Abstract: Provided is a method for separating two or more analytes in a fluid, which method comprises: (a) binding each different analyte to a different functional particle in one or more binding zones, to produce two or more bound analytes; (b) allowing the bound analytes to move through a separating conduit to two or more separate functional zones; wherein, each different functional particle has, or can be controlled to have, a different function in the fluid as compared with the other functional particles; and wherein the separating conduit separates into two or more functional conduits, such that the separating conduit serves to separate the bound analytes into the separate functional conduits by means of the different functions of the different functional particles.

Abstract: A cartridge system includes a reagent component for storing one or more reagents and a processing component for processing the one or more reagents in an assay. The reagent component and the processing component are configured to be coupled together to form a cartridge. The reagent component and/or the processing component include at least one compartment configured to accept waste from the assay. The reagent component does not take part in processing the reagents in the assay, except to accept waste from the processing component. In one aspect, the cartridge system further includes a sensing component with at least one sensing element for detecting an analyte. In another aspect, the cartridge system further includes a sample preparation component for preparing a sample for the assay.

Abstract: Provided is a method for separating two or more analytes in a fluid, which method comprises: (a) binding each different analyte to a different particle in a binding zone, to produce two or more bound analytes; (b) allowing the bound analytes to move through a separating conduit to two or more separate functional conduits; wherein each different particle has, or can be controlled to have, a different buoyancy in the fluid as compared with the other particles; and wherein the separating conduit is in fluid communication with the two or more functional conduits, each functional conduit being situated at a different height from the other functional conduits; and each functional conduit containing a fluid having a different fluid density from the fluids in the other functional conduits such that each different particle when attached to an analyte has neutral buoyancy in at least one of the functional conduits, thereby allowing separation of the bound analytes by means of the neutral buoyancies of the different