Patent ID: 7442556

Claim:
A method for providing a nanoliter volume of a fluid sample from a microfluidic device into an analytical device, the method comprising the steps of: providing the analytical device; providing the microfluidic device, wherein the microfluidic device comprises: a first elastomeric layer having a fluid flow channel disposed therein, a second elastomeric layer positioned in contact with the first elastomeric layer, wherein the second elastomeric layer has an integrated microfluidic pump disposed therein, and wherein the pump controls the flow of fluid through the fluid flow channel, a sample preparation chamber coupled to the fluid flow channel, the sample preparation chamber comprising a rotary fluid flow channel, and a capillary having at least a portion fitted within the fluid flow channel, wherein the capillary comprises a nozzle, and wherein the capillary is interconnected to the analytical device for introducing the fluid sample from the fluid flow channel to the analytical device; and injecting at least a portion of the fluid sample from the microfluidic device directly into the analytical device through the capillary nozzle.