Abstract: Features of an improved water chemistry test kit include, without limitation, a test block, colored liquid reagents, and color comparison displays. At least one ridge, wall, semipermeable barrier, etc. within the vial causes water and chemical reagents to more quickly and thoroughly when the test block is agitated. At least one drain hole is positioned in a wall/side of each vial, with its bottom edge located at the fill level necessary to conduct the water sample. A valve or valves enables a user to easily drain sample water from the vial down to the proper test level. Adjacent to each vial is a color comparison display.

Abstract: Apparatuses for preparing a sample are disclosed herein. The apparatuses include a chamber, a first valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, a second valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, and a pump comprising an actuator and nozzle.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge with solution reservoir-pump chamber is disclosed. The microfluidic cartridge comprises a channel-chamber layer, a sealing layer, a printed circuit board bound with magnetoresistive biochip. The channel-chamber layer includes at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a plurality of micro-channels. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber realizes both functions of solution reservoir and pump chamber in a single structure. Said sealing layer is sealed with said channel-chamber layer to form an integrated microfluidic system with at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution inlet, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a micro-channel. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber in the present invention consists of elastic objects inside for sealing and pumping. Under pressure, said elastic object propels solution in the reservoir into said reaction-detection chamber via channels of said plurality of micro-channels.

Abstract: A sample chamber is formed by a housing sealed against a microscope slide. The housing has fluid ports, including a well formed over at least one port. In a rinse station, rinse solution is drawn from a reservoir through the chamber to a waste reservoir. At a fill station, an aliquot of reagent already placed in the well is driven into the chamber. The reagent may be driven into the chamber by first drawing a vacuum on the chamber through the aliquot of reagent and then releasing the reagent to be drawn into the chamber by the vacuum.

Abstract: A cassette for preparing a sample is disclosed herein. The cassette includes a housing, which encloses the structures and the processes used to prepare the sample.