Abstract: A signal processing system used for GMR-based detection of a target analyte in a sample under test, comprising: a measurement circuit configuration unit configured to build a GMR sensor measurement circuit by routing in at least one GMR sensor, and to build a reference resistor measurement circuit by routing in at least one reference resistor; a magnetic field excitation unit configured to apply an AC magnetic field of frequency ?2 to the at least one GMR sensor; a carrier signal applying unit configured to apply a carrier signal of frequency ?1 to the GMR sensor measurement circuit, and apply carrier signals of frequency ?1, ?1+?2, and ?1??2 to the reference resistor measurement circuit; a measurement signal pick-up unit coupled to the measurement circuits, configured to collect reference resistor measurement signals from the reference resistor measurement circuit and GMR sensor measurement signals from the GMR sensor measurement circuit; and a phase sensitive solution unit coupled to the measurement signal

Abstract: A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor. The assembly, pneumatic system, and control unit operate together to prepare the sample and provide the prepared sample to the sensor for detecting analytes, and also process measurements from the sensor to generate test results.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly, and method of using the same, is provided. The assembly includes a sample processing card and a substrate attached thereto. The card has an injection port for receiving a test sample; at least one metering chamber; a mixing material source for introducing mixing material(s) to the metering chamber; fluid communication channels fluidly connecting the injection port and the mixing material source to the metering chamber; and at least one output port for delivering the test sample to a sensor (e.g., GMR sensor). The substrate has associated therewith: the sensor for sensing analytes in the test sample; electrical contact portions for an electrical connection with a reader unit; and a memory chip. The assembly further includes a pneumatic interface with port(s) and corresponding communication channel(s) fluidly connected to card.

Abstract: A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor (GMR sensor) for detecting analytes in the sample. The assembly is pneumatically and electronically mated with the reader unit via a pneumatic interface and an electronic interface such that the parameters may be implemented via the control unit. The pneumatic system is contained within the unit and has pump(s) and valve(s) for selectively applying fluid pressure to the pneumatic interface of the assembly, and thus through the communication channels, to move the sample and mixing material(s) through and to sensor.