Abstract: A computerized automated diagnostic system including a cartridge configured to contain reagents for carrying out a diagnostic biological process and to receive a biological sample to be tested using the reagents and an instrument operative to interact with the cartridge to carry out multiple steps in the diagnostic biological process, the cartridge having multiple operative states including a non-functionalized state in which the cartridge does not include the reagents and does not include the biological sample, a partially functionalized state in which the cartridge does include the reagents and does include the biological sample and in which a carbon array assembly is mounted onto the cartridge and forms part of the cartridge and a fully functionalized state upon insertion of the cartridge, onto which the carbon array assembly is mounted, into clamped engagement with the instrument.