Priming module for microfluidic chips

A method for simultaneously preparing a plurality of separation networks in a microfluidic device for a separation, each separation network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir and a sample reservoir, comprising the steps of:

• (a) dispensing a separation medium into one or more of the priming reservoirs fluidly connected to the plurality of the separation networks;
• (b) sealing a priming block against the one or more priming reservoirs;
• (c) driving separation medium from the one or more priming reservoirs into the plurality of separation networks with the priming block to simultaneously fill the separation networks with the separation medium;
• (d) transferring a plurality of samples from a sample array to the sample reservoirs in fluid connection with the plurality of filled separation networks, thereby preparing the plurality of separation networks contained in the microfluidic device for a separation;
• and
• (e) after performing steps (a) through (d), transferring the microfluidic device to an analyzer for separation and analysis of the prepared separation networks.