Sample preparation, processing and analysis systems

A system comprising:

• (a) a cartridge module comprising a receptacle for receiving a cartridge;
• (b) a cartridge received in the receptacle, the cartridge comprising:
• (i) a container comprising a plurality of closed and fluidically isolated chambers, wherein each of the plurality of chambers comprises a first and second opening, each opening closed by a friable seal;
• and
• (ii) a fluidic device comprising a fluidic chip that comprises a fluidics layer comprising a plurality of fluidic channels, an actuation layer comprising actuation channels and an elastomer layer sandwiched between them, and a plurality of puncturing elements, wherein each fluidic channel communicates with a first port and a second port in the fluidic device, and wherein said puncturing elements each include one of said ports communicating with one of said fluidic channels;
• (c) wherein the cartridge module further comprises a pressure application member for engaging the fluidic device with the container,
• wherein, upon engaging the fluidic device with the container, said puncturing elements puncture the friable seal that closes each opening of each of the plurality of chambers, putting each opening in communication with one of the ports, thereby (1) creating a flow path between two chambers through a fluidic channel on the fluidic device;
• and (2) creating a flow path between two fluidic channels on the fluidic device through a single chamber.