Biologic fluid analysis cartridge

Abstract

A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, a fluid module, and an analysis chamber. The fluid module includes a sample acquisition port and an initial channel, and is connected to the housing. The initial channel is sized to draw fluid sample by capillary force, and is in fluid communication with the acquisition port. The initial channel is fixedly positioned relative to the acquisition port such that at least a portion of a fluid sample disposed within the acquisition port will draw into the initial channel. The analysis chamber is connected to the housing, and is in fluid communication with the initial channel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge, comprising:
 a housing module having an initial channel configured to receive a biological fluid sample; and   an analysis chamber defined by at least one transparent panel, the analysis chamber selectively positionable relative to the housing module in an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the analysis chamber is in fluid communication with the initial channel, and in the open position the analysis chamber is not in fluid communication with the initial channel;   wherein in the open position the analysis chamber is disposed to permit light transmitted perpendicular to the at least one transparent panel to pass through the at least one transparent panel.   
     
     
         2 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein an entirety of the at least one transparent panel is transparent. 
     
     
         3 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one transparent panel includes a first transparent panel and a second transparent panel, wherein the first transparent panel is spaced apart from the second transparent panel by a separation distance. 
     
     
         4 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , further comprising a secondary channel in fluid communication with the initial channel. 
     
     
         5 . The cartridge of  claim 4 , wherein an intersection between the secondary channel and the initial channel is configured to prevent capillary fluid flow between the initial channel and the secondary channel. 
     
     
         6 . The cartridge of  claim 4 , further comprising a sample port in fluid communication with the secondary channel and positioned to be aligned with the analysis chamber when the analysis chamber is disposed in the closed position. 
     
     
         7 . The cartridge of  claim 6 , wherein the sample port is configured to permit fluid sample travel within the sample port by capillary force. 
     
     
         8 . A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge, comprising:
 a housing module having an initial channel; and   an analysis chamber having a transparent first panel and a transparent second panel, the first panel and second panel substantially aligned with one another, wherein the alignment between the panels defines an area wherein light transmitted perpendicular to one of the first or second panels will pass through that panel, the biological fluid sample, and the other of the first or second panels;   wherein the analysis chamber is in contact with the housing module and translatable between an open position wherein at least a portion of the analysis chamber is disposed outside of the housing module and is exposed, and a closed position wherein the analysis chamber is disposed within the housing module.   
     
     
         9 . The cartridge of  claim 8 , wherein in the closed position the analysis chamber is in fluid communication with the initial channel. 
     
     
         10 . The cartridge of  claim 8 , wherein an entirety of at least one of the first panel or the second panel is transparent. 
     
     
         11 . The cartridge of  claim 8 , further comprising a secondary channel in fluid communication with the initial channel. 
     
     
         12 . The cartridge of  claim 8 , wherein an intersection between the secondary channel and the initial channel is configured to prevent capillary fluid flow between the initial channel and the secondary channel. 
     
     
         13 . The cartridge of  claim 11 , further comprising a sample port in fluid communication with the secondary channel and positioned to be aligned with the analysis chamber is disposed in the closed position. 
     
     
         14 . The cartridge of  claim 13 , wherein the sample port is configured to permit fluid sample travel within the sample port by capillary force. 
     
     
         15 . The cartridge of  claim 8 , further comprising at least one latch member configured to selectively secure the analysis chamber to the housing module.