An array of valves are arranged in n columns and m lines and which are each designed to control a fluid flow in an associated flow channel in a lab-on-a-chip system. The array includes at least two valves, every column having not more than one valve and every line having from zero to n valves. A device is used for actuating the valves. The valves are pressure-actuated. To produce the device, the flow channels are arranged in accordance with the arrangement of the valves. Which valves are actuated being changeable by movement of projections relative to array of valves so as to change which valves the projections are pressed against.

A driving device of a micropump and a microvalve is provided. The driving device comprises a pump driver controlled by a pump controller, a valve driver controlled by a valve controller, a power supply part, a switch part. The pump driver having a first shape memory alloy wire, a micropump of the first shape memory alloy wire, a wiring part arranged in parallel to the first shape memory alloy wire, and a first selector switch that switches between a state where only the first shape memory alloy wire is energizable and a state where the wiring part is energizable. The valve driver having a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires, a plurality of microvalves of second shape memory alloy wires, and a second selector switch that brings into a state where one of the plurality of second shape memory alloy wires is energizable.

A driving device of a micropump and a microvalve is provided. The driving device comprises a pump driver controlled by a pump controller, a valve driver controlled by a valve controller, a power supply part, a switch part. The pump driver having a first shape memory alloy wire, a micropump of the first shape memory alloy wire, a wiring part arranged in parallel to the first shape memory alloy wire, and a first selector switch that switches between a state where only the first shape memory alloy wire is energizable and a state where the wiring part is energizable. The valve driver having a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires, a plurality of microvalves of second shape memory alloy wires, and a second selector switch that brings into a state where one of the plurality of second shape memory alloy wires is energizable.

A portable, disposable in-vitro diagnostic apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a body configured to be hand held. The body has a reaction medium supply chamber configured in selective fluid communication with a reaction chamber via a fluid conveying channel. The reaction chamber is located beneath a sample reaction chamber. The reaction medium supply chamber contains a reaction fluid therein and the reaction chamber contains a thermal reaction medium therein. The reaction fluid is selectively reactive with the thermal reaction medium to produce one of an endothermic or exothermic reaction beneath the sample reaction chamber.

The present disclosure provides devices, systems, methods and kits for processing a sample. In some cases, a sample is processed in preparation for an assay (e.g., polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence-based target detection) by an analytic device. In some cases, the processing is automated. In some cases, the processing is substantially automated. The systems provided herein can comprise a cartridge (e.g., one-time use) and a dock (e.g., re-useable) for receiving the cartridge. In some cases, the devices and systems provided herein are portable.