A system for separating biological material includes a centrifuge tube, a separation tube having an open bottom, a cap, and a separation medium disposable within the centrifuge tube and the separation tube. The centrifuge tube and the separation tube sealingly and releasably couples to the cap, such that, when coupled, the separation tube is positioned within the centrifuge tube. The cap is configured to facilitate and/or regulate air- or gas-flow between an area outside of the cap and an interior of the separation tube. When the separation tube is positioned within the centrifuge tube, the open bottom of the separation tube is submersed in the separation medium. The system also includes a hollow needle coupled to a means for regulating a flow of air, gas, or other matter. The needle is insertable through the cap or plug, and is used to facilitate the introduction of matter into the separation tube.

A liquid handling system and method, e.g., for testing blood samples. The system comprises a cartridge, and a transfer device couplable to a liquid reservoir. The cartridge comprises compartments with an inlet, closed by a seal, and an outlet, closed by a gas-permeable liquid-tight filter. Keying portions define a relative position and orientation of the cartridge and the transfer device. Penetrating elements of the transfer device penetrate the seal of each compartment, the penetrating elements having lumina for fluidly connecting the reservoir and each compartment cavity of the cartridge.

An apparatus may include a first microfluidic valve coupled between a first reservoir and a fluid channel. The first microfluidic valve may include a fluid agitator to break a meniscus formed at an air-fluid interface and release fluid from the first reservoir into the fluid channel in response to an electrical signal. The apparatus may also include a second microfluidic valve coupled between a second reservoir and the fluid channel. Fluid from the first reservoir and fluid from the second reservoir mix in the fluid channel.

Devices and methods for analyzing a sample are disclosed. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample and conducting sample analysis. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a cartridge device and a reader instrument device. The reader instrument device receives, operates, and/or actuates the cartridge device to prepare a serial dilution of a sample and conduct sample analysis.

A sample management module for collecting a fluid sample is provided. The module comprising; a sample collection device comprising a sample collection location; a decoupling zone configured to receive sample from the collection device, an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with the decoupling zone to accommodate any sample that does not fit into the decoupling zone; wherein the overflow reservoir is configured to ensure pressure within the module can be managed. A cartridge comprising a sample management module is also provided.

Some embodiments of a blood coagulation testing system include an analyzer console device and a single-use cartridge component configured to releasably install into the console device. In some embodiments, the blood coagulation testing system can operate as an automated thromboelastometry system that is particularly useful, for example, at a point-of-care site.

Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfluidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid. System and method for photometric measurements of multiple fluid samples employing such network of channels.

Some embodiments of a blood coagulation testing system include an analyzer console device and a single-use cartridge component configured to releasably install into the console device. In some embodiments, the blood coagulation testing system can operate as an automated thromboelastometry system that is particularly useful, for example, at a point-of-care site.

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 cartridge for detecting a target analyte according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a sample containing part in which a sample is receivable; a sample drawing part in which the sample is drawn up into a pipette tip; and a sample flowing channel via which the sample containing part and the sample drawing part are in fluid communication with each other, wherein a sample flows into a pipette tip from the sample containing part via the sample flowing channel by a negative pressure delivered through the pipette tip entering the sample drawing part in a state where the pipette tip is in close contact with an outlet of the sample flowing channel.