A microscope slide staining system has a chamber, a plurality of slide support elements, a plurality of spreading devices positionable in association with microscope slides supported on the slide support elements so the spreading devices define a gap between the spreading device and the microscope slide and so the spreading device and the microscope slide are movable relative to one another to spread at least one reagent on the microscope slide independent of the other spreading devices and microscope slides.

The present invention relates to devices and methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of particles. In particular, the invention relates to devices for the detection of particles, comprising a reaction chamber formed within a chamber body between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is located opposite to the first surface, and one or more displacers, wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is variable via the one or more displacers at least in one or more parts of the surface area of the first surface and/or second surface. The invention also relates to corresponding methods for the detection of particles.

An apparatus and method are provided for imaging and analyzing images of tissue samples. The apparatus includes an imager, a lighting system, and a processor. The imager is configured to capture images within a selectable field of view. A tissue sample container is positionable within the field of view. The imager is configured to capture images of a plurality of tissue sample containers. The lighting system is configured to illuminate the field of view. The processor is configured to receive a first plurality of captured images of tissue sample containers. The processor is configured to analyze the first plurality of captured images and to determine whether there is tissue missing from any ones of the first plurality of captured images.

An assembly for performing in vitro biocompatibility tests, at least one sample is arranged on a surface of a base plate or the sample forms a surface or a surface region of the base plate. A holding element having at least one through-hole is placed onto the sample so that a first opening of the through-hole, which first opening is arranged facing the base plate, is arranged in the region of the sample. The through-hole, with the hollow space thereof, and the sample form a cavity. A cover element is placed onto and fastened on the holding element so that a compressive force acts on the holding element, which compressive force leads to at least partial deformation of the holding element and to a fluid-tight closure of the first opening of the through-hole, which first opening is arranged facing the base plate.

The disclosure describes apparatus and methods for multiplexed amplification and detection of nucleic acid targets in a sample. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a mechanical system configured to provide loading, vertical positioning and clamping of a chip; a thermal control system configured to maintain distinct temperatures of the chip, and an optical fluorescence imaging system.

An apparatus (10) for characterizing particles, comprising: a microscope objective with an optical axis and a depth of field; a holder cell (22) configured to position the particles in a generally planar volume below the microscope objective, the planar volume being substantially normal to the optical axis and having a depth that is less than or equal to the depth of field, wherein a portion of the cell holder (22) for positioning in the optical axis of the microscope objective is substantially free of significant spectral features in a Raman spectral range; an x-y stage (20) to move the microscope objective relative to the holder cell (22) in x and y directions to align particles with the optical axis of the microscope objective while the particles are held by the holder cell (22), a detector (18) for acquiring an image of a particle through the microscope objective, a laser operable to illuminate a particle held by the holder cell (22), a Raman spectrometer (16) arranged to obtain a spectrum including the Raman spectral range from the illuminated particle, and characterizing logic operative to characterize the particle based on image processing operations performed on the acquired image and based on the Raman spectrum. The holder cell (22) comprises a first plate (34) and a second plate (36) that are separated by a predetermined distance defining the planar volume depth.

Disclosed is a slide assembly for a cytospin. The slide assembly includes: a slide having a hole formed in a predetermined position and including a mesh filter installed on a lower surface of the slide in alignment with the hole, the mesh filter having a plurality of filtering holes; and a filter card disposed below the slide so as to make contact with the lower surface of the slide. The slide assembly has an effect of preventing a loss of cells to be inspected and an effect of enabling accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of inspection targets.

A device for performing a cell study. The device comprises a plate having a plurality of wells, each configured for containing aqueous solution and having a well bottom with a plurality of picowells and a plurality of biosensors each configured for measuring at least one cell characteristic while being in contact with the aqueous solution in a respective the well. The position of each the biosensor in a respective the well is limited by at least one pin.

A slide tray assembly for an slide input module or an slide output module of an automated treatment apparatus for treating tissue samples disposed on slides, the slide tray assembly comprising: a slide tray; and a slide tray cover adjacent to the slide tray forming one or more voids between the slide tray and the slide tray cover for receiving slides therein, wherein the slide tray cover comprises an indent at one end of the slide tray cover so that a slide handling robot of the automated treatment apparatus and an operator of the automated treatment apparatus can access the slides in the voids via the indent.

A slide output module for an automated treatment apparatus for treating tissue samples disposed on slides, the slide output module comprising: a slide output tray assembly comprising a slide output tray adjacent to a slide output cover forming one or more voids between the slide output tray and the slide output tray cover for receiving slides therein, wherein the slide output tray cover comprises a first side with a fluid inlet in communication one of the voids, and a second side configured to form a hydration chamber with a slide in said one of the voids to maintain hydration of the slide with fluid received from the fluid inlet for a designated time following treatment of the slide by the automated staining apparatus.