spot sampling device is configured to deliver blood through a passage to an absorbent disk in the device and control an amount of blood saturating the absorbent disk. The sampling device may include a manually actuatable component adjustable between a first position, in which an outlet of the passage is not in physical contact with the absorbent disk, and a second position, in which the outlet of the passage is in physical contact with the absorbent disk.

Blood samples are maintained in a modified atmosphere sealed environment, where moisture is reduced using a desiccant and oxygen is removed using a deoxygenation compound, thus resulting in the preservation of numerous blood analytes, for delayed (e.g., 14 days from collection) blood testing, such as for enzymatic activity, concentration of protein and measurement of other blood components in human and veterinary blood test applications.

A reagent preparation assembly includes a body and a reaction chamber adjacent the body, the reaction chamber includes a reagent therein, such as a lyophilized reagent. An access port extends into the reaction chamber, and the access port is configured to receive an instrument. A seal extends across a portion of the reaction chamber and the access port. A reconstitution assembly is movably coupled with the body. The reconstitution assembly includes a plunger, a syringe and a piston. The plunger is movably coupled with the body. The syringe is selectively engaged with the plunger. The syringe includes a solution reservoir containing a solution, and movement of the syringe pierces the seal. The piston is selectively engaged with the plunger, and the piston is movably coupled within the syringe. Movement of the piston pushes the solution into the reaction chamber.