Raman spectroscopy systems for viral detection

A method of testing for a virus, the method comprising:

• receiving a sample of bodily fluid within a well of a cartridge, the cartridge housing a substrate configured to detect a virus, the well comprising an open end to receive the sample and a hydrophobic wall to allow the sample to travel to the substrate;
• directing a light of a particular wavelength that is suitable for Raman spectroscopy from the open end of the well through the sample of the bodily fluid to interact with the substrate;
• receiving reflected light from the substrate after passing through the sample;
• and
• analyzing the reflected light to detect a type of the virus.

A system for detecting a virus, the system comprising:

• a cartridge comprising:
• a base;
• a cover sealing coupled to the base sealing coupled to the cover forming an inner compartment therebetween, the cover comprising a well having a hydrophobic wall and a larger bore size at a top side than a bore size at a bottom side to hold a sample of bodily fluid within the well in contact with and above a substrate used to detect a virus;
• a sealing element disposed within the inner compartment around the well and above the substrate;
• and
• a Raman spectrometer configured to:
• direct light of a particular wavelength toward the well;
• receive reflected light from the substrate after passing through the sample of bodily fluid;
• and
• analyze a spectrum of the reflected light to determine a type of the virus.