A device and a method of using the device for determining hematocrit in a whole blood sample. The device includes a first portion having an introducer, at least one fluid channel, a fluid actuator, and an analysis sensor and conductivity sensor disposed within the fluid channel. The second portion includes at least one well containing at least one material. The first portion and second portion are movable with respect to each other. The introducer is configured to transfer at least a portion of the material from the well in portion two into the fluid channel of portion one. The method includes measuring the resistance over substantially the entire portion of a whole blood sample and calculating an average hematocrit level of the whole blood sample based on the measured resistance.

An automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting apparatus and method is disclosed. Namely, a liquid handling apparatus includes a pump supplying a nozzle (i.e., a pipette tip) via a conduit, one or more pressure sensors, and an electronic controller, and wherein the pipette tip is submerged in a liquid. Further, a method of automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting includes the steps of actuating the pump to move a designated volume of liquid and then allowing the system to settle to a steady state after completion of pump actuation.

The present disclosure is directed to opposables including a body having a plurality of cavities disposed therein. Each cavity can be designed to contain one or more reagents, liquids, or fluids which may be applied to a specimen-bearing surface. In some embodiments, the cavities include one or more reagent chambers, the reagent chambers can have one or more seals such that the reagents, liquids, or fluids contained therein may be stored and released to the specimen-bearing surface.

Methods for screening a plurality of sample fluids for molecules which can bind to predefined ligands, comprising, selecting one of a plurality of flow cell groups by fluidly connecting the selected flow cell group to a sample delivery unit; injecting a sample fluid to be screened from the sample delivery unit into the flow cells in the selected flow cell group; for each flow cell in the selected flow cell group, recording a signal using a sensor which represents the binding and/or the dissociation of molecules of the sample fluid to/from ligands on the test surface of that flow cell; carrying out a damage assessment step using said recorded signals; if it is determined that the test surface of a flow cell in the selected flow cell group is damaged, then fluidly connecting the other flow cell group to the sample delivery unit. There is further provided assemblies which can be used to implement the afore-mentioned methods.

A dispenser for viscous products, including: a container for a product, a sealing cap designed to be screwed onto the container, a pipette, and a piston capable of causing a suction of the product into the pipette, the dispenser being arranged such that, when the cap is screwed onto the container, the unscrewing of the cap in the direction of opening of the dispenser causes, by itself, a movement of the piston producing the suction.

An apparatus and method for simple, low power, automated processing of biological samples through multiple preparation and assay steps. The apparatus and methods described facilitate the point-of-care implementation of diagnostic assays. The apparatus includes mechanical actuating elements using linear and/or rotational motion.

An exhaust line assembly for a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids has an outrigger-type mount, an exhaust line which is disposed and guided in the mount and which terminates in a tip, and a mounting lug which has a closure cap attached to the end thereof and which is fastened to the exhaust line assembly, the tip of the exhaust line being closable by way of the closure cap. The mounting lug at that end thereof which is fastened to the exhaust line assembly is articulated so as to be pivotable by a rotary joint which has a physically present axis of rotation.

A dispensing system has a sterilizable chamber. At least one robotic arm assembly and a dispensing device are within the sterilizable chamber. The dispensing device comprising a first dispensing element and a second dispensing element. The first dispensing element is connectable to the second dispensing element The at least one robotic assembly is configured to move the dispensing device. An external control device is connected to the at least one robotic arm assembly and is configured to control the at least one robotic arm assembly. The first dispensing element is configured to dispense a structural material and the second dispensing element is configured to dispense a biological material.

An automated method for performing a leakage test of a fluidic system of an in-vitro diagnostic device as well as an automated in-vitro diagnostic device comprising a controller configured to perform the leakage test. The method comprises activating a pump to provide a fluid from a fluid supply into an electrically conductive probe. The probe is positioned so that a tip of the probe is at a predetermined distance from a reference surface of a reference element. In case of leakage, an electrical signal or change in an electrical signal or a change of the electric or magnetic field between the probe and the reference element is detected in a predetermined measuring time period and at least one maintenance action is triggered.

The present invention provides methods and devices for simple, low power, automated processing of biological samples through multiple sample preparation and assay steps. The methods and devices described facilitate the point-of-care implementation of complex diagnostic assays in equipment-free, non-laboratory settings.