Reaction chamber having pre-stored reagents

A method for analyzing a sample using a preloaded analysis module, the preloaded analysis module defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the chamber also including one or more recesses in a top surface of the chamber, the preloaded analysis module comprising one or more reagents disposed within a barrier material, the one or more reagents and the barrier material being disposed within the chamber, the one or more reagents being essentially inert to the barrier material, the barrier material being inert to aqueous media, and the barrier material being capable of releasing the one or more reagents upon activation, the method comprising:

• introducing a sample into the chamber through the inlet;
• activating the barrier material so as to release one or more reagents, wherein the chamber and the barrier material are configured such that when the barrier material is activated, the barrier material floats upward and the one or more recesses traps the barrier material to as to prevent the barrier material from floating or flowing into the outlet;
• reacting the one or more reagents react with the sample;
• and
• after the reacting step, removing the sample from the chamber through the outlet.