Patent ID: 8506908

Claim:
A cartridge for performing a plurality of assay protocols comprising: a blister pack including a plurality of blister domes for storing a respective reagent; the blister pack having a deformable upper portion and a frangible lower portion for the controlled release of the respective reagent when a mechanical force is applied to one or more of the plurality of blister domes; a fluidic backbone engaged to the blister pack, the fluidic backbone including a plurality of channels in selective fluid flow communication with a plurality of flow cells through an arrangement of valves such that each of the plurality of flow cells is isolated from the other flow cells during the performance of a plurality of assay protocols, the fluidic backbone defining at least one puncture site base, wherein the at least one puncture site base comprises a raised inner rim and a raised outer rim and defines an outlet and a well in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of channels; a plurality of sensors operatively associated with a respective flow cell for detecting a reaction during the performance of a plurality of assays; wherein each of the plurality of sensors comprises at least one working electrode and a reference electrode supported by a backing; wherein the deformable upper portion and the frangible lower portion define a finger channel in fluid flow communication between one of the plurality of blister domes and at least one puncture valve site; and wherein the blister pack is engaged to the raised inner rim and the raised outer rim so that the at least one puncture site base is positioned immediately adjacent to the at least one puncture valve site.