Apparatus for analyzing a fluid sample

US6391541B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• Kurt E. Petersen · San Jose, US
• Michael T. Taylor · Newark, US
• Farzad Pourahmadi · Fremont, US
• William A. McMillan · Cupertino, US
• Ronald Chang · Redwood City, US
• Stanley H. Sakai · Cupertino, US
• Jesus Ching · Saratoga, US
• Douglas B. Dority · Santa Cruz, US
• Phillip Belgrader · Severna Park, US
• M. Allen Northrup · Berkeley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 30, 2000
• Grant date: May 21, 2002
• Expiry date: May 30, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/255
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A cartridge for separating a desired analyte from a fluid sample has a sample flow path and a lysing chamber in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for capturing cells or viruses from the sample as the sample flows through the lysing chamber. Beads are also disposed in the lysing chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses to release the analyte therefrom. An analyte flow path extends from the lysing chamber and diverges from the sample flow path. The analyte flow path preferably leads to a reaction chamber for chemically reacting and optically detecting the analyte. The cartridge also includes at least one flow controller (e.g., valves) for directing the sample into the waste chamber after the sample flows through the lysing chamber and for directing the analyte separated from the sample into the analyte flow path.