Apparatus for diagnostic assays

A sample container comprising a support, an array of discrete receptacles which, together with the support, defines an array of sample spaces each arranged to receive a sample of fluid, and heater means affixed to said support in thermal contact with, but electrically insulated from, the sample spaces, wherein the heater means is so arranged that it can apply to one or more sample spaces of the array heating conditions that are different from those applied to another sample space or sample spaces of the array.

A sample container for a fluid sample comprising a receptacle defining a sample space, a support upon which the receptacle is received and screen printed heater means affixed to said support in thermal contact with, but electrically insulated from the sample space.

A sample container for a fluid sample comprising a support, means defining a sample space on the support and heater means affixed to the support in thermal contact with the sample space wherein the means defining the sample space, the support and the heater means form an integrated unit.

A sample container for a fluid sample comprising a substantially planar body defining at least one sample space in said body and heater means integrated within said body, the heater means being in thermal contact with the sample space.

A sample container for a fluid sample comprising a first portion and a second portion, a receptacle defining a sample space located between the first portion and the second portion, an access tube for depositing a sample in the sample space, and a communication channel through which the access tube communicates with the sample space, wherein the container is deformable such that the application of pressure pressing the first portion and the second portion together causes the communication channel to be closed.

A sample container comprising a first portion and a second portion, an array of discrete receptacles, each receptacle defining a sample space located between the first portion and the second portion and being arranged to receive a sample of fluid, an access tube associated with each sample space for depositing a sample in the sample space and a communication channel associated with each sample space through which each access tube communicates with its associated sample space, wherein the container is deformable such that the application of pressure pressing the first portion and the second portion together causes the communication channels to be closed.

A sample container substantially as described herein with reference to the description and any of FIGS. 1 to 15.

A holder for a sample container, the sample container having at least first and second outer surfaces at least one of which has at least one access opening for the introduction of material into the container, the holder comprising a first plate and a second plate, said first and second plates being movable relative to one another between a first, open position and a second, closed position, the plates being so dimensioned and configured that, in the closed position, they can press against, respectively, said first and second outer surfaces of a said container and can cause the at least one access opening to be closed.

A holder substantially as described herein with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20.

A method of heating a fluid sample wherein a voltage is applied across, or a current is supplied to, an electrically resistive element in such a fashion that the electrically resistive element serves as a heater in a first period and serves as temperature sensing means in a second period.

A method of heating a plurality of fluid samples wherein a voltage is applied across, or a current is supplied to, each of a plurality of electrically resistive elements in such a fashion that each electrically resistive element serves as a heater of a sample in a first period and serves as temperature sensing means of a sample in a second period.

A computer program product which causes a computer so to operate:

• that it takes as an input a data set signal representing a desired profile of temperature for a fluid sample with time and an input data set signal representing the temperature of the fluid sample, and
• that it converts the data set signals into an output signal that represents a duration and magnitude of voltage to be applied across, or a current to be supplied to, an electrically resistive element to heat the fluid sample,
• wherein a control means is instructed to apply a voltage across, or supply a current to, the electrically resistive element in a first period and the input data set signal representing the temperature of the fluid sample is provided by the same electrically resistive element during a second period.

An apparatus for heating a fluid sample comprising a receiving space for receiving a sample, an electrically resistive element and control means wherein the control means is operable so as to apply a voltage across, or supply current to, the electrically resistive element in such a fashion that the electrically resistive element may serve as a heater in a first period and may serve as temperature sensing means in a second period.

A holder for a sample container for a fluid sample, which container comprises a support, a receptacle which, together with the support, defines a sample space, and heater means affixed to said support, said holder comprising control means operable so as to apply a voltage across, or supply current to, the electrically resistive element in such a fashion that the electrically resistive element may serve as a heater in a first period and may serve as temperature sensing means in a second period.

A sample container substantially as described herein with reference to the description and any of FIGS. 1 to 11.