Instrument for performing a diagnostic test on a fluidic cartridge A cartridge reader is for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader. The fluidic cartridge comprises a fluidic layer comprising at least one sample processing region, at least one collapsible blister containing a liquid reagent, a pneumatic interface, an electrical interface and at least one mechanical valve. The reader comprises a housing; an upper clamp occupying a fixed position relative to the reader, and a lower clamp, movable relative to the first clamp, wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp define a cartridge receiving region therebetween. The reader comprises a thermal module comprised in the lower clamp, wherein the thermal module comprises at least one thermal stack for heating the at least one sample processing region of the cartridge inserted into the reader. The reader comprises at least one mechanical actuator for actuating the mechanical valve comprised in the cartridge inserted into the reader.

An apparatus for preparing a reagent solution includes an enclosure and a container disposed within the enclosure. The container defines an internal cavity having a compressible volume and defines a passage providing fluidic communication between the internal cavity and the exterior of the container. Optionally, a compressible member is disposed within the internal cavity. A reagent is disposed within the internal cavity.

A microfluidic group includes a female connector and a male needle connector. The female connector has a connector chamber in a containment body; a duct extending in the containment body to a duct opening on a first face of the connector chamber; a needle entry hole extending from a lateral face of the containment body to a second face, not facing the first face of the connector chamber; and a gasket arranged in the connector chamber. The gasket has a side wall internally delimiting a cavity and extending in part adjacent to the second face of the connector chamber. The cavity of the gasket faces the first face of the connector chamber.

A microfluidic group includes a female connector and a male needle connector. The female connector has a connector chamber in a containment body; a duct extending in the containment body to a duct opening on a first face of the connector chamber; a needle entry hole extending from a lateral face of the containment body to a second face, not facing the first face of the connector chamber; and a gasket arranged in the connector chamber. The gasket has a side wall internally delimiting a cavity and extending in part adjacent to the second face of the connector chamber. The cavity of the gasket faces the first face of the connector chamber.

The present invention provides an extraction cassette, which includes an extraction module and a liquid receiving module. The liquid receiving module communicates with the extraction module. The liquid receiving module includes a receiving module body, a sample compartment, a sealing member, an alcohol compartment and a first path. The receiving module body includes a first side, a second side and a sample feeding hole. The sample compartment is formed on the receiving module body. The sample compartment communicates with the sample feeding hole, the sample compartment includes a first sample compartment connection hole and a second sample compartment connection hole. The sealing member is adapted to seal the sample feeding hole. The alcohol compartment is formed on the receiving module body. The alcohol compartment communicates with the first sample compartment connection hole of the first sample compartment via the first path.

A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor. The assembly, pneumatic system, and control unit operate together to prepare the sample and provide the prepared sample to the sensor for detecting analytes, and also process measurements from the sensor to generate test results.

Spectrophotometric measurements on highly absorbing turbid samples face technical challenges that can be solved by reducing a path length of an optical chamber used during measurement. Reducing the path length requires exceptional control of variables that may be difficult to achieve in unit-use and inexpensive cuvettes. The invention provides a precise inexpensive method for producing an optical cavity useful in making spectrophotometric measurements on high attenuation liquid samples. Two components are shaped such that, when in contact, a central optical chamber and peripheral groove are formed. Liquid adhesive dispensed into the groove wicks around the interface perimeter, sealing the components together when cured. This results in a short precisely controlled path length that reduces chances of mechanical induced distortions (that arise with other bonding methods). The invention provides for manufacturing of a consistent optical chamber with very short path length within a diagnostic cartridge or cuvette.

A polynucleotide sequencing method includes a wash step that employs a composition including a polymerase. The composition may also include a plurality of nucleotides. The composition may be configured to prevent the polymerase from incorporating one of the plurality of nucleotides into a copy polynucleotide strand. The composition may be substantially free of Mg.sup.2+.

An automatic nucleic acid extraction cartridge and an automatic nucleic acid extraction system including the same are described herein. The cartridge having a housing that includes a sample port, a cell processing chamber, a wash fluid chamber, a filter assembly comprising a filter member, and a diverter valve having a first and a second reversibly sealable output, wherein each of the sample port and the cell processing chamber, the cell processing chamber and the filter assembly, and the wash fluid chamber and the filter assembly are in one-way fluid communication, and the filter assembly is in fluid communication with the diverter valve and (i) a waste conduit when the diverter valve is biased to the first reversibly sealable output and (ii) a pathogen nucleic acid conduit when the diverter valve is biased to the second reversibly sealable output. The present disclosure further describes methods of using the same.

A sample test cassette includes an inlet configured to introduce a sample liquid into the sample test cassette; an elongate channel configured to receive an elongate lateral flow test strip and configured with a first end that is configured to be in liquid communication with the inlet; and a mechanical transport system that is an integral part of the sample test cassette and is configured to generate a flow of the sample liquid from outside of the inlet and towards the first end of the elongate channel.