A cylinder tip mounting head includes: a shaft member; a first cylindrical rod having a cylindrical space, which is mounted to a lower end of the shaft member, which is configured to move in the up-down direction integrally with the shaft member; a stationary second cylindrical rod, which has a housing space for housing the first cylindrical rod so that the first cylindrical rod is movable in the up-down direction, the stationary second cylindrical rod including a syringe mounting portion; and a discharge rod housed in the cylindrical space in the first cylindrical rod, the discharge rod including a plunger mounting portion. The discharge rod is configured to coordinate with the movement of the shaft member in the up-down direction so that the plunger mounted to the discharge rod reciprocates in the tubular passage in the syringe to suck the object into the tubular passage and discharge the sucked object.

Multichannel pipettes, electroporation systems utilizing the multichannel pipettes and methods for electroporating a cell. The electroporation system includes a multichannel pipette, a pipette tip(s), a pipette docking assembly, and a pulse generator. The pipette docking assembly includes a pipette station, a pipette station guard, and a reservoir.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to sample collecting and dispensing methods and apparatuses. An example apparatus includes a capillary sampler disposed on a device first end, wherein the capillary sampler is configured to collect a fluid sample via an opening and a capillary body. The apparatus further includes a reagents chamber in fluid communication with the capillary sampler, and a barrier assembly disposed between the capillary sampler and the reagents chamber, wherein the barrier assembly is configured to separate fluid in the reagents chamber from the capillary sampler. A plunger assembly disposed on a device second end opposite the device first end, may modify the barrier assembly to dispense the fluid from the reagents chamber to the capillary sampler responsive to application of a force in the direction of the device first end.

Devices and methods described herein provide improved methods of screening for cervical disease. In certain embodiments, a sample transfer and preparation vial is provided, enabling self-collection and pre-processing of cervical samples to expedite sample processing and eliminate the need for a patient to travel to a medical facility for screening. In certain embodiments, an analysis cartridge having a multiplexed biomarker panel and an immunoassay-based analyzer are provided for sample analysis. The multiplexed biomarker panel provides high sensitivity and specificity to enable effective screening with a single procedure and thus, eliminates the need for multiple tests. In certain embodiments, a method of screening for cervical disease is provided, utilizing the aforementioned multiplexed biomarker panel. The method includes detecting levels of at least two biomarkers in a cervical sample, wherein one of the biomarkers is an oncoprotein from a high-risk strain of human papilloma virus (HPV) and another is a cellular protein.

An assay cartridge has a base member (26) that defines at least two wells (30, 32, 34, 36, 38), a pipette (108, 110) positionable in at least one of the wells and a cap member (86) arranged to carry the pipette. The cap member can be releasably fastened to the base member. An extension member (28) defines at least one further well (40, 42, 44) and can be fastened to the base member such that the pipette is then positionable in at least one of the wells of the base and in the further well of the extension member.

The present invention relates to a device and method for easy collection, dilution, mixing and dispensing of a liquid specimen in a self-contained system. The present invention can be used in combination with numerous testing means for performing chemical, biochemical or biomedical qualitative or quantitative assays in the field of both clinical and hygiene testing.

A cylinder tip mounting head includes: a shaft member; a first cylindrical rod having a cylindrical space, which is mounted to a lower end of the shaft member, which is configured to move in the up-down direction integrally with the shaft member; a stationary second cylindrical rod, which has a housing space for housing the first cylindrical rod so that the first cylindrical rod is movable in the up-down direction, the stationary second cylindrical rod including a syringe mounting portion; and a discharge rod housed in the cylindrical space in the first cylindrical rod, the discharge rod including a plunger mounting portion. The discharge rod is configured to coordinate with the movement of the shaft member in the up-down direction so that the plunger mounted to the discharge rod reciprocates in the tubular passage in the syringe to suck the object into the tubular passage and discharge the sucked object.

One embodiment of the invention provides a system adapted and configured to generate a localized flow circulation zone. The system includes: a free-standing microfluidic pipette comprising three or more channels with exits separated from each other by an outer surface of the pipette; and a controller programmed to control fluid flows through each of the three or more channels to generate a localized recirculating fluid flow path outside the pipette. Liquid leaving the microfluidic pipette through at least one outlet channel exit is withdrawn through at least two inlet channel exits.

A liquid evaluation system can include a cartridge including a channel configured to pull a liquid into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include an upper plate and a lower plate located in close proximity to the upper plate. The lower plate includes a deposition region for dispensing liquid. The extent of the deposition region in one or more directions can be defined by a repellant barrier, such as a boundary with a set of areas configured to be repellant to the liquid. An internal facing surface of each plate can include a corresponding region forming the channel. Each of the regions can be configured to have an affinity for the liquid. The close proximity of the plates and the regions having an affinity for the liquid cause the liquid to be pulled into the channel by capillary action.

Aspects of the present invention provide a freestanding microfluidic pipette with integrated wells for solution storage. Further aspects of the invention provide a holding interface to provide connectivity with external control components. One aspect of the invention provides a system for applying a microfluidic device in microscopy. The system includes: a microfluidic device having an elongated shape and defining one or more wells for solution storage and processing; and an interface adapted and configured to hold the microfluidic device in a freestanding manner and facilitate simultaneous connection of the one or more wells with a flow controller. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for utilizing a microfluidic device. The method includes: providing a device as described herein; positioning the device adjacent to a microscope; and actuating the interface to operate the microfluidic device.