Apparatus and method for processing a sample

A method of detecting a presence or an absence of an analyte in a sample, the method comprising:

• providing a liquid sample and an apparatus comprising,
• a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body comprising:
• a plurality of spaced-apart reservoirs in a linear array, each reservoir comprising a sample-receiving opening, the plurality of reservoirs comprising a first reservoir and a second reservoir adjacent the first reservoir;
• wherein the first reservoir has a first sample-receiving opening;
• a plurality of spaced-apart effluent discharge openings, each effluent discharge opening in fluid communication with one of the plurality of sample-receiving openings via a liquid flow path, the plurality of effluent discharge openings comprising a first effluent discharge opening;
• a plurality of liquid flow paths, the plurality of liquid flow paths comprising a first liquid flow path;
• wherein the first liquid flow path extends from the first sample-receiving opening to the first effluent discharge opening;
• wherein the first effluent discharge opening is in fluid communication with the first sample-receiving opening via the first liquid flow path;
• a plurality of channels, each channel intersecting one liquid flow path of the plurality of liquid flow paths, the plurality of channels comprising a first channel;
• wherein the first channel intersects the first liquid flow path;
• wherein each channel of the plurality of channels comprises a channel exit opening proximate the second end;
• wherein the first channel comprises a first channel exit opening;
• wherein each channel of the plurality of channels is dimensioned to receive an analyte capture element;
• a plurality of spaced-apart outlets extending from the body;
• wherein each of the outlets comprises one of the channel exit openings;
• wherein the plurality of outlets includes a first outlet;
• wherein the first outlet comprises the first channel exit opening;
• and an analyte capture element;
• wherein the analyte capture element is movably engaged in the first channel at a location that is in fluid communication with the first liquid flow path;
• contacting the liquid sample with the analyte capture element;
• ejecting the analyte capture element from the channel;
• and
• detecting a presence or an absence of an analyte retained from the sample by the analyte capture element.

A kit, comprising:

• an apparatus comprising:
• a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body comprising:
• a plurality of spaced-apart reservoirs in a linear array, each reservoir comprising a sample-receiving opening proximate the first end, the plurality of reservoirs including a first reservoir with a first sample-receiving opening and a second reservoir with a second sample-receiving opening;
• a plurality of spaced-apart effluent discharge openings, each effluent discharge opening in fluid communication with one of the plurality of sample-receiving openings via a liquid flow path;
• a plurality of liquid flow paths, each liquid flow path extending from the sample-receiving opening of each of the plurality of reservoirs to one effluent discharge opening of the plurality of effluent discharge openings;
• wherein the one of the plurality of effluent discharge openings is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of sample-receiving openings via one of the plurality of liquid flow paths;
• wherein the plurality of effluent discharge openings includes a first effluent discharge opening and a second effluent discharge opening;
• a plurality of channels, each channel intersecting one of the liquid flow paths;
• wherein each channel comprises a channel exit opening proximate the second end;
• wherein each channel is dimensioned to receive an analyte capture element;
• a plurality of spaced-apart outlets extending from the body, each of the outlets comprising one of the channel exit openings;
• and
• a waste receptacle comprising a plurality of spaced-apart chambers, each chamber having an outlet-receiving opening, an interior volume, and a drain;
• wherein the plurality of spaced-apart chambers comprises:
• a first chamber having a first interior volume and a first drain;
• and
• a second chamber adjacent the list chamber, the second chamber having a second interior volume and a second drain;
• wherein, when the apparatus and the waste receptacle are operably coupled, at least a portion of a first outlet is disposed in the first interior volume forming a first liquid flow path extending from the first sample-receiving opening to the first drain, and at least a portion of a second outlet is disposed in the second interior volume forming a second liquid flow path extending from the second sample-receiving opening to the second drain;
• and
• wherein a first shortest distance between the first effluent discharge opening and the second effluent discharge opening is shorter than a second shortest distance between the first drain and the second drain.