Abstract: A method for dispersing a plurality of particles of a droplet on a surface of a cartridge is disclosed. The method includes transporting, by applying a first electrical current to a first plurality of electrodes of the cartridge, the droplet on the surface of the cartridge at a predetermined transport speed, wherein the first plurality of electrodes is configured to transport the droplet on the surface of the cartridge along a non-linear path and manipulating, by applying a second electrical current to a second plurality of electrodes of the cartridge, the droplet on the surface of the cartridge.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a plurality of particles is disclosed. The system includes a platform structurally configured to support container, a reader, a shield, one or more processors, and a non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform a set of operations comprising: analyzing, via the reader, a plurality of particles in the container, the plurality of particles comprising at least one paramagnetic, identifiable bead, in the container, wherein analyzing the plurality of particles comprises performing one or more assay procedures on the plurality of particles and, during the one or more assay procedures, determining a parameter of the plurality of particles.

Abstract: A method for preparing analyzing a droplet on a surface of a cartridge, wherein the droplet comprises a plurality of particles is disclosed. The method includes transporting, via a plurality of electrodes of the cartridge, the droplet along a single path on the surface of the cartridge, wherein the single path is substantially linear and the plurality of electrodes is configured to transport the droplet along the single path on the surface of the cartridge. The method also includes analyzing the droplet at one or more locations along the single path on the surface of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method for preparing for manipulating a droplet on a surface of a cartridge, wherein the droplet comprises at least one paramagnetic, bar-coded bead is disclosed. The method includes transporting, via a plurality of electrodes of the cartridge, the droplet on the surface of the cartridge, wherein the plurality of electrodes is configured to transport the droplet on the surface of the cartridge. The method also includes immobilizing, via at least one magnet of the cartridge, the droplet on the surface of the cartridge, wherein the at least one magnet is configured to immobilize the droplet on the surface of the cartridge.

Abstract: A device for supporting lateral flow of a liquid. The device includes a support layer having a fluid impervious material with a porated region to allow for penetration of liquid through the support layer, and a membrane layer of bonded microparticle adhered to the support. The device may be used in an apparatus for the detection of analytes in samples.

Abstract: Immunoassay devices, kits and methods for determining a first analyte in a sample. The device a membrane that supports lateral flow of a liquid, and a dried first detection reagent comprising a first gold nanoparticle having bound thereto (i) a first binding partner for the first analyte, and (ii) a first label, wherein the dried first detection reagent is dried on the membrane and solubilizable by a liquid. Methods using the device to determine analytes in liquid samples.