A sample input interface for inputting samples into a detecting unit of an in-vitro diagnostic analyzer. The sample input interface comprises a sample input port comprising an outer input-port side configured for plugging-in an open end of a sample container and an inner input-port side, an aspiration needle comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, where the downstream end is fluidically connected or connectable to the detecting unit and where the upstream end is configured to alternately couple to the inner input-port side and to a fluid supply port. The outer input-port side is further configured to alternately couple to a fluid supply port while the upstream end of the aspiration needle is coupled to the inner input-port side in order to rinse the sample input port with fluid aspirated by the aspiration needle from a fluid supply unit via the sample input port.

Provided is an automatic analysis device that reduces the used water amount when cleaning the outside of a probe. An automatic analysis device, including a probe that performs suction and discharge of a sample or a reagent and a cleaning nozzle that discharges cleaning water toward the outside of the probe, includes a first discharging step of starting discharge of the cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle when the tip of the probe is at a first height position and a second discharging step of starting discharge of the cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle when the tip of the probe is at a second height position higher than the first height position, and is provided with a discharge stopping step of stopping the discharge of the cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle between the first discharging step and the second discharging step.

Methods and techniques for controlled printing of a cell sample for karyotyping are provided. The methods can involve matrix printing using on-the-fly printing or dispensing to accurately spread cells within at least one cell sample on a surface in preparation for karyotyping, and further analysis. Advantageously, the methods result in a uniform distribution of chromosomes of the cell suspension or sample on the surface of a substrate which can be substantially discretely identified, and also provide for efficiency in a subsequent staining process and any further analysis of the stained chromosomes using a microscope or other imaging device.

An automatic analysis device improves the uniformity of a mixed liquid by noise agitation by a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism agitates a mixed liquid by suctioning the mixed liquid into a reaction vessel by a nozzle and then re-discharging the suctioned mixed liquid into the reaction vessel. When the mixed liquid is re-discharged into the reaction vessel, the nozzle is moved upward at a speed higher than a speed at which the liquid surface of the mixed liquid rises due to the re-discharging of the mixed liquid from the nozzle during a first period and lowers the speed of moving the nozzle upward than the speed during the first period while maintaining or reducing the speed at which the liquid surface of the mixed liquid rises due to re-discharging of the mixed liquid from the nozzle during a second period following the first period.

An abnormality is detected with high accuracy at the time of pipetting a liquid to be subjected to abnormality detection.

The automatic analysis device according to the present disclosure includes a pipetting nozzle configured to pipette a fluid, a pressure source configured to generate pressure fluctuation for pipetting the fluid by the pipetting nozzle, a flow path connecting the pipetting nozzle and the pressure source, a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure in the flow path when the pipetting nozzle pipettes the fluid, a storage unit configured to store time-series data of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and a control unit configured to control the driving of the pipetting nozzle and the pressure source, in which the control unit controls the pipetting nozzle and the pressure source to aspirate first air gap, a first liquid, second air gap, and a second liquid in this order into the pipetting nozzle and determines at least one of the aspiration amount of the first air gap and the aspiration amount of the second air gap based on the aspiration amount of the first liquid.

The present invention relates to a method and a system (400) for filling a closed container (200) with a fixative solution. The system comprises a container (200) comprising a container body (230) for receiving a biological specimen, a lid (220) for selectively closing the container body (230) and a port (100) forming a unidirectional barrier in a direction from the inside (IC) to the outside (OC) of the closed container (200). The system further comprises a dispensing apparatus (500) having a filling nozzle (300) for dispensing the fixative solution. The filling nozzle (300) is relatively moveable with respect to the container (200) between a retracted position and a filling position to fill the container (200) with the fixative solution.

A composite analysis device, configured to perform a plurality of types of analyses, which prevent a shortage of a volume of a specimen. The analysis device can execute a plurality of measurement processing steps for a biological sample based on order information. The analysis device includes: a pierce nozzle unit which pierces a hole in a sealed sample container in which the biological sample is contained, collects the biological sample, and discharges the biological sample into a predetermined containing unit; a sample nozzle unit which dispenses the biological sample contained in the containing unit into one or more cuvettes; and a control device which control operations of the pierce nozzle unit and the sample nozzle unit based on the order information.

The present invention is an automated separation system comprised of a liquid handling device and one or more pipette tip columns, wherein the liquid handling device is equipped with two or more nozzles arranged to respectively receive a pipette tip column comprising separation media. Further, the system includes means for applying either high positive or negative pressure to the column inside chamber above the column bed, enabling aspiration and dispensing into and out of each pipette tip column. To enable sealing to the pressures used to move liquid through the column bed without inadvertently ejecting the column from the nozzle during the separation process, each nozzle has been provided with at least one annular protrusion arranged to engage with the inside of a substantially evenly tapered pipette tip column, without any corresponding recess. Each nozzle may be provided with slide ejector to enable the removal of a pipette tip column.

The present technology is directed to extraction devices, systems, and methods for controllably withdrawing and transferring fluid samples, such as blood, from a sample collection container to a testing device. For example, some embodiments of the present technology provide fluid extraction devices that include a fluid control module, a housing containing a receiving element and a suction element, and an actuator. To transfer blood from a sample collection container to a testing device, a user places the sample collection container over the receiving element and inserts the testing device into an outlet of the fluid control module. The user then pushes a lever or otherwise actuates the actuator, which automatically withdraws a predetermined volume of blood from the sample collection container and transfers it to the testing device positioned at the outlet of the fluid control module.

A liquid surface imaging device includes an irradiator including a plurality of lightings, the irradiator configured to irradiate a liquid surface in a nozzle of a liquid discharge head with lights emitted from the plurality of lightings, and an imaging device configured to image the liquid surface. The plurality of lightings is arranged point-symmetrically with a center of the irradiator as a point of symmetry.