DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING A SAMPLE

• US 20100028204A1
• Filed: 07/27/2007
• Published: 02/04/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Diagnostics for the Real World, Ltd., Cambridge Enterprise Limited (University of Cambridge)
• Original Assignee: Diagnostics for the Real World, Ltd.
• Inventors: Lee, Helen Hwai-an, Wisniewski, Craig Alan, Stankus, Phillip John, Dineva, Magda Anastossova
• Granted Patent: US 9,839,909 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/68.100
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/04 Exchange or ejection of cartridges, containers or reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/0621 Control of the sequence of chambers filled or emptied
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/16 Reagents, handling or storing thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/045 whereby the whole cover is slidable
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0663 Whole sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0816 Cards, e.g. flat sample carriers usually with flow in two horizontal directions
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0861 Configuration of multiple channels and/or chambers in a single devices
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0478 pistons
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0644 rotary valves
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502 with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures centrifugal-type cuvettes G01N21/07; analysis by separation into components G01N30/00; automatic analysers G01N35/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5027 by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip B01L3/5023 takes precedence; micromixers B01F33/30; microreactors for synthesis B01J19/0093; microcapillary devices in general B81B1/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 7/00 Heating or cooling apparatus autoclaves B01J3/04; Heat insulating devices

Abstract

A device for the processing of a sample comprises a location apparatus, a processing chamber for receiving the sample and a plurality of reagent chambers. The reagent chambers have openings defined in the location apparatus. The processing chamber is movable relative to the reagent chambers to enable sequential communication with each reagent chamber in turn.

Claims

1. A device for the processing of a sample, comprising;

a location apparatus,

processing chamber for receiving the sample having an opening,

plurality of reagent chambers having associated openings defined in the location apparatus, the processing chamber being movable relative to the reagent chambers to enable sequential communication between the processing chamber and each reagent chamber, such that each reagent chamber communicates with the processing chamber when its associated opening is disposed in overlapping relationship with the processing chamber opening, and

an analyser chamber for containing an analyser for analysing the sample after processing, the analyser chamber having an associated opening defined in the device such that it communicates with the processing chamber when its associated opening is disposed in overlapping relationship with the processing chamber opening.

2. A device according to claim 1 further comprising a sealing apparatus for sealing the processing chamber from the external environment.

3. A device according to claim 2 in which the location apparatus comprises the sealing apparatus.

4. A device according to claim 2 in which the sealing apparatus seals the reagent chambers from the external environment.

5. A device according to claim 1 in which the device is non-reusable.

6. A device according to claim 1 for processing a biological sample.

7. A device according to claim 1 further comprising an access port providing initial external access to the processing chamber opening to allow introduction of the sample.

8. A device according to claim 7 in which the access port is protected, prior to introduction of the sample, by a removable seal.

9. A device according to claim 1, in which the processing chamber is movable between a plurality of discrete positions or stations and in at least some of these positions the processing chamber opening is disposed in overlapping relationship with a reagent chamber opening.

10. A device according to claim 1 in which at least one of the reagent chambers is couplable to the device.

11. A device according to claim 10 in which the, or each, couplable chamber forms a seal when coupled to the device.

12. A device according to claim 1 in which gravity acts to introduce at least one reagent and/or the analysis means into the processing chamber.

13. A device according to claim 1 having at least one dispenser actuatable to introduce a reagent from its reagent chamber into the processing chamber.

14. A device according to claim 1 suitable for use with a freeze-dried or lyophilised reagent.

15. A device according to claim 1 suitable for use with a liquid reagent.

16. A device according to claim 1 in which the reagent chambers are pre-loaded with reagents.

17. A device according to claim 1 in which the analyser chamber is pre-loaded with an analyser.

18. A device according to claim 1 in which the analyser is a test strip.

19. A device according to claim 1 in which a wall of the analyser chamber is substantially transparent.

20. A device according to claim 1, in which the location apparatus comprises a bottom portion and a top portion movable relative to the bottom portion.