System and method including analytical units
First Claim
1. A cartridge loading unit for loading assay cartridges onto an automated system, comprising:
- a DNA assay cartridge, wherein the DNA assay cartridge includes a reaction well and a reagent compartment, the reagent compartment containing a reagent used for DNA extraction from a sample;
a presentation lane including a carriage to receive the DNA assay cartridge, the presentation lane configured to transport the DNA assay cartridge into the automated system for processing;
a first loading lane including a cavity to receive the DNA assay cartridge and transfer the DNA assay cartridge to the carriage of the presentation lane; and
a controller configured to cause the first loading lane to receive the DNA assay cartridge and transfer the DNA assay cartridge to the carriage of the presentation lane and to cause the presentation lane to transport the assay cartridge into the automated system,wherein the presentation lane comprises a presentation guide that comprises a gap configured to allow a pipettor to access the DNA assay cartridge when the DNA assay cartridge is in the presentation lane.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A cartridge loading unit for loading assay cartridges onto an automated system, comprising:
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a DNA assay cartridge, wherein the DNA assay cartridge includes a reaction well and a reagent compartment, the reagent compartment containing a reagent used for DNA extraction from a sample; a presentation lane including a carriage to receive the DNA assay cartridge, the presentation lane configured to transport the DNA assay cartridge into the automated system for processing; a first loading lane including a cavity to receive the DNA assay cartridge and transfer the DNA assay cartridge to the carriage of the presentation lane; and a controller configured to cause the first loading lane to receive the DNA assay cartridge and transfer the DNA assay cartridge to the carriage of the presentation lane and to cause the presentation lane to transport the assay cartridge into the automated system, wherein the presentation lane comprises a presentation guide that comprises a gap configured to allow a pipettor to access the DNA assay cartridge when the DNA assay cartridge is in the presentation lane. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification