Patent ID: 7022517

Claim:
A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: a light source; a sensor array, the sensor array comprising a supporting member comprising at least one cavity formed within the supporting member; a particle, the particle positioned in the cavity, wherein the particle produces a signal when the particle interacts with an analyte during use; a vacuum apparatus at least partially incorporated into the supporting member, wherein the vacuum apparatus is coupled to the cavity, and wherein the vacuum apparatus produces a vacuum in the cavity such that the produced vacuum pulls fluid through the cavity during use, and wherein the vacuum apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber, and wherein the vacuum chamber comprises a breakable barrier positioned between the chamber and the cavity, and wherein the chamber applies a vacuum to the cavity when the breakable barrier is punctured; and a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use; wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.