Devices and methods for measuring analytes and target particles

Abstract

Devices and methods for measuring analytes and target particles in a sample are disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a cartridge device. In other embodiments, the disclosure provides a method of using a cartridge device as disclosed herein for analyzing analytes and target particles in a sample. In further embodiments, the disclosure provides an analyzer including a cartridge device and a control unit device. The control unit device is configured to receive, operate, and/or actuate the cartridge device. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a method of using an analyzer as disclosed herein for analyzing analytes and target particles in a sample.

The disclosure claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cartridge device for measuring at least one item in a sample, the at least one item being selected from the group consisting of an analyte and a target particle in a sample, the cartridge device comprising:
 a first reagent chamber configured for accommodating a first reagent;   a mixing chamber configured for mixing at least a portion of the sample with at least a portion of the first reagent to form a first sample mixture;   a first detection area comprising an optically transparent area, the first detection area being configured for measuring the analyte in the first sample mixture; and   a second detection area comprising a flow cell, the flow cell being configured for forming a sample stream of at least a portion of the first sample mixture and the second detection area being configured for measuring the target particle in the first sample mixture;   wherein:
 the cartridge device further comprises a second reagent chamber configured for accommodating a second reagent; 
 the cartridge device is configured for forming a second sample mixture comprising at least a portion of the first sample mixture and the second reagent; and 
 the cartridge device is configured for measuring either a second analyte from the second sample mixture in the first detection area or a second target particle from the second sample mixture in the second detection area. 
   
     
     
         2 . The cartridge device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow cell comprises an optically transparent area configured for measuring an optical signal from a target particle in a sample stream. 
     
     
         3 . The cartridge device of  claim 1 , further comprising a collecting channel configured for collecting a predetermined volume of the sample. 
     
     
         4 . The cartridge device of  claim 1 , where the flow cell is a sheathless flow cell and configured for forming the sample stream without a sheath flow. 
     
     
         5 . The cartridge device of  claim 1 , wherein the first reagent chamber comprises a first valve component and the second reagent chamber comprises a second valve component. 
     
     
         6 . The cartridge device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first reagent and the second reagent comprises a fluorescent staining agent that selectively stains the target particle. 
     
     
         7 . The cartridge device of  claim 1 , further comprising a pneumatic port configured for interfacing with a pneumatic pressure source, wherein the pneumatic pressure source is configured for transferring at least one article inside the cartridge device, the at least one article being selected from the group consisting of the sample, the first reagent, the second reagent, the first sample mixture, and the second sample mixture. 
     
     
         8 . The cartridge device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first reagent and the second reagent comprises a hemolytic agent that lyses erythrocytes. 
     
     
         9 . The cartridge device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fluid conduit connected to the flow cell, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a designated sensing area configured for measuring a sensing signal to detect when a sample mixture enters or exits the designated sensing area. 
     
     
         10 . A cartridge device for measuring at least one item in a sample, the at least one item being selected from the group consisting of an analyte and a target particle in a sample, the cartridge device comprising:
 a reagent chamber configured for accommodating a reagent;   a mixing chamber configured for mixing at least a portion of the sample with at least a portion of the reagent to form a first sample mixture;   a first detection area comprising an optically transparent area, wherein the first detection area is configured for measuring the analyte in the first sample mixture; and   a second detection area comprising a flow cell, wherein the flow cell is configured for forming a sample stream of at least a portion of the first sample mixture and the second detection area is configured for measuring the target particle in the first sample mixture;   wherein, either:
 the mixing chamber comprises a venting port connected to at least one item selected from the group consisting of an ambient pressure and an atmosphere pressure, or 
 the first detection area is part of the mixing chamber. 
   
     
     
         11 . The cartridge device of  claim 10 , wherein the flow cell comprises an optically transparent area configured for measuring an optical signal from the target particle in the sample stream. 
     
     
         12 . The cartridge device of  claim 10 , further comprising a collecting channel configured for collecting a predetermined volume of the sample. 
     
     
         13 . The cartridge device of  claim 10 , wherein the reagent chamber further comprises a valve component. 
     
     
         14 . The cartridge device of  claim 10 , further comprising a pneumatic port configured for interfacing with a pneumatic pressure source, wherein the pneumatic pressure source is configured for transferring at least one article inside the cartridge device, the at least one article being selected from the group consisting of the sample, the reagent, and the first sample mixture. 
     
     
         15 . The cartridge device of  claim 10 , wherein the reagent comprises a hemolytic agent that lyses erythrocytes. 
     
     
         16 . The cartridge device of  claim 10 , further comprising a fluid conduit connected to the flow cell, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a designated sensing area configured for measuring a sensing signal to detect when a sample mixture enters or exits the designated sensing area. 
     
     
         17 . The cartridge device of  claim 10 , wherein the flow cell is a sheathless flow cell and configured for forming the sample stream without a sheath flow. 
     
     
         18 . A cartridge device for measuring at least one item in a sample, the at least one item being selected from the group consisting of an analyte and a target particle in a sample, the cartridge device comprising:
 a reagent chamber configured for accommodating a reagent;   a mixing chamber configured for mixing at least a portion of the sample with at least a portion of the reagent to form a first sample mixture;   a first detection area comprising an optically transparent area, wherein the first detection area is configured for measuring the analyte in the first sample mixture; and   a second detection area comprising a flow cell, wherein the flow cell is configured for forming a sample stream of at least a portion of the first sample mixture and the second detection area is configured for measuring the target particle in the first sample mixture;   wherein the reagent comprises a hemolytic agent that lyses erythrocytes.   
     
     
         19 . The cartridge device of  claim 18 , the sample is a blood sample. 
     
     
         20 . The cartridge device of  claim 18 , wherein the reagent further comprises a fluorescent staining agent that selectively stains the target particle.