Systems and Methods of Sample Processing and Fluid Control in a Fluidic System

A system configured to detect an optical signal indicating the presence of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample, comprising:

• a cartridge configured to perform an assay, comprising:
• a sample collection unit capable of receiving the bodily fluid sample;
• a metering channel configured to meter a volume of the bodily fluid sample;
• a mixing chamber configured to be brought into fluidic communication with the metering channel and to receive a portion of the bodily fluid sample to be mixed;
• a reagent chamber having a volume of less than 100 microliters and including a dried reagent to be liquefied upon initiation of the assay, the reagent chamber being configured to be brought into fluid communication with the mixing chamber;
• and
• a plurality of reaction sites in fluid communication with the reagent chamber, each reaction site comprising a reactant bound thereto and configured to generate an optical signal in response to reacting with the analyte present in the bodily fluid sample;
• and
• a reader assembly configured to receive the cartridge and configured to detect the optical signals;
• and
• a communication assembly for transmitting said an indication that the optical signals were detected to an external device.