SAMPLE LOADING AND RECOVERY
First Claim
1. A system for loading a sample into a flow cell comprising:
- a housing adapted to receive a flow cell, the flow cell defining a plurality of individually isolated channels defining, an inlet port and an outlet port associated with each of the channels;
a cover adapted to secure said flow cell in said housing; and
a vacuum source for pulling a fluid volume through said flow cell.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A apparatus and method for loading a sample into a microfluidic flow cell allows for more precise loading, reduced cross-contamination, and more efficient use of samples to be analyzed. The system for loading a sample into a flow cell includes a flow cell defining a plurality of individually isolated channels through which fluid can flow. The flow cell also defines an inlet port and an outlet port for each of the channels. The system also includes a base that defines a chamber for receiving the flow cell, a cover pivotally attached to the base, and a passive vacuum source for pulling a volume through the flow cell. The method of loading a sample includes inserting the flow cell into the sample loading apparatus, placing a sample in at least one of the wells of the loading block, activating a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the outlet ports to pull the sample into the channel, and optionally aspirating the unused sample from the well.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system for loading a sample into a flow cell comprising:
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a housing adapted to receive a flow cell, the flow cell defining a plurality of individually isolated channels defining, an inlet port and an outlet port associated with each of the channels; a cover adapted to secure said flow cell in said housing; and a vacuum source for pulling a fluid volume through said flow cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of loading a sample into a flow cell comprising:
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providing a flow cell defining a plurality of individually isolated channels through which fluid can flow, the flow cell defining an inlet port and an outlet port for each of the channels; placing a loading block defining a plurality of wells on the flow cell such that each of the wells correspond to one of the inlet ports; placing an unloading block on the flow cell in registration with the outlet ports; inserting the flow cell into a sample loading apparatus; placing a sample in at least one of the wells of the loading block; activating a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the outlet ports to pull the sample into the channel. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification