Abstract: Microfluidic circuit elements, such as a microvalve, micropump or microvent, formed of a microcavity divided by a diaphragm web into a first subcavity bounded by a first internal wall and a second subcavity bounded by a second internal wall, where the diaphragm web is characterized as a thin film having a first state contacting the first internal wall and a second state contacting the second internal wall and exhibiting essentially no elasticity in moving between the first state and the second state, the thin film web having been stretched beyond its yield point before or during use are provided. The disclosed elements enable faster and more efficient cycling of the diaphragm in the microcavity and increases the diaphragm surface area. In a preferred embodiment, the microfluidic circuit element is pneumatically driven and controls the motion of fluids in a microassay device.

Abstract: Microfluidic circuit elements, such as a microvalve, micropump or microvent, formed of a microcavity divided by a diaphragm web into a first subcavity bounded by a first internal wall and a second subcavity bounded by a second internal wall, where the diaphragm web is characterized as a thin film having a first state contacting the first internal wall and a second state contacting the second internal wall and exhibiting essentially no elasticity in moving between the first state and the second state, the thin film web having been stretched beyond its yield point before or during use are provided. The disclosed elements enable faster and more efficient cycling of the diaphragm in the microcavity and increases the diaphragm surface area. In a preferred embodiment, the microfluidic circuit element is pneumatically driven and controls the motion of fluids in a microassay device.

Abstract: Microfluidic circuit elements, such as a microvalve, micropump or microvent, formed of a microcavity divided by a diaphragm web into a first subcavity bounded by a first internal wall and a second subcavity bounded by a second internal wall, where the diaphragm web is characterized as a thin film having a first state contacting the first internal wall and a second state contacting the second internal wall and exhibiting essentially no elasticity in moving between the first state and the second state, the thin film web having been stretched beyond its yield point before or during use are provided. The disclosed elements enable faster and more efficient cycling of the diaphragm in the microcavity and increases the diaphragm surface area. In a preferred embodiment, the microfluidic circuit element is pneumatically driven and controls the motion of fluids in a microassay device.

Abstract: Fluidic cartridges, and manufacture thereof, having a plurality of circuit element subtypes containing pneumatically operated diaphragm members, where the diaphragm materials are selected for yield point, chemical resistance, breathability and other properties individually according to the fluidic element subtype are provided. A process of in-situ edge-bonded decoupage for forming diaphragm members inside a cartridge, and fluidic circuits having diaphragm members as active and passive circuit elements, including pumps, valves, vents, waste receptacles, reagent reservoirs, and cuvettes with optical windows, where the material composition of each individual diaphragm member may be selected from an assortment of materials during manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microassay testing system, including a microfluidic cartridge and a compact microprocessor-controlled instrument for fluorometric assays in liquid samples, the cartridge having integrated process controls and positive and negative assay controls. The instrument has a scanning detector head incorporating multiple optical channels. In a preferred configuration, the assay is validated using dual channel optics for monitoring a first fluorophore associated with a target analyte and a second fluorophore associated with a process control. Integrated positive and negative assay controls provide enhanced assay validation capabilities and facilitate analysis of test results. Applications include molecular biological assays based on PCR amplification of target nucleic acids and fluorometric assays in general.

Abstract: Fluidic cartridges, and manufacture thereof, having a plurality of circuit element subtypes containing pneumatically operated diaphragm members, where the diaphragm materials are selected for yield point, chemical resistance, breathability and other properties individually according to the fluidic element subtype are provided. A process of in-situ edge-bonded decoupage for forming diaphragm members inside a cartridge, and fluidic circuits having diaphragm members as active and passive circuit elements, including pumps, valves, vents, waste receptacles, reagent reservoirs, and cuvettes with optical windows, where the material composition of each individual diaphragm member may be selected from an assortment of materials during manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: Microfluidic circuit elements, such as a microvalve, micropump or microvent, formed of a microcavity divided by a diaphragm web into a first subcavity bounded by a first internal wall and a second subcavity bounded by a second internal wall, where the diaphragm web is characterized as a thin film having a first state contacting the first internal wall and a second state contacting the second internal wall and exhibiting essentially no elasticity in moving between the first state and the second state, the thin film web having been stretched beyond its yield point before or during use are provided. The disclosed elements enable faster and more efficient cycling of the diaphragm in the microcavity and increases the diaphragm surface area. In a preferred embodiment, the microfluidic circuit element is pneumatically driven and controls the motion of fluids in a microassay device.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge including on-board dry reagents and microfluidic circuitry for determining a clinical analyte or analytes from a few microliters of liquid sample; with docking interface for use in a host workstation, the workstation including a pneumatic fluid controller and spectrophotometer for monitoring analytical reactions in the cartridge.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge including on-board dry reagents and microfluidic circuitry for determining a clinical analyte or analytes from a few microliters of liquid sample; with docking interface for use in a host workstation, the workstation including a pneumatic fluid controller and spectrophotometer for monitoring analytical reactions in the cartridge.