An insert for a centrifuge tube suitable for use in density gradient separation is described. The insert includes a member sized to fit within the tube for dividing the tube into a top portion and a bottom portion. Optionally the insert has a support extending or depending from the member for positioning the member within the tube. At least two openings are located on the member so that a first opening is closer to a bottom end of the tube relative to a second opening when the insert is positioned in the centrifuge tube. Also described are methods for separating a target population of cells from a sample using the insert for a centrifuge tube.

A system for processing samples by a robotic platform has a tray that defines a well defining a drain. The well has a bottom surface, an access port in fluid communication with the drain, and an insert adapted to be received in the well. The insert has a bottom wall and a side wall. At least one of the bottom wall and the side wall define a plurality of openings, such that an interior of the insert is in fluid communication with the well when the insert is inserted into the well.

A specimen collection container assembly including a collection tube, an interior reservoir formed within the collection tube, a gel separation substance provided within the interior reservoir, and a rigid barrier member provided within the interior reservoir. Upon collection of a specimen within the interior reservoir and centrifugation of the collection tube, the specimen is divided into two primary component parts, and the gel separation substance and the rigid barrier member migrate or are otherwise moved to a transition location between the two primary component parts so as to form a physical barrier between a first component part of the specimen and a second component part of the specimen.

The present invention provides a filter member. The filter member comprises: a filter for discriminating cells to be analyzed in a sample from other components; a first filter holding member which comprises a first through hole and has a plate-like shape; and a second filter holding member which comprises a second through hole and is fitted into the first filter holding member. When the first and second filter holding members are integrated by fitting the second filter holding member into the first filter holding member, the filter is sandwiched between the first filter holding member and the second filter holding member, and the first through hole is opposed to the second through hole through the filter. A first elastic body is formed on a surface of the first filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter. A second elastic body is formed on a surface of the second filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter.

A medical apparatus and method of preparing one or more cell blocks. The medical apparatus comprises at least one elongate tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end and a filter membrane disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the elongate tubular body. The filter membrane, which can include alignment features and structural features to engage the tubular body, and/or cover, is sectionable. Additionally, in some embodiments a second elongate tubular body is provided which telescopingly receives at least a portion of the first elongate tubular body. In other embodiments, a support member is provided for engaging the filter membrane and positioning the filter membrane at a midpoint of the elongate tubular body during centrifuging.

A screening device for testing saliva for the presence of certain constituents. The device has a D-shaped profile when viewed from above and includes a first wall with planar front face through which all of the test strips are viewed and a curved rear second wall. The device also includes a floor surface with an uppermost portion extending from the rear wall to a lowermost portion at the first wall such that saliva squeezed from a sampler at a location between the upper most portion and the lowermost portion flows downwardly to the test strips.

A method and an automated liquid handling system for the isolation of particles from a biological sample are provided. A column, a container and a filtration unit which are adapted to be used in such a method and system are provided. The column can include a section comprising a plurality of microbeads retained there.

The present invention describes a whole blood assay chip that enables separation of the cellular compartment from surrounding plasma, facilitating multiplexed measurement of otherwise difficult to detect soluble factors produced upon cellular stimulation. The invention is a microfluidic chip with an incubation chamber comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a fluidic barrier. Using this platform, the cellular compartment can be stimulated with various substances and levels of immunologic biomarkers could be measured. Through a proprietary immunologic algorithm described herein, this would allow for the diagnosis of an allergic response to foods, antibiotics, and/or other drugs. Additional applications of the invention besides allergy testing could include pregnancy testing, blood type, and medical applications requiring whole blood cellular stimulation readouts.

A microfluidic device for analyzing permeability of substances through a membrane. Flow channels pass respective fluid flows with the substances through the housing between respective connectors. An access cavity extends from outside into the housing through the first flow channel and into the second flow channel for accessing an inside of the housing. The membrane can be placed over a cavity opening forming a fluid interconnection between overlapping areas of the flow channels A clamping ring in the first flow channel holds the sample membrane in place over the cavity opening while the membrane is exposed to the respective fluid flows through the flow channels on either sides of the membrane.

A sample-to-answer microfluidic system and method including a microfluidic instrument with a detection system for detecting target assay products, data display, vertically oriented receiving member for receiving a microfluidic cartridge and an actuator assembly including a vertically oriented actuator. The system also includes a microfluidic cartridge with reagent pouches including a flow through reagent pouch, reagent wells in fluidic connection with one another. Methods of using the sample-to-answer microfluidic system are also provided.