Abstract: A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, a fluid module, and an analysis chamber. The fluid module includes a sample acquisition port and an initial channel, and is connected to the housing. The initial channel is sized to draw fluid sample by capillary force, and is in fluid communication with the acquisition port. The initial channel is fixedly positioned relative to the acquisition port such that at least a portion of a fluid sample disposed within the acquisition port will draw into the initial channel. The analysis chamber is connected to the housing, and is in fluid communication with the initial channel.

Abstract: A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, a fluid module, and an analysis chamber. The fluid module includes a sample acquisition port and an initial channel, and is connected to the housing. The initial channel is sized to draw fluid sample by capillary force, and is in fluid communication with the acquisition port. The initial channel is fixedly positioned relative to the acquisition port such that at least a portion of a fluid sample disposed within the acquisition port will draw into the initial channel. The analysis chamber is connected to the housing, and is in fluid communication with the initial channel.

Abstract: A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, a fluid module, and an analysis chamber. The fluid module includes a sample acquisition port and an initial channel, and is connected to the housing. The initial channel is sized to draw fluid sample by capillary force, and is in fluid communication with the acquisition port. The initial channel is fixedly positioned relative to the acquisition port such that at least a portion of a fluid sample disposed within the acquisition port will draw into the initial channel. The analysis chamber is connected to the housing, and is in fluid communication with the initial channel.

Abstract: A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, a fluid module, and an analysis chamber. The fluid module includes a sample acquisition port and an initial channel, and is connected to the housing. The initial channel is sized to draw fluid sample by capillary force, and is in fluid communication with the acquisition port. The initial channel is fixedly positioned relative to the acquisition port such that at least a portion of a fluid sample disposed within the acquisition port will draw into the initial channel. The analysis chamber is connected to the housing, and is in fluid communication with the initial channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within a chamber is provided. The chamber includes a first panel and a second panel, between which the biologic fluid sample quiescently resides. At least one of the first and second panels is flexible. The chamber has one or more fields that are each defined by a cross-sectional area. The apparatus comprises a field illuminator, a chamber flattener, a positioner, and an image dissector. The field illuminator has an objective lens. The chamber flattener has a platen with a window and a cover plate. The chamber flattener is operable to cause the chamber to assume a substantially uniform Z-axis position for substantially all of the fields within the chamber. The positioner is adapted to position the objective lens and the chamber relative to one another. The image dissector is adapted to image the sample residing within the chamber.

Abstract: A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, a fluid module, and an analysis chamber. The fluid module includes a sample acquisition port and an initial channel, and is connected to the housing. The initial channel is sized to draw fluid sample by capillary force, and is in fluid communication with the acquisition port. The initial channel is fixedly positioned relative to the acquisition port such that at least a portion of a fluid sample disposed within the acquisition port will draw into the initial channel. The analysis chamber is connected to the housing, and is in fluid communication with the initial channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within a chamber is provided. The chamber includes a first panel and a second panel, between which the biologic fluid sample quiescently resides. At least one of the first and second panels is flexible. The chamber has one or more fields that are each defined by a cross-sectional area. The apparatus comprises a field illuminator, a chamber flattener, a positioner, and an image dissector. The field illuminator has an objective lens. The chamber flattener has a platen with a window and a cover plate. The chamber flattener is operable to cause the chamber to assume a substantially uniform Z-axis position for substantially all of the fields within the chamber. The positioner is adapted to position the objective lens and the chamber relative to one another. The image dissector is adapted to image the sample residing within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interferometer. In one embodiment, the interferometer includes a translucent body having a first portion and a second portion, where the second portion has at least three internal reflective sides. The interferometer also includes an interface between the first and second portions, configured to reflect a portion of an optical signal received through the first portion and transmit a remaining portion of the optical signal into the second portion. Also disclosed are a method of manufacturing an interferometer and a transmitter incorporating the interferometer or the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interferometer. In one embodiment, the interferometer includes a translucent body having a first portion and a second portion, where the second portion has at least three internal reflective sides. The interferometer also includes an interface between the first and second portions, configured to reflect a portion of an optical signal received through the first portion and transmit a remaining portion of the optical signal into the second portion. Also disclosed are a method of manufacturing an interferometer and a transmitter incorporating the interferometer or the method.