Fluid Sample Testing System

Abstract

A sample testing vessel may include a flexible plastic tube and a self-sealing injection channel. The flexible plastic tube may have a seal defining a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the seal comprises a pressure gate providing a fluid-tight seal between first and second compartments and opening upon application of a threshold pressure. The injection channel may be normally substantially free of fluid and capable of fluid communication with the tubule.

1 . A sample testing system comprising,
 a vessel comprising at least two flexible compartments; and   a reagent cartridge having a housing and at least two reservoirs within the housing, each reservoir in fluid communication with a flexible compartment.   
     
     
         2 . The sample testing system of  claim 1 , wherein the vessel further comprises an injection channel in fluid communication with a flexible compartment. 
     
     
         3 . The sample testing system of  claim 2 , wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the flexible compartment through the injection channel. 
     
     
         4 . The sample testing system of  claim 1 , wherein the reagent cartridge further comprises a needle and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the flexible compartment through the needle. 
     
     
         5 . A method of processing a sample, comprising:
 injecting a fluid into a first flexible compartment of a vessel containing at least two flexible compartments;   compressing the first flexible compartment, thereby driving fluid flow from the first flexible compartment to a second flexible compartment;   injecting a fluid into the second flexible compartment; and   sensing a condition of the fluid in the vessel and generating an output signal indicative of that condition.