Abstract:
An improved sample card is provided. The improved card, typically used in biochemical analysis, achieves high sample well capacity and improved fluid flow, including by means of a plurality of through-channels which route the fluid flow of samples along both the front and back surfaces of the card. Elevated bubble traps are provided, as are integral interrupt slots for sensing card position and alignment. A bezeled leading edge facilitates insertion.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to the field of analysis for example biological analysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process of detecting at least one microorganism present in a sample placed in a closed container, said method comprising essentially the following steps: a) Place said sample in contact in the container with at least one culture medium and a support capable of capturing the microorganism(s) to be detected, b) Close the container, c) Place the container under conditions capable of allowing the growth of the microorganism(s), d) Detect, inside said closed container, using detection means, the presence of the microorganism(s) fixed onto the capture support.
Abstract:
An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature. A pneumatic system is also provided that assists in fluid transfer of a reaction solution from the first chamber to the second chamber.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to the field of analysis for example biological analysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process of detecting at least one microorganism present in a sample placed in a closed container, said method comprising essentially the following steps: a) Place said sample in contact in the container with at least one culture medium and a support capable of capturing the microorganism(s) to be detected, b) Close the container, c) Place the container under conditions capable of allowing the growth of the microorganism(s), d) Detect, inside said closed container, using detection means, the presence of the microorganism(s) fixed onto the capture support.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to an analysis device (10, 40, 501, 60) designed to be associated with a container (22, 50, 70) containing a sample (28) to be analyzed, said device comprising essentially: a first impervious membrane (12, 42, 52, 62); a second impervious membrane (14, 44, 54, 64) superposed on the first membrane (12, 42, 52, 62); said first and second membranes being fixedly attached over at least a part of their surface, defining a peripheral zone, in order to define an interstitial space forming an internal reaction cavity (16, 46, 56, 66), with no means of fluid communication with the outside of said analysis device (10, 40, 501, 60); at least one analysis means (18, 47, 57, 67), placed inside said internal reaction cavity (16, 46, 56, 66), designed to be placed in contact with the sample (28); at least one means designed to create a way for the sample to enter said internal reaction cavity. The present invention also relates to a container (22, 50, 70) comprising such an analysis device.The present invention also relates to a method of analyzing a sample contained in a container, in which an analysis device according to the invention is used.
Abstract:
An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature. A pneumatic system is also provided that assists in fluid transfer of a reaction solution from the first chamber to the second chamber.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a microsystem and a method for fabricating a microsystem. The pyrotechnic microsystem (7, 1′) comprises a substrate having at least two separate electrical initiation zones, each of which provides separate electrical initiation of a pyrotechnic material deposited on the substrate. This microsystem (7, 1′) is characterized in that the same pyrotechnic material deposit (721, 721′, 13) covers both initiation zones, said deposit (721, 721′, 13) produced on the substrate having a thickness sufficiently small for the initiation of the pyrotechnic material in the initiation zone to remain localized and not propagate to the other initiation zone, but sufficient to generate a specific gas quantity.
Abstract:
A method for treating magnetic particles present in a solution in a container by redispersion, rinsing or displacement, the particles having novel characteristics under the effect of a specific magnet and being associated or not with biological entities. The magnetic particles undergo at least one low-intensity magnetization where they are disposed in filaments oriented according to the north-south axis of the magnet; the magnetization source and/or container is/are displaced while the magnetic effect is maintained on the magnetic particles; the magnetization source and/or container is/are displaced or the, magnetization is stopped, in order to suppress the magnetic field on the magnetic particles. Preferably, the invention can be used in the field of biology.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for the electrical initiation of at least one pyrotechnic microcharge (3), this device being characterized in that it comprises a support element having at least one conductive finger (6) connected to a first terminal of a central control unit (8), a second terminal of said central control unit (8) being intended to be electrically connected to an electrically conductive support for the pyrotechnic microcharge (3). The invention also relates to a microactuator (1, 1a, . . . , 1h) and a microsystem (1′) that use such an initiation device.