Abstract: A microanalysis system, comprising a microchip, a common well in the microchip, and multiple wells in the microchip, each of the multiple wells being connected for fluid flow to the common well by a channel. The common well is a waste well, and the multiple wells are sample introduction wells. The common well is at the center of the microchip. The channels radiate outward from the common well, and are equally circumferentially spaced. A buffer introduction channel is provided that intersects each of the channels.

Abstract: A method of sample separation begins with the step of moving product and contaminant along a first channel in a first direction at different speeds for the product and contaminant until contaminant separates from the product and is lost by dilution in a waste well. Then the direction of movement of the product and contaminant is reversed to separate product from the contaminant. After product is separated from contaminant it may be detected using conventional detectors. To ensure effective dilution of contaminant, it is preferred that there be a delay or pause between forward movement of the sample and reverse movement.

Abstract: A multiple capillary biochemical analyzer for sequencing DNA and performing other analyses, in which a set of capillaries extends from wells in a microtiter plate into a cuvette. In the cuvette the capillaries are held on fixed closely spaced centers by passing through a sandwich construction having a pair of metal shims which squeeze between them a rubber gasket, forming a leak proof seal for an interior chamber in which the capillary ends are positioned. Sheath fluid enters the chamber and entrains filament sample streams from the capillaries. The filament sample streams, and sheath fluid, flow through aligned holes in a barrier member spaced close to the capillary ends, into a collection chamber having a lower glass window. The filament streams are illuminated above the barrier member by a laser, causing them to fluoresce. The fluorescence is viewed end-on by a CCD camera chip located below the glass window.