| 摘要 |
Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. |
| 主权项 |
1. An assay cartridge, comprising:
an elongated body, comprising: (a) a reaction well formed in the elongated body and including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first endwall, a second endwall, and a well floor arranged to receive a reaction mixture, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first endwall, and the second endwall forming an open end, and the first sidewall and the second sidewall being generally parallel to an axis of the assay cartridge, (b) a plurality of reagent compartments formed in the elongated body, each reagent compartment including an upper end and respectively comprising a plurality of reagents useful for extracting a nucleic acid, (c) a barrier film covering the upper ends of the plurality of reagent compartments, (d) a film piercer capable of piercing the barrier film, and (e) a retaining location in the elongated body formed to hold the film piercer, wherein the first endwall includes a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segment joined by a bend, at least one of the first segment and second segment being tapered so that a cross section of the reaction well decreases closer to the well floor, wherein a mid-plane is defined by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the second segment has a radius about the mid-plane to create a culvert, and wherein the retaining location comprises the open end of the reaction well and holds the film piercer, such that the film piercer substantially covers the open end of the reaction well. |
