| abstract |
Instrument used to perform diagnostic tests on fluid cartridges. A cartridge reader is used to perform diagnostic tests on samples contained in fluid cartridges inserted into the reader. The fluidic cartridge includes a fluidic layer having at least one sample processing region, at least one collapsible blister containing liquid reagents, a pneumatic interface, an electrical interface, and at least one mechanical valve. The reader includes: a housing; an upper jig occupying a fixed position relative to the reader; and a lower jig movable relative to the first jig, wherein the upper jig and the lower jig are at Between them a cartridge receiving area is defined. The reader includes a thermal module included in the lower fixture, wherein the thermal module includes at least one thermal stack for thermally controlling all of the modules inserted into the reader. The at least one sample processing region of the cartridge is heated. The reader comprises at least one mechanical actuator for actuating the mechanical valve comprised in the cartridge inserted in the reader. |