Performance

Abstract

Instruments, devices and methods of analysis are provided which fully integrate a significant number of process steps in a continuous operation. Accurate positioning and full contact between components is also provided by the relative movement the designs allow. An effect interface between a low cost disposable cartridge or device and the instrument to process it is also detailed.

1 . An instrument for analysing a sample, the instrument including:
 one or more sample processors;   electronics for operating the sample processors;   
       wherein one or more of the sample processors are provided on a device provided in the instrument at a device location, the device being capable of movement relative to the instrument when in the device location. 
     
     
         2 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the relative movement for the device is provided to align the device with a device to instrument interface and/or to contact the device with a device to instrument interface. 
     
     
         3 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the relative movement for the device is provided to align the device with an investigation step and/or detection step and/or electrophoresis step and/or analysis step. 
     
     
         4 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the device is provided on a carrier. 
     
     
         5 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the relative movement is used to move the device from a insertion position to a use position. 
     
     
         6 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the relative movement for the device is made in response to one or more alignment checks conducted by the instrument. 
     
     
         7 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which one or more releasable fasteners hold the device against the carrier, but allow movement of the device away from the carrier in response to a force above a certain level. 
     
     
         8 . An instrument according to  claim 7  in which when the force is removed and/or reduced below that level, the device returns to the insertion position and/or into contact with the carrier. 
     
     
         9 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the carrier interacts with the instrument and/or casing and/or device location and/or device to instrument interface to position the device relative to the device to instrument location. 
     
     
         10 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the device is moved from the insertion position to a use position in which the device contacts the device to instrument interface. 
     
     
         11 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which movement to the use position and/or a subsequent step provide for one or more or all of the following: the application of force to the device to hold it in position against the device to instrument interface; the formation of contact between the part of the device providing the electrophoresis step with a heater board; the formation of electrical contacts between the instrument and one or more electrical components provided on the device; the formation of electrical contacts between the instrument and one or more electrical components provided on that part of the device providing the electrophoresis step and/or the deactivation of one or more interlocks. 
     
     
         12 . A method of analysing a sample, the method including:
 applying one or more process steps to the sample;   obtaining one or more results from the method;   
       wherein one or more of the sample processors are provided on a device provided in the instrument at a device location, the device being capable of movement relative to the instrument when in the device location. 
     
     
         13 . An instrument for analysing a sample, the instrument including:
 one or more sample processors;   electronics for operating the sample processors, wherein the instrument provides an integrated set of sample processors and the sample processors include a sample preparation step, sample extraction step, sample retention step, elution step, amplification step and analysis step.   
     
     
         14 . An instrument according to  claim 13  in which the instrument provides an integrated set of sample processors which progresses from start to finish without user intervention. 
     
     
         15 . An instrument according to  claim 13  in which the start is the loading of the sample into the instrument and/or the finish is the analysis step. 
     
     
         16 . An instrument according to  claim 13  in which one or more of the sample processors are provided on a device. 
     
     
         17 . An instrument according to  claim 13  in which the sample processors of a sample preparation step, a sample extraction step, a sample retention step, an elution step, and an amplification step are performed on or in the device. 
     
     
         18 . An instrument according to  claim 17  in which the sample processors of a denaturing step, an investigation step, an electrophoresis step and an analysis step are performed on or in the device. 
     
     
         19 . An instrument according to  claim 13  wherein the device is a cartridge. 
     
     
         20 . An instrument according to  claim 13  in which the sample processors of an analysis step and a results output step are performed on or in the instrument outside of the device. 
     
     
         21 . A method of analysing a sample, the method including using an instrument to:
 apply one or more process steps to the sample;   obtain one or more results from the method. wherein the instrument provides an integrated set of sample processors and the sample processors include a sample preparation step, sample extraction step, sample retention step, elution step, amplification step and analysis step.