The present disclosure relates to an automated assay system adapted to receive consumables in the conduct of an assay. The assay system includes at least one of a loading cart, a door support system, a waste storage unit, and a robotic subsystem. The loading cart is configured to organize and transport consumables necessary for the performance of the assay system. The door support system is configured to maintain stability of doors of the automated assay system. The waste storage unit is configured to provide convenient disposal of consumables associated with the automated assay system. The robotic subsystem is configured to transport consumables within the automated assay system.

A reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction based analyzing system includes a sampling tube. The sampling tube includes a tube portion, a cap coupled to the tube portion via a ratchet locking mechanism. The system comprises a microfluidic processing unit coupled to the sampling tube. An intake system receives pre-registered, sealed microfluidic labs into the system, and disinfects them before processing begins. The microfluidic processing unit comprises a piezo electric type ribonucleic acid extraction and concentration unit coupled to the sampling tube, an eluent storage unit, an eluate dosing chamber, an analysis settling chamber with a bubble removal area, an assay rehydration unit, an assay analysis unit and a no-target control analysis unit.

A sample container cap (or cap) is configured to be used with a sample container for collecting fluids. The cap has a body and a shutter connected to the body. The cap has a (1) first, open position in which at least one body opening and at least one shutter opening are not aligned and the cap is configured so that fluid cannot readily pass therethrough, (2) second, open position in which the at least one body opening and the at least one shutter opening are aligned and the cap is configured so that fluid can pass therethrough, and (3) third, closed and locked position, in which the at least one shutter opening and the at least one body opening are not aligned and fluid cannot readily pass through the cap, and the cap is configured to not be moved to an open position.

Provided herein is technology relating to testing fluid specimens and particularly, but not exclusively, to apparatuses, devices, methods, systems, and kits for testing a fluid specimen, e.g. urine, saliva, or other body fluids, to detect specified chemical components in the specimen.

The present disclosure provides for an insert for transmitting electromagnetic waves, the insert including: a substantially circular disc comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface; and a lip extending from the disc and surrounding a perimeter of the disc; wherein the insert comprises a material that can be penetrated by a syringe. Also disclosed herein is a cap assembly including the insert as disclosed herein, a liner, and the cap, wherein the cap is coupled to the first surface of the insert and the liner is coupled to the second surface of the insert. Further provided herein is a cap and vial assembly, including the cap assembly as disclosed herein and a vial, wherein the cap assembly is configured to be secured to the vial. The present disclosure also provides for methods of using thereof, including a method of tracking a sample, and a method of analyzing a sample using an analytical instrument.