Test device and method for analyzing biological samples using bifurcated fluidic pathways

A method for improving quantification of a biological sample in a test device, the method comprising:

• (a) applying the biological sample to a sample-introduction region of the test device to obtain a flowing sample along a primary fluidic pathway of the test device;
• (b) enabling bifurcation of the obtained flowing sample at one or more bifurcation nodes disposed along the primary fluidic pathway into at least two laterally directed fluid branches to flow towards one or more detection pads arranged in an array along the primary fluidic pathway;
• (c) facilitating the obtained flowing sample to pass through at least two successive bifurcation levels prior to reaching the one or more detection pads;
• (d) allowing the obtained flowing sample in the at least two laterally directed fluid branches to contact the one or more detection pads, each detection pad of the one or more detection pads, comprising one or more biochemical agents configured to generate and detect signal;
• and
• (e) quantifying the biological sample by measuring the signal generated at the one or more detection pads to obtain an improved quantification output.

A test device for detecting one or more analytes in a biological sample, the test device comprising:

• (a) a sample-introduction region configured to receive the biological sample;
• (b) a primary fluidic pathway extending in a first direction from the sample-introduction region;
• (c) one or more bifurcation nodes disposed along the primary fluidic pathway, each bifurcation node being configured to divide a portion of the received biological sample flowing along the primary fluidic pathway into a first and second laterally extending branches positioned on opposite sides of the primary fluidic pathway;
• and
• (d) one or more detection pads arranged in an array along the primary fluidic pathway, each detection pad of the one or more detection pads being fluidically connected to a respective pair of the laterally extending branches and enabling the sample to flow (i) along the primary fluidic pathway, and subsequently (ii) outward and inward toward the one or more detection pads.

A test device for improving quantification of a biological sample, the test device comprising:

• (a) a sample-introduction region configured to receive the biological sample;
• (b) a primary fluidic pathway extending in a first direction from the sample-introduction region;
• (c) one or more bifurcation nodes disposed along the primary fluidic pathway, each bifurcation node being configured to divide a portion of the received biological sample flowing along the primary fluidic pathway into first and second laterally extending branches positioned on opposite sides of the primary fluidic pathway;
• and
• (d) one or more detection pads arranged in a spaced tiered arrangement along the primary fluidic pathway, each detection pad of the one or more detection pads being fluidically connected to a respective pair of the laterally extending branches and enabling the sample to flow (i) along the primary fluidic pathway, and subsequently (ii) outward and inward toward the one or more detection pads.