SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-ANALYSIS
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 - 76 . (canceled)
77 . A method of performing an assay on a biological sample, comprising:
preparing a mixture for performing an assay in each of at least four assay units, wherein each mixture comprises a portion of a biological sample obtained from a subject and at least one reagent for detecting a signal indicative of an analyte in the biological sample, wherein the mixture in each of at least four assay units are replicates of each other;
performing the assay in each of the at least four assay units in parallel under substantially the same conditions;
detecting from each of the at least four assay units a signal indicative of the analyte; and
obtaining a single value from the signals;
wherein the preparing, performing, and detecting steps are performed by a biological sample processing system, wherein the biological sample processing system comprises:
the at least four assay units;
all reagents for performing the assay;
a sample handling system; and
a detector for detecting the signal indicative of the analyte.
78 . The method of claim 77 , wherein the biological sample processing system further comprises a cartridge wherein the cartridge comprises the at least four assay units and all reagents for performing the assay.
79 . The method of claim 77 , wherein the biological sample processing system further comprises at least four tips and the sample handling system comprises at least four pipette heads, wherein each of the at least four pipette heads is configured to engage with one of the at least four tips.
80 . The method of claim 77 , wherein the single value is an average of the signals detected and the single value is indicative of the amount of analyte in the biological sample.
81 . The method of claim 77 , wherein the single value is a coefficient of variation for the assay.
82 . The method of claim 77 , wherein the biological sample is a blood sample of about 500 μl or less.
83 . The method of claim 77 , wherein the biological sample is a blood sample obtained by a fingerstick.
84 . A method of performing an assay on a biological sample, comprising:
performing at least one assay in at least one assay unit on a biological sample obtained from a subject to detect an analyte in the biological sample;
performing a plurality of measurements on the at least one assay unit to detect signals indicative of the analyte in the biological sample using a detector; and
obtaining a single value from the plurality of measurements;
wherein the assay and plurality of measurements are performed by a biological sample processing system, wherein the biological sample processing system comprises:
the at least one assay unit;
all reagents for performing the assay;
a sample handling system; and
the detector for detecting the signals indicative of the analyte.
85 . The method of claim 84 , wherein the biological sample processing system further comprises a cartridge wherein the cartridge comprises the at least one assay unit and all reagents for performing the assay.
86 . The method of claim 84 , wherein the biological sample processing system further comprises at least one tip and the sample handling system comprises at least one pipette head, wherein the at least one pipette head is configured to engage with the at least one tip.
87 . The method of claim 84 , wherein the single value is an average of the signals detected and the single value is indicative of the amount of analyte in the biological sample.
88 . The method of claim 84 , wherein the single value is a coefficient of variation for the assay.
89 . The method of claim 84 , wherein the biological sample is a blood sample of about 500 μl or less.
90 . The method of claim 84 , wherein the biological sample is a blood sample obtained by a fingerstick.
91 . A biological sample processing system, comprising:
at least one assay unit for performing an assay on a biological sample;
all reagents for performing the assay;
a sample handling system; and
a detector for detecting a signal from the assay indicative of the analyte;
wherein the system is configured to:
(a) perform at least one of the following selected from (i) perform an assay in the at least one assay unit on the biological sample obtained from a subject to detect an analyte in the biological sample and obtain a plurality of measurements on the at least one assay unit to detect signals indicative of the analyte in the biological sample using the detector; and (ii) prepare a mixture for performing an assay in each of at least four assay units, wherein each mixture comprises a portion of a biological sample obtained from a subject and at least one reagent for detecting a signal indicative of an analyte in the biological sample, wherein the mixture in each of at least four assay units are replicates of each other, perform the assay in each of the at least four assay units in parallel under substantially the same conditions, and detect from the at least four assay units signals indicative of the analyte using the detector; and
(b) obtains a single value from the signals.
92 . The system of claim 91 , wherein the biological sample is a blood sample of about 500 μl or less.
93 . The system of claim 91 , wherein the biological sample is a blood sample obtained by a fingerstick.
94 . The system of claim 91 , further comprising a cartridge wherein the cartridge comprises the at least one assay unit and all reagents for performing the assay.
95 . The system of claim 91 , further comprising at least one tip and the sample handling system comprises at least one pipette head, wherein the at least one pipette head is configured to engage with the at least one tip.
96 . The system of claim 91 , wherein the single value is an average of the signals detected and the single value is indicative of the amount of analyte in the biological sample.