Components

Abstract

A method and device structure are provided which enable an archive sample to be collected and detached relative to a device within which a series of processes, such as PCR are being provided. A chamber structure and method of use are provided in which a controlled and precise volume is obtained by control of the relative resistance to flow through various channels.

1 . A method of providing a storable sample, the method including:
 a) introducing a sample to a device;   b) conveying at least a part of the sample to a receiving location to provide a storable sample, wherein a storable sample of a sample on which one or more processes and/or reactions are performed is provided;   wherein the receiving location is provided in a section of the device that is detachable from the device; and   wherein the receiving location is an integral part of the device.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the method further includes the section being detached from the device by breaking the material joining the section and the device. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the storable sample is provided before one or more processes and/or reactions are performed. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the storable sample is provided after one or more processed and/or reactions are performed. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5  in which the one or more processes and/or one or more reactions include one or more of: cell lysis, mixing, a surface based reaction, washing, elution, selective separation of DNA from one or more other materials, application of a magnetic field, removal of a magnetic field, amplification, PCR, detection and denaturation. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the method provides a storable sample which is one part of the sample and one or more other parts of the sample are used in one or more processes and/or reactions. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the method includes one or more of the following steps:
 passing the sample through one or more channels and/or chambers to mix the sample with one or more fluids and/or solids; 
 increasing the temperature of the sample and/or a mixture including the sample, preferably whilst in a chamber; 
 holding the sample and/or a mixture including the sample in a chamber for a period of time; 
 passing the sample through one or more further channels and/or further chambers; 
 retaining at least a part of the sample in a chamber, preferably on a surface of one or more solids, preferably using a magnetic field; 
 washing at least another part of the sample from the chamber where the at least a part of the sample is retained; 
 eluting the retained part of the sample into a fluid. 
 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the method includes transferring at least a part of the sample from a reaction chamber to the receiving location. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the method provides sample to a reaction chamber, with part of the sample progressing to the receiving location when the amount of sample in the reaction chamber exceeds a predetermined amount. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the method includes sealing the channel leading to the receiving location. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the method includes sealing the channel on the device side of the location where the channel is detached when the section is detached from the device. 
     
     
         13 . A device, the device having:
 a) an entry location;   b) a channel connected to the entry location;   c) a receiving location, the receiving location being connected to the channel; and   wherein the receiving location is detachable from the device; and   wherein the receiving location is an integral part of the device.   
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A device according to  claim 13  in which the receiving location is provided in a section of the device and an area or line of weakness is provided between the device and the section. 
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 13  in which the device is provided with a first valve in the section for sealing the channel between the receiving location and the part of the channel disrupted when the section is detached from the device. 
     
     
         17 . A device according to  claim 13  in which the device is provided with a second valve not on the section for sealing the channel between the part of the channel disrupted when the section is detached from the device and the remainder of the device. 
     
     
         18 . A device according to  claim 13  in which the receiving location has an inlet in the top of the receiving location, the device having an orientation of use, and the receiving location has an outlet in the top of the receiving location. 
     
     
         19 . A device according to  claim 13  in which the section is provided with an identifier. 
     
     
         20 . A device according to  claim 19  in which the identifier has the same identifier information or includes the same identifier information as an identifier provided on the remainder of the device. 
     
     
         21 . A device according to  claim 13  in which the device provides one or more processing locations and/or reaction locations between the entry location and the receiving location. 
     
     
         22 . A device according to  claim 21  in which the one or more processing locations are channels and/or chambers and the processing locations include one or more of: a mixing location, a washing location, a selective separation location for DNA from one or more other material, an amplification process location, a location at which a magnetic field is applied and/or removed and/or varied, a cell lysis location, a surface based reaction location. 
     
     
         23 . A device according to  claim 13  in which the device includes a reaction chamber connected to the receiving location, the reaction chamber being a PCR reaction chamber. 
     
     
         24 .- 50 . (canceled) 
     
     
         51 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the receiving location is provided in a section of the device and an area or line of weakness is provided between the device and the section, and the method further includes the section being detached from the device by breaking the material joining the section and the device along the line of weakness.