A cartridge reader controlled by processing means for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge comprises a mechanical valve for isolating the sample with the cartridge. A system for actuating the mechanical valve comprises an actuation member configured to move the mechanical valve from an open position to a closed position and an armature connected to the actuation member. The armature is configured to engage an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet can be switched between an active state in which it electromagnetically holds the armature and an inactive state in which it does not electromagnetically hold the armature. First biasing means arc disposed between the actuation member and a bearing surface, wherein the first biasing means is configured to bias the actuation member into a first position in which it actuates a mechanical valve in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

A detection chip, a method for using a detection chip and a detection apparatus are provided the detection chip includes a chip substrate and the chip substrate includes a fluid channel and a plurality of liquid cells. The fluid channel is arranged on a surface if the chip substrate and includes a main path and a plurality of branch paths. The plurality of branch paths are respectively communicated to the plurality of liquid cells, the plurality of branch paths are all communicated to the main path, and communication points between the plurality of branch paths and the main path are different. The plurality of branch paths are configured to allow liquid in the plurality of branch paths to be capable of merging into the main path in a same direction.

Devices and methods are provided for spotting an array with fluid. Arrays produced by such methods are also provided. In one aspect of the invention, a spotter device for spotting a plurality of fluids into an array is described, the spotter device comprising a plurality of reservoirs provided in a first configuration, each reservoir holding its respective fluid, a print head having a plurality of positions provided in a second configuration, the second configuration being different from the first configuration, a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to provide fluid communication from a reservoir at a first end of the tube to a position in the print head at the second end of the tube, and a pump for pumping fluid through the tubes from the reservoir to the print head.

An apparatus comprising a string for insertion into the oesophagus of a patient, the string comprising proximal end and a distal end, wherein the string forms a structure at the distal end thereof to assist in the insertion of the string into the patient.

A lateral flow assay (LFA) device includes a sample port that holds the sample fluid before a hole is made in a wall of the sample port. The LFA device includes a cap with a sealer. The sealer fits inside the sample port after the sample port receives the sample fluid, forms a compartment for holding a predetermined volume of sample fluid between the sample port's wall and the sealer, and pushes any amount of sample fluid in excess of the predetermined volume out of the compartment after the cap is fitted inside the sample port. The LFA device includes a breaker with a tip to make a hole in the wall of the sample port causing the sample fluid held inside the compartment to be applied to the capillary pad after the start of a test.

There is provided a connector, for introducing or extracting a material to or from at least one receptacle, comprising a housing extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the housing comprising, at least at one end, a pierceable seal; a hollow needle mounted, at least partially, within the housing between the distal end and the proximal end of the housing, a first end of the hollow needle being connected or connectable to a first corresponding receptacle, and a second end of the hollow needle facing the pierceable seal at an end of the housing; and an actuating mechanism acting on the housing or the hollow needle to enable the hollow needle to pierce the pierceable seal thereby forming a communication through the pierceable seal, such that material is able to transfer through the connector.

A diagnostic test assembly, including: a substrate having formed therein a plurality of mutually spaced open reservoirs and fluidic channels; a deformable membrane attached to the substrate to cover the open reservoirs and fluidic channels; a rigid covering disposed over the deformable membrane, the rigid covering being configured to allow respective actuators external to the diagnostic test assembly to displace corresponding portions of the deformable membrane; wherein at least some of the portions of the deformable membrane act as pumping portions, each pumping portion being disposed over a corresponding one of the reservoirs and being configured so that when it is displaced by a corresponding actuator, it is displaced into the corresponding reservoir to pump fluid from the corresponding reservoir through at least a corresponding one of the fluidic channels; and wherein one or more of the portions of the deformable membrane act as valve portions, each valve portion being configured so that when it is displaced, it blocks fluid flow through a corresponding reservoir or fluidic channel; and wherein movement of fluid within the diagnostic test assembly can be controlled by controlling displacements of the portions of the deformable membrane.

A separation container for extracting a portion of a sample for use or testing and method for preparing samples for downstream use or testing are provided. The separation container may include a body defining an internal chamber. The body may define an opening, and the body may be configured to receive the sample within the internal chamber. The separation container may further include a seal disposed across the opening, such that the seal may be configured to seal the opening of the body, and a plunger movably disposed at least partially inside the internal chamber. The plunger may be configured to be actuated to open the seal and express the portion of the sample.

Embodiments include assay devices within a single use, disposable cassette for biochemical assays with at least one fluid well and at least one capillary valve. The capillary valve in combination with motion of porous sheets within the assay leads to addition of liquid reagents at different times to the assay although a user adds the liquid reagents to the cassette simultaneously.

Fluidic devices that include bubble traps are provided. A substrate for a fluidic device includes a first channel to carry a fluid; a chamber, coupled to the first channel, to receive the fluid from the first channel, the chamber having a top and a bottom; a second channel, coupled to the chamber, to receive the fluid from the chamber; and a plurality of barriers adjacent to the top of the chamber. The plurality of barriers inhibit bubbles in the fluid from entering the second channel. Methods for manufacturing and using fluidic devices that include bubble traps are also provided.