Devices

Abstract

A method of analysis, instrument for analysis and device for use in such an instrument are provided, which perform a number of processes need to reach a useful result in the context of a wide variety of samples. The sequence of those processes being optimised. A device, instrument using the device and method of use are also provided which offer reliable performance of a heating based process, with minimal condensation and/or sample loss issues.

1 . A device, for processing a sample, the device including:
 one or more sample processors, wherein the sample processors include a sample preparation step, sample extraction step, sample retention step, elution step, amplification step, denaturing step, detection step and results output step.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the device is a cartridge. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the device includes a sample processor for one or more of a sample receiving step, purification step, washing step, PCR step, investigation step, analysis step. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the sample receiving step includes the transfer of a sample from outside the device to inside the device, the sample receiving step receiving the sample from a collection device or from a storage device. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the sample preparation step includes contacting the sample with one or more reagents. 
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 1  the sample retention step includes contacting the sample with one or more reagents and/or components which retain the sample component(s) relative to one or more waste components in the sample. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 6  in which the sample component(s) are retained on one or more magnetic beads. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 6  in which the waste component(s) are removed from the retained sample components by being washed away from the retention step using one or more further reagents and/or components. 
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 6  in which the retained and/or selected sample is eluted with the eluent conveying the retained and/or selected sample to the next step. 
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 6  in which the elution step removes one or more components of the sample from a first form into a second form, the first form being bound to a surface or substrate, the second form being in a liquid. 
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the amplification step includes contacting the sample with one or more reagents and/or components to cause amplification and/or contacting the sample with conditions to cause amplification. 
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the denaturing step prepares the sample for electrophoresis. 
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the electrophoresis step includes transferring the sample to a start location for electrophoresis, the start location being in a channel, one or more voltage conditions being used to transfer the sample to the start location, one or more further voltage conditions may be used to provide the separation. 
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the analysis step establishes one or more of the characteristics of the sample by seeking a response from the device to an operation, the operation being the application of light. 
     
     
         15 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the analysis step establishes the relative position of the elements having a characteristic 
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the results output step displays the one or more results from the analysis step and/or a processed form thereof. 
     
     
         17 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the results output step transmits the one or more results from the analysis step and/or a processed form thereof to a remote location 
     
     
         18 . A device according to  claim 1  in which the results output step is followed by a further processing step, the further processing interpreting the results to provide further results, the further processing step being provided at a location remote from the instrument. 
     
     
         19 . An instrument for analysing a sample, the instrument including:
 a device having one or more sample processors;   electronics for operating the sample processors, wherein the sample processors include a sample preparation step, sample extraction step, sample retention step, elution step, amplification step, denaturing step, detection step and results output step, the device being provided according to  claim 1 .   
     
     
         20 - 28 . (canceled)