A sample-to-answer microfluidic system and method including vertical microfluidic device and automated actuation mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, automated mechanical and/or magnetic actuation, is disclosed. In some embodiments, the sample-to-answer microfluidic system includes a vertically oriented microfluidic device and a rotating actuator in relation to the microfluidic device, and wherein the microfluidic device and the rotating actuator are operating in the XZ plane. Additionally, methods of using the sample-to-answer microfluidic system are provided.

A portable system for extracting, optionally amplifying, and detecting nucleic acids or proteins using a compact integrated chip in combination with a mobile device system for analyzing detected signals, and comparing and distributing the results via a wireless network. Related systems and methods are provided.

A hand-portable test apparatus includes an in-the-field test processing assembly, and a lab-on-a-chip test cartridge having a neutralising zone, a specific reagent mixing zone, and a testing chamber. It has a convective heating loop for thermal cycling. There are two passive self-actuating valves that allow the test chamber volume to fill with solution, but then close to meter and trap the solution. The apparatus has external illumination ports, and an optical sensing port. Each cartridge is uniquely identified. It has smooth surfaces that allow adhesive membranes to be used to permit the pre-loading of reagents, prevent evaporation, and permit preservation of results. The test apparatus includes a holder for the cartridge with a heater, illumination, and optical sensor units closely positioned relative to the holder. There is a wiring circuit board, a processor, and a power supply. All of the items are contained within a unitary housing.

The present invention relates to analytical testing devices comprising a single channel with micro-environment sensors and methods for assaying coagulation in a fluid sample applied to the micro-environment sensors, and in particular, to performing coagulation assays using a single channel with micro-environment sensors in a point of care test cartridge. For example, the present invention may be directed to a sample analysis cartridge including an inlet chamber configured to receive a biological sample and a conduit fluidically connected to the inlet chamber. The conduit includes a sensor chip including a first micro-environment sensor and a second microenvironment sensor, and a fluid lock valve. The sample analysis cartridge further includes a pump configured to push the biological sample over the first micro-environment sensor and the second microenvironment sensor to the fluidic lock valve such that the biological sample is positioned over the first micro-environment sensor and the second micro-environment sensor.

The present invention relates to analytical testing devices comprising a single channel with micro-environment sensors and methods for assaying coagulation in a fluid sample applied to the micro-environment sensors, and in particular, to performing coagulation assays using a single channel with micro-environment sensors in a point of care test cartridge. For example, the present invention may be directed to a sample analysis cartridge including an inlet chamber configured to receive a biological sample and a conduit fluidically connected to the inlet chamber. The conduit includes a sensor chip including a first micro-environment sensor and a second microenvironment sensor, and a fluid lock valve. The sample analysis cartridge further includes a pump configured to push the biological sample over the first micro-environment sensor and the second microenvironment sensor to the fluidic lock valve such that the biological sample is positioned over the first micro-environment sensor and the second micro-environment sensor.

The invention relates to a holding apparatus for holding a pipetting container, in particular a serological pipette, at a pipetting apparatus, comprising a tubular connecting section that is configured to hold the tube-shaped end of a pipetting container in a pipetting position by means of a clamping connection, a clamping connection device that is arranged at the connecting section and that comprises a spring device for the establishment of the clamping connection and an air chamber device for releasing the clamping connection by means of a vacuum. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pipetting apparatus with that holding apparatus.

A fluid valve is provided that includes a first planar substrate having a smooth surface or a surface with features, an elastomer disposed on the first substrate, a second planar substrate disposed on another side of the elastomer, where the second substrate has a smooth surface or features, where the first and second substrate are more rigid than the elastomer, where the first substrate, the second substrate or the elastomer has a fluid channel, where the channel is open when the first or second substrate are in a first thermal state or a first compression state, where the channel is closed or partially closed when the first or second substrate are in a second thermal state or a second compression state, where the second thermal state is a different temperature than the first thermal state, where the second compression state is a different pressure than the first compression state.

The present invention relates to analytical testing devices comprising a resistor for cartridge device identification and methods for assaying coagulation in a fluid sample based on the cartridge device identification, and in particular, to performing coagulation assays using a resistor for cartridge device identification in a point of care test cartridge. For example, the present invention may be directed to a chip including an analyte electrode connected to a first connection pin, a reference electrode connected to a second connection pin, and a resistor connected to the second connection pin and a third connection pin.

A hand-portable test apparatus includes an in-the-field test processing assembly, and a lab-on-a-chip test cartridge having a neutralising zone, a specific reagent mixing zone, and a testing chamber. It has a convective heating loop for thermal cycling. There are two passive self-actuating valves that allow the test chamber volume to fill with solution, but then close to meter and trap the solution. The apparatus has external illumination ports, and an optical sensing port. Each cartridge is uniquely identified. It has smooth surfaces that allow adhesive membranes to be used to permit the pre-loading of reagents, prevent evaporation, and permit preservation of results. The test apparatus includes a holder for the cartridge with a heater, illumination, and optical sensor units closely positioned relative to the holder. There is a wiring circuit board, a processor, and a power supply. All of the items are contained within a unitary housing.

Assay cartridges are described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain embodiments, these cartridges are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick. Also described are kits including such cartridges and a cartridge reader configured to analyze an assay conducted using an assay cartridge.