This invention is related to high-throughput screening field, in particular to an application method for automatic micro droplet array screening system of picoliter scale precision. According to this invention, the fluid driving system and the capillary are fully filled with fluid of low thermal expansion coefficient as the carrier fluid to thoroughly empty air bubbles in the capillary; after that, immersing the sampling end of capillary into the oil phase that is mutually immiscible with aqueous sample to aspirate a section of oil phase into the capillary for isolation of aqueous sample and carrier fluid; once completed, immersing the sampling end of capillary into the sample/reagent storage tube to aspirate a certain volume of aqueous sample into the capillary; finally, moving the sampling end of capillary to the oil phase above microwells on microwell array chip, and pushing the sample solution in the capillary into microwells to form sample droplet. Quantitative metering of fluid and droplet generation according to this invention are provided with volume precision in picoliter, which can effectively minimize the consumption of sample/reagent, and save the testing cost during high-throughput screening.

A rigid mask protects selective portions of a chip including a plurality of wells for biochemical reactions. The rigid mask includes a supporting portion and a plurality of legs, where each leg is provided with a rigid stem and a plate. The plurality of legs are arranged and fixed with respect to the supporting portion in a way aligned to the spatial arrangement of the wells, and are configured in such a way that, when each leg is inserted into the corresponding well, the respective plate covers at least in part the bottom of the well, protecting it during a chemical/physical treatment of side walls of the wells.

Automated apparatus and methods for dispensing fluids into microplates utilizing microwell covers, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the fluids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

There are provided a detector and a detection method capable of detecting a biological sample with high sensitivity. A detector is provided with a microchamber array including a plurality of storage sections to be filled with a hydrophilic solvent containing a biological sample; and an image sensor in which picture elements are disposed corresponding to the storage sections, wherein the microchamber array includes a flow channel in communication with openings of the storage sections; a hydrophobic solvent supply unit arranged in continuity with the flow channel; and a through-hole which allows the hydrophilic solvent to enter and exit the flow channel, and the hydrophobic solvent supply unit flows a hydrophobic solvent into the flow channel by an externally-applied force.

An assembly for storing sample processing consumables can include a cover and a tray. The cover defines a cover cavity. The tray defines a first plurality of wells. The tray includes a first portion received within the cover cavity such that a press fit is formed between a first tray surface of the first portion of the tray and a first cover surface of the cover defining the cover cavity, thereby releasably coupling the cover to the tray. Each of the first plurality of wells contains a sample processing consumable. The assembly can be used to load sample processing consumables into a sample processing instrument.

The present invention relates to methods and devices for amplifying nucleic acid, and, in particular, amplifying so as to generate products on a surface without the use of emulsions. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of groups of amplified product are generated on the surface, each group positioned in different (typically predetermined) locations on said surface so as to create an array.

A sample collection device includes a tube, a closure and a partitioning member. The tube includes an opening and is used to receive a sampling swab. The closure is engaged with the tube for enclosing the opening. The partitioning member is disposed in the tube and includes a blocking portion and a position-limiting portion. The blocking portion is disposed close to the opening and covers a portion of the opening so as to leave another uncovered portion as an entrance for passing the sampling swab therethrough. The position-limiting portion is connected with the blocking portion and extended into the tube, so as to limit the sampling swab in a space corresponding to the entrance inside the tube after the sampling swab passes through the entrance.

A multi-well fluid container that includes a container body is provided for use in an in vitro diagnostics automation system. The container body includes a first well having a first well size configured to hold a first fluid and an openable first well closure that covers a first well opening. The first well opening provides access to the first fluid in the first well when the openable first well closure is opened. The container body also includes a second well having a second well size configured to hold a second fluid and having an openable second well closure that covers a second well opening. The second well opening provides access to the second fluid in the second well when the openable second well closure is opened. The first well size of the first well is different than the second well size of the second well.

The present invention relates to a deepwell plate system, comprising a deepwell plate and a lid system which can be detachably fitted to the deepwell plate by snap- or clamp-fastening means so as to tightly seal the deepwell plate and to a method for the cultivation of cells within the deepwell plate system according to the present invention.

A reinforced microplate has reinforcing members that enhance stiffness and minimize deformation of the microplate, especially thermally-induced deformation. The reinforcing members include ribs or struts that are integrally formed on a bottom surface of the microplate. In cooperation with the reinforcing members, the microplate frame can include one or more slots that act to disrupt the effects of thermal expansion and limit thermally-induced strain.