Nucleic acid purification

A self-contained apparatus for isolating nucleic acid from at least one unprocessed sample, said apparatus to be used with an instrument, said apparatus consisting of a macrofluidic component, a microfluidic component, at least one drive line, and two inputs, a first input for receiving said at least one unprocessed sample from a collection device, and a second input for interfacing at least one drive mechanism on said instrument at, at least one port:

• (i) said macrofluidic component, consisting of:
• (a) at least one sample chamber, each of said at least one sample chamber composed of said first input for receiving said at least one unprocessed sample from said collection device;
• and (b) at least one, but no less than all reagent storage chambers necessary for isolating nucleic acid from said at least one unprocessed sample, each of said reagent storage chambers pre-filled with at least one necessary reagent, including at least one liquid reagent storage chamber prefilled with a liquid purification reagent;
• (ii) said microfluidic component composed of at least one microfluidic element and at least one nucleic acid purification matrix, said microfluidic component in communication with said macrofluidic component via said at least one microfluidic element, and said at least one drive line;
• (iii) said second input composed of at least one drive mechanism interface port for connection to said at least one drive mechanism on said instrument configured to drive said liquid purification reagent, through said at least one microfluidic element, and said at least one nucleic acid purification matrix and back into another macrofluidic chamber;
• (iv) said at least one drive line in communication with said second input for interfacing with said at least one drive mechanism on said instrument and with said at least one microfluidic element to supply controlled flow or controlled pressure or a controlled volumetric displacement of gas or liquid to the apparatus.