A method for scanning object carriers using at least two microscope slide scanners includes a) loading a feed unit for microscope slides with a plurality of microscope slides, each of which is part of one of a plurality of sample series, b) transferring one microscope slide from the feed unit to every microscope slide scanner not loaded with a microscope slide, c) carrying out a scanning process for each loaded microscope slide scanner, d) transferring each scanned microscope slide from the microscope slide scanner to an intermediate storage rack, e) providing a data set for every scanning process for analysis, and f) transferring all microscope slides of a sample series from the intermediate storage rack to a final storage rack.

Assay system including assay apparatus and handheld single use assay devices for ElectroMagnetic Radiation (EMR) examination of a specimen. The assay devices include a housing, a specimen slide for elevation from an initial lowermost specimen introduction position to a final uppermost specimen examination position and a built-in liquid reagent dispensing arrangement for dispensing liquid reagent on the specimen slide. The assay apparatus automatically actuates an assay device and includes an imaging arrangement for obtaining specimen images.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for external control testing of an assay system.

To provide an automatic analyzer with improved workability when a flow cell is loaded and unloaded. The automatic analyzer includes: a photomultiplier tube; a board disposed vertically below the photomultiplier tube; and a flow cell disposed vertically below the board. A lower surface of the board has a protrusion portion and/or a recess portion, and an upper surface of the flow cell has a recess portion and/or a protrusion portion. The automatic analyzer includes a pressing member configured to press the flow cell vertically upward from below in a state in which the recess portion and/or the protrusion portion of the flow cell is fitted to the protrusion portion and/or the recess portion of the board.

An apparatus and method for simple, low power, automated processing of biological samples through multiple preparation and assay steps. The apparatus and methods described facilitate the point-of-care implementation of diagnostic assays. The apparatus includes mechanical actuating elements using linear and/or rotational motion.

The present invention provides methods and devices for simple, low power, automated processing of biological samples through multiple sample preparation and assay steps. The methods and devices described facilitate the point-of-care implementation of complex diagnostic assays in equipment-free, non-laboratory settings.

A cartridge reader controlled by processing means for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge comprises a mechanical valve for isolating the sample with the cartridge. A system for actuating the mechanical valve comprises an actuation member configured to move the mechanical valve from an open position to a closed position and an armature connected to the actuation member. The armature is configured to engage an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet can be switched between an active state in which it electromagnetically holds the armature and an inactive state in which it does not electromagnetically hold the armature. First biasing means arc disposed between the actuation member and a bearing surface, wherein the first biasing means is configured to bias the actuation member into a first position in which it actuates a mechanical valve in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.

A cartridge reader controlled by processing means for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge comprises a mechanical valve for isolating the sample with the cartridge. A system for actuating the mechanical valve comprises an actuation member configured to move the mechanical valve from an open position to a closed position and an armature connected to the actuation member. The armature is configured to engage an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet can be switched between an active state in which it electromagnetically holds the armature and an inactive state in which it does not electromagnetically hold the armature. First biasing means are disposed between the actuation member and a bearing surface, wherein the first biasing means is configured to bias the actuation member into a first position in which it actuates a mechanical valve in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.