LUMINEX CORPORATION Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160138010 | INSTRUMENT FOR CASSETTE FOR SAMPLE PREPARATION - A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system. | 05-19-2016 |
20160101421 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATED SAMPLE PREPARATION, REACTION AND DETECTION - An apparatus includes a housing, a reaction vial and a transfer mechanism. The housing defines a first flow path and a second flow path. The housing has transfer port defining an opening in fluid communication with the second flow path and a volume outside of the housing. The transfer port includes a flow control member to limit flow through the opening. The reaction vial is coupled to the housing and defines a reaction volume, which is in fluid communication with the transfer port via the second flow path. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer a sample from an isolation chamber of an isolation module to the reaction chamber via at least the first flow path when the transfer mechanism is actuated. The transfer mechanism configured to produce a vacuum in the reaction vial to produce a flow of a sample from the isolation chamber to the reaction volume. | 04-14-2016 |
20160046995 | CLEAVABLE HAIRPIN PRIMERS - Nucleic acid constructs and methods that provide superior prevention of primer-dimers and other artifacts of false priming events are disclosed. In particular, there is disclosed a hairpin primer having a target-specific primer region, wherein the target-specific region comprises a target-binding dependent cleavage sequence; a first stem forming region 5′ of the target-specific primer region; and a second stem forming region 3′ of the target-specific primer region, wherein the second stem forming region is complementary to the first stem forming region. Methods of using the hairpin primer to amplify a target nucleic acid are also disclosed. | 02-18-2016 |
20160040219 | PROBES FOR IMPROVED MELT DISCRIMINATION AND MULTIPLEXING IN NUCLEIC ACID ASSAYS - Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of cleavable probes that comprise a ribonucleotide position that is susceptible to endoribonuclease (e.g., RNase H) cleavage in the presence of target nucleic acid molecules. Probes of the embodiments may also comprise non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter and/or quenching moiety. | 02-11-2016 |
20160032373 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTIPLEX ANALYSIS OF PCR IN REAL TIME - The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process. | 02-04-2016 |
20160018299 | DOUBLE TRENCH WELL FOR ASSAY PROCEDURES - Apparatuses, systems and methods for using assay preparation plates comprising wells with two trenches are presented. More specifically, well plates are presented that comprising an array of wells configured to retain a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid during an assay procedure, each well in the array comprising a first trench and a second trench, wherein the working volume of each well is between about 25 uL and about 10 mL. | 01-21-2016 |
20150368693 | METHODS FOR GENERATING STABILIZED LYOPHILIZED MATERIALS - Lyophilized biological reagents, such as enzymes (e.g., PCR reagents) and antibodies, are provided that include a wax component. Thus, in some aspects, a method is provided for storing a biological reagent comprising formulating the reagent into a lyophilized composition including a wax component. Methods for using such lyophilized reagents are likewise provided. | 12-24-2015 |
20150368601 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAGNETIC MIXING - Methods and systems for magnetic mixing. Particular embodiments relate to applying a magnetic field to move a magnetically responsive component in a chamber. | 12-24-2015 |
20150344868 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ULTRASONIC LYSIS - Methods and systems for cell lysis are disclosed. Particular embodiments relate to applying acoustic energy to a biological sample located in a sample chamber. | 12-03-2015 |
20150258548 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATED SAMPLE PREPARATION, REACTION AND DETECTION - Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided, as are methods for using such cartridges. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided. | 09-17-2015 |
20150250114 | Vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus - A growing medium for a plant production apparatus utilized in greenhouse crop production is provided. The growing medium comprises a fibrous, non-woven matrix media material wherein the media material is constructed from a plastic material. | 09-10-2015 |
20140354986 | EVALUATION OF FOCUSING PERFORMANCE IN AN ASSAY ANALYSIS SYSTEM - Methods, storage mediums and systems (MS&S) are provided which successively image an imaging region of an assay analysis system (AAS) as particles are loaded into the imaging region, generate a frequency spectrum of each image via a discrete Fourier transform, integrate a same coordinate portion of each frequency spectrum and terminate the loading of particles upon computing an integral which meets preset criterion. In addition, MS&S are provided which send a signal indicative of whether enough particles are in an imaging region for further processes by an AAS based on the magnitude of integral calculated from an image's frequency spectrum. MM&S are also provided such that the steps of generating a frequency spectrum of each image and integrating a portion of each frequency spectrum are replaced by generating a convolved spatial image with a filter kernel and integrating a same coordinate portion of each convolved spatial image. | 12-04-2014 |
20140270371 | REAL-TIME TRACKING AND CORRELATION OF MICROSPHERES - Methods and apparatuses for tracking and correlating particles include an optical detector that captures a first and a second image of the particles. A video detector is used to capture a plurality of video frames of the particles. The video detector captures the video frames of the particles at a rate faster than the rate at which images are captured by the optical detector to track the movement of particles. A first image position of a particle in the first image of the particles is identified, and then the first image position of the particle is correlated to a second image position of the particle in the second image using the plurality of video frames. | 09-18-2014 |
20140242586 | CHIMERIC PRIMERS WITH HAIRPIN CONFORMATIONS AND METHODS OF USING SAME - Methods and compositions for nucleic acid amplification, detection, and genotyping techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule having a target-specific primer sequence; an anti-tag sequence 5′ of the target-specific primer sequence; a tag sequence 5′ of the anti-tag sequence; and a blocker between the anti-tag sequence and the tag sequence is disclosed. Compositions containing such a nucleic acid molecule and methods of using such a nucleic acid molecule are also disclosed. | 08-28-2014 |
20140220702 | FLUID RETENTION PLATES AND ANALYSIS CARTRIDGES - Fluid storage containers and analysis cartridges for use in assay processes are presented. In addition, systems comprising such storage containers and analysis cartridges and methods of using such containers and cartridges are presented as well. In specific embodiments, fluid storage containers are configured to be coupled to analysis cartridges in a first stage and a second stage. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219528 | Methods and Systems for Image Data Processing - Methods, storage mediums, and systems for image data processing are provided. Embodiments for the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations to perform one or more of the following steps: background signal measurement, particle identification using classification dye emission and cluster rejection, inter-image alignment, inter-image particle correlation, fluorescence integration of reporter emission, and image plane normalization. | 08-07-2014 |
20140179022 | ROTATING SHIELDED MAGNETIC ACTUATOR - Magnetic actuators comprising at least one shielded rotatable magnet are presented. Systems comprising such magnetic actuators and methods for using such magnetic actuators to isolate magnetic particles in a fluid are also presented. | 06-26-2014 |
20140175019 | ROTATING MAGNETIC ACTUATOR - Magnetic actuators comprising at least one linear subarray are presented. Systems comprising such magnetic actuators and methods for using such magnetic actuators to isolate magnetic particles in a fluid are also presented. Magnetic actuators comprising at least four uniform magnets are also presented, as are systems comprising such magnetic actuators and methods for using such magnetic actuators to isolate magnetic particles in a fluid. | 06-26-2014 |
20140057269 | Materials and Methods for Detection of Nucleic Acids - Assays using non-natural bases are described. In one embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample suspected of containing the target nucleic acid with a polymerase and first and second primers; amplifying the target nucleic acid by PCR using the first and second primers to generate an amplification product having a double-stranded region and a single-stranded region that comprises the non-natural base; contacting the sample with a reporter comprising a label and a non-natural base that is complementary to the non-natural base of the single-stranded region; annealing at least a portion of the reporter to the single-stranded region of the amplification product; and correlating a signal of the label with the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample. The invention also provides corresponding kits for use in detecting target nucleic acids in a sample. | 02-27-2014 |
20140042366 | MAGNETIC MICROSPHERES FOR USE IN FLUORESCENCE-BASED APPLICATIONS - Microspheres, populations of microspheres, and methods for forming microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core microsphere and a magnetic material coupled to a surface of the core microsphere. About 50% or less of the surface of the core microsphere is covered by the magnetic material. The microsphere also includes a polymer layer surrounding the magnetic material and the core microsphere. One population of microspheres configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described above. | 02-13-2014 |
20140024556 | CO-COUPLING TO CONTROL REACTIVITY OF REAGENTS IN IMMUNOASSAYS - Methods and compositions for controlling immunoassay reactivity are provided. In one embodiment, a method for preparing a substrate for an immunoassay is provided in which a composition containing a reagent and a neutral material is applied to a substrate under conditions suitable to couple the reagent and the neutral material to the substrate. | 01-23-2014 |
20140024550 | Solid Support Assay Systems and Methods Utilizing Non-Standard Bases - Solid support assays using non-standard bases are described. A capture oligonucleotide comprising a molecular recognition sequence is attached to a solid support and hybridized with a target. In some instances, the molecular recognition sequence includes one or more non-standard bases and hybridizes to a complementary tagging sequence of the target oligonucleotide. In other instances, incorporation of a non-standard base (e.g., via PCR or ligation) is used in the assay. | 01-23-2014 |
20130337555 | Cassette For Sample Preparation - Apparatuses for preparing a sample are disclosed herein. The apparatuses include a chamber, a first valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, a second valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, and a pump comprising an actuator and nozzle. | 12-19-2013 |
20130116141 | Systems and Methods for Multiplex Analysis of PCR in Real Time - The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process. | 05-09-2013 |
20130085078 | Hydrolysis Probes - Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In one embodiment, a sample is contacted with a primer complementary to a first region of a target nucleic acid and a probe complementary to a second region of the target nucleic acid downstream of the first region under conditions suitable for hybridization of the target nucleic acid with the primer and the probe. The probe in this embodiment comprises a fluorophore and is attached to a solid support. The hybridized probe is cleaved with a nucleic acid polymerase having exonuclease activity to release the reporter from the solid support. The presence of the target nucleic acid is then detected and optionally quantified by detecting a decrease in signal from the reporter on the solid support. | 04-04-2013 |
20120312085 | SYSTEM, STORAGE MEDIUMS, AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING PARTICLES IN FLOW - Methods, storage mediums, and systems for correlating pulses generated from multiple interrogation regions in a flow cytometer to particular particles flowing through the flow cytometer are provided. Embodiments of the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations for calibrating a flow cytometer using a calibration particle having a unique signature to determine a time-of-flight for particles flowing through the flow cytometer. Based on the calculated time-of-flight and relative positions of interrogation regions corresponding to collectors of the flow cytometer, the methods, storage mediums, and systems may further include configurations for associating other signal pulses to particles of one or more different particle sets. | 12-13-2012 |
20120302453 | OXOCARBONAMIDE PEPTIDE NUCLEIC ACIDS AND METHODS OF USING SAME - The present invention concerns oxocarbonamide peptide nucleic acids (OxoPNAs). OxoPNAs provide increased stability, sensitivity, and specificity as compared to their natural DNA and RNA counterparts. The OxoPNA molecules of the present invention may be employed in a wide range of applications, particularly in applications involving hybridization. For example, OxoPNA probes may be employed for the detection and functional analysis of nucleic acid molecules, including miRNAs and other non-coding RNAs. | 11-29-2012 |
20120184037 | Assay Preparation Plates, Fluid Assay Preparation and Analysis Systems, and Methods for Preparing and Analyzing Assays - A fluid assay preparation and analysis system is provided which includes a pipette disposed above an assay plate receiving area, a magnet disposed below the assay plate receiving area in approximate alignment with the pipette, and an actuator configured to move the magnet proximate the assay plate receiving area. A method for preparing and analyzing an assay includes injecting a sample into a sample well of an assay preparation plate and inserting the assay preparation plate into a fluid assay analysis system. The method further includes mixing the sample with one or more reagents in an assay plate receiving area of the system and subsequently aspirating the prepared assay into an examination chamber of the system. | 07-19-2012 |
20120183441 | Assay Preparation Plates, Fluid Assay Preparation and Analysis Systems, and Methods for Preparing and Analyzing Assays - A fluid assay preparation and analysis system is provided which includes a pipette disposed above an assay plate receiving area, a magnet disposed below the assay plate receiving area in approximate alignment with the pipette, and an actuator configured to move the magnet proximate the assay plate receiving area. A method for preparing and analyzing an assay includes injecting a sample into a sample well of an assay preparation plate and inserting the assay preparation plate into a fluid assay analysis system. The method further includes mixing the sample with one or more reagents in an assay plate receiving area of the system and subsequently aspirating the prepared assay into an examination chamber of the system. | 07-19-2012 |
20120123026 | FUNCTIONALIZED COMPOSITIONS FOR IMPROVED IMMOBILIZATION - The present invention relates to improved covalent coupling of two or more entities such as biomolecules, polymer compositions, organic/inorganic molecules/materials, and the like, including their combinations, through one or more novel reactive groups attached to linker groups of 2-1000 atoms length. The present invention also contemplates the use of bifunctional bridge molecules to link two or more entities, wherein the functional groups of the bridge molecules are the novel reactive groups of the present invention. | 05-17-2012 |
20120028366 | FLOW CYTOMETER AND FLUIDIC LINE ASSEMBLY WITH MULTIPLE INJECTION NEEDLES - A flow cytometer is provided which includes an interrogation flow cell and a plurality of assay fluidic lines extending into the interrogation flow cell. A method of operating such a flow cytometer includes priming the interrogation flow cell with a sheath fluid and injecting different assay fluids into a flow of the sheath fluid through the plurality of fluidic lines. A fluidic line assembly is provided which includes a plurality of capillary tubes coupled to a base section configured for coupling to an interrogation flow cell assembly of a flow cytometer. The capillary tubes are dimensionally configured such that when the fluidic line assembly is arranged within the flow cytometer and fluid is dispensed from one or more of the capillary tubes at a given pressure differential with respect to an encompassing sheath fluid within the interrogation flow cell the fluid is substantially centrally aligned within the interrogation flow cell. | 02-02-2012 |
20120008869 | Methods and Systems for Image Data Processing - Methods, storage mediums, and systems for image data processing are provided. Embodiments for the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations to perform one or more of the following steps: background signal measurement, particle identification using classification dye emission and cluster rejection, inter-image alignment, inter-image particle correlation, fluorescence integration of reporter emission, and image plane normalization. | 01-12-2012 |
20120002882 | Methods and Systems for Image Data Processing - Methods, storage mediums, and systems for image data processing are provided. Embodiments for the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations to perform one or more of the following steps: background signal measurement, particle identification using classification dye emission and cluster rejection, inter-image alignment, inter-image particle correlation, fluorescence integration of reporter emission, and image plane normalization. | 01-05-2012 |
20120002875 | Methods and Systems for Image Data Processing - Methods, storage mediums, and systems for image data processing are provided. Embodiments for the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations to perform one or more of the following steps: background signal measurement, particle identification using classification dye emission and cluster rejection, inter-image alignment, inter-image particle correlation, fluorescence integration of reporter emission, and image plane normalization. | 01-05-2012 |
20110223602 | Systems and Methods for Multiplex Analysis of PCR in Real Time - The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process. | 09-15-2011 |
20110106495 | Methods for Altering One or More Parameters of a Measurement System - Methods for altering one or more parameters of a measurement system are provided. One method includes analyzing a sample using the system to generate values from classification channels of the system for a population of particles in the sample. The method also includes identifying a region in a classification space in which the values for the populations are located. In addition, the method includes determining an optimized classification region for the population using one or more properties of the region. The optimized classification region contains a predetermined percentage of the values for the population. The optimized classification region is used for classification of particles in additional samples. | 05-05-2011 |
20110086431 | Methods for Altering Surface Characteristics of Microspheres - Various methods for altering surface characteristics of a microsphere are provided. One method includes coupling an enolic acid to the microsphere to modify the surface characteristics of the microsphere. The surface characteristics may include charge density and/or pKa. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. The reagent may include a biomolecule. The modified surface characteristics may increase a stability of the reagent when the reagent is coupled to the microsphere. The modified surface characteristics may also improve performance of an assay carried out with the microsphere. Another embodiment relates to a microsphere that includes an enolic acid coupled to a polymer core of the microsphere such that the enolic acid modifies surface characteristics of the microsphere. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. | 04-14-2011 |
20100317544 | Methods, Particles, and Kits for Determining Activity of a Kinase - Methods, particles and kits for determining kinase activity within a sample are provided. An embodiment of a method includes exposing a fluorescent particle to an assay, wherein the fluorescent particle includes a support substrate having one or more fluorescent materials and a peptide substrate coupled to the support substrate via a functional group of the support substrate. The method further includes phosphorylating the peptide substrate during exposure of the fluorescent particle to the assay and processing the fluorescent particle such that the peptide substrate is dephosphorylated and a polarized double bond is generated at a dephosphorylated site. In addition, the method includes coupling a fluorescent reporter having a nucleophilic terminal group to the fluorescent particle via the polarized double bond. | 12-16-2010 |
20100241360 | Methods, Data Structures, and Systems for Classifying Microparticles - Methods, data structures, and systems for classifying particles are provided. In particular, the methods and systems are configured to acquire a first set of data corresponding to measurable parameters of a microparticle and identify a location of a look-up table to which the first set of data corresponds, wherein the look-up table is framed by values associated with at least one of the measurable parameters. Furthermore, the methods and systems are configured to determine whether the first set of data fits one or more predefined algorithms respectively indicative of a different microparticle classification associated with the identified location of the look-up table. The methods and systems are further configured to classifying the microparticle within at least one predefined categorization based upon the determination of whether the first set of data fits the one or more predefined algorithms. | 09-23-2010 |
20100228513 | Systems and Methods for Performing Measurements of One or More Materials - Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof. | 09-09-2010 |
20100178709 | Magnetic Microspheres For Use In Fluorescence-Based Applications - Microspheres, populations of microspheres, and methods for forming microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core microsphere and a magnetic material coupled to a surface of the core microsphere. About 50% or less of the surface of the core microsphere is covered by the magnetic material. The microsphere also includes a polymer layer surrounding the magnetic material and the core microsphere. One population of microspheres configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described above. | 07-15-2010 |
20100120165 | Method and System for Manufacture and Use of Macroporous Beads in a Multiplex Assay - Macroporous beads and a method of manufacturing and using such macroporous beads. wherein the beads are distinguishable for use in a multiplex assay. Preferably, the beads are distinguishable by two or more unique fluorochromes, and at least some of the beads are magnetically responsive. In a preferred form, some of the macroporous beads have interior pores with a different moiety from the exterior surface, allowing beads with different attached functional groups. | 05-13-2010 |
20100017358 | Methods, Storage Mediums, and Systems for Configuring Classification Regions Within a Classification Matrix of an Analysis System and for Classifying Particles of an Assay - Methods and systems are provided which include configurations for the reassigning unit locations of a classification matrix at which two or more classification regions overlap as non-classification regions. In addition, methods and systems are provided which include configurations for mathematically creating classification regions which may be characterized by values which more accurately correspond to measured values of particles. Other embodiments of methods and systems include configurations for acquiring data corresponding to measurable parameters of a particle and identifying a location within a classification matrix to which at least some of the data corresponds. Such methods and systems further include configurations for translating either the data corresponding to the identified unit location or a target space located at known locations within the classification matrix a preset number of predetermined coordinate paths until a conclusion that the particle may be classified to particular particle category or a reject class is attained. | 01-21-2010 |
20090269780 | Method for Creating a Standard for Multiple Analytes Found in a Starting Material of Biological Origin - The invention provides a method for creating a standard for multiple analytes comprising treating a portion of a sample to substantially remove analytes of interest to produce a series of specifically deficient samples; and determining and mixing an appropriate amount of the series of specifically deficient samples to create a standard. The analyte may be any substance to be measured. | 10-29-2009 |
20090237658 | Methods for Altering One or More Parameters of a Measurement System - Methods for altering one or more parameters of a measurement system are provided. One method includes analyzing a sample using the system to generate values from classification channels of the system for a population of particles in the sample. The method also includes identifying a region in a classification space in which the values for the populations are located. In addition, the method includes determining an optimized classification region for the population using one or more properties of the region. The optimized classification region contains a predetermined percentage of the values for the population. The optimized classification region is used for classification of particles in additional samples. | 09-24-2009 |
20090192746 | Methods for Altering One or More Parameters of a Measurement System - Methods for altering one or more parameters of a measurement system are provided. One method includes analyzing a sample using the system to generate values from classification channels of the system for a population of particles in the sample. The method also includes identifying a region in a classification space in which the values for the populations are located. In addition, the method includes determining an optimized classification region for the population using one or more properties of the region. The optimized classification region contains a predetermined percentage of the values for the population. The optimized classification region is used for classification of particles in additional samples. | 07-30-2009 |
20090191638 | Assay Preparation Plates, Fluid Assay Preparation and Analysis Systems, and Methods for Preparing and Analyzing Assays - Assay preparation plates are provided which include an array of wells, a magnet, and an actuator configured to move the magnet proximate and remote relative to the array. A fluid assay preparation and analysis system is provided which includes a pipette disposed above an assay plate receiving area, a magnet disposed below the assay plate receiving area in approximate alignment with the pipette, and an actuator configured to move the magnet proximate the assay plate receiving area. A method for preparing and analyzing an assay includes injecting a sample into a sample well of an assay preparation plate and inserting the assay preparation plate into a fluid assay analysis system. The method further includes mixing the sample with one or more reagents in an assay plate receiving area of the system and subsequently aspirating the prepared assay into an examination chamber of the system. | 07-30-2009 |
20090189464 | Solenoid Actuator - A fluid assay system and a method for immobilizing magnetic particles within a fluid assay system are provided which employ a vessel for receiving magnetic particles and a solenoid actuator comprising a core component and a coil of wire wound around at least a portion of the core component. The solenoid actuator is configured such that an application of current through the coil of wire moves the core component toward the vessel. In some cases, core component includes a magnet to immobilize one or more magnetic particles disposed within the vessel. An embodiment of the solenoid actuator includes a telescoping body holding a core component and a coil of wire wound around at least a portion of the telescoping body. | 07-30-2009 |
20090170214 | Luminescent Reporter Modality for Analyzing an Assay - An optical analysis flow system and a method of assay analysis includes a means for facilitating activation of a luminescent material coupled to particles entrained within a fluid assay, wherein the means is arranged such that the activation of the luminescent material is conducted at a site along a flow path of the fluid assay prior to an examination zone of the optical analysis flow system. The method further includes measuring luminescent light emitting from the particles as they flow through the examination zone. Another method of assay analysis includes respectively measuring different types of luminescent light emission from a first set and a second set of particles comprising a fluid assay. An optical analysis system includes at least two distinct means for respectively facilitating the activation of at least two different luminescent materials coupled to particles of a fluid assay. | 07-02-2009 |
20090071225 | Systems, Storage Mediums, and Methods for Identifying Particles in Flow - Methods, storage mediums, and systems for correlating pulses generated from multiple interrogation regions in a flow cytometer to particular particles flowing through the flow cytometer are provided. Embodiments of the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations for calibrating a flow cytometer using a calibration particle having a unique signature to determine a time-of-flight for particles flowing through the flow cytometer. Based on the calculated time-of-flight and relative positions of interrogation regions corresponding to collectors of the flow cytometer, the methods, storage mediums, and systems may further include configurations for associating other signal pulses to particles of one or more different particle sets. | 03-19-2009 |
20090068680 | Method for Characterizing Immune Disorders - Methods for characterizing immune diseases are provided which include exposing a sample of biological fluid from a patient to a pooled population of particles, wherein a first subset of particles is bound to a reactant that binds an antibody and a second subset of particles is bound to a reactant that binds an antigen. The methods further include determining a ratio of measured amounts of the antibody and the antigen in the sample. In some cases, the ratio is compared to one or more standard ratios representing differing states of the disease to determine a state of the disease within the patient. In other embodiments, the steps of exposing and determining a ratio of antibody to antigen are repeated for one or more additional samples of biological fluid taken from the patient. In such cases, at least two ratios are compared to analyze a progression of the disease. | 03-12-2009 |