In general, the present application is directed to cartridge assemblies which can be used for reagent storage and systems and methods using the same. Aspects of the present disclosure can include disposable cartridge assemblies that are intended for single-use only. For instance, example cartridge assemblies can include interlocking features that can couple to a to an assay system (e.g., a chip assembly) in an irreversible manner.

Various embodiments for a chip for use in a real-time qPCR system are disclosed. The chip can include at least one port for receiving a sample into the chip; at least one channel in fluidic communication with the at least port; a plurality of magnetically active beads disposed within the at least one channel that capture DNA/RNA from the sample as the sample passes through the at least one channel; and an optical inspection region in fluidic communication with the at least one channel for performing an optical analysis of the sample containing the eluted DNA/RNA previously captured on the magnetic beads.

A system includes a fluid transfer device and a lateral flow assay device. The fluid transfer device has an inlet fluidically coupleable to a bodily fluid source, an outlet fluidically coupleable to a sample reservoir, and a sequestration chamber configured to receive an initial volume of bodily fluid. The fluid transfer device can be transitioned between (1) a first state with the sequestration chamber in fluid communication with the inlet to receive the initial volume, (2) a second state with the outlet in fluid communication with the inlet to receive a subsequent flow of bodily fluid, and (3) a third state with the lateral flow assay device in fluid communication with the sequestration chamber to receive a portion of the initial volume of bodily fluid. The lateral flow assay device configured to provide an indication associated with a presence of a target analyte in the bodily fluid.

A pipette tip rack system includes a thermoformed clamshell tip container and a dispenser for the clamshell tip container. The tip dispenser includes a base for holding the clamshell container, cover and a lifting mechanism for lifting the lid of the tip container and the cover when a latch on the base is released. The tip dispenser is configured to facilitate one-touch operation so that a laboratory work may hold a pipette in the other hand while using the dispenser, and conveniently open and close the dispenser cover to reduce the risk of contamination. The dispenser can be used without the thermoformed tip container as well.

Disclosed are microfluidic chips and methods of loading the same. Some microfluidic chips include a microfluidic network that has an inlet port, a channel configured to receive liquid from the inlet port, and a droplet-generating region that includes an end of the channel having a transverse dimension, a constant portion extending from the end of the channel and having a constant transverse dimension that is larger than the traverse dimension of the end of the channel, and an expanding portion extending from the constant portion, wherein the transverse dimension of the end of the channel, the transverse dimension of the constant portion, and a length of the constant portion are configured such that, when an aqueous liquid is flowed through the droplet-generating region in the presence of a non-aqueous liquid, droplets of the aqueous liquid are completely formed in the constant portion.

A pipette tip rack system includes a thermoformed clamshell tip container and a dispenser for the clamshell tip container. The tip dispenser includes a base for holding the clamshell container, cover and a lifting mechanism for lifting the lid of the tip container and the cover when a latch on the base is released. The tip dispenser is configured to facilitate one-touch operation so that a laboratory work may hold a pipette in the other hand while using the dispenser, and conveniently open and close the dispenser cover to reduce the risk of contamination. The dispenser can be used without the thermoformed tip container as well.

Methods and apparatuses for sequencing by synthesis using mechanical compression. These methods and apparatuses may mechanically control microfluidic movement using a force applicator and an elastically deformable sheet.

The present specification discloses a microfluidic analysis chip capable of adjusting movement of a specimen or a reagent by a negative pressure generation unit. A microfluidic analysis chip according to the present specification may comprise: a microtube for a main channel, which provides a space in which a specimen input through a specimen inlet formed at one end thereof reacts with a regent while the specimen moves to the other end thereof; a chip housing surrounding the microtube for the main channel; and a negative pressure generation unit which is positioned in the chip housing and connected to the microtube, so as to affect an internal pressure of the microtube for the main channel.

A microfluidic chip that can have a body defining a microfluidic network including a test volume, one or more ports, and one or more channels in fluid communication between the port(s) and the test volume. Gas can be removed from the test volume before a sample liquid is introduced therein by reducing pressure at a first one of the port(s), optionally while the liquid is disposed in the port. Liquid in the first port can be introduced into the test volume by increasing pressure at the first port. The microfluidic network can define one or more droplet-generating regions in which at least one of the channel(s) defines a constriction and/or two or more of the channels connect at a junction. Liquid flowing from the first port can pass through at least one of the droplet-generating region(s) and to the test volume.

A microfluidic chip that can have a body defining a microfluidic network including a test volume, one or more ports, and one or more channels in fluid communication between the port(s) and the test volume. Gas can be removed from the test volume before a sample liquid is introduced therein by reducing pressure at a first one of the port(s), optionally while the liquid is disposed in the port. Liquid in the first port can be introduced into the test volume by increasing pressure at the first port. The microfluidic network can define one or more droplet-generating regions in which at least one of the channel(s) defines a constriction and/or two or more of the channels connect at a junction. Liquid flowing from the first port can pass through at least one of the droplet-generating region(s) and to the test volume.