A biological sample storage container includes a biological sample storage tube and a biological sample storage tube cap. The tube cap is a cap that is to be attached to the tube having a lower closed portion and an upper opening portion, and is for closing the upper opening portion. The tube cap includes a main body portion that enters the upper opening portion of the biological sample storage tube and closes the upper opening portion, an elongated biological sample adhering portion that extends downward from a lower face of the main body portion, and a flange that protrudes laterally outward from the main body portion. The biological sample adhering portion is cuttable and falls into the biological sample storage tube after being cut.

An improved biological sample preparation device and method of using the device. The disclosed device provides improved sample volume control, reduces potential contamination in the working environment, increases ease of use, and improves safety for healthcare workers.

A process for freeze drying a material. The process has the steps of (a) placing material to be freeze-dried in a vessel, the vessel comprising a container having a base, and at least one wall defining an opening at one end; (b) applying a membrane to the at least one wall to thereby cover the opening, wherein the membrane comprises an aperture which, in use, is aligned with the opening; and (c) subjecting the vessel to a lyophilisation procedure, wherein the membrane is in place on the container during the lyophilisation procedure.

Vial assemblies comprising a tubular body and a flexible bottom or flexible liner are described herein, wherein the flexible bottom or liner is configured to compress at least partially upon the application of force. Methods for storing and removing frozen samples from such vial assemblies are also described herein.

The present invention features the application of a simple, inductively-coupled measurement system into the cap of standard laboratory sample tubes, thus enabling continuous, wireless ionic sensing of a bevy of samples. The system may be powered by a compact Class E amplifier using inductive coupling via a designed resonance frequency of 1 MHz. Other frequencies can be used, such as the popular near-field communication (NFC) frequency of 13.66 MHz. Signals are transmitted back via load modulation at frequencies a fraction of the power carrier frequency, thus allowing for extraction of the signal frequency. Results clearly show that modulation frequency tracks closely with open circuit potential, and the system features good sensitivity and linearity. This system holds promise for a host of applications.

A method includes: depositing whole blood into at least one separator tube; subjecting the at least one separator tube to a first centrifugal force to cause a combination of the first centrifugal force and separator gel within each separator tube of the at least one separator tube to separate plasma of the whole blood from red and white blood cells of the whole blood within the at least one separator tube, wherein the plasma includes α2M molecules; transferring one or more portions of the plasma from within the at least one separator tube and into at least one isolator; and subjecting the at least one isolator to a second centrifugal force to cause a combination of the second centrifugal force and a filter within each isolator of the at least one isolator to isolate the α2M molecules from other components of the plasma within the at least one isolator.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

A tip device (1) includes a tubular tip (6) and a base (8) that is continuous with a rear end (6a) of the tip (6) and includes a first connector. The first connector detachably connects to a second connector provided in a container (2) to house the tip (6).

Systems and methods for automated cap removal with an autosampler system are described. In an aspect, an autosampler system includes, but is not limited to, a sample rack; a sample vessel stabilizer configured to transition the sample rack between a load/unload state and a lock state; an uncapper supported by a first z-axis support; and a sample probe supported by a second z-axis support, wherein the uncapper is configured to remove a cap from a sample vessel held by the sample rack when the sample rack is in the lock state, and wherein the uncapper is configured to change the position of the removed cap to permit access to an interior of the sample vessel by the sample probe without removing the sample vessel from the sample rack.

An article of manufacture for a reusable specimen transport tube rack cap that secures specimen collection swabs inside of transport tubes is disclosed. The reusable specimen transport tube rack cap includes a top surface connecting a plurality of specimen tube caps in a row, a bottom surface having a circular inner wall and a circular outer wall creating a specimen retention ridges defining a cap for each specimen tube, and access hole through each reusable specimen transport tube rack cap between the inner wall and the outer wall for providing access for a pipette into a specimen tube.