System and method including analytical units

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. A system comprising:
a pipettor; a reagent pack comprising a well containing a reagent; a reagent storage unit configured to hold the reagent pack, the reagent storage unit including:
a cavity containing the reagent pack;a latch arranged about the cavity, the latch configured to secure and align the reagent pack within the cavity, the latch including a releasing feature; anda cover disposed over the cavity and latch, the cover including a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the first aperture aligns over the well of the reagent pack thereby providing the pipettor access to the reagent contained in the well, and the second aperture aligns over the releasing feature thereby providing the pipettor access to actuate the releasing feature to unsecure the reagent pack from the latch.