Abstract: A system that rapidly detects the presence of a target analyte in a biological test sample, which includes a sensor for measuring a detectable signal generated upon the reaction of a biosensor reagent with a specific target analyte within the sample; a reservoir card that includes the biosensor reagent that further includes living, engineered biological cells, and wherein the reservoir card is configured to interface with a test cartridge base; a test cartridge base configured to accept the reservoir card and to be placed within the testing device, wherein the test cartridge base further includes a reaction chamber adapted to receive both the biosensor reagent and the sample and a fluid displacement mechanism that includes a dispensing plunger, wherein actuation of the dispensing plunger displaces the biosensor reagent in the reservoir into the reaction chamber where the biosensor reagent is mixed with the sample; and a function verification cartridge adapted to be received and recognized by the testing devic

Abstract: A system that rapidly detects the presence of a target analyte in a biological test sample, which includes a sensor for measuring a detectable signal generated upon the reaction of a biosensor reagent with a specific target analyte within the sample; a reservoir card that includes the biosensor reagent that further includes living, engineered biological cells, and wherein the reservoir card is configured to interface with a test cartridge base; a test cartridge base configured to accept the reservoir card and to be placed within the testing device, wherein the test cartridge base further includes a reaction chamber adapted to receive both the biosensor reagent and the sample and a fluid displacement mechanism that includes a dispensing plunger, wherein actuation of the dispensing plunger displaces the biosensor reagent in the reservoir into the reaction chamber where the biosensor reagent is mixed with the sample; and a function verification cartridge adapted to be received and recognized by the testing devic

Abstract: A system for use in sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent that includes living biological cells that are adapted to recognize an analyte of interest; a plurality of reservoir cards, wherein each reservoir card is adapted to store the biosensor reagent; and at least one dispensing unit for storing the reservoir cards and dispensing the reservoir cards one at a time, wherein the at least one dispensing unit further includes a housing that includes an internal chamber for containing a plurality of reservoir cards stacked on top of one another; a moveable platform positioned within the housing, wherein the platform is positioned beneath the stack of reservoir cards, and where in the platform is adapted to lift the stack of reservoir cards a predetermined distance after a reservoir card has been dispensed; and a shuttle positioned within the housing, wherein the shuttle is positioned on top of the stack of reservoir cards, and wherein the shuttle is adapted to dispense a single reservoir card from the

Abstract: A system for use in rapid sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent, wherein the biosensor reagent includes living biological cells; a reservoir card, wherein the reservoir card stores the biosensor reagent; and a test cartridge base, wherein the test cartridge base is configured to accept the reservoir card, and wherein the test cartridge base further includes a contoured reaction chamber; and an inlet channel connected to and entering the reaction chamber at a predetermined angle thereto.

Abstract: A system for use in rapid sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent, wherein the biosensor reagent includes living biological cells; a reservoir card, wherein the reservoir card stores the biosensor reagent; and a test cartridge base, wherein the test cartridge base is configured to accept the reservoir card, and wherein the test cartridge base further includes a reaction chamber having a central axis, wherein the reaction chamber has the shape of a revolved half ellipse; and an inlet channel connected to the reaction chamber, wherein the inlet channel is positioned above the reaction chamber at an angle of 15-60 degrees above the horizontal, and wherein the inlet channel is offset from the central axis of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the performance of a reaction chamber for use in a sample analysis system that includes providing a reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber has a predetermined geometry, wherein the reaction chamber has light collecting properties, and wherein the reaction chamber has an inner surface; and modifying the inner surface of the reaction chamber to include a predetermined degree of reflectivity, wherein the predetermined degree of reflectivity enhances the light collecting properties of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A system for use in rapid sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent, wherein the biosensor reagent includes living biological cells; a reservoir card, wherein the reservoir card stores the biosensor reagent; and a test cartridge base, wherein the test cartridge base is configured to accept the reservoir card, and wherein the test cartridge base further includes a reaction chamber having a central axis, wherein the reaction chamber has the shape of a revolved half ellipse; and an inlet channel connected to the reaction chamber, wherein the inlet channel is positioned above the reaction chamber at an angle of 15-60 degrees above the horizontal, and wherein the inlet channel is offset from the central axis of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A test cartridge for use in sample analysis is provided. The test cartridge includes a reservoir card that further includes a reagent that includes living biological cells; and a test cartridge base configured to accept the reservoir card. The reservoir card is configured to interface with a test cartridge base through at least one fluid port. The test cartridge base includes an elliptical reaction chamber having a central axis and an inlet channel connected to the reaction chamber. The inlet channel is positioned above the reaction chamber at an angle of 15-60 degrees above the horizontal and is offset from the central axis of the reaction chamber. Upon introducing a sample to be analyzed into the test cartridge base through the inlet channel, the sample is homogeneously mixed with the reagent while minimizing damage to the living biological cells.

Abstract: A system for use in rapid sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent, wherein the biosensor reagent includes living biological cells; a reservoir card, wherein the reservoir card stores the biosensor reagent; and a test cartridge base, wherein the test cartridge base is configured to accept the reservoir card, and wherein the test cartridge base further includes a contoured reaction chamber; and an inlet channel connected to and entering the reaction chamber at a predetermined angle thereto.

Abstract: A system for use in rapid sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent, wherein the biosensor reagent includes living biological cells; a reservoir card, wherein the reservoir card stores the biosensor reagent; and a test cartridge base, wherein the test cartridge base is configured to accept the reservoir card, and wherein the test cartridge base further includes a reaction chamber having a central axis, wherein the reaction chamber has the shape of a revolved half ellipse; and an inlet channel connected to the reaction chamber, wherein the inlet channel is positioned above the reaction chamber at an angle of 15-60 degrees above the horizontal, and wherein the inlet channel is offset from the central axis of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A system for use in rapid sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent, wherein the biosensor reagent includes living biological cells; a reservoir card, wherein the reservoir card stores the biosensor reagent; and a test cartridge base, wherein the test cartridge base is configured to accept the reservoir card, and wherein the test cartridge base further includes a reaction chamber having a central axis, wherein the reaction chamber has the shape of a revolved half ellipse; and an inlet channel connected to the reaction chamber, wherein the inlet channel is positioned above the reaction chamber at an angle of 15-60 degrees above the horizontal, and wherein the inlet channel is offset from the central axis of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A test cartridge for use in sample analysis is provided. The test cartridge includes a reservoir card that further includes a reagent that includes living biological cells; and a test cartridge base configured to accept the reservoir card. The reservoir card is configured to interface with a test cartridge base through at least one fluid port. The test cartridge base includes an elliptical reaction chamber having a central axis and an inlet channel connected to the reaction chamber. The inlet channel is positioned above the reaction chamber at an angle of 15-60 degrees above the horizontal and is offset from the central axis of the reaction chamber. Upon introducing a sample to be analyzed into the test cartridge base through the inlet channel, the sample is homogeneously mixed with the reagent while minimizing damage to the living biological cells.

Abstract: A portable system for real time detection of the presence of an infectious agent in a biological sample employs a reagent which detects the presence of a specific infectious agent in the sample, and emits a detectable signal when the reagent reacts with the sample and detects the presence of the infectious agent. A test cartridge has a reaction chamber for receiving the sample and the reagent. The reaction chamber has a predetermined internal geometry and at least one inner surface. Introducing the sample and the reagent into the test cartridge mixes the sample and the reagent. A testing unit receives the test cartridge, and includes a sensor for detecting an emitted detectable signal. The detection of the emitted detectable signal is indicative of the presence of the infectious agent in the sample.

Abstract: A disposable, single use test cell is provided for receiving fluid to be diagnostically tested by an instrument. The test cell includes a housing sized and shaped for engagement by the instrument when a diagnostic test is to be performed, the housing including at least one chamber, at least one pair of electrodes within the chamber and in electrical contact with circuitry within the instrument when the housing is engaged by the instrument and a specimen capsule containing the fluid to be tested.