Assay apparatuses, methods and reagents
AssigneeMeso Scale Technologies, LLC.
InventorsCharles M. Clinton, Eli N. Glezer, Bandele Jeffrey-Coker, Sandor L. Kovacs, Sudeep M. Kumar, George Sigal, Carl Stevens, Michael Vock
Life of this patent
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Abstract
We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.
Claims16
An environmental monitoring system for conducting luminescence assays on a sample in a multi-well plate and analyzing data from said assays, said environmental monitoring system comprising a first environmental monitoring system configured to be disposed at a first location for conducting said assays and a second environmental monitoring system configured to be disposed at a second location different from the first location for conducting said assays,
- said first environmental monitoring system comprising (a) a first sample collection module configured to collect air samples or fluid samples and fluidically connected to a first biological agent detection module, and (b) a first computer operatively connected to said first detection module and configured to autonomously control operation of said first environmental monitoring system, wherein said first detection module comprises
- (i) a light detection subsystem for measuring luminescence;
- (ii) a liquid handling subsystem;
- and
- (iii) a plate handling subsystem,
- wherein said first computer is further configured to receive and process data from said first detection module and to transmit an alert to said second environmental monitoring system, which is comprised of a second sample collection module configured to collect air samples or fluid samples and fluidically connected to a second biological agent detection module, and a second computer operatively connected to said second detection module and configured to autonomously control operation of said second environmental monitoring system, wherein said control operations include increasing, in response to receiving said alert, the frequency of assays conducted by said second detection module using samples received from said second sample collection module,
- wherein the first environmental monitoring system is configured to:
- (a) sample background data over a period of operation;
- (b) determine an average background level and a standard deviation thereof based on the sampled background data;
- and
- (c) adjust a detection threshold limit of the first environmental monitoring system based on the determined average background level and standard deviation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.