Cartridges, kits, and methods for enhanced detection and quantification of analytes

A sample analysis cartridge for detecting at least one of a presence, absence, or quantity of one or more analytes, the sample analysis cartridge comprising:

• a housing;
• an input tunnel that extends from an aperture in the housing, the input tunnel configured to permit insertion of a sample collection device having a distal portion adapted to be exposed to a sample;
• a reservoir configured to hold a fluid, the reservoir disposed within the housing adjacent to the input tunnel and configured to receive the sample from the sample collection device;
• a shuttle disposed in the input tunnel between the reservoir and the aperture in a first position, the shuttle comprising a body having a first end and a second end and a compartment therebetween, the shuttle configured to house a reagent ball comprising reagents within the compartment, the shuttle configured to seal the reservoir from the input tunnel at the first end in the first position, the shuttle comprising an opening at the second end configured to receive the sample collected by the sample collection device, the shuttle configured to move within the input tunnel when subjected to a force greater than a threshold force to a second position such that the reagent ball and the sample move into the reservoir and the reservoir maintains the fluid therein during movement from the first position to the second position;
• and
• a sensor positioned within the housing to be exposed to the fluid mixed with the reagent ball and the sample from the reservoir, the sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one of the presence, absence, or quantity of the one or more analytes within the sample.