A container for storing a histological sample comprises a container housing having an open top end and a bottom end defining a container interior. The container interior is configured to hold a fluid and receive the sample. A removable lid encloses the open top end. A container insert engages the container housing so as to substantially inhibit leaking of the fluid from the container. The insert includes an aperture configured to permit a sample holder containing the sample passage therethrough so as to enable depositing of the sample within the fluid in the container.

Fluidic cartridge including a liquid container having a reservoir configured to hold a liquid. The liquid container includes an interior surface. The fluidic cartridge also includes a transfer tube that extends from the interior surface to a distal end. The distal end includes a fluidic port that is in flow communication with the reservoir through the transfer tube. The transfer tube has a piercing segment that includes the distal end. The fluidic cartridge also includes a movable seal that is engaged to the piercing segment of the transfer tube and configured to slide along the piercing segment from a closed position to a displaced position during a mating operation. The movable seal blocks flow of the liquid through the fluidic port when in the closed position. The piercing segment extends through the movable seal when in the displaced position.

The present invention is directed to a cap for a biochip storage well. The cap comprises a resilient sealant layer capable, under the application of pressure, of forming a vapour-proof seal with a line contact interface formation extending around the perimeter of a biochip storage well.

An assay assembly comprising the cap of the invention and a biochip storage is disclosed. Methods of sealing a biochip storage well using a cap of the invention are also disclosed.

A measurement cell (3) for measuring at least one constituent of a liquid sample, in particular blood, includes a reception space (9) for receiving the sample includes a measurement system (8) having at least one sensor electrode (10) exposed within the reception space; a first heat supply equipment (12) extending over a first area (91); a second heat supply equipment (14) extending over a second area (93), the first and second heat supply equipment being arranged to heat the sample within the reception space (9), wherein the second area (93) is larger than the first area (91).

Apparatus is provided for testing a biological fluid for presence of a biological particulate. The apparatus includes a tube, a plunger sized and shaped to be inserted into and advanced within the tube, and a filter. The apparatus is configured such that as the plunger is advanced within the tube while the biological fluid is within the tube, the biological fluid in the tube is pushed through the filter, thereby trapping, by the filter, the biological particulate present in the biological fluid. The apparatus is shaped so as to define at least one enclosed cavity containing a biological particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution configured to test for the presence of the biological particulate trapped by the filter. The enclosed cavity is configured to open while the plunger is inside the tube, so as to release the biological particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution within the tube. Other embodiments are also described.

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.

Systems and methods are provided for analyzing a test sample is provided. A system includes an outer container having first and second ends and a base affixed to the first end. The system includes a motorized mixer affixed to the base. The system includes an inner container having first and second ends. The inner container is sized to be received within the outer container. The first end of the inner container has a membrane layer that is pierceable by the mixer when the inner container is received by the outer container to bring the mixer into contact with a test sample in the inner container. The system further includes a test sensor configured for contact with the test sample, and one or more processors for receiving signals from the test sensor following actuation of the mixer to cause mixing of the sample and analyzing the sample based on the signals.

A closure is described for a container containing a reagent. The closure includes a cover. The cover includes at least two through bore holes. The closure further includes a strip which includes a base and at least two septa. The base is of a stiff material and the septa is of a flexible material. The septa are attached to one surface of the base. Each septum includes a pre-slit bottom and a barrel forming the sides of the septum. The outer diameter of each septum barrel is larger than the inner diameter of the through bore hole such that a pressure is exerted on the septum when the septum is press fitted into the through bore hole.

Viral filters include a filter member featuring a first surface and a second surface and having a thickness extending between the first and second surfaces in a first direction, and a plurality of channels formed in the filter member, each of the channels having a channel axis, where during use, a solution carrying a viral load flows in a direction parallel to the first surface, and at least a portion of the viral load enters the membrane through the first surface and propagates in the first direction, and where for at least 50% of the channels in the filter member, the channel axis is oriented at an angle of between 5 degrees and 85 degrees relative to the first direction.

Disclosed are cartridges and modules that may be utilized in diagnostic systems and methods. The cartridge includes a flexible seal that caps the cartridge. The flexible seal has an opening for a pipette tip, and the flexible seal is configured to create a sealed environment when a pipette tip is positioned in the opening of the flexible seal and when the pipette tip is moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.