A system for transporting a sample in a clinical analysis system includes a sample container holding the sample, a ferromagnetic base connected to a bottom portion of the sample container, and a puck. The puck is used for transporting the sample container in the clinical analysis system. The puck comprises an embedded magnet for securing the sample container to the puck using the ferromagnetic base.

A thermal cycling device includes a thermally-conductive carrier, a temperature adjustment device, a storage tank, and a liquid delivery device. The temperature adjustment device is thermally coupled with the thermally-conductive carrier. The storage tank is disposed corresponding to and abuts against the temperature adjustment device, or the temperature adjustment device is at least partially disposed in the storage tank. The liquid delivery device communicates with the storage tank. A temperature control method for the thermal cycling device can control whether liquid contacts the temperature adjustment device through the liquid delivery device in coordination with whether the temperature adjustment device heats the thermally-conductive carrier, so as to produce rapid heating and heat dissipation effects.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preserving and extracting nucleic acids from saliva. The compositions include a chelating agent, a denaturing agent, buffers to maintain the pH of the composition within ranges desirable for DNA and/or RNA. The compositions may also include a reducing agent and/or antimicrobial agent. The invention extends to methods of using the compositions of the invention to preserve and isolate nucleic acids from saliva as well as to containers for the compositions of the invention.

A fluid specimen collection receptacle includes a cup containing a chamber and an open end and a lid for connection with the cup open end and closing the cup chamber. A closure and a specimen collection needle are connected with the lid and a reservoir is arranged beneath the lid and connected with the closure for rotation relative to the lid between open and closed positions. The closure affords access to the needle when the closure is in the open position and prevents access to the needle when the closure is in the closed position. The reservoir includes a chamber closed by a portion of the lid when the closure is in the open position. When the closure is rotated to the closed position, the reservoir is opened for communication with the cup chamber to release an absorbent material from the reservoir chamber into the cup chamber to solidify any residual fluid specimen within the cup chamber.

To provide an automated analyzer capable of shortening analysis time. The automated analyzer includes a vessel which contains a mixed solution of a specimen and a reagent; and a control unit which controls a first operation performed on the vessel, a second operation performed on the vessel after the first operation, and a third operation performed on a predetermined mechanism of the automated analyzer before the second operation, in which the control unit performs the first operation and the third operation in parallel. Alternatively, the automated analyzer includes a control unit which controls a first operation performed on the vessel, a second operation performed on the vessel after the first operation, and a third operation performed on a predetermined mechanism of the automated analyzer after the first operation, in which the control unit performs the second operation and the third operation in parallel.

The concepts herein relate to a device for collecting, transferring and storing samples of biological and/or chemical material. The device includes a support body extending along a main longitudinal direction between a first and a second end opposite each other and a collecting portion engaged with one of said ends of the support body and suitable for collecting an amount of a sample of biological and/or chemical material. The support body is defined by at least a first sub-body and a second sub-body extending longitudinally and configured to be selectively engaged and separated with and from each other. The support body is configured to operate between an assembled condition, wherein the first and the second sub-body are engaged with each other, and a separated condition, wherein the first and the second sub-body are separated and bear, respectively, a first and a second sub-collecting portion of the collecting portion.

A medical analyzer and coagulation profiler performs various interrogations on specimens. A motor with reduction gearing moves and a video camera observes the samples, the cartridges or parts thereof. Changes in images are compared and recorded with a central processor that controls a display. Power supply, temperature controller, motor and gearing are mounted in a box which attaches to a smartphone. The smartphone provides the video camera, illumination and central processor that control the movement, temperature and display. The device makes testing simpler for small hospitals, clinics, ambulances, remote locations and individuals and controls a number of parallel or serial devices operating simultaneously or sequentially. A cartridge insertion actuates a circular motion to generate a blood profile based on changes. Change is analyzed with a video camera and processor such as in a smartphone and is plotted to show an amplitude and time. A smartphone provides a specific movement pattern.

The 2D barcode at the base of a sample tube is protected from frosting by an air pocket within a wall of high thermal conductivity material that surrounds the barcode. The wall is of thermal conductivity greater than 14W/m K and preferably greater than 200W/m K. The wall may be formed as a skirt extending from the base of the sample tube or as a part of a supporting rack. The wall, cooled by the sample tube and the frozen sample within the tube, collects frost that would otherwise collect on the 2D barcode and deflects the flow of moist air that would otherwise flow against the barcode.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and a fluorescence detection device for reaction analysis. The nucleic acid amplification apparatus of the present invention uses a plurality of blocks having different reaction temperatures by independent temperature control and the movement between the blocks is performed along sliding recesses formed in the blocks, enabling to greatly shorten the total amplification time (TAT). In the fluorescence detection device of the present invention, the positions of the light source and the photodetector are very unique for the reaction vessel in which an excitation light is provided and an emission light is generated.

A diagnostic sample tube, comprising a tube body having a tube cavity to receive a test sample; and a tube body lid; the tube body and the tube body lid are formed as a single piece; a mechanical fastening mechanism formed with the single piece, the mechanical fastening mechanism comprising an engagement protrusion and an engagement protrusion receiver; wherein, when the mechanical fastening mechanism is fastened, the mechanical fastening mechanism holds the tube body and the tube body lid in a closed position relative to one another with the cavity closed; and wherein, when the mechanical fastening mechanism is fastened, the engagement protrusion receiver surrounds a longitudinal length of the engagement protrusion.