Single-sided heat transfer interface for a diagnostic assay system

A diagnostic assay system, comprising:

• a disposable cartridge having at least one chamber for performing target amplification of an assay fluid, the at least one chamber defining a heat exchange surface wherein at least a portion thereof comprises a conformal material disposed over a single side of the heat exchange surface;
• a platform configured to receive the disposable cartridge;
• and,
• a heat source disposed adjacent the heat exchange surface, the heat source configured to:
• (i) engage the heat exchange surface and (ii) accelerate target amplification of the assay fluid.

A disposable cartridge for analyzing an assay fluid, comprising:

• a cartridge body defining a chamber for receipt of the assay fluid;
• and
• a conformal material disposed over one side of the chamber and defining a heat exchange surface;
• wherein the cartridge body and the conformal material are disposed adjacent a heat source, and
• wherein a mating interface between the conformal material and the heat source mitigate pockets of air from developing across the mating interface to improve the efficacy of heat transfer across the mating interface.

A method for target amplification of an assay fluid, comprising the steps of:

• loading a disposable cartridge into a diagnostic assay system, the disposable cartridge having at least one chamber for receiving the assay fluid and performing target amplification of the assay fluid, the chamber defining at least one heat exchange surface along a side thereof;
• providing a heat source proximal to the diagnostic assay system;
• and
• producing a conformal mating interface between the heat source and the at least one heat exchange surface to mitigate pockets of air from developing across the conformal mating interface.