Cartridge, cartridge reader and method for preventing reuse of the cartridge

Abstract

A disposable fluidic cartridge has a recess therein. A mechanically-actuated mechanism is disposed within the recess for effecting an operation of the fluidic cartridge. The cartridge further comprises a machine-readable identification code on a breakable label covering at least a portion of the recess such that the portion of the breakable label covering the recess may be broken upon insertion of a mechanical actuator into the recess to actuate the mechanically-actuated mechanism. This renders the identification code unreadable and prevents reuse of the cartridge.

1 . A cartridge reader configured to receive a disposable fluidic cartridge having a recess, a mechanically-actuatable mechanism disposed within the recess for effecting an operation of the fluidic cartridge, and a machine-readable identification code on a breakable label covering at least a portion of the recess, the reader comprising:
 a sensor for detecting the identification code of a disposable cartridge inserted into the cartridge reader; and   a mechanical actuator configured extend into the recess to actuate the mechanically-actuatable mechanism and break the portion of the breakable label covering the recess thereby rendering the identification code unreadable and preventing reuse of the cartridge; wherein:   the reader is configured only to extend the mechanical actuator into a recess of a cartridge inserted into the reader only if the sensor detects an identification code on the cartridge.   
     
     
         2 . The cartridge reader of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical actuator is a foot configured to break the portion of the breakable label covering the recess and collapse a collapsible chamber located within the recess of the cartridge. 
     
     
         3 . The cartridge reader of  claim 2 , wherein the collapsible chamber contains a liquid component. 
     
     
         4 . The cartridge reader of  claim 2 , wherein the cartridge reader is configured to perform a diagnostic test on a sample in a disposable cartridge inserted into the reader. 
     
     
         5 . The cartridge reader of  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge reader is configured to activate the sensor to attempt to detect an identification code upon insertion of a cartridge into the cartridge reader. 
     
     
         6 . The cartridge reader of  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge reader is configured to read an identification code which takes up an area on the breakable label having a length and a width, and wherein at least one the length and the width of said area is fully contained within the portion of the breakable label covering the recess.