Method and apparatus for reproducible sample injection on microfabricated devices

A microfluidic device, comprising:

• a substrate comprising at least first and second blocks that are configured to slide relative to each another;
• at least one reaction channel defined on the first block along which the sample migrates;
• at least one sample channel defined on the first block;
• at least one sample metering channel defined on the first block;
• at least one waste reservoir on the second block;
• sliding means for sliding the second block relatively to the first block from a first position at which sample is loaded from the sample channel into the sample metering channel with excess discharged to the waste reservoir in the second block, to a second position at which sample is introduced from the sample metering channel to the reaction channel.

A method for injecting sample into a reaction channel defined on a microfluidic device, comprising the steps of:

• providing a substrate comprising at least first and second blocks that are configured to slide relative to each another;
• defining at least one reaction channel on the first block along which the sample migrates;
• defining at least one sample channel on the first block;
• defining at least one sample metering channel on the second block;
• sliding the second block relatively to the first block from a first position at which sample is loaded from the sample channel into the sample metering channel, to a second position at which sample is introduced from the sample metering channel to the reaction channel.