Abstract: A method for increasing the number of analyte/assay combinations in a single chip or cartridge of an in vitro diagnostic system may include: prioritizing a set of analyte/assay combinations based on characteristics of each analyte in the set of analyte/assay combinations, wherein the characteristics comprise one selected from the group consisting of a prevalence of each analyte, a clinical relevance of each analyte, a clinical actionability of each analyte, a patient benefit, a cost savings, and any combination thereof; deriving an analyte/analyte interactivity for two or more analytes in the set of analyte/assay combinations; designing a plurality of candidate panel layouts based on panel layout rules, the prioritization of the set of analyte/assay combinations, and the analyte/analyte interactivity, wherein the panel layout comprises one or more chips each comprising a chamber with two or more analytes; and validating the plurality of candidate panel layouts to produce panel layout solutions.

Abstract: A method for generating sequence ready fragments of nucleotide sequences is described, the method making use of “bubble primers” which include first and third portions which hybridise to a target, and a second partly self-complementary portion which forms an unhybridised loop. The loop contains generic sequences allowing use of sequencing primers. The first portion may be degradable so as to generate an amplicon of sequence of interest flanked by the third portion and the generic sequences of the second portion. In preferred embodiments, the second portion, or the region between the second portion and the third portion, also comprises a tetrad of nucleotides A, C, G, T, allowing calibration of the sequencing reaction.

Abstract: A method of analysing nucleic acid using apparatus comprising a reaction chamber and plurality of sensors located in the base of the chamber, with each sensor preferably located within a respective well. The method comprises flowing a fluid containing the nucleic acid or fragments thereof into the reaction chamber. While the chamber is fully or at least partially sealed, amplification of the nucleic acid or said fragments is performed within the chamber using an amplification primer or primers whilst detecting the generation of amplicons using said sensors. Sequencing or hybridisation is then performed on the amplicons, and sequencing or hybridisation is detected using said sensors.