Abstract: In some aspects, a system is disclosed for detecting genetic targets for diagnosing tuberculosis and associated antibiotic resistance. The system includes a mechanical instrument and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly comprises one or more reservoirs, with at least one reservoir containing a wet reagent. The cartridge also includes a chip with a fluidic channel holding a liquid slug. The chip has an optical detection region positioned between a heating region and a cool region. The mechanical instrument controls the back and forth motion of the liquid slug between the heating and cool regions. Additionally, the cartridge assembly includes one or more puncture elements configured to pierce the reservoirs and provide the wet reagent to the chip. The system further includes an optical detection unit with an optical light-emitting element, an optical detector, and a processing unit for analyzing the optical detection region of the chip.

Abstract: In general, the present application is directed to cartridge assemblies which can be used for reagent storage and systems and methods using the same. Aspects of the present disclosure can include disposable cartridge assemblies that are intended for single-use only. For instance, example cartridge assemblies can include interlocking features that can couple to a to an assay system (e.g., a chip assembly) in an irreversible manner.

Abstract: Various embodiments for a chip for use in a real-time qPCR system are disclosed. The chip can include at least one port for receiving a sample into the chip; at least one channel in fluidic communication with the at least port; a plurality of magnetically active beads disposed within the at least one channel that capture DNA/RNA from the sample as the sample passes through the at least one channel; and an optical inspection region in fluidic communication with the at least one channel for performing an optical analysis of the sample containing the eluted DNA/RNA previously captured on the magnetic beads.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid volumes, comprising: a motor; a camshaft connected to the motor at a rotational axis of the camshaft; at least one cam disposed on a circumference of the camshaft; a pin frame; at least one pin disposed in the pin frame and operatively associated with the at least one cam, wherein rotation of the camshaft by the motor contacts the at least one cam to the at least one pin, driving the at least one pin in a first direction.