Patent ID: 8741235

Claim:
A disposable fluid analysis cartridge for use in performing an analysis of a fluid sample, comprising: a microfluidic circuit comprising: a sample introduction port for receiving a fluid sample into the microfluidic circuit; a sample collection reservoir fluidly coupled to the sample introduction port, the sample collection reservoir having a reservoir volume that is defined by an inner surface, wherein at least part of the inner surface includes a hydrophilic coating, the sample introduction port and the sample collection reservoir being configured to draw a fluid sample through the sample introduction port and into the sample collection reservoir by capillary action; a sample loading channel positioned downstream of the sample collection reservoir; a valve having an inlet port in fluid communication with the sample collection reservoir and an outlet port in fluid communication with the sample loading channel, the valve having an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state, the sample collection reservoir is placed in fluid communication with the sample loading channel, and in the closed state, the sample collection reservoir is not in fluid communication with the sample loading channel; a vacuum port; and a gas permeable membrane situated in a fluid path between the vacuum port and the sample loading channel.