Cartridge based system and method for detecting an analyte in a sample
AssigneeBioDetection Instruments, LLC
InventorsXiaoli Su, Steve Charles Green, Robert Calvin Goforth, Qian Sun, James Randall Andress, Katherine L. Hall, Chien V. Nguyen
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Abstract
The invention pertains to a disposable cartridge suitable for use in detecting the presence of analytes in fluid samples. The cartridge is designed to provide “lab on a chip” capabilities and comprises a plurality of sample storage reservoirs and analytical compartments/channels. A valve system based on valve disks aids in securely transferring samples from storage reservoirs to analytical channels and detectors with minimal use of common channels, which reduces risk of cross-contamination.
Claims46
A disk for controlling the flow of fluid through a cartridge housing, said disk comprising a circular first face having a first channel, said first channel suitable for establishing fluid communication between a first fluid portal and a second fluid portal of said cartridge housing.
A cartridge for use in detecting an analyte in a fluid sample, said cartridge comprising:
- a cartridge housing;
- a reservoir integral with said cartridge housing;
- a connecting channel integral with said cartridge housing;
- a first valve capable of establishing fluid communication between said reservoir and said connecting channel;
- a reaction channel having an inlet and an outlet, said reaction channel integral with said cartridge housing;
- a detection channel integral with said cartridge housing;
- and
- a second valve capable of establishing fluid communication (1) between said connecting channel and said reaction channel, and (2) between said reaction channel and said detection channel.
A method for detecting an analyte in a fluid sample, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing a sample in a first reservoir;
- aligning a first valve to establish fluid communication between said reservoir and a connecting channel;
- aligning a second valve to establish fluid communication between said connecting channel and the inlet of a reaction channel and the outlet of said reaction channel and an analyte detection channel to thereby establish fluid communication between said reservoir and said analyte detection channel;
- drawing a sample from said first reservoir through said reaction channel and through said detection channel;
- and
- detecting the presence of an analyte in the sample as said sample passes through said analyte detection channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.