A system for sampling a liquid includes a sample fluid conduit including a membrane having pores. The membrane prevents the passage of the sample liquid through the pores at a first pressure of the sample liquid in the sample fluid conduit. A surface sampling capture probe has a distal end. The capture probe includes a solvent supply conduit and a solvent exhaust conduit. A solvent composition flowing at the distal end of the capture probe establishes a liquid junction with the membrane and establishes a second pressure within the liquid junction at the membrane. The second pressure is lower than the first pressure. Sample liquid will be drawn through the pores of the membrane by the second pressure at the liquid junction. A method for sampling a liquid and for performing chemical analysis on a liquid are also disclosed.

Provided is a temperature control system applied to an apparatus for analyzing a sample using a pipette nozzle and a reaction container, including a pipette tip temperature controller that heats a pipette tip which is fitted on the pipette nozzle and aspirates or discharges liquid and a reaction container temperature controller that heats the reaction container. The pipette tip temperature controller heats, in a concentrated manner, at least a distal end portion of the pipette tip of the pipette nozzle located at a predetermined heating position with hot air emitted from a heat source and is configured such that a distal end is capable of arriving at the reaction container by lowering the pipette nozzle from the heating position.

Provided is a temperature control system applied to an apparatus for analyzing a sample using a pipette nozzle and a reaction container, including a pipette tip temperature controller that heats a pipette tip which is fitted on the pipette nozzle and aspirates or discharges liquid and a reaction container temperature controller that heats the reaction container. The pipette tip temperature controller heats, in a concentrated manner, at least a distal end portion of the pipette tip of the pipette nozzle located at a predetermined heating position with hot air emitted from a heat source and is configured such that a distal end is capable of arriving at the reaction container by lowering the pipette nozzle from the heating position.

The invention is a cap for a pathogen sample tube, the tube having an open end and the cap being configured to secure the open end of the tube to prevent spillage of any sample stored in the tube. The cap includes a first pierceable protective film section configured to enable an automated pipette or other sample withdrawal system to pierce the protective film section and to aspirate at least some of the sample. The cap also includes a second pierceable protective film section lying underneath the first pierceable protective film section; the film sections are separated by an air gap, that is approximately 2 mm in depth. The film sections are made from a thin aluminium foil that is approximately 25 microns thick, with a thin lacquer coating on its upper side and a co-extrusion coating, such as a polymer coating, on the lower side.

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.

A cartridge is for a detection of a sample or a first component, wherein the sample includes the first component and a second component. The cartridge includes a first injection chamber, a second injection chamber, a separation chamber, a collection chamber and a first detection chamber. The first injection chamber and the second injection chamber are adapted for injecting the sample or the first component. The separation chamber is connected to the first injection chamber, and the sample injected from the first injection chamber is adapted to be separated into the first component and the second component in the separation chamber. The collection chamber is connected to the separation chamber and the second injection chamber. The first detection chamber is connected to the collection chamber. A biological detection system is further provided.

A cartridge is for a detection of a sample or a first component, wherein the sample includes the first component and a second component. The cartridge includes a first injection chamber, a second injection chamber, a separation chamber, a collection chamber and a first detection chamber. The first injection chamber and the second injection chamber are adapted for injecting the sample or the first component. The separation chamber is connected to the first injection chamber, and the sample injected from the first injection chamber is adapted to be separated into the first component and the second component in the separation chamber. The collection chamber is connected to the separation chamber and the second injection chamber. The first detection chamber is connected to the collection chamber. A biological detection system is further provided.

Provided herein are automated apparatus for the identification of microorganisms in various samples. The disclosure solves existing challenges encountered in identifying and distinguishing various types of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria in a timely, efficient, and automated manner by sequencing.

Provided herein are automated apparatus for the identification of microorganisms in various samples. The disclosure solves existing challenges encountered in identifying and distinguishing various types of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria in a timely, efficient, and automated manner by sequencing.

Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.