Systems and methods for multi-analysis

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method of performing at least one immunoassay to detect at least one sample analyte in a sample comprising:
 receiving in a sample processing device a cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises:
 one or more sample collection units comprising the sample; 
 at least one pipette tip; 
 all reagents for performing the at least one immunoassay, wherein the all reagents comprises a capture surface for immobilizing the at least one sample analyte, wherein the capture surface comprises a bead; 
   wherein the sample processing device comprises:
 a detector for detecting the presence or absence of the at least one analyte; and 
 a sample handling system comprising at least one nozzle for engaging with the at least one pipette tip; 
   engaging in the sample processing device the at least one nozzle of the sample handling system with the at least one pipette tip;   bringing by the sample handling system engaged with the at least one pipette tip at least a portion of the sample and the capture surface into fluid communication;   performing in the sample processing device the at least one immunoassay; and   detecting the presence or absence of the at least one analyte with the detector.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one immunoassay is a sandwich immunoassay. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one immunoassay is a competitive immunoassay. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the all reagents further comprises:
 a first analyte receptor capable of binding to the at least one sample analyte;   a second analyte receptor capable of binding to the at least one sample analyte or to the first analyte receptor;   a label coupled to the second analyte receptor, a third analyte receptor capable of binding to the second analyte receptor, or a known amount of an analyte capable of competing with the at least one sample analyte for binding to the first analyte receptor; and   a substrate for the label;   wherein the bead is directly or indirectly coupled to the first analyte receptor or the second analyte receptor.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the sample is a blood sample obtained from a subject. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the blood sample is a blood sample obtained from the subject by a fingerstick. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the cartridge further comprises a microcard comprising at least one cavity. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one cavity comprises the bead. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the microcard comprises at least a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein at least one immunoassay is performed in each of the first and second cavities. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the first cavity comprises a first bead and the second cavity comprises a second bead, and wherein the first bead and the second bead immobilize different sample analytes. 
     
     
         21 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A cartridge comprising:
 one or more sample collection units for receiving a sample;   at least one pipette tip;   all reagents for performing at least one immunoassay, wherein the all reagents comprises a bead for immobilizing at least one sample analyte; and   a microcard comprising at least one cavity for performing the at least one immunoassay.   
     
     
         24 . The cartridge of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one cavity comprises the bead. 
     
     
         25 . The cartridge of  claim 23 , wherein the microcard comprises at least a first cavity and a second cavity, and wherein at least one immunoassay is performed in each of the first and second cavities. 
     
     
         26 . The cartridge of  claim 25 , wherein the first cavity comprises a first bead and the second cavity comprises a second bead, and wherein the first bead and the second bead immobilize different sample analytes. 
     
     
         27 . The cartridge of  claim 23 , wherein the all reagents further comprises:
 a first analyte receptor capable of binding to the at least one sample analyte;   a second analyte receptor capable of binding to the at least one sample analyte or to the first analyte receptor;   a label coupled to the second analyte receptor, a third analyte receptor capable of binding to the second analyte receptor, or a known amount of an analyte capable of competing with the at least one sample analyte for binding to the first analyte receptor; and   a substrate for the label;   wherein the bead is directly or indirectly coupled to the first analyte receptor or the second analyte receptor.   
     
     
         28 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A system for performing at least one immunoassay to detect at least one analyte in a sample comprising:
 a sample processing device comprising:
 a detector for detecting the presence or absence of the at least one analyte; and 
 a sample handling system comprising at least one nozzle for engaging with at least one pipette tip; and 
 a cartridge receiving location; 
   and the cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises:
 one or more sample collection units for receiving the sample; 
 the at least one pipette tip; 
 all reagents for performing at least one immunoassay, wherein the all reagents comprises a bead for immobilizing at least one sample analyte; and 
 a microcard comprising at least one cavity for performing the at least one immunoassay. 
   
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the at least one cavity comprises the bead. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the microcard comprises at least a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein at least one immunoassay is performed in each of the first and second cavities. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the first cavity comprises a first bead and the second cavity comprises a second bead, and wherein the first bead and the second bead immobilize different sample analytes. 
     
     
         36 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the all reagents further comprises:
 a first analyte receptor capable of binding to the at least one sample analyte;   a second analyte receptor capable of binding to the at least one sample analyte or to the first analyte receptor;   a label coupled to the second analyte receptor, a third analyte receptor capable of binding to the second analyte receptor, or a known amount of an analyte capable of competing with the at least one sample analyte for binding to the first analyte receptor; and   a substrate for the label;   wherein the bead is directly or indirectly coupled to the first analyte receptor or the second analyte receptor.