Systems and methods directed to an array of microstructures for biological cell sorting with each individual structure component including an integrated magnetic element.

Provided herein are cell assay devices, methods of assaying the activity of immune cells on target cells, and methods of selecting a treatment for a subject having cancer. Described herein are cell assay devices comprising a biocompatible substrate having an upper surface supporting a plurality of arrays of spots comprising an adhesion-promoting material; a biocompatible membrane having top and bottom surfaces and positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the substrate and defining a plurality of chambers within the membrane between the top surface and the bottom surface of the membrane, wherein the membrane comprises at least two openings in the top surface of the membrane into each chamber to provide access to the chambers.

A reaction vessel assembly for use with thermal cyclers is described. The assembly includes a reaction vessel and a casing defining a cavity. In a first configuration, the casing receives the reaction vessel within the cavity, to act as a protective casing for the reaction vessel. In a second configuration, the casing engages with a mouth of the reaction vessel, to close the vessel. In this configuration, the casing may also act as a handle. In preferred embodiments, the reaction vessel is in the form of a capillary tube, and/or may include an integrated collimating lens. Certain embodiments also include an RFID tag.

A substrate is described having a treated contact surface comprising a carbon or silicon compound comprising from 1 to 30 atomic percent oxygen, from 0.1 to 30 atomic percent nitrogen, or both, each as measured by XPS. The treated contact surface has a biomolecule recovery percentage greater than the biomolecule recovery percentage of the surface before treatment according to the method.

Provided herein is generally tubular container, preferably including a plurality of reservoirs defined therein. The container can be adapted for acoustic ejection of a fluid disposed within at least one of the reservoirs of the plurality of reservoirs. Alternatively, the container can be adapted for extraction of a fluid disposed within at least one of the reservoirs of the plurality of reservoirs using a non-acoustic liquid handling method.

A substrate is described having a treated contact surface comprising a carbon or silicon compound comprising from 1 to 30 atomic percent oxygen, from 0.1 to 30 atomic percent nitrogen, or both, each as measured by XPS. The treated contact surface has a biomolecule recovery percentage greater than the biomolecule recovery percentage of the surface before treatment according to the method.

An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel. Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.

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 multiplexed sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. A plurality of substantially cylindrical reagent bead 2500 are inserted in use within a hole or aperture of the sample well. The substantially cylindrical reagent beads are positioned so as not to protrude beyond an upper surface of the base portion.

An organizing rack for pooled testing of test samples, as well as a kit for the same, and methods of their use are disclosed. Organizing racks may be used to assist with the creation and testing of specifically organized test sample pools which may be used to minimize the number of tests required to screen a plurality of test samples. Multiple organizing racks may be used in a matrix-based fashion to further reduce the number of tests required to screen a large number of test samples.