The present invention provides systems and methods for using acoustic radiation pressure to fractionate particles within a fluid.

The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing samples as well as various microfluidic, microcentrifuge and microfilter devices. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases using mitochondrial and/or platelet samples. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a microfluidic device that selectively captures and analyzes a desired amount of target biological particle.

An apparatus for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises a top wall and a cap removal station. The cap removal station comprises an opening, a raised collar for engaging and releasing interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle, and tabs on a side of the top wall opposite the raised collar for retaining the receptacle within the opening when the cap is separated from the receptacle. A method for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises moving the cap and receptacle in a first direction into a cap removal station, contacting interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle with a raised collar to thereby release the interlocking elements, retaining the receptacle within the cap removal station; and with the interlocking elements released and the receptacle retained within the cap removal station, moving the cap in a second direction opposite the first direction to separate the cap from the receptacle.

A specimen mixing and transfer device adapted to receive a sample is disclosed. The specimen mixing and transfer device includes a housing, a material including pores that is disposed within the housing, and a dry anticoagulant powder within the pores of the material. In one embodiment, the material is a sponge material. In other embodiments, the material is an open cell foam. In one embodiment, the material is treated with an anticoagulant to form a dry anticoagulant powder finely distributed throughout the pores of the material. A blood sample may be received within the specimen mixing and transfer device. The blood sample is exposed to and mixes with the anticoagulant powder while passing through the material.

The present invention relates to an immunochromatographic assay device, comprising: a cover plate; an immunochromatographic assay kit; and a sample loading pad. A wet zone is defined by the cover plate and at least part of a sample loading portion of the sample loading pad disposed close to an installation position of the immunochromatographic assay kit. The height of the wet zone satisfies the following condition: when flowing into the wet zone, a sample solution is driven by capillary action to flow from a surface of the sample loading portion toward the immunochromatographic assay kit. A wet zone having a certain length is arranged in front of a sample loading zone of an immunochromatographic assay kit, such that when a sample solution flows into the wet zone, capillary action drives the sample solution to flow into the wet zone, thereby increasing a flow speed of the sample solution in the wet zone, allowing substantially simultaneous sample loading on immunochromatographic assay kits at different installation positions, and accordingly enhancing the consistency and uniformity of sample loading.

Methods and devices are provided for sample collection. In one example, a device is provided comprising at least one capillary tube or collection channel directed to a sample vessel, wherein in a one-step removal step of detaching the sample vessel from the collection channel, a vacuum force is created within the sample vessel, due in part of the pulling of the sealed vessel away from the device, wherein this vacuum force draw out residual sample that may still be resident in the collection channel.

Methods and devices are provided for sample collection. In one example, a device is provided comprising at least one capillary tube or collection channel directed to a sample vessel, wherein in a one-step removal step of detaching the sample vessel from the collection channel, a vacuum force is created within the sample vessel, due in part of the pulling of the sealed vessel away from the device, wherein this vacuum force draw out residual sample that may still be resident in the collection channel.

Disclosed are a cell analyzer and a method for classifying white blood cells based on an impedance method. The method includes: adding a sample to be analyzed to a white blood cell counting chamber; adding a hemolytic agent to the white blood cell counting chamber at least once; controlling the temperature of the liquid in the white blood cell counting pool to be within a predetermined range; and analyzing the liquid in the white blood cell counting chamber to classify white blood cells into at least four classifications and counting.

A nucleic acid detection kit includes a kit body, a detection chip, an electrophoresis box, and a connector. The detection chip includes a channel for carrying a microbead sample of the acid. The detection chip is connected to the electrophoresis box. The connector is electrically connected to the detection chip and the electrophoresis box. The microbead undergoes a PCR amplification reaction to obtain a mixed microbead in the channel. The mixed microbead undergoes an electrophoretic detection in the electrophoresis box. A nucleic acid detection device includes the nucleic acid detection kit is also disclosed. The nucleic acid detection device has a simple structure, which is portable, flexible, and convenient, and can be used at home.

This document provides methods, devices, and systems for detecting the presence, absence, or amount of two or more analytes present within a small volume (e.g., less than 10 μL) of a sample (e.g., a blood sample) obtained from a mammal (e.g., a human such as a human neonate). For example, methods and materials for using plasma separation and multiplex analyte detection to detect two or more analytes (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, intact cells, intact viruses, intact microorganisms, and/or chemicals) within a small volume of a blood sample are provided.