Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfliuidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid. System and method for photometric measurements of multiple fluid samples employing such network of channels.

Systems and related temperature calibration methods. In accordance with a first implementation, an apparatus includes a flow cell interface, a temperature control device, an infrared sensor, and a controller. The flow cell interface includes a flow cell support and the temperature control device is for the flow cell support. The controller is to command the temperature control device to cause the flow cell support to achieve a temperature value, cause the infrared sensor to measure an actual temperature value of the flow cell support, and calibrate the temperature control device based on a difference between the commanded temperature value and the actual temperature value.

An ergonomic vial and tube rack is disclosed for retaining a plurality of vials or tubes containing fluid therein in inclined or vertical upright positions, features of which a mechanism for a variable incline angle; lid/cap receptacles positioned either on a shelf above the vial holders or inside the cover when in an open position; an ice or heat pack compartment or a sealed compartment underneath the vials and/or behind the vials for the limited temperature control; rack to rack pin-to-hole locators for stackability, ease of transportation, and storage; color-coding of vial racks for convenience and work-flow assistance; a transparent front panel or an opening in front of each vial receptacle for additional verification of reagent labels; a rack cover with rows of circular indentations, with or without a disposable lining, for use as shallow reaction dishes for qualitative or quantitative chemical assays, such as pH testing.

A method for multiplying DNA includes using a rotation device to rotate a sample carrier about an axis of rotation. The sample carrier has at least one cavity in which a sample liquid containing DNA is received. The cavity is heated to a high temperature value only on a heat input side lying in a rotation plane by using a heating device. As a result of the heating, a convection current is created in the sample liquid in the cavity, the convection current having substantial current components directed perpendicularly to the rotation plane. A circulation time of a liquid particle along a current path of the convection current is predetermined by the speed of the rotation. A rotation device for multiplying DNA and a system for multiplying DNA, are also provided.

An apparatus for preparing samples for chemical analysis includes a container receptacle for receiving a sample container having a crucible portion and an expansion portion. The container receptacle includes a heating compartment and a cooling compartment spaced apart from the heating compartment. The heating compartment is shaped to receive the crucible portion of the sample container, and the cooling compartment is shaped to receive the expansion portion of the sample container. The apparatus also includes a heating mechanism for heating the sample within the crucible portion of the sample container, a first cooling mechanism for cooling the expansion portion of the sample container, and a second cooling mechanism for cooling the crucible portion of the sample container.

In one embodiment, a diagnostic system includes an instrument coupled to a client device and having at least one sample processing bay. The diagnostic system has a software architecture including instrument software (ISW) associated with the instrument. The ISW receives an assay definition file (ADF) that has a control file and an assay analysis module (AAM) file. The processing bay prepares and senses the sample according to parameters in the OPUS file and then generates sensor scan data. The diagnostic system then analyzes the sensor scan data and prepares a report according to the AAM file.

A laboratory sample/specimen temperature control device, specifically a metal bead bath that has its metal bead temperature controlled by a continuous flow of air into the bed of beads that is heated or cooled by a Peltier device that the air flows over. This provides great thermal uniformity across the bed of beads and constantly monitors and regulates the heat or cooling input rather than utilizing an on/off modulation temperature input approach.

A microdevice for monitoring a target analyte is provided. The microdevice can include a field effect transistor comprising a substrate, a gate electrode, and a microfluidic channel including graphene. The microfluidic channel can be formed between drain electrodes and source electrodes on the substrate. The microdevice can also include at least one aptamer functionalized on a surface of the graphene. The at least one aptamer can be adapted for binding to the target analyte. Binding of the target analyte to the at least one aptamer can alter the conductance of the graphene.

Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfliuidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid. System and method for photometric measurements of multiple fluid samples employing such network of channels.

Reagent reservoirs and related systems and methods are disclosed. In accordance with a first implementation, an apparatus includes a system and a reagent reservoir. The system includes a reagent reservoir receptacle. The reagent reservoir is received within the reagent reservoir receptacle and has a body and a fluidic port. The body defines a storage chamber, a sipper chamber, and a fluidic sinus fluidly coupling the storage chamber and the sipper chamber. The fluidic port is fluidly coupled to the sipper chamber.