Abstract: A method of performing a test of a liquid sample using a microfluidic device having at least one flow path may include introducing the liquid sample into the flow path and subjecting the microfluidic device to at least one linear motion with an acceleration sufficiently high to affect the flow of the liquid sample in the flow path, the test preferably being a diagnostic test. A support instrument for use in supporting a microfluidic device may include a sustaining arrangement capable of sustaining a microfluidic device, and a motion arrangement capable of subjecting a sustained microfluidic device to at least one linear motion.

Abstract: A Micromechanical Microphone is formed with a housing and a transducer therein. The housing has a sound inlet on one side of the transducer and a pressure compensation hole on the opposite side. A sealing diaphragm is placed on each side of the transducer to seal it against humidity, dust and dirt. The transducer may be a capacitive transducer with an external bias or an electret based transducer. The microphone is useful in small devices such as hearing aides.