DUAL CHAMBER DISPOSABLE REACTION VESSEL FOR AMPLIFICATION REACTIONS, REACTION PROCESSING STATION THEREFOR, AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

A reaction vessel for a nucleic acid amplification reaction has a first cham ber containing an amplification reagent mix, a second chamber containing an ampl ification enzyme, and a fluid channel or chamber connecting the first and second chamb ers together. A fluid sample is introduced into the first chamber. After a denat uration and primer annealing process has occurred in the first chamber, the fluid channe l is opened to allow the solution of the reagent and fluid sample to flow into the second c hamber. The second chamber is maintained at an optimal temperature for the amplification reaction. A station is described for processing test strips incorporating the reaction vessels. The station includes temperature and vacuum control subsystems to maintain p roper temperatures in the reaction vessel and effectuate the transfer of the fluid from one chamber to the other in an automated fashion without human intervention.