An integrated microelectronic sensor is provided in a disposable flow membrane sensing device. The integrated sensors detect electromagnetic effect labels in flow detection zones above the sensor in the membrane. The labels are
small particles that give off a detectable
electromagnetic signal. They are commonly used for isolating and quantifying biochemical targets of interest. The sensors are fabricated using planar
integrated circuit technologies. Sensors can detect labels of several types including magnetic, electric, and photonic. These types all have in common the fact that the sensor detects the
label at a distance. Magnetoresistive sensors for detecting magnetic labels, and photodiodes for detecting photonic labels are described.A
system for using the sensors is described. There are disposable cartridges with a backing that supports the sensors and membrane is described. The integrated sensor in the
cartridge is designed to be discarded after use. Also,
label excitation sources are provided. The
multi sensor array
chip can be configured in order to detect labels in multiple zones, and to monitor progress of flow down a strip of membrane. These multiple
label detection zones, using sandwich
assay techniques, can quantify
analyte concentration for many types of analytical samples. Also, the membrane can be micropatterned in order to provide multiple or unusually shaped flow paths.