Microfluidic chip holders and methods of removing chips therefrom

A method of separating a microfluidic chip from a microfluidic chip holder, the method comprising:

• a) providing the microfluidic chip holder comprising i) a receptacle with a base that holds the microfluidic chip in a planar conformation and ii) a latching mechanism comprising a latch that holds the chip in the receptacle and is mechanically coupled to an effort side of a lever with a resistance side of the lever under an edge or a catching feature on the edge of the chip;
• b) pressing laterally or annularly on the latch to withdraw the latch and apply downward force on the effort side of the lever, thereby releasing and raising the microfluidic chip;
• and
• c) lifting the raised microfluidic chip out of the microfluidic chip holder.