Abstract: Methods are provided for operating an instrument to test samples suspected of containing a target pathogen in a near patient point of care environment. One embodiment of the method includes adding an identifying mark to a point of care cartridge and inserting the cartridge into an instrument. Additionally, interaction with a graphical user interface on the instrument can initiate the test sequence or eject the cartridge.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an assembly for loading a sample liquid. The assembly comprises an entry port comprising an inlet and a gas vent, and a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a distal wall, a fin, and a continuous fluidic pathway. The fin comprises first and second surfaces and extends from the inlet towards the distal wall. The continuous fluidic pathway comprises a converging channel that is in fluidic communication with the inlet and is defined by the second surface of the fin, and a diverging channel that is defined by the first surface of the fin and is in fluidic communication with the gas vent. At a distal end of the fin, a width of the converging channel at most equals a width of the diverging channel, and the width of the converging channel at most equals a distance between the distal end of the fin and the distal wall.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an assembly for loading a sample liquid. The assembly comprises an entry port comprising an inlet and a gas vent, and a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a distal wall, a fin, and a continuous fluidic pathway. The fin comprises first and second surfaces and extends from the inlet towards the distal wall. The continuous fluidic pathway comprises a converging channel that is in fluidic communication with the inlet and is defined by the second surface of the fin, and a diverging channel that is defined by the first surface of the fin and is in fluidic communication with the gas vent. At a distal end of the fin, a width of the converging channel at most equals a width of the diverging channel, and the width of the converging channel at most equals a distance between the distal end of the fin and the distal wall.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices designed for assaying biochemical molecules are disclosed. The microfluidic devices are capable of assaying nucleic acids for identification of nucleic acid species. The microfluidic devices are adapted to carry out an amplification of the nucleic acid and subsequent separation of amplified nucleic acid species. Also disclosed is a method for amplifying and separating a nucleic acid sample on a microfluidic device.

Abstract: The microfluidic reverse affinity-blot device of the present disclosure combines affinity binding for isolation and/or enrichment of protein(s) from a sample, followed by separation/identification thereof. In general terms, a microfluidic reverse affinity-blot device is a closed system of interconnected components that is comprised of defined points of entry and exit, wherein the interconnected components include a capture region upstream from a protein separation region and subsequent detection region. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating a fluid sample into components is disclosed. The microfluidic device is used for assaying proteins for the purpose of identification of protein species. The microfluidic device employs integrated features such as a sample well for holding a protein sample, a thermal control device for heating the protein sample in the sample well, and a protein separation region in fluid communication with the sample well. Also disclosed is a method for assaying a protein sample.