An integrated sample analysis system is disclosed. The sample analysis system contains (1) a sample preparation/analysis module having sample purification device comprising a monolith that binds specifically to nucleic acids and a sample analysis device comprising a microarray enclosed in a reaction chamber having a hydrophilic interior surface; (2) a temperature control module comprising a thermocycler having a thermally conductive temperature-control bladder; and (3) an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the microarray in the reaction chamber.

A micro-fluidic chip, a method for separating cells to be cultured, and a method for manufacturing the micro-fluidic chip are disclosed. The micro-fluidic chip includes a body, a culture chamber, a first channel and a second channel, the culture chamber, the first channel and the second channel are located in the body. The first channel and the second channel are intersected to form an intersection; the first channel is configured to transport a suspension liquid containing cells to be cultured; and an end of the second channel is communicated with the culture chamber and configured to inject a culture fluid into the culture chamber so as to bring a cell to be cultured disposed at the intersection into the culture chamber.

Fluid containment pressure vessel that eliminates the outer support housing present in certain conventional vessels, and provides an improved cap-to-body interface. In certain embodiments, the cap is threaded and configured to threadingly engage with the body of the pressure vessel, and has sufficient structural integrity to withstand the pressures in the device without the need for a support housing. In certain embodiments, an interlock mechanism is provided that prevents the cap from being opened (e.g., removed from the body) while the device is under pressure. In certain embodiments, a pressure relief valve is provided with a pre-loaded biasing mechanism to achieve the required pressure release rate. The vessel can be used for sample preparation, including purification or concentration of samples, particularly protein samples.

A microfluidic cartridge for detecting one nucleic acid of a sample, including a plurality of functional volumes split into functional areas and a fluidic network of microchannels. At least three functional areas are fluidly connected to a central distribution hub of fluids by one or more hub-connected microchannels, the central distribution hub being capable of pumping and injecting fluids from a first functional area to a second functional area by passing through the central distribution hub; and at least three valves of hub-connected microchannels are arranged so that the at least three valves are adapted to be actuated mechanically by a single external cam-driven actuator. A docking station using such a microfluidic cartridge and a process for analyzing a biological sample involving a docking station and a microfluidic cartridge are also described.

A liquid path system (12), comprising a flow path selection valve (10), a pump assembly (14), and a fluid network (60). The fluid network (60) comprises a reservoir (64), a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a reaction device (62). The first flow channel and the second flow channel are each independently in flow communication with the reservoir (64) and the reaction device (62). The pump assembly (14) is in communication with the flow path selection valve (10). The pump assembly (14) is in communication with the fluid network (60). The flow path selection valve (10) is configured to rotate between a first valve position and a second valve position. In the case that the flow path selection valve (10) is at the first valve position, the pump assembly (14) induces the liquid in the reservoir (64) to flow to the reaction device (62) through the first flow channel, and in the case that the flow path selection valve (10) is at the second valve position, the pump assembly (14) induces the liquid in the reservoir (64) to flow to the reaction device (62) through the second flow channel.

A method of collecting a sample for determination of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water includes providing a reagent dispenser operable to dispense a microbial inhibitor. A sample bottle having a predetermined inner volume is provided to a preparation site. The dispenser is calibrated to dispense a calibrated weight of the microbial inhibitor, such that a ratio of the calibrated weight to inner volume substantially equals a predetermined concentration of microbial inhibitor per liter of water determined to acidify water to a pH of 4 or less. The sample bottle is transported to a field site. The field site is remote from the preparation site. A sample of water is collected in the sample bottle at the field site that substantially fills the inner volume of the sample bottle. The dispenser is operated to substantially dispense the calibrated weight of microbial inhibitor into the sample of water.

A micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) valve is provided. The MEMS valve includes first and second bodies, a medium and a thermal element. The first body defines a first channel and a second channel intersecting the first channel. The second body defines a third channel and is movable within the first channel between first and second positions. When the second body is at the first positions, the second and third channels align and permit flow through the second and third channels. When the second body is at the second positions, the second and third channels misalign and inhibit flow through the second channel. The medium is charged into the first channel at opposite sides of the second body. The thermal element is proximate to the first channel and is operable to cause the medium to drive movements of the second body to the first or the second positions.

Some embodiments are directed to a bodily fluid sample collection device for the collection of naturally expressed bodily fluids and include a cap engageable with a tube to close a mouth of the tube. The cap includes a chamber for containing a reagent. The tube defines at least partly a sample collection space for receiving the naturally expressed bodily fluid. The cap comprises first and second cap portions relatively movable with respect to each other. The first and second cap portions are configured such that, responsive to engagement of the cap on the tube, one of the cap portions is caused to move integrally relative to the other cap portion to open the chamber and permit fluid communication between the chamber and the sample collection space. The reagent in the chamber is thereby permitted to mix with the bodily fluid in the sample collection space. A method of organizing and processing samples is also described.

A method and an apparatus for thermal processing of nucleic acid in a thermal profile. The method employs at least a first bath and a second bath, the method further employing a reactor holder for holding reactor(s) accommodating reaction material containing the nucleic acid. The method includes maintaining bath mediums in the baths at two different temperatures; and alternately allowing the reactor(s) to be in the two baths in a plurality of thermal cycles to alternately attain a predetermined high target temperature T.sub.HT, and a predetermined low target temperature T.sub.LT, wherein the bath medium in at least one of the baths is a high thermal conductivity powder.

A microfluidic cartridge, configured to facilitate processing and detection of nucleic acids, comprising: a top layer comprising a set of cartridge-aligning indentations, a set of sample port-reagent port pairs, a shared fluid port, a vent region, a heating region, and a set of Detection chambers; an intermediate substrate, coupled to the top layer comprising a waste chamber; an elastomeric layer, partially situated on the intermediate substrate; and a set of fluidic pathways, each formed by at least a portion of the top layer and a portion of the elastomeric layer, wherein each fluidic pathway is fluidically coupled to a sample port-reagent port pair, the shared fluid port, and a Detection chamber, comprises a turnabout portion passing through the heating region, and is configured to be occluded upon deformation of the elastomeric layer, to transfer a waste fluid to the waste chamber, and to pass through the vent region.