Uses of reagents in sample collection and cartridge systems

A cartridge system comprising:

• (a) a reagent component for storing one or more reagents;
• and
• (b) a processing component for processing the one or more reagents in an assay;
• wherein one or more of the components comprise one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent;
• and further wherein the reagent component and the processing component are configured to be coupled together to form a cartridge, and wherein the reagent component and/or the processing component comprise at least one compartment configured to accept waste from the assay, the reagent component not taking part in processing the reagents in the assay, except to accept waste from the processing component.

A cartridge system comprising:

• (a) a reagent component for storing one or more reagents;
• (b) a processing component for processing one or more reagents in an assay;
• and
• (c) a sensing component comprising at least one sensing element for detecting an analyte;
• wherein one or more of the components comprise one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent;
• and further wherein the reagent component, the processing component and the sensing component are separate components configured to be coupled together to form a cartridge.

A cartridge system comprising:

• (a) a reagent component for storing one or more reagents;
• (b) a processing component for processing one or more reagents in an assay;
• and
• (c) a sample preparation component for preparing a sample for the assay;
• wherein one or more of the components comprise one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent;
• and further wherein the reagent component and the processing component are configured to be coupled together to form a cartridge.