Modular testing device for analyzing biological samples

A modular testing device comprising:

• a base unit that comprises:
• a housing with an integrated touchscreen display;
• a receptacle in which a sample holder containing a biological sample and reagent mixture can be placed;
• and
• an optical assembly positioned in the housing, wherein the optical assembly is configured to amplify and detect a signal from the biological sample and reagent mixture;
• and
• an expansion unit that communicates with the base unit, wherein the expansion unit comprises:
• a housing;
• a receptacle in which a sample holder containing a biological sample and reagent mixture can be placed;
• and
• an optical assembly positioned in the housing, wherein the optical assembly is configured to amplify and detect a signal from the biological sample and reagent mixture, and wherein the optical assembly in the expansion unit comprises:
• a heating component to heat the biological sample and reagent mixture in the sample holder;
• a plurality of light-emitting diodes configured to excite the biological sample and reagent mixture in the sample holder, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes are positioned on a first side of an excitation filter that extends across the entire optical assembly and the sample holder is positioned on a second side of the excitation filter;
• and
• a plurality of photodetectors configured to detect a signal from the biological sample and reagent mixture in the sample holder, wherein the plurality of photodetectors are positioned on a first side of an emission filter that extends across the entire optical assembly and the sample holder is positioned on a second side of the emission filter.

A method of analyzing a biological sample and reagent mixture in a modular testing device, the method comprising:

• preparing a biological sample and reagent mixture for testing and placing the biological sample and reagent mixture in a sample holder;
• placing the sample holder in a receptacle in an expansion unit, wherein the expansion unit comprises an optical assembly comprising an excitation filter that extends across the entire optical assembly and an emission filter that extends across the entire optical assembly;
• beginning an excitation and detection test sequence with the optical assembly to analyze the biological sample and reagent mixture in the expansion unit;
• collecting data from the biological sample and reagent mixture in the expansion unit, wherein the data that is collected is collected by the optical assembly;
• and
• communicating the data from the expansion unit to a base unit.