System for portable and easy-to-use detection of analytes with mobile computing device

A system for identifying the presence, absence, and/or quantity of a molecule of interest in a sample, comprising:

• a reader;
• and
• a cartridge that fits into the reader, the cartridge configured to accept a sample collection device that fits into the cartridge;
• wherein the cartridge comprises:
• a first reservoir for storing a liquid, wherein a mixture comprising the liquid and the sample is formed in the first reservoir when the sample collection device having the sample is inserted into the first reservoir;
• a second reservoir for storing a chemical substrate;
• an analysis channel comprising an electrochemical sensor;
• and
• a first phase change valve for sealing the mixture in the first reservoir from the analysis channel in solid state;
• a second phase change valve for sealing the chemical substrate in the second reservoir from the analysis channel in solid state;
• and
• one or more heaters disposed adjacent the first and second phase change valves for melting the first and second phase change valves to transfer the mixture and the chemical substrate to the analysis channel, wherein a reaction of the mixture and the chemical substrate is detected by the electrochemical sensor and communicated to the reader.