Abstract: A two-step method for loading a fluid sample into a disposable fluid analysis cartridge is described. First, capillary action may be used to initially draw a sample through a sample introduction port and into a sample collection reservoir provided in the fluid analysis cartridge. Once the fluid sample has been drawn into the sample collection reservoir by capillary action, a negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull the sample from the sample collection reservoir and into a sample loading channel. A valve may be disposed between the sample collection reservoir and the sample loading channel to prevent backflow of sample into the sample collection reservoir and to retain sample in the sample loading channel.

Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge may include a sample collection reservoir, an absorbance measurement channel, and an optical light scattering measurement channel. One or more valves may be disposed between the sample collection reservoir and the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull sample from the sample collection reservoir through the one or more valves and into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. Once the sample is pulled into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel, the one or more valves may be closed. With the one or more valves closed, and in some cases, a pusher fluid may be provided to push the fluid sample to other regions of the disposable fluid blood analysis cartridge.

Abstract: A two-step method for loading a fluid sample into a disposable fluid analysis cartridge is described. First, capillary action may be used to initially draw a sample through a sample introduction port and into a sample collection reservoir provided in the fluid analysis cartridge. Once the fluid sample has been drawn into the sample collection reservoir by capillary action, a negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull the sample from the sample collection reservoir and into a sample loading channel.

Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge may include a sample collection reservoir, an absorbance measurement channel, and an optical light scattering measurement channel. One or more valves may be disposed between the sample collection reservoir and the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull sample from the sample collection reservoir through the one or more valves and into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. Once the sample is pulled into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel, the one or more valves may be closed. With the one or more valves closed, and in some cases, a pusher fluid may be provided to push the fluid sample to other regions of the disposable fluid blood analysis cartridge.