A sample transfer device, an analytical system for analyzing a sample, a method for sample transfer and a method for manufacturing the sample transfer device are disclosed. The sample transfer device includes at least one first block and at least one second block, wherein the first block has at least one first port and at least one second port, wherein the second block has at least one third port and at least one fourth port. The sample transfer device also has at least one slider. The slider is located between the first block and the second block and is configured to slide from a first position to a second position and vice versa. Both in the first position and in the second position a first straight channel is formed between the first port and the third port and a second straight channel is formed between the second port and the fourth port.

Devices, containers, and methods are provided for performing biological analysis in a closed environment. Illustrative biological analyses include high density nucleic acid amplification and detection and immune-PCR.

Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Methods and devices for detecting metabolic activity of target cells in a sample. The target cells are concentrated in a nanoliter well having a microfilter. A reporter compound that exhibits a change in electrochemical state in response to metabolic activity of the target cells is introduced. Metabolic activity or viability of the target cells is detected based on a determined change in the electrochemical state of contents in the well.

The present invention relates to a system for sorting particles by characteristics that can be optically detected. The system comprises a microfluidic device that is capable of sorting the particles, and an instrument driving the fluids through the microfluidic device and invoking the sorting events in response to the optical signals emitted by the particles. The present invention also relates to a method for enrichment or isolation of a nucleotide fragment comprising a known nucleotide sequence element and to a kit comprising a plurality of microfluidic devices and a plurality of fluids configured for use with the microfluidic device for sorting of emulsion droplets.

A microfluidic system includes a flexible substrate having a skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface; a microfluidic network at least partially embedded in or supported by the flexible substrate; a sensor fluidically connected to the microfluidic network, wherein the microfluidic network is configured to transport a biofluid from a skin surface to the sensor; and a capping layer, having a capping layer skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface, wherein the back-facing surface of the capping layer is attached to the skin-facing surface of the substrate. The flexible substrate is at least partially formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a polymer configured to provide a high barrier to vapor or liquid water transmission.

A method of extracting microparticles by detecting target microparticles for extraction in a main flow path which communicates with a pressure chamber, generating for each of the detected target microparticles a change in a negative pressure in the pressure chamber communicating with the main flow path to separate and extract each of the detected target microparticles flowing in the main flow path into the pressure chamber, wherein generating the change of the negative pressure to extract the detected target microparticles comprises generating a negative change in pressure by a different amount in accordance with a separation between the detected target microparticles.

An example system includes an input channel having a first end and a second end to receive particles through the first end, a separation chamber, at least two output channels, and an integrated pump to facilitate flow through the separation chamber. The separation chamber is in fluid communication with the second end of the input channel. The separation chamber has a passive separation structure, the passive separation structure including an array of columns spaced apart to facilitate separation of particles in a flow based on a size of the particles. Each output channel is in fluid communication with the separation chamber to receive separated particles. The integrated pump is positioned within at least one of the input channel or one of the at least two output channels.

The present disclosure relates to a consumable sample partition device and it assembly and use. The sample partition device can be used to test a sample for absence of microorganisms (sterility) and/or for concentration of said organisms (bio-burden). The sample partition device partitions the sample input volume into multiple discrete measurement zones with little or no loss of sample (e.g., zero-loss) and with little operator involvement, thereby reducing operator- and environment-based false positives.

The present disclosure relates to approaches for assessing a sample or the presence of microorganisms. The sample, in certain implementations may be assessed for one or both of absence of microorganisms (sterility) and/or for concentration of said organisms (bio-burden). sample partition device may be employed that partitions the sample input volume into multiple discrete measurement zones with little or no loss of sample (e.g., zero-loss) and with little operator involvement, thereby reducing operator- and environment-based false positives.