FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and system for analyzing biological samples. More particularly, this invention relates to multi-chamber valves, and more particularly to multi-chamber disposable cartridges for use in biological sample analysis.

BACKGROUND

There is continuing interest to improve testing methodologies and decrease time demands on clinical laboratories. Particular testing requires that a sample be disrupted to extract nucleic acid molecules such as DNA or RNA.

It is estimated that about 30 million molecular diagnostic tests took place in US medical facilities in 2007. This figure is expected to increase to 67 million in 2009. Many, if not all of these assays, could benefit from a rapid sample preparation process that is easy to use, requires no operator intervention, is cost effective and is sensitive to small size samples.

The use of molecular diagnostics and gene sequencing in research and medical diagnostics are rapidly growing. Molecular techniques provide higher levels of specificity and sensitivity than antibody methods. Genetic sequencing allows for the collection of large amounts of information not previously available. However, sample preparation is a major cost component of running PCR (polymerase chain reaction), real-time PCR, gene sequencing analysis and hybridization testing. In addition, it delays test results and limits the ability to run these assays to laboratories with well trained personnel.

Nucleic acid based identification of biological material first requires isolation of the nucleic acid molecules (NAMs) from the sample. In order for a system to effectively and efficiently meet the user's needs, a universal sample preparation process is required. Current sample preparation processes are laborious, time consuming and require laboratory capability.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved testing system and methodology that addresses at least some of these shortcomings.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a sample preparation device. The sample preparation module is designed to identify and validate components for ultrasonic disruption and magnetic manipulation of nucleic acid molecules. In one embodiment, all processing steps occur within a disposable cartridge.

In another embodiment, a disposable cartridge is provided for preparing an assay fluid, comprising: cartridge body and a cylindrical rotor rotationally mounted to the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes (i) a cylindrical surface defining a fixed port and (ii) a syringe barrel defining a bore for receiving a moveable plunger. The fixed port is disposed in fluid communication with the bore of the syringe barrel. The rotor includes a surface slideably engaging the cylindrical surface of the cartridge body along a mating interface, a plurality of chambers each configured to facilitate at least one operation on the assay fluid, and a plurality of moveable ports disposed along the surface of the rotor and in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of chambers. Furthermore, the rotor is rotationally indexed about an axis parallel to the cylindrical surface such that the plurality of moveable ports are selectively aligned with the fixed port of the cartridge body.

