CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR PERFORMING MULTIPLE NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION ASSAYS

A continuous process for performing multiple nucleic acid amplification assays, where at least a portion of a second subset of reaction mixtures are transferred to a heater while a first subset of reaction mixtures are being subjected to conditions for performing a nucleic acid amplification assay. During the process, a plurality of reaction mixtures from the first and second subsets of reaction mixtures are simultaneously subjected to conditions sufficient to perform multiple nucleic acid amplification assays in the reaction mixtures. The presence or absence of a target nucleic acid in the first subset of reaction mixtures is determined while the reaction mixtures are in the heater. 1. A method for determining the presence or absence of target nucleic acid sequences in a plurality of samples , the method comprising the steps of:a) loading a plurality of samples onto a self-contained, stand-alone analyzer, each sample being contained within one of a plurality of receptacles, and each receptacle having an associated label containing machine-readable data;b) reading each associated label with a label reading device, wherein the label reading device is in communication with a computer, and wherein the computer associates each sample with one of at least two nucleic acid amplification assays, the at least two nucleic acid amplification assays including a first nucleic acid amplification assay for amplifying a first target sequence and a second nucleic acid amplification assay for amplifying a second target sequence, and the first and second target sequences being different from each other;c) exposing each sample to a solid support material, the solid support material being capable of immobilizing nucleic acids present in the samples;d) isolating the solid support material within each sample and separating a fluid component of the samples from the solid support material;e) after step d), washing the solid support material with a wash solution, thereby purifying the ...

CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR PERFORMING MULTIPLE NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION ASSAYS

A method of determining the presence or amount of a target nucleic acid in each of a plurality of reaction mixtures. In the method, a first plurality of reaction mixtures are provided to a heater and subjected to conditions for performing a first amplification reaction. The presence or amount of a first target nucleic acid in each of the first plurality of reaction mixtures is determined during the first amplification reaction. During the first amplification reaction, a second plurality of reaction mixtures are provided to the heater and subjected to conditions for performing a second amplification reaction. The presence or amount of a second target nucleic acid in each of the second plurality of reaction mixtures is determined during the second amplification reaction. At least a portion of the second plurality of reaction mixtures are removed from the heater during the second amplification reaction. 1. (canceled)2. A method of determining the presence or amount of a target nucleic acid in each of a plurality of reaction mixtures , the method comprising the automated steps of:a) providing a first plurality of reaction mixtures to a heater disposed on a generally horizontal work surface of an analyzer having a window situated above the work surface, wherein each reaction mixture of the first plurality of reaction mixtures is suspected of containing a first target nucleic acid, and wherein each reaction mixture of the first plurality of reaction mixtures contains reagents sufficient to perform a first nucleic acid amplification reaction with the first target nucleic acid;b) in the heater, subjecting each reaction mixture of the first plurality of reaction mixtures to conditions sufficient to perform the first nucleic acid amplification reaction;c) determining the presence or amount of the first target nucleic acid in each reaction mixture of the first plurality of reaction mixtures during the first nucleic acid amplification reaction;d) during steps b) and c), ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING MULTIPLE OPTICAL SIGNALS

To minimize cross talk in systems and methods for detecting two or more different optical signals emitted from each of a plurality of reaction receptacles, an excitation signal associated with each of the optical signals has a known excitation frequency, and any detected signal having a frequency that is inconsistent with the excitation frequency is discarded. The receptacles are moved relative to optical sensors configured to detect each unique optical signal from an associated receptacle, and to further minimize cross talk, the optical sensors are arranged so that only one reaction receptacle at a time is in a signal detecting position with respect to one of its associated optical sensors, and the optical sensors are grouped by the optical signal they are configured to detect so that a first optical signal is detected from each of the reaction receptacles before a second optical signal is detected from the reaction receptacles. 1. A system for detecting two or more different optical emission signals emitted from each of a plurality of reaction receptacles , wherein the reaction receptacles are disposed in a fixed arrangement with respect to each other , said system comprising:(A) a plurality of optical sensors, each of said optical sensors being configured to detect one of the two or more optical emission signals and being associated with one of the reaction receptacles so that each reaction receptacle has associated therewith one optical sensor for each optical emission signal to be detected, whereby said optical sensors associated with each of the plurality of reaction receptacles are arranged in a configuration that enables each optical sensor to detect the associated optical emission signal emitted from the associated reaction receptacle;(B) a transport mechanism constructed and arranged to effect relative movement between the plurality of reaction receptacles and the optical sensors to sequentially place each reaction receptacle into a signal-detecting ...

Signal measuring system having a movable signal measuring device

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

System for performing multi-formatted assays

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

System for continuous mode processing of the contents of multiple reaction receptacles in a real-time amplification assay

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Method for continuous mode processing of multiple reaction receptacles in a real-time amplification assay

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Continuous process for performing multiple nucleic acid amplification assays

A continuous process for performing multiple nucleic acid amplification assays, where at least a portion of a second subset of reaction mixtures are transferred to a heater while a first subset of reaction mixtures are being subjected to conditions for performing a nucleic acid amplification assay. During the process, a plurality of reaction mixtures from the first and second subsets of reaction mixtures are simultaneously subjected to conditions sufficient to perform multiple nucleic acid amplification assays in the reaction mixtures. The presence or absence of a target nucleic acid in the first subset of reaction mixtures is determined while the reaction mixtures are in the heater.

Systems and methods for detecting multiple optical signals

To minimize cross talk in systems and methods for detecting two or more different optical signals emitted from each of a plurality of reaction receptacles, an excitation signal associated with each of the optical signals has a known excitation frequency, and any detected signal having a frequency that is inconsistent with the excitation frequency is discarded. The receptacles are moved relative to optical sensors configured to detect each unique optical signal from an associated receptacle, and to further minimize cross talk, the optical sensors are arranged so that only one reaction receptacle at a time is in a signal detecting position with respect to one of its associated optical sensors, and the optical sensors are grouped by the optical signal they are configured to detect so that a first optical signal is detected from each of the reaction receptacles before a second optical signal is detected from the reaction receptacles.

Systems and methods for detecting multiple optical signals

To minimize cross talk in systems and methods for detecting two or more different optical signals emitted from each of a plurality of reaction receptacles, an excitation signal associated with each of the optical signals has a known excitation frequency, and any detected signal having a frequency that is inconsistent with the excitation frequency is discarded. The receptacles are moved relative to optical sensors configured to detect each unique optical signal from an associated receptacle, and to further minimize cross talk, the optical sensors are arranged so that only one reaction receptacle at a time is in a signal detecting position with respect to one of its associated optical sensors, and the optical sensors are grouped by the optical signal they are configured to detect so that a first optical signal is detected from each of the reaction receptacles before a second optical signal is detected from the reaction receptacles.

Signal measuring system for conducting real-time amplification assays

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Method for continuous mode processing of the contents of multiple reaction receptacles in a real-time amplification assay

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Systems and methods for detecting multiple optical signals

To minimize cross talk in systems and methods for detecting two or more different optical signals emitted from each of a plurality of reaction receptacles, an excitation signal associated with each of the optical signals has a known excitation frequency, and any detected signal having a frequency that is inconsistent with the excitation frequency is discarded. The receptacles are moved relative to optical sensors configured to detect each unique optical signal from an associated receptacle, and to further minimize cross talk, the optical sensors are arranged so that only one reaction receptacle at a time is in a signal detecting position with respect to one of its associated optical sensors, and the optical sensors are grouped by the optical signal they are configured to detect so that a first optical signal is detected from each of the reaction receptacles before a second optical signal is detected from the reaction receptacles.

Method for continuous mode processing of the contents of multiple reaction receptacles in a real-time amplification assay

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Method for performing multi-formatted assays

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes within samples

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes within samples

A method for reducing a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor in a receptacle comprises the steps of coating a portion of an inner surface of a receptacle with a surface treating agent, such as an oil, that reduces the amount of an amplification inhibitor adhering to the inner surface during a process of isolating a target nucleic acid within the receptacle, washing the target nucleic acid, and amplifying a target sequence of the target nucleic acid. The surface treating agent does not inhibit amplification of the target sequence.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes within samples

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes

The present invention relates to a system for measuring a signal emitted by the contents of each of a plurality of reaction receptacles comprising: a moving reaction receptacle carrier including a plurality of reaction receptacle stations, each of said reaction receptacle stations carrying two or more reaction receptacles; a signal measuring device constructed and arranged to measure the amount of a signal emitted by the contents of a reaction receptacle placed in operative proximity to said signal measuring device, said signal measuring device being positioned with respect to said reaction receptacle carrier such that reaction receptacles carried on said reaction receptacle carrier are successively moved into operative proximity to said signal measuring device as said reaction receptacle carrier moves the reaction receptacles; and a signal measuring device transport mechanism constructed and arranged to move said signal measuring device with respect to said reaction receptacle carrier, wherein said reaction receptacle carrier is controlled so as to successively present each said reaction receptacle station in a signal measuring position in which one of the reaction receptacles carried in the reaction receptacle station is in operative proximity to said signal measuring device and said signal measuring device transport mechanism is controlled so as to move said signal measuring device with respect to said reaction receptacle carrier to successively place said signal measuring device in operative proximity to each of the reaction receptacles carried in the reaction receptacle station moved into the signal measuring position.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes within samples

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Sample tube holder

A sample tube holder for restricting vertical and lateral movement of sample tubes. The sample tube holder has sample tube compartments with sets of finger springs for maintaining sample tubes in substantially vertical orientations and a retainer for limiting vertical mobility of the sample tubes. Fluid transfer devices access the sample tubes through openings in the retainer aligned above the sample tube compartments. A guide structure having openings formed therein is included to restrict lateral movement of caps associated with the sample tubes. Tabs at a base of the sample tube holder and hold-downs fixed to a stationary structure adjacent a conveyor restrict vertical movement of the sample tube holder during automated sampling procedures.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes within samples

Systems and Methods to Perform Assays for Detecting or Quantifying Analytes Within Samples Abstract 800 800 750 S0'0 -150 604 602 700 210 5 An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspect of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyser includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, performing an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analysing the amount of a target analyte. 1o An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes within samples

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifiying analytes

Systems and methods for detecting multiple optical signals

A method for detecting two or more different optical emission signals emitted from each of a plurality of reaction receptacles, said method comprising, for each optical emission signal to be detected, the steps of: (a) directing an optical excitation signal at each reaction receptacle, the optical excitation signal having a known wavelength that excites an associated optical emission signal having a known emission wavelength, wherein the optical excitation signal has a known excitation frequency; (b) detecting an optical signal which includes any optical emission signal emitted by the contents of each receptacle; and (c) discarding any portion of the detected optical signal having a frequency that is inconsistent with the known excitation frequency to determine the portion of the detected optical signal that corresponds to the associated optical emission signal.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes within samples

A method for reducing a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor in a receptacle comprises the steps of coating a portion of an inner surface of a receptacle with a surface treating agent, such as an oil, that reduces the amount of an amplification inhibitor adhering to the inner surface during a process of isolating a target nucleic acid within the receptacle, washing the target nucleic acid, and amplifying a target sequence of the target nucleic acid. The surface treating agent does not inhibit amplification of the target sequence.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes within samples

System and methods for detecting multiple optical signals

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Systems and methods to perform assays for detecting or quantifying analytes within samples

A system for measuring a signal emitted by the contents of each of a plurality of reaction receptacles is provided. The system comprises a moving reaction receptacle carrier including a plurality of reaction receptacle stations, each of the reactions receptacle stations carrying two or more reaction receptacles, a signal measuring device constructed and arranged to measure an amount of a signal emitted by the contents of a reaction receptacle placed in operative proximity to the signal measuring device, and a signal measuring device transport mechanism constructed and arranged to move the signal measuring device with respect to the reaction receptacle carrier. The signal measuring device is position with respect to the reaction receptacle carrier such that reaction receptacles carried on the reaction receptacle carrier are successively moved into operative proximity to the signal measuring device as the reaction receptacle carrier moves the reaction receptacles.

A microwave moisture analyzer: apparatus and method

A toploading weighing apparatus (240) which determines weight loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave (260).

Methods and systems for detecting multiple fluorescent emission signals

A microwave moisture analyzer: apparatus and method

A toploading weighing apparatus (240) which determines weight loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave (260).

A microwave moisture analyzer: apparatus and method

A toploading weighing apparatus (240) which determines weight loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave (260).

A microwave moisture analyzer: apparatus and method

A microwave moisture analyser apparatus (10) which employs microwave radiation and a method for the determination of loss on drying application. The analyzer (10) comprises an enclosure (20) which houses a microwave analysis chamber (260) wherein the chamber (260) includes an integral precision balance (240) and a microwave energy module (450). The module (450) controls the loss on drying process on the sample being assayed and determines when the drying process is complete.

A microwave moisture analyzer: apparatus and method

A microwave moisture analyzer: apparatus and method

Manual pipette