The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.

A pipette controller for aspirating and dispensing multiple aliquots of a fluid from a reservoir of fluid. The pipette controller can include a pipette holder adapted to operatively connect a pipette to the pipette holder; a pump having a vacuum port and a pressure port, the pump pneumatically connected to the pipette holder; an aspirate valve that controls airflow between the vacuum port and the pipette holder; a dispense valve that controls airflow between the pressure port and the pipette holder; a piston chamber; an aliquot dispense pump including a piston having a shaft that extends into the piston chamber, the shaft defining a stroke length; and an aliquot check valve that connects the pipette holder and the aliquot dispense pump; wherein the aliquot valve opens to allow airflow into the pipette holder upon engagement of the aliquot dispense valve. The pipette controller can also include a piston pump pneumatically connected to the pipette holder configured to deliver a bolus of air to the pipette holder.

The disclosed embodiments related to an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and concentration of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. Sample may be obtained directly from a specimen container, such as a vacutainer, and processed directly without risk of user exposure. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

Methods and systems and related compositions for separating through a solid matrix a mixture comprising a nucleic acid together with a target compound having a water solubility equal to or greater than 0.01 mg per 100 mL, which can be used for managing fluid flow, biochemical reactions and purification of the nucleic acid or other target analytes.

A hand-held molecular diagnostic test device includes a housing, an amplification (or PCR) module, and a detection module. The amplification module is configured to receive an input sample, and defines a reaction volume. The amplification module includes a heater such that the amplification module can perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the input sample. The detection module is configured to receive an output from the amplification module and a reagent formulated to produce a signal that indicates a presence of a target amplicon within the input sample. The amplification module and the detection module are integrated within the housing.

The present invention relates to sample-to-answer systems, devices, cartridges, and method of using the same for detecting the presence of microorganisms in a sample, such as bacteria.

A point-of-care medical testing system integrated with a patient monitor is disclosed. The system may include a microfluidic cartridge configured to receive a blood sample and generate a sensory signal dependent on a concentration of a biomarker in the blood sample. A cartridge reading assembly receives the microfluidic cartridge. The cartridge reading assembly includes a processing unit and a memory coupled with the processing unit. The memory stores executable instructions to cause the processing unit to receive the sensory signal, correlate the received sensory signal with the concentration of the biomarker in the blood sample, and produce an output representative of the concentration of the biomarker in the blood sample. The cartridge reading assembly is coupled to the patient monitor and configured to send the output to the patient monitor.

A method for washing particles includes obtaining an array plate that includes an array of hydrophilic areas surrounded by one or more hydrophobic areas. A respective solution containing a sample is located on a respective hydrophilic area of the array of hydrophilic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes one or more indentations from a respective surrounding hydrophobic area of the one or more hydrophobic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes a first indented surface that is offset from a reference surface defined by the respective surrounding hydrophobic area. The method also includes placing an aspirator nozzle above the respective hydrophilic area at a predefined distance from the first indented surface, and aspirating the solution with the aspirator nozzle while the aspirator nozzle is located at the predefined distance from the first indented surface.

A flow channel device includes a first storage part that stores liquid, a first flow channel through which liquid in the first storage part passes, and a second flow channel through which liquid passes to the first storage part, in which a thickness of the first flow channel is smaller than a thickness of the second flow channel.

A metered volume microfluidic device can include fluid flow microfluidics. The fluid flow microfluidics can include an inflow channel, a metered volume chamber positioned to receive working fluid from the inflow channel, a metered volume outflow channel positioned to receive and direct a metered volume of the working fluid when discharged from the metered volume chamber, and a capillary check valve. The capillary check valve can allow excess working fluid to exit the metered volume chamber when filling the metered volume chamber via the inflow channel. The capillary check valve can also prevent excess working fluid that has passed there through from being reintroduced into the metered volume chamber when the working fluid is discharged into the metered volume outflow channel.