Patent ID: 7482170

Claim:
A method for loading samples on a microarray to perform hybridization reactions, thc microarray being formed of a plurality of sub-arrays on a common substrate, the method comprising the steps of placing the samples to be loaded onto a sample loading array spaced apart from the microarray until the hybridization reactions are performed, the samples located on the sample loading array in physical alignment with the location of the sub-arrays on the microarray, the sample loading array being a planar member having two planar surfaces with a plurality of micro-channels formed extending into it between the two surfaces, the samples being loaded into the micro-channels without the samples contacting the microarray, and a porous membrane attached to it on one of its faces; and then placing the sample loading array in contact with the microarray under conditions so that molecules in the samples can hybridize to probes in the aligned sub-arrays, the conditions including fluid placed on the membrane to permit the samples in micro-channels to flow into contact with the substrate on the microarray so that a hybridization reaction can occur.