Patent ID: 8163492

Claim:
A method for conducting an analysis, comprising: (a) introducing a solution into a first flow channel of a microfluidic device, wherein the solution comprises a sample, a reactant, or both; wherein the first flow channel is in fluid communication with a plurality of blind flow channels, with a region at the terminus of each blind flow channel defining a reaction site, wherein each blind flow channel is associated with a valve that when closed isolates the reaction site from the first flow channel, and wherein the valves associated with each of the plurality of blind flow channels in fluid communication with the first flow channel are under common control and are coordinately closed or opened, (b) flowing said solution through said blind flow channels and into the reaction sites; (c) closing the valves, thereby isolating the reaction sites; and (d) detecting a reaction between the sample and the reactant at one or more of the reaction sites, wherein said device comprises an elastomeric materials that allows air within the blind flow channels to escape through the material as the solution is flowed through the blind flow channels and into the reaction sites.