Abstract: Blood samples can be collected without substantial contamination from ambient air, such that the blood sample may be analyzed accurately for gaseous components such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. An embodiment of the device has integrated actuation, lancing, and sample acquisition components, which in some embodiments are miniaturized and/or disposable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping and optionally mixing of small quantities of biological fluid wherein the pumping mechanism is segregated from the biological fluid being pumped. The micro-pump pushes the biological fluid by compressing a cartridge housing the blood and reagents with collapsible walls with a roller or ball bearing, synchronized perpendicular plungers, or an acutely-angled member to push the biological fluid by collapsing the walls of the cartridge in the direction of flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping and optionally mixing of small quantities of biological fluid wherein the pumping mechanism is segregated from the biological fluid being pumped. The micro-pump pushes the biological fluid by compressing a cartridge housing the blood and reagents with collapsible walls with a roller or ball bearing, synchronized perpendicular plungers, or an acutely-angled member to push the biological fluid by collapsing the walls of the cartridge in the direction of flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a companion cartridge containing a reagent storage system, a calibration fluid system, an assay element storage system, a carrier fluid system, and a waste retrieval system connected to a sensing cartridge to conduct chemical analysis. The companion cartridge can be adapted for assays related to blood chemistry, hematology, immuno-diagnostics, and DNA testing.

Abstract: A flow gating interface system including a first microcolumnar section, a second microcolumnar section, and a channel for interfacing a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit is provided. The channel, having an inwardly facing wall, encloses at least a portion each of the first microcolumnar section and the second microcolumnar section for conducting a flush fluid flow past the outlet end of the first microcolumnar section and the inlet end of the second microcolumnar section. The inwardly facing wall of the channel nonfixedly constrains and aligns the end portions of the first and second microcolumnar sections. The outlet end of the first fluid conduit is connected to and in fluid communication with the first microcolumnar section of the flow gating interface. The inlet end of the second fluid conduit is connected to and in fluid communication with the second microcolumnar section of the flow gating interface.