US 2013/0295663 A1 · Pressurizable Cartridge for Polymerase Chain Reactions

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for use in connection with the performance of the polymerase chain reaction are provided. An exemplary sample processing module is described that includes a sample assembly and a PCR assembly, the sample processing module being configured to hold the sample therein at a pressure higher than ambient pressure. A sample is added to the sample assembly at the time of use, which is then connected to the PCR assembly. Embodiments of the cartridge include a flow restriction device that enables or aids in creating a higher pressure within the reaction vial. The sample is introduced into a PCR reaction vial, which contains all of the constituents of a PCR reaction mixture that are necessary to process the sample and provide amplified DNA of interest, if that DNA was present in the sample.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A sample processing module, comprising:

a PCR assembly, said PCR assembly including at least one PCR reaction vial;
a sample assembly, said sample assembly being configured to hold a fluid sample therein, said sample assembly being attachable to said PCR assembly so as to form a closed system;
a delivery channel formed in said PCR assembly, said delivery channel being in fluidic communication with said PCR reaction vial and with said sample assembly;
a pressurization device;
said pressurization device being configured to increase a pressure of said fluid sample in said sample assembly and direct at least a portion said fluid sample through said delivery channel to said PCR reaction vial, and
a flow restriction device between said sample assembly and said PCR reaction vial, said flow restriction device being configured to enable said increase of said pressure to be applied to said fluid sample delivered to said PCR reaction vial.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pressurizable Cartridge for Polymerase Chain Reactions

Life of this patent

Pressurizable Cartridge for Polymerase Chain Reactions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims6