Patent ID: 7666819
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of analyzing an analyte on a biochip, comprising: providing an analytical device that comprises within a housing a first section and a second section that receive a biochip having a plurality of substrates in a plurality of predetermined positions; using a robotics assembly that comprises a first portion that is configured to allow movement of a second portion with respect to a x-coordinate, wherein the second portion comprises an automated pipette and a second actuator, wherein the second portion is configured to allow movement of the automated pipette and second actuator with respect to a y-coordinate; using the automated pipette to contact the biochip in the first section with a sample containing a non-analyte and an analyte under conditions that allow binding of the analyte to at least one of the substrates; moving the biochip in a horizontal motion along a horizontal surface from the first section to the second section using the second actuator; calculating a focal plane using a plurality of reference signals obtained from a plurality of reference markers disposed on the biochip such that a correct focus is calculated for each of the analytes without a step of refocusing each of the analytes where the analytes are disposed on an uneven surface of the biochip; optically detecting with an optical device in the second section binding of the analyte to the at least one of the substrates on the biochip; wherein a position of the plurality of the analytes is computed using a predetermined relationship of the plurality of reference markers to the plurality of analytes; and wherein the reference markers are illuminated by a first light source at a first angle, and wherein at least one of the plurality of substrates is illuminated by a second light source at a second angle, and wherein the first angle and the second angle are not identical.