Devices and methods for rapid sample processing and analysis

A method of thermocycling a sample comprising:

• (a) placing the sample in the sample container in a cassette, wherein the cassette comprises a sample container of 1 mm or less thickness sandwiched between front and rear surfaces of 1 mm or less thickness each;
• (b) holding the sample container in a stationary position;
• (c) (i) moving a first pair of heaters into opposing orientations on either side of the sample container adjacent to the front and rear surfaces, respectively, and (ii) narrowing a gap between the first pair of heaters when the sample container is in the gap between the first pair of heaters, thereby creating a first temperature zone between the first pair of heaters with an entirety of the sample within the first temperature zone;
• (d) (i) expanding the gap between the first pair of heaters, and (ii) moving the first pair of heaters away from the sample container, thereby removing the first temperature zone from the sample;
• (e) (i) moving a second pair of heaters into opposing orientations on either side of the sample container adjacent to the front and rear surfaces, respectively, and (ii) narrowing a gap between the second pair of heaters when the sample container is in the gap between the second pair of heaters, thereby creating a second temperature zone between the second pair of heaters with an entirety of the sample within the second temperature zone;
• (f) (i) expanding the gap between the second pair of heaters, and (ii) moving the second pair of heaters away from the sample container, thereby removing the second temperature zone from the sample;
• and
• (g) repeating steps (c) through (f).