Systems and devices for analysis of samples
AssigneeOPKO Diagnostics, LLC
InventorsVincent Linder, David Steinmiller, Jason Taylor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described.
Claims25
A method of analyzing a microfluidic sample, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a microfluidic sample analyzer comprising a housing with an opening therein, wherein a cassette is contained in the opening in the housing and, wherein the cassette or a component of the cassette includes at least one channel with a fluid sample therein;
- identifying information about the cassette with an identification reader positioned on or within the housing;
- processing information input by a user into a user interface positioned within the housing of the sample analyzer;
- pressurizing the at least one channel in the cassette with a pressure-control system positioned within the housing to move the sample through the at least one channel;
- activating an optical system that passes light from a first light source positioning within the housing through a first measurement zone of the cassette;
- detecting the amount of light transmission through the first measurement zone of the cassette with a first detector of the optical system positioned within the housing opposite the first light source;
- and
- analyzing the sample in the cassette with a control system positioned within the housing which communicates with the identification reader, the user interface, the pressure-control system, and the optical system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.