Disposable cartridge for preparing a sample fluid containing cells for analysis

摘要

The invention discloses a disposable cartridge for preparing a sample fluid containing cells for analysis. The cartridge comprises one or more parallel preparation units, each preparation unit comprises one or more chambers enclosed between seals and connected in series. Each chamber is configured for receiving an input fluid, performing a procedure affecting the fluid thereby generating an output fluid, and releasing the output fluid. A first chamber of the one or more chambers is a pressable chamber coupled to a first opening, while a last chamber of the one or more chambers is coupled to a second opening. The input fluid of the first chamber is the sample fluid. The one or more preparation units are coupleable to a compartment for performing analysis of the respective output fluids convey able via the second openings.

主权项

1. A disposable cartridge, comprising:
an inlet configured to receive a sample fluid that includes blood; a first reagent chamber wherein at least a portion of a surface of the first reagent chamber comprises a pressable portion; a first reagent pre-loaded and sealed within the first reagent chamber; a second reagent chamber wherein at least a portion of a surface of the second reagent chamber comprises a pressable portion; a second reagent pre-loaded and sealed within the second reagent chamber; a flow channel interconnecting the first reagent chamber and the second reagent chamber, the flow channel, the first reagent chamber, and the second reagent chamber defining a flow path; wherein a first frangible seal prevents flow between the first reagent chamber and the second reagent chamber; the first frangible seal configured to open in response to pressure applied by contents of one of the reagent chambers against the first frangible seal; wherein the cartridge is configured so that when the first frangible seal opens, the first reagent contacts the second reagent; and a mixing chamber, wherein a fluid substance is pre-loaded and sealed within the mixing chamber.