Test Cartridge with Integrated Transfer Module
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- laterally translating a transfer module to align a first port of the transfer module having a central chamber to a port of a first chamber;
drawing a sample into the central chamber from the first chamber via a first pressure differential;
laterally translating the transfer module to align a second port of the transfer module to a port of a second chamber; and
drawing the sample into the second chamber from the central chamber via a second pressure differential.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system that includes a cartridge housing and a hollow transfer module, according to an embodiment is described herein. The cartridge housing further includes at least one sample inlet, a plurality of storage chambers, a plurality of reaction chambers, and a fluidic network. The fluidic network is designed to connect the at least one sample inlet, a portion of the plurality of storage chambers and the portion of the plurality of reaction chambers to a first plurality of ports located on an inner surface of the cartridge housing. The hollow transfer module includes a second plurality of ports along an outer surface of the transfer module that lead to a central chamber within the transfer module. The transfer module is designed to move laterally within the cartridge housing. The lateral movement of the transfer module aligns at least a portion of the first plurality of ports with at least a portion of the second plurality of ports.
8 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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laterally translating a transfer module to align a first port of the transfer module having a central chamber to a port of a first chamber; drawing a sample into the central chamber from the first chamber via a first pressure differential; laterally translating the transfer module to align a second port of the transfer module to a port of a second chamber; and drawing the sample into the second chamber from the central chamber via a second pressure differential.
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2. The method of claim 52, further comprising mixing the sample introduced into the first chamber with a buffer disposed within the first chamber.
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3. The method of claim 52, further comprising mixing the sample drawn into the central chamber from the first chamber with a liquid already present in the central chamber.
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4. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
- introducing the sample to the first chamber via a swab carrying the sample.
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5. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
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processing the sample in the second chamber; drawing the sample into the central chamber from the second chamber via a third pressure differential; laterally translating the transfer module to align the second port of the transfer module to a port of a third chamber; drawing the sample into the third chamber from the central chamber via a fourth pressure differential; and measuring one or more qualities of the sample while in the third chamber.
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6. The method of claim 56, wherein measuring comprises optically measuring a fluorescence signal.
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7. The method of claim 56, wherein measuring comprises optically measuring an absorbance.
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8. The method of claim 56, further comprising heating the sample after either drawing the sample into the second chamber or drawing the sample into the third chamber.
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9. The method of claim 52, further comprising repeating laterally translating the transfer module to align the first port of the transfer module with various ports of one or more chambers.
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10. The method of claim 60, further comprising drawing one or more liquids into the central chamber from the one or more chambers via one or more pressure differentials.
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11. The method of claim 52, further comprising repeating laterally translating the transfer module to align the second port of the transfer module with various ports of one or more chambers.
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12. The method of claim 62, further comprising drawing one or more liquids into the central chamber from the one or more chambers via one or more pressure differentials.
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13. The method of claim 62, further comprising drawing one or more liquids into the one or more chambers from the central chamber via one or more pressure differentials.
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14. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
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processing the sample in the second chamber; drawing the sample into the central chamber from the second chamber via a third pressure differential; laterally translating the transfer module to align the second port of the transfer module to a port of a third chamber; drawing the sample into the third chamber from the central chamber via a fourth pressure differential; processing the sample in the third chamber; laterally translating the transfer module to align the second port of the transfer module to a port of a fourth chamber; drawing the sample into the fourth chamber from the central chamber via a fifth pressure differential; and measuring one or more qualities of the sample while in the fourth chamber.
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15. The method of claim 52, wherein drawing the sample into the second chamber comprises flowing the sample through a filter.
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16. The method of claim 52, wherein drawing the sample into the second chamber comprises flowing the sample through a fluid splitter into one or more sub-chambers.
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17. The method of claim 52, further comprising mixing the sample within the central chamber with a magnetic stir bar.
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18. A method comprising:
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laterally translating a transfer module within a housing to align a structure on an outer surface of the transfer module with a first port associated with a first chamber and with a second port associated with a second chamber; drawing a sample from the first chamber to the second chamber via at least the structure aligned over the first port and the second port; and drawing the sample from the second chamber to a third chamber located within the transfer module via a port through a wall of the transfer module.
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Specification