A lateral flow immunoassay device includes a porous test strip, a sampling channel having an inlet at a first end to receive a biomarker and an outlet at a second end, opposite the first end, the outlet communicating with the test strip. The sampling channel has an air vent opening at or adjacent the second end thereof, and a diluent reservoir having an outlet communicating with the test strip. The outlet of the sampling channel and the outlet of the diluent reservoir are sealed by a common removable seal to prevent communication between the sampling channel and the test strip, and the diluent reservoir and the test strip, until the seal is removed.

Microfluidic devices and methods thereof; the devices including: SNDA components; each SNDA component comprising: a primary channel; secondary channels; and nano-wells that are each open to the primary channel and are each connected via vents to the secondary channel; the vents are configured to enable passage of gas solely from the nano-wells to the secondary channel, such that when a fluid is introduced into the primary channel it fills the nano-wells, and the originally accommodated gas is evacuated via the vents and the secondary channel/s; a common inlet port, configured to enable a simultaneous introduction of the fluid into all the primary channels of the different SNDA components; individual inlet ports, configured to enable individual introduction of fluid, each into a different primary channel of a different SNDA component; and at least one outlet port, configured to enable evacuation of the gas out of all the secondary channels.

A device for amplifying and detecting nucleic acids in a biological sample has a sample port for receiving a biological sample, a solid-state membrane, a sample conduit, a lysis station, a wash station, an elution station, a waste chamber, and a reaction chamber. The sample port, lysis station and sample conduit are configured to mix a sample and lysis agent to form a sample-lysis mixture, pass the mixture across the solid-state membrane to capture nucleic acids in the sample therein, and receive the remainder of the mixture in the waste chamber. The wash station directs a wash solution across the solid-state membrane and into the waste chamber to purify nucleic acids captured in the membrane. The elution station directs an eluent across the membrane, elutes captured nucleic acids from the membrane, and passes the captured nucleic acids into the reaction chamber for amplifying and detecting the captured nucleic acids.

Microfluidic features regulate the flow of fluids in a cartridge for a vaporizer device. The microfluidic features prevent leaks of liquid vaporizable material and enhance the functioning of the cartridge when there is a differential pressure between a storage chamber containing the liquid vaporizable material and ambient conditions outside the cartridge. Related systems, apparatuses, and processes, are also described.

A system and apparatus for point-of-care analyte detection in a sample of bodily fluid is provided. The system includes a sample cartridge having a microfluidic system of channels and reservoirs, reagents for sample processing, and a sensor for analyte measurement. Sample loaded into the cartridge moves to the sensor in a generally downward direction via the microfluidic system. Movement of the sample is regulated by two forces—gravity and pressure within the microfluidic system—without requiring a pump, or other means, to move the sample. The cartridge includes one or more vent valves for relieving the pressure in the microfluidic system, thus allowing, or restricting flow of sample through the cartridge by force of gravity. The system includes an analyzer device having one or more actuators for opening and closing the vent valves when the cartridge is connected to the analyzer device.

Devices and methods for automated liquid handling and reagent processing to provide labelling and detection of bacteria and viruses are provided. Labelling reactions are performed rapidly and with essentially no generation of hazardous waste or use of consumables. Highly sensitive detection is performed by measuring fluorescence on a rotating sample plate.

Methods and devices for continuous flow monitoring of a liquid sample for presence of an airborne microbial pathogen are provided. The liquid sample can be derived from environmental air. The methods and devices provide for continuous labeling of a targeted pathogen in the liquid sample with a fluorescent probe. A customized fluorescence detector is provided that can detect labeled pathogens during continuous flow.

The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges. The technology more particularly relates to a compressible pad applied to a microfluidic cartridge, wherein the microfluidic cartridge is configured to amplify nucleotides of interest, particularly from several biological samples in parallel, within microfluidic channels in the cartridge and permit detection of those nucleotides. Compressible pads of the present technology can be implemented in microfluidic cartridges having enhanced reaction chamber volumes, resulting in improved thermal uniformity and amplification efficiency in the cartridge. Assays using microfluidic cartridges of the present technology advantageously exhibit improved limit of detection (LOD) and improved limit of quantification (LOQ).

A disposable assay platform for detecting a target nucleic acid comprising multiple chambers and a method for operating the assay platform. Solutions containing the target nucleic acid move from one chamber to the next chamber by opening a vent pocket. The resulting pressure change enables the solution to flow to the next chamber. The platform comprises an electronic layer and one or more fluid layers bonded together. All heating operations can be performed by using resistive heating elements in the platform. All cooling operations are preferably passive. The platform is preferably operated when in a vertical orientation and can be docked to an external docking station that controls the operation of the platform.

An assay cartridge for detecting a target component in a liquid sample is provided. The cartridge comprises: a sample collection unit configured to introduce the liquid sample into the cartridge; a fluid pathway commencing at its proximal end at the sample collection unit and extending distally through the cartridge including: one or more capture components immobilised within the fluid pathway; one or more detection reagents provided proximally of or level with the capture components each contained within a liquid droplet.