Patent ID: 8329437
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: B01L,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for interrogating particles in a known volume of fluid using an electrical property-detecting sensor in a single-use, disposable cartridge with an interrogation platform structured to couple with the cartridge, the method comprising the steps of: providing a single-use, disposable microfluidic test cartridge, comprising: in combination with an interrogation platform, said platform comprising: a) loading a sample of fluid into said cartridge; b) urging a quantity of said sample into a degassing chamber disposed along said channel and defining a known volume, said degassing chamber comprising a wall formed of hydrophobic material adapted to permit evacuation of entrained gas from said quantity while resisting escape of fluid from said degassing chamber therethrough to permit removal of bubbles from said quantity independently from urging motion of fluid from said degassing chamber and toward said waste reservoir; and c) urging said volume of sample fluid to flow past said sensor for interrogation by said platform; and d) disposing of said cartridge.