A method for automated identification of a state of a sample such as, for example, for identifying whether or not the sample was centrifuged is presented. A device for analyzing samples and a laboratory automation system are also presented in which the method is applied.

A method for exosome separation and extraction by stacked centrifugal filtration. It is used in molecular biology and clinical examination and comprises an exosome separation and extraction kit consisting of the stacked centrifugal filtration device, an incubation buffer and a protease K. The sample to be tested is incubated at room temperature using the incubation buffer and an appropriate amount of protease K, followed by centrifugation in a centrifuge matching the stacked centrifugal filtration device. After mixing thoroughly, the retained liquid in the ultrafiltration tube is collected to obtain the exosomes. The method needs no large experimental equipments except for a centrifuge, which has a low cost and which is convenient and fast, with short operation time and the possibility of carrying out parallel operations with a large number of samples. The high purity exosomes obtained by the method can meet the demand of large-scale clinical applications.

A method and system for buoyant separation of a target constituent of a sample, the method comprising: at a process chamber, combining a volume of substrates having a first density with the sample, thereby producing a population of target-bound complexes comprising the target constituent bound to at least a portion of the volume of substrates; within the process chamber, physically separating the population of target-bound complexes from the sample based upon interaction between the volume of substrates and an applied force; aggregating the population of target-bound complexes at a collection region of the process chamber; extracting the population of target-bound complexes from the process chamber; and processing the target constituent from the population of target-bound complexes for further analysis.

A biological false bottom transport tube system includes a top section of a specimen tube body, the top section comprising a top, a semi-spherical interior floor, and a bottom below the interior floor, the top section manufactured from a material transparent to both visible and infrared light, wherein the top section may hold a sample on the interior floor; and a bottom section of the specimen tube body, the bottom section comprises a top of a diameter less than a dimeter defined by a remainder of the bottom section, the top of the bottom section fits into the bottom of the top section below the interior floor such that the top of the bottom section is secured within the bottom of the top section, the bottom section manufactured from a material that is not transparent to either visible or infrared light.

A device for separating and recovering blood fractions includes two conical chambers communicating via their bases, the first chamber having a duct for supplying the fluid to be treated and means for recovering at least one component, the second chamber comprising an elastically deformable flexible membrane that transversely separates a space opening into the duct for communicating with the second chamber, and a bag having a volume that varies according to the deformation of the membrane.

A separation device for separating a filtrate from a sample fluid, especially for extracting plasma from whole blood, comprising a sample container for receiving the sample fluid and a filter plunger to be introduced under seal into the sample container, which filter plunger has a filter element at its front end and a grip element on the opposite end and will receive in its interior the filtrate obtained. After insertion of the filter plunger into the sample container an annular chamber is formed between the inner wall of the sample container and the outer wall of the filter plunger, which is sealed against the exterior by a sealing lip and in which an air cushion is formed upon introduction of the filter plunger into the sample container, which acts on the sample fluid. A flow connection is provided between the annular chamber and the front side of the filter element after insertion of the filter plunger is terminated.

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 biological fluid separation device that is adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid separation device is able to separate a plasma portion from a cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid separation device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid separation device of the present disclosure also provides a closed separation and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The biological fluid separation device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid separation device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Provided herein is technology relating to isolating nucleic acids. In particular, the technology relates to methods and kits for extracting nucleic acids from problematic samples such as stool.

The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.