An automated microscope slide staining system and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments or a pressurizable common chamber for individually and independently processing a plurality of microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually operable heating element.

A diagnostic test system, including: a diagnostic test assembly and a diagnostic test apparatus to perform a test on a biological or environmental sample; the diagnostic test assembly includes: a sample preparation reservoir to receive the sample into a sample preparation fluid, such that a swab carrying the sample can be used to stir the preparation fluid and to wash the swab; a sample dispensing mechanism for insertion into the sample preparation reservoir; a closure to seal the sample preparation reservoir; at least one diagnostic test reservoir coupled to the sample preparation reservoir; and at least one seal between the sample preparation reservoir and the diagnostic test reservoir to prevent fluid movement between the respective reservoirs; wherein the sample dispensing mechanism is operable to disrupt the seal to allow sample fluid to enter the diagnostic test reservoir from the sample preparation reservoir, and to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid.

The invention provides systems and methods for rapid automated identification of microbes and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) directly from a patient specimen, without specimen preparation. Specimens are loaded into an analytical cartridge for processing. Analytical cartridges are preloaded with species-specific labels that are used to identify and enumerate microbes in the specimen. Instruments, such as analyzers can be used to interact with analytical cartridges to carry out methods of the invention all within the cartridge.

Systems and methods for coverslipping a sample on a slide employ a coverslip tape. The systems and methods can reduce or eliminate the use of xylene and other toxic solvents for coverslipping.

Systems and methods for analysis of a whole blood sample from an individual to determine the platelet function and coagulation status of the individual in a substantially automated and efficient matter. Also provided here are systems, reagent kits, and methods for concurrent assessment of platelet function and coagulation as they interact during hemostasis.

A sample rack includes a placement table having an upper surface for placing at least one sample plate thereon, a handle portion holding a proximal end portion of the placement table, the handle portion having a lower end portion positioned lower than a lower surface of the placement table when the upper surface is leveled, and a leg portion attached to the placement table to take a protruding posture in which the leg portion is protruded downward from the lower surface and a storage posture in which the leg portion is not protruded downward from the lower surface. The leg portion is configured to support the sample rack to maintain the upper surface substantially horizontally in cooperation with the lower end portion of the handle portion when the sample rack is placed on a substantially horizontal surface with the leg portion taking the protruding posture.

A system for detecting mold includes a housing defining a chamber and an opening through a surface. The system includes a movable grate for selectively covering the opening. The system includes a substrate treated to promote mold growth. The system includes a mechanism for moving the substrate to move previously unexposed portions into the chamber. The system includes a thermal control system to maintain predetermined environmental conditions in the chamber. The system includes a sensor configured to detect mold growth in the chamber. The system includes a mold suppressor to kill mold in the chamber when activated. The system includes a controller to coordinate operation of the components to detect mold growth in an environment.

An automated analyzer includes an analysis operation part that causes a sample and a reagent to react and based on the reaction result performs analysis of the sample, wherein: the automated analyzer includes a plurality of units constituting the analysis operation part, a temperature adjustment mechanism that heats or cools the units, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the units, and a control part that controls the temperature adjustment mechanism. The control part sets the measurement startable temperature range of each unit, which is the temperature range of the operation specification thereof, and the operable temperature range, which is a temperature range that is wider than the measurement startable temperature range, and starts the analysis process of the sample when the temperature of each unit has entered the operable temperature range.

A real-time online analysis device for substance pyrolysis, including: a pyrolyzing system (1), a capturing system (2), a testing system (3) and a controlling system (4) is disclosed. The pyrolyzing system (1), the capturing system (2) and the testing system (3) are connected with the controlling system (4). The capturing system (2) has a cooling cavity (22) and a heating cavity (23) inside. The temperature of the cooling cavity (22) ranges from room temperature to −200° C., and the temperature of the heating cavity (23) ranges from room temperature to 1000° C. A method for real-time online analysis of substance pyrolysis using the device is also disclosed. The present device can provide real-time online pyrolysis, capturing, separation and analysis of substances at a plurality of temperature points or ranges.

One embodiment provides a method of controlling a payload temperature in in vitro diagnostics including: moving, using a track system, a plurality of carriers, along one or more paths between a plurality of testing stations, wherein the carrier is configured to hold one or more payloads, and limiting, using a temperature controlling device, temperature change of the one or more payloads, wherein each carrier is configured to hold one or more payloads and move the one or more payloads to one of the plurality of testing stations. Other aspects are described and claimed herein.