A separation container for extracting a portion of a sample for use or testing and method for preparing samples for downstream use or testing are provided. The separation container may include a body defining an internal chamber. The body may define an opening, and the body may be configured to receive the sample within the internal chamber. The separation container may further include a seal disposed across the opening, such that the seal may be configured to seal the opening of the body, and a plunger movably disposed at least partially inside the internal chamber. The plunger may be configured to be actuated to open the seal and express the portion of the sample.

A sliding seal [4] is operated within a bore [1] by means of magnetic attraction to an externally positioned and operated ring magnet [10] thus enabling a burette to be filled through the jet [3] like a syringe and remove the need for a control tap.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for detecting ocular analytes in vitreous humor or aqueous humor. Specifically exemplified are systems having a sample acquisition device that is inline with an analyte detection device. The system embodiments allow for the easy procurement and testing of samples. In a typical embodiment, the analyte detection device includes a sample staging chamber and a test chamber that comprises reagents that specifically interact with the analyte. The test chamber may include a sample pad, a conjugate pad having at least one conjugate reagent specific to the analyte loaded thereon, an assay platform having a substrate with at least one test region having a test reagent immobilized thereon, the test reagent being specific to the analyte; and an optional absorbent pad.

A diagnostic cartridge and method of performing a diagnostic test are provided. The cartridge includes a body having a sample chamber for receipt of a sample, an analysis chamber, and a reagent-containing dispensing member. A valve member is coupled to the body for selective movement between first and second states. The valve member has a fluid passage with a hydroscopic, gas permeable vent. In the first state, the fluid passage is out of fluid communication with the sample chamber and is registered for fluid communication with the reagent-containing dispensing member. The vent prevents fluid from passing therethrough and allows air to vent therefrom as reagent flows into and fills the fluid passage. In the second state, the fluid passage remains in fluid communication with the reagent-containing dispensing member and is brought into fluid communication with the sample chamber to facilitate transporting the sample to the analysis chamber.

Exemplary spatial genomics systems may include a flow cell and a fluid manifold. The flow cell may define an open interior, a fluid inlet to a first end of the open interior, and a fluid outlet to a second end of the open interior opposite the first end. The fluid manifold may include a body defining a plurality of fluid inlet lumens, a fluid outlet lumen, and a fluid waste lumen. Each of the plurality of fluid inlet lumens may be fluidly coupled with the fluid outlet lumen. The fluid outlet lumen may be fluidly coupled with the flow cell. The fluid manifold may include a plurality of fluid switches. Each of the plurality of fluid switches may be fluidly coupled with a respective one of the plurality of fluid inlet lumens. The fluid waste lumen may be fluidly coupled with the fluid outlet of the flow cell.

A particle manipulation system uses a spiral focusing channel to focus particles into a distribution near the centerline of the flow. The spiral focusing channel may have first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a uniform cross section and curves in an arc of at least about 180 degrees, and the second portion has undulating sidewalls resulting in a varying cross section. The first portion may focus the particles substantially in a plane, and the second portion may focus the particles in a dimension orthogonal to the plane.

A biological fluids concentration device, including a tube-in-tube assembly, is disclosed. The tube-in-tube assembly receives biologic fluids and may then be placed in the bucket of a centrifuge and spun to separate out the components of the biological fluid by their various densities. For example, whole blood may be centrifuged in the tube-in-tube assembly for separating into plasma, red blood cell component, and a buffy coat. A piston slideably and sealingly engages an inner tube of the tube-in-tube assembly, the inner tube fitting within an outer tube. A lid is designed to engage the top of the outer tube, which lid has an opening therein for receipt of a plunger. The plunger is adapted to move up and down with respect to the lid and the tubes, so as to sealingly, in a down position, and unsealingly, in an open position, engage the top of the inner tube of the tube-in-tube assembly.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of magnetically controlled valve and pump systems that can be used to control and facilitate fluid flow in fluidic devices. Various types of magnetically controlled valves and pumps are described as well as methods of magnetically-controlling such valves and pumps.

Devices and methods for biological sample preparation are provided herein. Components of such devices include a plurality of plungers that can be actuated for metering and/or mixing one or more agents. Methods of manufacturing such devices using 3D printing are also provided.

A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has a sample inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. In order to improve the sorter speed, accuracy or yield, the particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the sample inlet channel. This focusing element may include cavities of variable cross section along the channel length. In addition, a filtering element may also be included upstream of the focusing element.