Abstract: Compounds of general formula I wherein Fc and Fc? may be the same or different and are substituted ferrocenyl moieties having at least one ring substituent selected from sulfur-containing groups, phosphorus-containing groups, iodo, chloro, silyl, fluoroalkyl groups containing two or more fluorine atoms, heteroaryl, substituted phenyl, and cyano, wherein if present as sole substituent the cyano group is located on the proximal cyclopentadienyl ring; X is a spacer, Y is a spacer, Z is a spacer; and R is a linker group. Compound I may be used to make labelled substrates, functionalised compounds for making labelled substrates and may be used as labels in an electrochemical assay.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a sample. The method involves detecting a first target sequence taken from the NGO1642 gene and/or a second target sequence taken from the NGO1012 gene. The method may involve a step of amplifying the target sequence, and may involve hybridising the target sequence to a nucleic acid probe and identifying hybridisation. The method may involve simultaneous detection of other target sequences, e.g. from other pathogens.

Abstract: A cartridge reader controlled by processing means for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge comprises a mechanical valve for isolating the sample with the cartridge. A system for actuating the mechanical valve comprises an actuation member configured to move the mechanical valve from an open position to a closed position and an armature connected to the actuation member. The armature is configured to engage an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet can be switched between an active state in which it electromagnetically holds the armature and an inactive state in which it does not electromagnetically hold the armature. First biasing means are disposed between the actuation member and a bearing surface, wherein the first biasing means is configured to bias the actuation member into a first position in which it actuates a mechanical valve in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula I wherein Fc and Fc? may be the same or different and are substituted ferrocenyl moieties having at least one ring substituent selected from sulfur-containing groups, phosphorus-containing groups, iodo, chloro, silyl, fluoroalkyl groups containing two or more fluorine atoms, heteroaryl, substituted phenyl, and cyano, wherein if present as sole substituent the cyano group is located on the proximal cyclopentadienyl ring; X is a spacer, Y is a spacer, Z is a spacer; and R is a linker group. Compound I may be used to make labelled substrates, functionalised compounds for making labelled substrates and may be used as labels in an electrochemical assay.

Abstract: A cartridge reader is configured to carry out a diagnostic test on a fluid sample contained within a fluidic cartridge. The cartridge comprises first, second and third collapsible blisters containing at least one reagent for use in the diagnostic test. The cartridge reader comprises an upper clamp, occupying a fixed position relative to the reader and a lower clamp, movable relative to the upper clamp, and wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp are configured to receive and hold a fluidic cartridge therebetween. First, second and third blister actuators are mounted on the upper clamp, for aligning with first, second and third collapsible blisters of a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: The invention provides monoferrocenyl compounds of general formula I. The invention also provides substrates labelled with the compounds, functionalised derivatives of the compounds and methods of using the compounds, functionalised derivatives and labelled substrates in electrochemical assays.

Abstract: Instrument for performing a diagnostic test on a fluidic cartridge A cartridge reader is for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader. The fluidic cartridge comprises a fluidic layer comprising at least one sample processing region, at least one collapsible blister containing a liquid reagent, a pneumatic interface, an electrical interface and at least one mechanical valve. The reader comprises a housing; an upper clamp occupying a fixed position relative to the reader, and a lower clamp, movable relative to the first clamp, wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp define a cartridge receiving region therebetween. The reader comprises a thermal module comprised in the lower clamp, wherein the thermal module comprises at least one thermal stack for heating the at least one sample processing region of the cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: A blister assembly comprises at least one collapsible blister adapted, as it is collapsed, to eject a liquid contained therein. The blister assembly comprises a first layer (130) having at least one blister chamber (150) and a second layer (131) sealed to the first layer at least around a periphery of the at least one blister chamber such that a liquid is contained between the first layer and the second layer. The seal between the first and second layers comprises a first planar portion having a first peel strength and a second planar portion having a second peel strength, wherein the first peel strength is greater than the second peel strength, such that when pressure is applied to the blister, the second portion of the seal breaks to release the liquid contained within the chamber into the liquid inlet.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a sample. The method involves detecting a first target sequence taken from the NGO1642 gene and/or a second target sequence taken from the NGO1012 gene. The method may involve a step of amplifying the target sequence, and may involve hybridising the target sequence to a nucleic acid probe and identifying hybridisation. The method may involve simultaneous detection of other target sequences, e.g. from other pathogens.

Abstract: A method of nucleic acid amplification involving using a first modified primer which provides protection to the amplification product from exonuclease degradation and a second primer. The method provides a double stranded nucleic acid, one strand of which is degraded by a double strand nucleic acid specific exonuclease to form a single stranded nucleic acid, which is protected from exonuclease degradation.

Abstract: A cartridge reader controlled by processing means for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge comprises a mechanical valve for isolating the sample with the cartridge. A system for actuating the mechanical valve comprises an actuation member configured to move the mechanical valve from an open position to a closed position and an armature connected to the actuation member. The armature is configured to engage an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet can be switched between an active state in which it electromagnetically holds the armature and an inactive state in which it does not electromagnetically hold the armature. First biasing means are disposed between the actuation member and a bearing surface, wherein the first biasing means is configured to bias the actuation member into a first position in which it actuates a mechanical valve in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: The invention provides monoferrocenyl compounds of general formula I. The invention also provides substrates labelled with the compounds, functionalised derivatives of the compounds and methods of using the compounds, functionalised derivatives and labelled substrates in electrochemical assays.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula I wherein Fc and Fc? may be the same or different and are substituted ferrocenyl moieties having at least one ring substituent selected from sulfur-containing groups, phosphorus-containing groups, iodo, chloro, silyl, fluoroalkyl groups containing two or more fluorine atoms, heteroaryl, substituted phenyl, and cyano, wherein if present as sole substituent the cyano group is located on the proximal cyclopentadienyl ring; X is a spacer, Y is a spacer, Z is a spacer; and R is a linker group. Compound I may be used to make labelled substrates, functionalised compounds for making labelled substrates and may be used as labels in an electrochemical assay.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula I are used as labels in an electrochemical assay: (I) in which: Fc and Fc? are substituted or unsubstituted ferrocenyl moieties, X is a C1 to C6 alkylene chain which is optionally interrupted by —O— or —NH—; Y is a C1 to C6 alkylene chain which is optionally interrupted by —O— or —NH—; Z is a C1 to C12 alkylene chain which may optionally be substituted and/or may optionally be interrupted by —O—, —S—, cycloalkyl, —CO—, —CON R1—, —NR1CO— or —NR1— in which R1 represents hydrogen or C1 to C4 alkyl; and R is a linker group. Compounds I are used to make labelled substrates, as well as functionalised compounds for making the labelled substrates.

Abstract: A cartridge reader is configured to carry out a diagnostic test on a fluid sample contained within a fluidic cartridge. The cartridge comprises first, second and third collapsible blisters containing at least one reagent for use in the diagnostic test. The cartridge reader comprises an upper clamp, occupying a fixed position relative to the reader and a lower clamp, movable relative to the upper clamp, and wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp are configured to receive and hold a fluidic cartridge therebetween. First, second and third blister actuators are mounted on the upper clamp, for aligning with first, second and third collapsible blisters of a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: Instrument for performing a diagnostic test on a fluidic cartridge A cartridge reader is for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader. The fluidic cartridge comprises a fluidic layer comprising at least one sample processing region, at least one collapsible blister containing a liquid reagent, a pneumatic interface, an electrical interface and at least one mechanical valve. The reader comprises a housing; an upper clamp occupying a fixed position relative to the reader, and a lower clamp, movable relative to the first clamp, wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp define a cartridge receiving region therebetween. The reader comprises a thermal module comprised in the lower clamp, wherein the thermal module comprises at least one thermal stack for heating the at least one sample processing region of the cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula I wherein Fc and Fc? may be the same or different and are substituted ferrocenyl moieties having at least one ring substituent selected from sulfur-containing groups, phosphorus-containing groups, iodo, chloro, silyl, fluoroalkyl groups containing two or more fluorine atoms, heteroaryl, substituted phenyl, and cyano, wherein if present as sole substituent the cyano group is located on the proximal cyclopentadienyl ring; X is a spacer, Y is a spacer, Z is a spacer; and R is a linker group. Compound I may be used to make labelled substrates, functionalised compounds for making labelled substrates and may be used as labels in an electrochemical assay.