User-Actuated Valve Actuator for Microfluidic Devices

A clip for use with a microfluidic cartridge, the clip comprising:

• a top extension having an outer surface;
• a bottom extension spaced apart from the top extension;
• a support connecting the top extension and the bottom extension at a first end of the clip, wherein the top extension, the bottom extension, and the support together define a channel having an opening at a second end of the clip opposite the first end, the channel sized to slidably receive the microfluidic cartridge therethrough;
• and
• a bump extending from an inner surface of the top extension into the channel, wherein the bump is positioned to engage a valve elastomer of the microfluidic cartridge and depress the valve elastomer into a valve hole to selectively block fluid flow toward a waste reservoir in a first position of the clip or block fluid flow toward a reaction chamber in a second position of the clip.

A method of analyzing a test sample, comprising:

• collecting the test sample;
• installing a clip on a microfluidic cartridge, the clip including a channel sized to receive the microfluidic cartridge and a bump extending into the channel;
• moving the clip to a first position relative to the microfluidic cartridge such that the bump depresses a valve elastomer of the microfluidic cartridge to block fluid flow to a reaction chamber;
• providing the test sample to the microfluidic cartridge;
• directing the test sample to the reaction chamber by moving the clip to a second position relative to the microfluidic cartridge such that the bump depresses the valve elastomer to block fluid flow to a waste reservoir;
• and
• analyzing the test sample within the reaction chamber.