System and method for optimizing heat transfer for target amplification within a diagnostic assay system

A diagnostic assay system including a disposable cartridge operative to perform target amplification of nucleic acids, comprising:

• a rotary drive mechanism operative to index a cartridge rotor about a rotational axis such that a port of the cartridge rotor aligns with a barrel port of a syringe barrel to receive or withdraw a reagent fluid into or out of an assay chamber of the cartridge rotor, the cartridge rotor having at least one channel along the underside surface of the cartridge rotor operative to move assay fluids through the channel from one assay chamber to another assay chamber and having a region for performing target amplification on the assay fluids as the assay fluids pass through the at least one channel;
• a plate juxtaposed with the region for performing target amplification on the assay fluids as they move from one chamber to another assay chamber;
• a heat source integrated with the plate and operative to transfer heat into the region for performing target amplification on the assay fluids, and
• a linear actuator connected to the linear plate and operative to induce a linear force parallel to the rotational axis and perpendicular to an underside surface of the cartridge rotor.