Apparatus and methods for sample loading

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, and methods for sample loading are disclosed. In accordance with one implementation, the system includes an interface configured to receive a substrate including an active area. A pump is configured to flow a reagent from a reagent reservoir and a sample slug of the sample of interest toward the active area. An optical assembly includes an objective and a focus tracking module that is configured to detect a position of a meniscus of the reagent between the reagent and the sample slug. The pump is configured to flow the sample slug over the active area based on the position of the meniscus. The focus tracking module is configured to determine a z-position of the interface and the optical assembly is configured to adjust a position of the objective based on the z-position determined.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.