Sample-acquiring microfluidic tester

A method for loading a fluid sample into a microfluidic interrogation cassette, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a microfluidic interrogation cassette comprising:
• a channel configured and arranged to permit fluid flow in a direction from an entry aperture toward a vent, a portion of said channel being arranged to permit interrogation of particles carried by a fluid passing therethrough;
• and
• suction structure carried by said interrogation cassette and disposed in fluid communication with said channel operably to apply a reduced pressure through a portion of said channel to said entry aperture effective to infuse an amount of fluid through said entry aperture and into a receiving zone of said channel;
• b) applying a bias sufficient to displace said suction structure to a pre-suction configuration in preparation to apply said reduced pressure;
• c) placing said entry aperture into bulk fluid;
• and
• d) releasing said bias to load said sample.