Devices and methods for performing array based assays

Abstract

Devices and methods for performing an array assay are provided. Embodiments of the subject array assay devices include (1) a base, (2) a cover, and (3) a clamping member for holding the cover to the base, wherein when the cover is operatively held to the base about a structure that includes an array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element, the array assembly and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature. Embodiments of the subject methods include contacting a sample with a backing element and placing the backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure that includes the backing element and array assembly. The structure is then held together using a subject array assay device and the array substrate and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method of assaying a sample for the presence of at least one analyte, said method comprising: (a) contacting said sample with a first surface of a backing element to produce a backing element supported sample; (b) placing said backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure comprising said backing element and said array assembly; (c) holding said structure together using a device according to claim  1 , wherein said array assembly and said backing element are deflected to the substantially the same curvature when said clamping member is operatively actuated; and (d) performing an array assay. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said urging is accomplished by applying equal, opposing forces to said array assembly and said backing element. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said device employed to hold said structure together comprises a flexure. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said device employed to hold said structure together comprises at least one spring element. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said method further comprising eliminating at least one unwanted bubbles from said structure. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said eleiminating comprises forcing said at least one unwanted bubble out of a gasket of said backing element. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said holding comprises providing a substantially uniform capillary gap between said array assembly ad said backing element. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising reading said at least one array to obtain a result. 
     
     
         28 . The method comprising transmitting data obtained by a method of  claim 27 , from a first location to a second location remote from the first location. 
     
     
         29 . A method comprising receiving said result obtained by the method of  claim 27 . 
     
     
         30 . A method for performing an array assay, said method comprising: (a) receiving a pre-packaged array assembly in an array assay device according to claim  1 , from a remote site, said pre-packaged array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element by a gasket; (b) performing an array assay using said received array assay device and said pre-packaged array assembly; (c) removing said pre-packaged array assembly from said array assay device; and (d) reading said at least one array to obtain a result. 
     
     
         31 - 33 . (canceled)