Patent ID: 8222024

Claim:
A cartridge for sensing at least one analyte in a sample, said cartridge comprising: a sample holding chamber for receiving said sample and retaining said sample; a first conduit connected to said sample holding chamber; at least one analyte sensor, wherein said sensor comprises an analyte-responsive surface and said surface is within said first conduit; a first and second vent within said first conduit wherein said sensor is positioned between said sample chamber and said vents; a second conduit for retaining a fluid, said second conduit connected to said first conduit between said sample chamber and said vents; pump means capable of displacing said sample from said holding chamber into said first conduit and further capable of closing said second vent to retain said sample in the region of said second vent; and wherein said pump means is further capable of displacing said fluid from said second conduit into said first conduit, and wherein said first vent permits at least one air segment to enter said fluid.