Sample analysis cartridge and system

A sample analysis cartridge according to any preceding claim, the cartridge further comprising:

• an excitation wall, the excitation wall forming a face of the reaction chamber and arranged to transmit excitation radiation into the reaction chamber;
• and,
• an emission wall, the emission wall forming a face of the reaction chamber and arranged to transmit emission radiation from the reaction chamber;
• wherein the excitation wall and emission wall are angularly offset, and wherein preferably the angle between the excitation wall and emission wall is at least 30 degrees, preferably at least 45 degrees, more preferably at least 60 degrees, more preferably still at least 75 degrees.

A method for preparing a sample using a sample analysis cartridge, the cartridge comprising:

• a reaction chamber configured to receive a sample;
• a film defining at least a portion of a face of the reaction chamber;
• an inlet port fluidly connected to an inlet of the reaction chamber and an outlet port fluidly connected to an outlet of the reaction chamber;
• and
• an air reservoir fluidly connected to the reaction chamber;
• the inlet port, outlet port and air reservoir arranged such that as the reaction chamber is filled with fluid through the inlet port gas within the reaction chamber may escape the cartridge through the outlet port whilst gas within the air reservoir is retained;
• the inlet port, outlet port and air reservoir being further arranged such that, if the inlet and outlet ports are sealed, gas within the air reservoir applies pressure on the contents of the reaction chamber;
• wherein the method comprises:
• securing the cartridge to a thermal surface such that the film is adjacent to the thermal surface, the thermal surface being arranged to vary the temperature of the contents of the reaction chamber;
• a first filling step in which sample is dispensed via the inlet port so as to fill the reaction chamber, during which gas within the reaction chamber escapes the reaction chamber via the outlet port whilst gas within the air reservoir is retained within the air reservoir;
• sealing the outlet port;
• a second filling step in which further fluid is dispensed ivia the inlet port so as to pressurise the reaction chamber such that at least a portion of the film conforms to the thermal surface;
• sealing the inlet port;
• and,
• varying the temperature of the sample using the thermal surface.