MICROFLUIDIC ROTOR DEVICE

Abstract

This document describes various embodiments relating to rotor devices, systems, and kits; the rotor embodiments disclosed herein can be used to characterize one or more analytes in a fluid; an apparatus may include a first layer defining a channel, a housing assembly, and a cavity; a second layer may be coupled to the first layer; the second layer may include a protrusion extending into the first layer; the second layer may define an opening configured to receive a fluid; the channel may establish a fluid communication path between the opening and the housing assembly; a vessel may be slidable within the cavity during use; the protrusion may be configured to penetrate a vessel wall.

Description

MICROFLUIDIC ROTOR DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fluid analysis from a subject can be used as a diagnostic tool for disease and to monitor the subject's health. For example, analyzing a blood sample from a subject can be used to diagnose a disease and / or to quantify one or more analytes within the sample. Some systems optically analyze a blood sample applied to a rotor, where the rotor contains a set of reagents arranged within a set of cuvettes. Inspecting one or more rotor welds, samples, and reagents within conventional rotors can be difficult and / or time-consuming. Furthermore, a rotor undergoing centrifugation can generate unwanted high-decibel noise due to the unbalanced nature of the asymmetric fluid flow within the rotor. Therefore, additional devices, systems, and methods may be desirable for performing fluid analysis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In general, an apparatus includes a first layer that defines a channel, a set of housings, and a cavity. A second layer may be attached to the first layer. The second layer may include a protrusion extending into the first layer. The second layer may define an opening configured to receive a fluid. The channel may establish a fluid communication path between the opening and the housing assembly. A vessel may be slidable within the cavity during use. The protrusion may be configured to penetrate a wall of the vessel. In some embodiments, the vessel may be configured to contain one or more fluids, diluents, and reagents. In some of these embodiments, the protrusion may be narrowed. In some embodiments, the vessel may include a membrane. At least one protrusion may be configured to penetrate the vessel membrane as the vessel advances into the second layer. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a dosing chamber. The cavity may be in fluid communication with the dosing chamber. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to receive an analyte, including one or more blood, serum, plasma, and urine analytes. no Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A is an illustrative plan view of a rotor, according to various embodiments. Figure 1B is an illustrative bottom view of the rotor shown in Figure 1A. Figure 2A is an exploded view illustrating a rotor assembly, according to other embodiments. Figure 2B is another exploded view illustrating the rotor assembly shown in Figure 2A. Figure 2C is an illustrative perspective view of the rotor assembly shown in Figure 2A. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional side view of a rotor, according to other embodiments. Figure 3B is a detailed cross-sectional side view of a rotor housing shown in Figure 3A. Figure 4A is a detailed plan view of a rotor housing assembly and reflector assembly, according to various embodiments. Figure 4B is a detailed plan view of a rotor inlet and channel, according to various embodiments. Figure 4C is a cross-sectional side view of the reflector shown in Figure 4A. Figure 5A is a detailed plan view of an arched cavity of a rotor, according to various embodiments. Figure 5B is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the arched cavity shown in Figure 5A. Figure 6 is a detailed plan view of a rotor channel, according to embodiments. Figure 7A is an illustrative exploded view of a rotor assembly, according to other embodiments. Figure 7B is a detailed perspective view of a layer of the rotor assembly shown in Figure 7A. Figure 8A is a block diagram of a fluid analysis system, according to other embodiments. Figure 8B is a block diagram of a control system for the fluid analysis system represented in Figure 8A. Figure 9 is an illustrative flowchart of a method of using a rotor, according to embodiments. Figure 10A is an illustrative flowchart of a method for manufacturing a rotor, according to various embodiments. Figure 10B is an illustrative flowchart of a multi-shot injection molding method for a rotor. Figures 11A to 11F are illustrative perspective views of the stages represented in the method of Figure 10B. Figure 11A represents a mold closing and injection process, Figure 11B represents a mold opening process, Figure 11C represents a mold rotation process, Figure 11D represents a mold closing and injection process, Figure 11E represents a mold opening process, and Figure 11F represents a mold rotation and rotor ejection process. Figure 12 is an illustrative flowchart of a rotor inspection method, according to embodiments. Figure 13A is an illustrative image of a rotor, according to various embodiments. Figure 13B is a high-contrast image of the rotor depicted in Figure 13A. Figure 14A is an illustrative side view of a reagent in a rotor housing, according to various embodiments. Figure 14B is an illustrative plan view of a reagent in a rotor housing, according to various embodiments. Figure 15A is an illustrative side view of a vessel, according to various embodiments. Figure 15B is an illustrative cross-sectional view of the vessel shown in Figure 15A. Figure 15C is an exploded view of the vessel shown in Figure 15A. Figure 15D is a perspective view of a rotor assembly that includes the vessel shown in Figure 15A. Figure 15E is an exploded view of the rotor assembly shown in Figure 15D. Figure 16 is an illustrative perspective view of a welding support, according to embodiment forms. Figure 17 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a photomask housing, according to embodiments. Figure 18 is an illustrative perspective view of a rotor manufacturing system, according to embodiment forms. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This document describes embodiments of rotor devices, systems, and methods of their use. These systems and methods can be used to characterize and / or quantify a biological sample, enabling the assessment of a subject's health and / or the diagnosis of a condition. For example, the rotors described herein can be configured for the optical analysis of biological fluids, and in particular, for analyzing blood plasma after separating it from cellular material using the rotor. More specifically, a rotor can be configured to separate plasma from blood and / or add diluent to dilute the sample as desired, and distribute it into separate housings (e.g., cuvettes) configured for the optical analysis of their contents. Each housing can contain one or more substances that can assist in the biochemical analysis of the sample within it.The sample can be combined with one or more of the reagents within one or more of the housings. A biochemical reaction between the sample and the reagent can produce an optical effect when exposed to a beam of light that can be detected and analyzed. For example, by filling a set of housings with the sample as the rotor turns while the fluid in each housing is optically analyzed, the sample may undergo a reaction or other change resulting in a change in one or more colors, fluorescence, luminescence, or combinations thereof, which can be measured using one or more spectrophotometers, fluorometers, light detectors, or combinations thereof. Each of the rotors (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) described in detail herein may receive a sample that includes, but is not limited to, blood containing one or more blood components, serum, plasma, urine, sputum, semen, saliva, ocular lens fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, spinal fluid, amniotic fluid, and tissue culture medium, as well as food and industrial chemicals, combinations thereof, and similar substances. Any of the rotors (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), as described herein, may be used with a suitable fluid analysis system (e.g., an optical analyzer). The devices disclosed herein may be suitable for carrying out a wide range of analytical procedures and tests. Analytical procedures may require the sample to be combined with one or more reagents to produce a detectable change that can be related to the presence and / or quantity of a particular component (analyte) or characteristic of the sample. For example, the sample may undergo a reaction or other change resulting in a change in color, fluorescence, luminescence, or similar properties, which can be measured using a spectrophotometer, fluorometer, light detector, or similar instrument. In some cases, such test procedures may be homogeneous and not require a separation step.In other cases, the assay procedures may separate the sample (e.g., blood plasma) from a cavity or housing after an immunological reaction has occurred. Any number of the analytical methods disclosed herein can be adapted for use in centrifugal rotor devices, depending on the particular sample being analyzed and the component being detected. In some embodiments, the rotor devices, reagents, systems, and methods may include one or more of the devices, systems, components, elements, compositions, and steps described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 532,524, filed June 4, 1990, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING CELLS FROM BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS, and / or U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 678,824, filed April 1, 1991, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPTICALLY ANALYZING no Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS, and / or U.S. Patent Application No. 07 / 678,823, filed April 1, 1991, entitled CENTRIFUGAL ROTOR HAVING FLOW PARTITION, and / or U.S. Patent Application No. 07 / 747,179, filed August 19, 1991, entitled REAGENT COMPOSITIONS FOR ANALYTICAL TESTING, and / or U.S. Patent Application No. 07 / 833,689, filed February 11, 1992, entitled REAGENT CONTAINER FOR ANALYTICAL ROTOR, and / or U.S. Patent Application No. 07 / 783,041, filed October 29, 1991, entitled SAMPLE METERING PORT FOR ANALYTICAL ROTOR HAVING OVERFLOW CHAMBER, and / or the application of U.S. Patent Serial No. 07 / 873,327, filed on April 24, 1992 and entitled CRYOGENIC APPARATUS, and / or U.S. Patent Application No.serial number 08 / 115,163, filed on September 1, 1993, entitled SIMULTANEOUS CUVETTES FILLING WITH MEANS TO ISOLATE CUVETTES, and / or U.S. patent application serial number 08 / 124,525, filed on September 20, 1993, entitled ANALYTICAL ROTOR WITH DYE MIXING CHAMBER, and / or U.S. patent application serial number 08 / 292,558, filed on December 26, 1995, entitled METHODS FOR PHOTOMETRIC ANALYSIS, and / or U.S. patent application serial number 08 / 350,856, filed on December 6, 1994, entitled METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ULTRASONIC WELDING, and / or U.S. patent application serial number 10 / 840,763, filed on May 5, 2004 and entitled MODIFIED SIPHONS FOR IMPROVING METERING PRECISION, and / or International Patent Application Serial No. PCTUS2017 / 039460, filed on June 27, 2017 and entitled DEVICES WITH MODIFIED CONDUITS, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. I. Devices This document describes devices that can be used in some embodiments of the various systems described herein. A rotor, as described herein, may include a set of cavities and housings. In some embodiments, one or more substances (e.g., a reagent, a lyophilized reagent) may be arranged in one or more housings of the rotor to facilitate sample analysis. For example, reagents may be provided in dry form, which can remain stable and intact during transport and storage.In some embodiments, the rotor may define openings, channels, cavities, conduits, and / or other structures configured to provide one or more means of separating cellular components from the biological sample (e.g., blood), measuring predetermined volumes of liquid samples (e.g., plasma), mixing the sample with a predetermined diluent, and delivering the diluted sample to a set of housings for optical analysis. The fluid delivered to the housing set may undergo one or more non-Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi reactions within the housing set, which can contribute to the characterization and quantification of one or more analytes within the fluid. The sample can be optically analyzed while present in the rotor, either with or without prior reaction. The apparatus can be configured for use with a fluid analysis system to quantify and analyze sample characteristics. For example, optical measurements (e.g., absorbance) can be performed on each housing as the rotor turns. A beam of light of a predetermined wavelength can be directed to pass through the array of housings. This light may be partially absorbed by the reaction products between the reagents and the fluid sample components. The degree to which the light is absorbed may depend on the concentration of the reaction product in the fluid sample. By comparing the intensity of the light transmitted through the housing with a reference intensity, the concentration of a given reaction product between the fluid and the reagent can be calculated.The concentration of the reaction product can be used to calculate the concentration of a corresponding component in the sample fluid. Rotor In some embodiments, a rotor may include one or more features configured to assist in sample analysis. In particular, a rotor may include one or more substantially transparent layers and another layer that substantially absorbs infrared radiation (e.g., an opaque layer). For example, an opaque layer may comprise a carbon black and acrylic compound, which may be black in color. The opacity formed by this combination can provide a contrasting background consistent with a biological sample placed on the rotor, unlike a transparent rotor. This can assist a user (e.g., an operator, a technician) in applying and verifying the sample on the rotor, as well as inspecting the rotor welds of the different layers.Furthermore, the rotor layers can be joined together using laser welding techniques, which can reduce manufacturing cycle times and improve rotor quality. For example, laser welding can increase weld consistency and improve rotor shape (e.g., rotor flatness). Figure IA is an illustrative plan view of a rotor (100), while Figure IB is an illustrative bottom view of the rotor (100). The rotor (100) may include a substantially transparent first layer (101) with a first side (e.g., the bottom) of the second layer (102) coupled to the first layer (101). The first layer (101) and the second layer (102) may collectively define a housing set (130). For example, at least a base portion (e.g., the bottom) of each housing in the non-Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi housing set (130) may be formed by the first layer (101). The opening (e.g., the top) of each housing opposite the base portion of the housing set (130) may be defined by the second layer (102).The side walls of each housing in the housing assembly (130) can generally be cylindrical and can be formed by the first layer (101), the second layer (102), or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, each housing in the housing assembly (130) can have a depth of approximately 1.0 mm to approximately 10 mm and a diameter of approximately 5 mm or less. In some embodiments, the rotor (100) can include between 5 and 50 housings. In some embodiments, each housing in the housing assembly (130) can define a volume of between approximately 1 pL and approximately 40 pL. In some embodiments, adjacent cavities in the housing assembly (130) can be separated by between approximately 1 mm and approximately 30 mm. The housing assembly of a rotor is described in further detail with reference to Figures 3A to 3B.In Figure 1A, the second layer (102) is shown arranged above the first layer (101). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second layer (102) may substantially absorb infrared radiation. For example, the second layer (102) may be opaque (e.g., black), which is not illustrated in the figures for clarity. Similarly, the transparency of any transparent portion of a rotor described herein is not represented for clarity. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second layer (102) may substantially absorb at least some of the mid-infrared and near-infrared radiation. The infrared radiation may have a wavelength between approximately 700 nm and approximately 1 mm. The mid-infrared radiation may have a wavelength between approximately 3 pm and approximately 8 pm. The near-infrared radiation may have a wavelength between approximately 0.75 pm and approximately 1.4 pm.Visible light can have a wavelength between approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm. Ultraviolet light can have a wavelength between approximately 10 nm and approximately 400 nm. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second layer (102) can substantially absorb radiation with a wavelength of at least 940 nm. As used herein, the terms transparent, transparency, and variants thereof may be understood as the transmission of light at a predetermined wavelength and / or range of wavelengths of chemical significance (such as laser welding) of approximately 10% or more through a material's layer, while the terms opaque, opacity, and variants thereof may include the transmission of light at a predetermined wavelength and / or range of wavelengths of approximately 10% or less through a material's layer. For example, acrylic may generally be considered transparent since it provides a UV wavelength transmission of approximately 90% (non-Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi). Transparent plastics formed by laser welding may retain their transparency at certain wavelengths. Furthermore, the opacity of a material may correspond to the absorption of energy at a predetermined wavelength and / or range of wavelengths.As used herein, a substantially infrared-absorbing material corresponds to a material that can absorb infrared radiation (of a predetermined range of wavelengths and power) to transition the material from a solid phase to a molten phase within a predetermined period. The first layer (101) and the second layer (102) can also collectively define other rotor structures (100) (e.g., cavities, channels, orifices, protrusions, projections), described in more detail herein. For example, the second layer (134) can define one or more parts of an arched housing assembly (110, 112, 114), a channel assembly (120, 122), an inlet assembly (132, 134), and a reflector assembly (140). In some embodiments, the channel assembly (120, 122) can establish a fluid communication path between the arched cavity (110) and the housing assembly (130, 150, 152).Each housing in the housing assembly (130) can be coupled to the channel (120) via a respective inlet (132, 134). Each housing in the housing assembly (130) can be configured for serial filling. That is, the rotor (100) can include a series of high-density, serially filled basins. In some embodiments, each inlet in the inlet assembly can have the same dimensions. In other embodiments, each inlet in the inlet assembly can have different dimensions. For example, the width of a first set of inlets (132) can be less than the width of a second set of inlets (134). The different inlet dimensions allow each of the housings (130) to be filled with fluid at different speeds (i.e., due to the acceleration) of the rotating rotor (100).The wider width of the second set of inlets (134) can be configured to accommodate bidirectional flow of liquid in one direction and gas in the opposite direction at relatively low revolutions per minute (e.g., below about 4,000 RPM), as described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the width of the inlet set can be between about 0.25 mm and about 3.0 mm, the length of the inlet set can be between about 0.5 mm and about 6.0 mm, and the depth of the inlet set can be between about 0.1 mm and about 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the arched cavities (112, 114) may correspond to a dosing chamber and a mixing chamber, respectively. For example, diluent fluid can be received and held in the dosing chamber (112) after a diluent cup has been opened. The mixing chamber (114) may be configured to couple with the dosing chamber (112) and the arched cavity (110), so that the fluid from each of these cavities can be combined within the mixing chamber (114) (e.g., a sample and diluent). In some embodiments, the housing assembly may include a sample verification housing (150) and a red blood cell (RBC) housing (152). The sample verification housing (150) can be used as a gauge to determine whether sufficient sample has been introduced into the rotor (100).For example, an unfilled or partially filled sample verification housing (150) may indicate that an insufficient amount of sample was inserted into the rotor (100) to perform the fluid analysis. The RBC housing (152) may be configured to receive and hold red blood cells from the sample. For example, a blood sample may separate into red blood cells, which are held in the RBC housing (152), and plasma, which can fill the housing assembly (130). In some embodiments, the first layer (101) may be substantially transparent to one or more ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation. In some embodiments, the first layer (101) and the second layer (102) may be independently composed of one or more of acrylic, polycarbonate, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and other materials transparent to ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the second layer (102) may include at least approximately 0.1% by weight of at least one organic and inorganic pigment. For example, the second layer (102) may include from approximately 0.2% to approximately 0.4% by weight of carbon black. Organic pigments can include carbon black and laser-absorbing compositions. Carbon black can have an absorption range from approximately 500 nm to approximately 2200 nm. Carbon black can have an optical penetration depth for near-infrared radiation with wavelengths from approximately 10 pm to approximately 100 pm, depending on the concentration (e.g., from approximately 0.1 wt% and above at 940 nm). In some embodiments, the laser-absorbing composition can substantially absorb radiation from approximately 700 nm to approximately 8 pm. For example, Clearweld® and Lumogen® can have an absorption range from approximately 700 nm to approximately 1100 nm. Inorganic pigments may include copper phosphates and indium tin oxide (ITO). Copper phosphates may have an absorption range between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1600 nm. ITO may have an absorption range above approximately 1000 nm. The rotor devices described herein may include an opening (e.g., a receptacle) configured to be mounted in a system, such as a centrifuge, for centrifugation. The centrifuge may include, for example, a vertical drive shaft on which the rotor may be mounted. However, a rotor may have inherent or residual imbalances due to one or more rotor design features and fluid flow within the rotor. For example, a biological sample may be configured to flow through different cavities, chambers, and channels of a rotor during a centrifugation process. In some cases, a rotor may be configured to be generally balanced when the fluid fills a set of housings, but may be unbalanced when the sample enters and is held in a containment chamber (e.g., an arched cavity).Consequently, the rotor may generate unwanted noise throughout the centrifugation process, which may reduce the convenience of using the rotor in care facilities. As shown in Figure IB, a first side (e.g., the bottom, lower side) of the second layer (102) may include an assembly of arched protrusions (160) and a hole (180). The assembly of arched protrusions (160) may have a predetermined shape, quantity, position, and mass distribution configured to offset a rotor center of mass (100) from a rotor center (100). Alternatively, the second layer (102) may include an assembly of recessed parts (162) having a predetermined shape, quantity, position, and volume. For example, the assembly of recessed parts (162) and arched protrusions (160) may have one or more arched, radial, oblong, secant, and linear shapes. In some embodiments, the assembly of recessed parts (162) may be parallel and arched. In some embodiments, a rotor's center of mass can be set to be above about 0.5 mm from the center of the rotor. In this way, the rotor's center of mass can be closer to the center of mass of the rotor that has fluid flow during a centrifugation process. This can contribute to a reduction in overall noise during rotor centrifugation (100), especially at different centrifugation speeds. In some embodiments, the first layer (101) and / or the second layer (102) may be formed by injection molding (e.g., multi-shot molding) and / or machining, as described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the first layer (101) and / or the second layer (102) may be joined to the other rotor layers (100) by one or more ultrasonic welding, laser welding, adhesives (e.g., adhesive tape), and / or solvent bonding. For example, laser welding can use one or more of a semiconductor diode laser, a solid-state Nd:YAG laser, and a fiber laser. A diode laser can generate a light beam with a wavelength between approximately 800 nm and approximately 2000 nm (e.g., approximately 940 nm, approximately 980 nm). An Nd:YAG laser can generate a light beam with a wavelength around 1064 nm. A fiber laser can generate a light beam with a wavelength between approximately 1030 nm and approximately 1620 nm. In some embodiments, the rotor (100) may have a diameter of between about 40 mm and about 120 mm and a thickness of between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, including all intermediate values ​​and subranges. Figures 2A and 2B are illustrative exploded views of a rotor assembly (200), according to other embodiments. The rotor assembly (200) may include a rotor similar, structurally and / or functionally, to the rotors (100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) as described herein. For example, the rotor assembly (200) may include a substantially transparent first layer (201) coupled to a first side (e.g., the bottom) of the second layer (202). The first layer (201) and the second layer (202) may collectively define a housing set (230). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second layer (202) may substantially absorb infrared radiation. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second layer (202) can substantially absorb one or more of the mid-infrared and near-infrared radiation.For example, at least a portion of the second layer (202) can substantially absorb radiation with a wavelength of at least 940 nm. The first layer (201) and the second layer (202) can also collectively define other rotor structures (200) (e.g., cavities, channels, orifices, protrusions, projections), described in more detail herein. For example, the second layer (202) can define one or more portions of an arched cavity (210) and a set of channels (220). In some embodiments, the set of channels (220) can establish a fluid communication path between the arched cavity (210) and the housing set (230). In some embodiments, the second layer (202) may include at least approximately 0.1% by weight of carbon black. For example, the second layer (202) may include from approximately 0.2% to approximately 0.4% by weight of carbon black. In some embodiments, the first layer (201) and / or the second layer (202) may be formed by injection molding (e.g., multi-shot molding) and / or machining, as described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the first layer (201) and / or the second layer (202) may be joined to the other rotor layers (200) by one or more of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, adhesives (e.g., adhesive tape), and / or solvent bonding methods. For example, laser welding may use one or more of a semiconductor diode laser, a solid-state Nd:YAG laser, and a fiber laser. The rotor assembly (200) may include a third layer (203) that can be attached to a second side (e.g., the top) of the second layer (202). The third layer (203) may define an opening (240) configured to receive a fluid such as blood. The third layer (203) may be substantially transparent. The channel (220) may establish a fluid communication path between the opening (240) and the housing assembly (230). The opening (240) of the third layer (203) may be configured to receive a sample. For example, the sample may be pipetted, injected through a membrane, and poured out. The opening (240) may have any shape and / or size suitable for receiving the sample. The third layer (203) may be attached to the second layer (202) by laser welding. For example, laser welding can use one or more of a semiconductor diode laser, a solid-state Nd:YAG laser, and a fiber laser. In some embodiments, the rotor assembly (200) may include a fourth layer (204) (e.g., a sample holder). A rotor can be removably mounted via a fourth layer (204) to improve handling, processing, and identification of a rotor and / or sample. A user can place the rotor-attached fourth layer (204) into a fluid analysis system for automated sample processing. The fourth layer (204) can be useful for providing physical support and protection to the rotor. The fourth layer (204) can be attached to an external surface of a third layer (203). For example, the fourth layer (204) can include a set of protrusions (294) (see Figure 2B) configured to fit within corresponding holes (296) in the third layer (203). The fourth layer (204) can include a set of parts (e.g., outer and inner circumferences, edges) for a user to grip without touching the other rotor layers (201, 202, 203) and potentially affecting the optical qualities of the rotor assembly (200). The diameter of the fourth layer (204) can be larger than the diameter of the rotor. The fourth layer (204) can define a set of apertures (292) configured to allow unimpeded light transmission through the housing assembly (230) and / or reduce weight. The fourth layer can also function as a shield against sample fluid that may overflow the rotor opening during centrifugation.The fourth layer (204) can be configured to hold the rotor assembly (200) in a fixed position relative to the fourth layer (204), while allowing unimpeded light transmission through the housing assembly (230). Figure 20 depicts the assembled rotor assembly (200). The fourth layer (204) can be opaque. In some embodiments, the fourth layer (204) may include one or more identifiers (290), such as a barcode, QR code, and one or more fiducials (e.g., colored / opaque dots, a ruler, slots, reference points, markers), combinations thereof, and the like. For example, an arcuate barcode may be arranged along an outer circumference of the fourth layer (204) (e.g., on one side of the cover (204) facing outward from the third layer (203)). The identifiers may be used for the identification and processing of the rotor assembly (200). no Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi In some embodiments, the first layer (201) and the third layer (203) may be substantially transparent to one or more ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation. In some embodiments, the first layer (201), the second layer (202), the third layer (204), and the cover (204) may be independently composed of one or more acrylic, polycarbonate, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and / or similar materials. Although the device (200) shown in Figures 2A to 2C includes three layers, it should be appreciated that any of the rotors described herein may be formed using more or fewer layers. In some embodiments, a substantially infrared-absorbing layer may be printed onto a transparent first layer.For example, a layer of carbon black or laser-absorbing composition can be printed onto a surface of a first transparent layer (e.g., a rotor base including the housings, channels, and cavities described herein). Figure 3A is a side cross-sectional view, and Figure 3B is a detailed side cross-sectional view of a housing (330) of a rotor (300). The rotor (300) may be structurally and / or functionally similar to the rotor (100, 200, 400, 500, 600, 700) as described herein. The rotor (300) may include a substantially transparent first layer (301) coupled to a second layer (302). The first layer (301) and the second layer (302) may collectively define a set of housings (330). Each housing in the set of housings (330) may be formed along the periphery of the rotor (300). For example, the set of housings (330) may follow a circumference of the rotor (300). In some embodiments, the housing assembly (330) may include a generally cylindrical shape, as described in more detail herein.For example, as shown in Figure 3B, each housing (330) may be defined by an opening (338) in the second layer (302), while the side walls (334) and a base portion (332) may be formed in the first layer (301). Alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more portions of the side walls (334) may be formed by the second layer (302). As shown in the detailed cross-sectional side view of Figure 3B, the side wall (334) may include a first side wall portion (335) and a second side wall portion (336). In some embodiments, the diameter of the opening for each housing in the housing assembly may be larger than the diameter of the base of each housing in the housing assembly. In some embodiments, the housing (330) may taper inward from an opening (338) toward the base portion (332). In some embodiments, an intermediate portion of the housing may taper more than the end portions of the housing (330). For example, the first side wall portion (335) may taper (351) to approximately 2°. The second side wall portion (335) may taper (353) between approximately 3° and approximately 9°. The opening (338) may taper (355) to approximately 2°. This housing configuration (330) can assist with coupling between the first layer (301) and the second layer (302) when these layers are pressed together in an injection molding process.For example, narrowed sidewall surfaces can be configured as a switch in a two-shot injection molding process, preventing a carbon-filled material from seeping into a transparent material. In other words, the interruption provided by the narrowed surface establishes a boundary between the second and first materials. An incident light beam may be configured to be transmitted through the housing (330) without passing through the side walls (334). In some embodiments, the aperture may have a depth of between about 0.25 mm and 7 mm, and a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the first side wall portion may have a depth of between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second layer (302) can substantially absorb infrared radiation. For example, the second layer (302) can be opaque (e.g., black). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second layer (302) can substantially absorb one or more types of mid-infrared and near-infrared radiation. For example, at least a portion of the second layer (302) can substantially absorb radiation with a wavelength of at least 940 nm. The first layer (301) and the second layer (302) may also collectively define other rotor structures (300) (e.g., cavities, channels, holes, protrusions, projections), described in more detail herein. For example, as shown in Figure 3A, the second layer (302) may define a hole (380) within its center. In some embodiments, the first layer (301) may be substantially transparent to one or more types of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation. In some embodiments, the first layer (301) and the second layer (302) may be independently composed of one or more of acrylic, polycarbonate, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and the like. In some embodiments, the second layer (302) may include at least about 0.1% by weight of carbon black.For example, the second layer (302) may include from around 0.2% to around 0.4% by weight of carbon black. In some embodiments, the first layer (301) and / or the second layer (302) may be formed by injection molding (e.g., multi-shot molding) and / or machining, as described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the non-Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi first layer (301) and / or the second layer (302) may be joined to the other rotor layers (100) by one or more of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, adhesives (e.g., adhesive tape), and / or solvent bonding methods. For example, laser welding may use one or more of a semiconductor diode laser, a solid-state Nd:YAG laser, and a fiber laser. Entrance Figures 4A to 4B are detailed plan views of a housing assembly, an inlet assembly, and a reflector assembly of a rotor. In some embodiments, the rotors, as described herein, may define a set of generally radial inlets (e.g., channels) coupled between a respective housing and a rotor channel. The inlets may be configured to allow liquid-phase and gas-phase communication between a housing and the channel. For example, while the rotor is rotating (e.g., by means of a centrifuge), the fluid may enter the housing through a respective inlet coupled to a channel and an arched cavity (e.g., a containment chamber, a collection chamber). Some inlet channels may include a first discrete flow path for the fluid to enter the housing and a second discrete flow path for the gas to exit the housing.This can allow gas to escape from the accommodations, thereby limiting the creation of bubbles in the accommodation as the accommodations fill. As shown in the detailed plan view of the rotor (400) in Figure 4A, the rotor (400) may include a layer (402) structurally and / or functionally similar to the second layer (102, 202, 302, 502, 702) as described herein, such as a substantially opaque layer capable of absorbing infrared radiation. The layer (402) may define a set of structures comprising one or more channels (420), housings (430, 433), and inlets (432, 434) coupled together. Each inlet of the inlet set (432, 434) may correspond to a different housing within the housing set (430, 433). Each inlet of the inlet set (430, 433) may establish a fluid communication path between the channel (420) and its corresponding housing. The layer (402) can also define a set of reflectors (440), where each reflector is arranged between adjacent housings (430). In some embodiments, the width of at least one inlet of the inlet set (432, 434) may be greater than the width of the channel (420). In some embodiments, the inlet set (432, 434) may include a first subset of inlets (432) (see Figure 4A) and a second subset of inlets (434) (see Figure 4B). The width of each inlet in the first subset of inlets (432) may differ from the width of each inlet in the second subset of inlets (434). The second subset of inlets (434) may be configured to allow venting of the fluid (e.g., liquid phase and gas phase) within the channel (420) at low revolutions per minute (RPM). For example, bidirectional fluid flow within the second subset of inlets (434) can occur during rotor spin (400) between about 500 RPM and about 2500 RPM.The inlets of the first subset of inlets (432) can be adapted to bidirectional fluid flow for rotors rotating above about 4000 RPM. In some embodiments, a subset of the housings (430, 433) coupled to a second subset of inlets (434) may be located along the channel (420) adjacent to or near the channel (422) (e.g., a conduit). The housings (430, 433) adjacent to or near the conduit (422) may be configured to fill before the other housings (430) located farther from the conduit (422). When the rotor is rotating at relatively low RPM (e.g., below approximately 4000 RPM), bidirectional fluid flow may not occur through inlets having the width of the first set of inlets (432).For example, fluid entering a housing (430) coupled to a first subset of inlets (432) during rotor centrifugation at approximately 1000 RPM may trap air bubbles within the inlet (432), resulting in incomplete filling of the housing (430). This occurs because the inlet is not wide enough to allow simultaneous flow of the liquid and gas phases at that RPM. However, wider inlets, such as those in the second set of inlets (434), can be configured to accommodate bidirectional flow of liquid and gas at relatively low revolutions per minute, allowing for the use of a greater number of housings (430) in the rotor (400). In some embodiments, the inlet assembly may include a set of different widths, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more, corresponding to a set of rotor RPMs during centrifugation.The inlets (432, 434) that have different widths can be provided in any order along the channel (420). In some embodiments, the housings (430, 433) coupled to the second inlet subset (434) do not include a reagent. In some embodiments, the width of the inlet assembly may be between approximately 0.25 mm and approximately 3.0 mm, the length of the inlet assembly may be between approximately 0.5 mm and approximately 6.0 mm, and the depth of the inlet assembly may be between approximately 0.1 mm and approximately 0.25 mm. It should be noted that the relatively wide inlet widths for the housings in any given RPM may require a larger sample volume to adequately fill the housings, and may increase the risk of cross-contamination of the reagent and / or sample between housings. In some embodiments, each housing that includes at least one reagent may have an inlet width from the first subset of inlets (432), and each housing without a reagent may have an inlet width from the second subset of inlets (434). Reflectors In some embodiments, a rotor, as described herein, may include an array of reflectors (e.g., reflective surfaces) positioned radially within an array of housings. The array of reflectors may be configured to receive and reflect a beam of light used as a timing signal for optical analysis of an adjacent housing. A detector may receive a beam of light received and reflected by the reflector. A control device may process the light signal received from the reflector to activate a radiation source in order to guide a beam of light configured to pass through an optical path of a housing. For example, the light beam received from the reflector may indicate that the housing may soon pass between the radiation source and the detector (e.g., within a few microseconds).Figure 4C is a cross-sectional side view of a reflector (440) depicted in Figure 4A. Each reflector in the reflector assembly (440) can be arranged between adjacent housings of the housing assembly (430). Each reflector in the reflector assembly (440) can define a prism-shaped cavity and can be formed in a substantially transparent layer of the rotor (e.g., a first layer (101, 201, 301)), as described in detail herein. Each prism-shaped cavity can include a reflective surface. Each reflector in the reflector assembly can be configured to receive and deflect a beam of light at approximately 90° (although a different angle than 90° can be used as a housing).For example, the reflective surface can be oriented at an angle of about 45° with respect to a rotor rotation axis (e.g., an axis perpendicular to a rotor plane) and can be configured to generate a total internal reflection at a rotor-air interface. In some embodiments, a polisher may be disposed on a reflective surface of each prism-shaped cavity of the reflector assembly (440). A reflective surface of the reflector may include a polisher having a surface roughness averaging between about 0 and about 3. In some embodiments, a width of a reflector may be between about 0.5 mm and about 2.5 mm, a length of the reflector may be between about 2 mm and about 3 mm, and an angle of a reflective surface with respect to a rotor plane may be between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees. no Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi Arched cavity The rotors, as described herein, can be configured to receive a sample through an opening leading to a sample-receiving chamber. For example, the sample can be introduced into the rotor using a pipette. A pipette can be configured to deliver a sample through a narrow tip at high speed, which may result in one or more air bubbles and sample overflow when introduced into some conventional rotors. Figure 5A is a detailed plan view of an arched cavity (510) (e.g., a sample-receiving chamber) of a rotor (500). Figure 5B is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the arched cavity (510) shown in Figure 5A. The rotor (500) can include a substantially transparent first layer (501) bonded to a substantially opaque second layer (502) (e.g., substantially absorbing infrared radiation).The arched cavity (510) can be configured to receive and hold a fluid before supplying it to a set of housings (530) of the rotor (500). The second layer (502) can also define a channel (520). The first layer (501) and the second layer (502) can also collectively define other rotor structures (500) (e.g., cavities, channels, orifices, protrusions, projections), described in more detail herein. For example, the second layer (502) can define one or more parts of a channel assembly (520, 522), an inlet assembly (532), a housing assembly (530), and a reflector assembly (540), as described in detail herein. A fluid communication path can be established between the rotor opening (500), the arched cavity (510), the channel assembly (520, 522), the inlet assembly (532), and the housing assembly (530). The arched cavity (510) can be configured for fluid communication between the opening and the channel assembly (520). As shown in Figure 5A, the width of the arched cavity (510) can narrow from proximal to distal (e.g., clockwise in Figure 5A). In some embodiments, the arched cavity (511) can have a width-to-depth ratio of approximately 0.8 to approximately 1.2. In this configuration, where the width and depth of the arched cavity (510) are generally similar, the arched cavity can reduce air bubble generation and sample pooling when the sample is introduced into the arched cavity (510) using a pipette. For example, a blood sample can be pipetted into the arched cavity through a sample port on the receiving chamber. Furthermore, the second layer (502) of the rotor (500) can form a width of the arched cavity (510) such that the floor of the arched cavity (510) is substantially opaque. Consequently, a readily visible contrast can be formed when the sample, such as blood, is received in the arched cavity (510), which can contribute to the filling of the sample in the rotor (500). A third, substantially transparent layer (not shown for clarity) can be attached to the second layer (502) and form the roof of the arched cavity (510). The third layer can define an opening (not shown) aligned with the arched cavity (510), allowing fluid to enter the cavity (510) through the opening. In some embodiments, the arched cavity (510) can have a depth of between approximately 1.0 mm and approximately 10 mm and a volume of between approximately 50 pL and approximately 200 pL. This can contribute to uniform distribution and filling of the arched cavity (510) without the sample overflowing through an opening in the cavity. In some embodiments, the arched cavity may be configured to contain a fluid, mix a fluid with another substance, generate one or more chemical reactions, and / or be used to characterize the fluid and / or other substances within the arched cavity. In some embodiments, the fluid may be mixed with a reagent, such as a diluent or dye, within the arched cavity. For example, a reagent may be disposed in the arched cavity in liquid or solid form (e.g., microspheres, pellets, and the like). The reagent may be attached (e.g., coated) to a surface of the arched cavity, such as a side wall, and / or attached to a solid matrix. The chemical reactions within the arched cavity may include heterogeneous immunochemical reactions and chemical reactions with discrete steps. For example, a precipitate may form and settle in the arched cavity. The supernatant may then be decanted. In some embodiments, the fluids in the arched cavity can be optically analyzed to characterize the fluid. For example, the fluid in the arched cavity exposed to a light beam can generate an optical effect that can be detected and analyzed analogously to the optical analysis of the housing assembly. In particular, one or more properties of the fluid's density, height, and volume can be measured. The characteristics of the fluid in the arched cavity can then be compared with those of the fluid in the housing assembly. Conduit Figure 6 is a detailed plan view of a channel (622) of a rotor (600). The rotor (600) can define a set of channels, such as a conduit (622) (e.g., a siphon) that includes an inlet (623), a U-shaped section (625), and an outlet (627). The conduit (622) can be configured to couple a sample-receiving cavity to a mixing cavity. The conduit (622) can be configured to deliver a predetermined volume of fluid (e.g., plasma) through a fluid communication path (e.g., between an opening and a set of housings) when the rotor is stationary, in order to prevent fluid flow when the rotor rotates. That is, one or more conduits of a rotor can be configured to deliver metered volumes of fluid to a desired cavity in the rotor. In some embodiments, the conduit (622) may be configured so that the fluid introduced into the conduit (625) through the inlet (623) does not flow through the U-shaped portion (625) (e.g., elbow) when the rotor is rotating. After the rotor stops rotating, capillary forces can draw the fluid through the U-shaped portion (625). If the rotor starts rotating again, centrifugal force can advance the fluid to the outlet (627). The U-shaped portion (625) of the conduit (622) may be closer to the center of the rotor (600) (e.g., more radially inward) than the inlet (623) and the outlet (627). The outlet (627) may extend closer to the periphery of the rotor (600) than the inlet (623) (e.g., more radially outward). In some embodiments, the rotor may include at least one conduit. For example, the rotor may include three conduits configured to connect the sample receiving chamber to the mixing chamber, the dosing chamber to the mixing chamber, and the mixing chamber to the channel. Vessel drilling mechanism Figure 7A is an illustrative exploded view of a rotor assembly (700), and Figure 7B is a detailed perspective view of a third layer (703) of the rotor assembly (700). The rotor assembly (700) may include a rotor similar, structurally and / or functionally, to rotors (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) as described herein. The rotor assembly (700) may include a first layer (701) coupled to a first side (e.g., the bottom) of a second layer (702). The first layer (701) and the second layer (702) may collectively define a housing set (730). The rotor assembly (700) may include a third layer (703) that may couple to a second side (e.g., the top) of the second layer (702). The third layer (703) can define an opening (740) configured to receive a fluid such as blood.The third layer (703) may include a set of protrusions (710) extending into the second layer (702). The set of protrusions (710) may include any number and shapes suitable for piercing a vessel (750) disposed within a cavity (752) of the second layer (702) of the rotor assembly (700). The cavity (752) may define an opening (for example, a receptacle) configured to receive, for example, a spindle from a centrifuge. For instance, the cavity (752) may receive a spindle post that may be configured to engage the vessel (750) and advance the vessel nQLznn / Lznz / E / Yii into the set of protrusions (710) of the third layer (703). The vessel (750) may be sized and positioned to be held within the cavity (752) and disposed over the opening. In some embodiments, the rotor assembly (700) may include a fourth layer (704) that can be attached to an external surface of a third layer (703). The fourth layer (704) may include a set of protrusions (794) configured to fit within corresponding holes (796) in the third layer (703). The fourth layer (704) may define a set of openings (792) configured to allow unimpeded light transmission through the housing assembly (730) and / or to reduce weight. In some embodiments, the rotor (700) can be configured to release fluid (e.g., diluent) held in a container (750) in response to the container's advance toward the third layer (703) and away from the second layer (702). The container (750) can be mounted in a cavity (752) of the rotor (700). A portion of the container (750) can be sealed with a membrane (e.g., laminated seal) on a first side and with a rigid surface on a second side opposite the first. In some embodiments, the membrane can be configured to be pierced by the protrusion set (710) of the third layer (703) of the rotor assembly (700), when the vessel (750) advances toward the third layer (703), for example, when the rotor (700) is mounted to a centrifuge (not shown) and a part of the centrifuge feeds the vessel (750) into the protrusions (710).In some embodiments, when a rotor is placed on a spindle, the spindle comes into contact with a lower surface of the container (750) and raises it. Bowl In some embodiments, a vessel may be configured to contain a diluent, form a tight seal against the cavity in which it is disposed, and slide into the cavity when pushed by an external force. In some embodiments, the vessel may be cylindrical. Figure 15A is an illustrative side view of a vessel (1500) including a body (1510) and a seal (1520) (e.g., an elastomeric seal). Figures 15D and 15E are perspective views of a rotor assembly and the vessel. One or more portions of the circumference of a vessel (1500) may include an elastomeric seal (1520) (e.g., rubber) that may be configured to engage with a wall of a rotor cavity (1530) via an interference fit.For example, the elastomeric seal (1520) can be configured so that the vessel (1510) at rest remains in a fixed position within the rotor (1550) and forms a watertight seal. However, when coupled via a spindle or other protrusion, the vessel (1500) can advance upward toward a third layer (not shown) of the rotor (1550), while maintaining a seal with the rotor (1550). When the vessel (1500) is pierced by protrusions, the elastomeric seal (1520) can be configured to prevent fluid from flowing along the sides of the vessel (1500) and onto a lower surface of the cavity (1530). Therefore, an elastomeric seal (1520) of a vessel (1500) can ensure that the fluid flows from the vessel (750) to an adjacent dosing chamber without fluid loss.The fluid inside a container (1500) can leave the container (1500) by means of one or more centrifugal forces and gravity. In some embodiments, a vessel (1500) may be composed of a fluid barrier material including plastics and other polymeric materials, such as high-density polyethylene. The vessel (1500) may be manufactured by one or more of molding, die forming, vacuum forming, and machining processes. For example, the vessel may be formed by a two-shot injection molding process. Figure 15C is an exploded perspective view of a body (1510) and seal (1520) of the vessel (1500). The vessel body (1510) may define one or more cavities (e.g., compartments, chambers), as shown with a cavity in Figure 15B. Each cavity of the vessel (1500) may contain the same or different contents. For example, a first cavity may contain a fluid (e.g., diluent), while a second cavity may contain a lyophilized reagent. Each cavity may contain the same or different fluids. For example, two cavities of a vessel (750) may be coupled to an arched cavity of the second layer (702) in which a set of fluids (e.g., diluent, sample, and a marker compound) is mixed. The membrane (e.g., laminated seal) may be laminated with polyethylene or another plastic. Each cavity of the container (1500) may have its own membrane. The container (1500) may be manufactured by filling it with a predetermined volume of fluid (e.g., diluent, reagent) and sealing it, for example, by one or more heat-sealing and ultrasonic welding processes. Thinner The rotors, as described herein, may include a diluent for mixing with a sample (e.g., fluid, plasma). A diluent may be disposed within the rotor as described herein with respect to a diluent container or may be introduced into an arched cavity of the rotor. In some embodiments, a diluent may include an isotonic concentration of a compound that does not interfere with the analysis of a sample. The diluent may include one or more of a saline solution (e.g., 0.5% NaCl in water), phosphate-buffered solution, Ringer's lactate solution, tetramethylammonium acetate, inositol, marker compounds, combinations thereof, and the like. For example, a non-Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi diluent may have substantially no buffering capacity at the pH of a particular assay. Reagent A reagent can be prepared by forming an aqueous solution, dispensing it uniformly as droplets into a cryogenic liquid, and then lyophilizing the frozen droplets. The cryogenic liquid could be, for example, unstirred liquid nitrogen. The reagent may include one or more diluents, aqueous solutions, buffers, organic compounds, dehydrated chemicals, crystals, solvents, and marker compounds. Marker compounds may include dyes, fluorescent and phosphorescent substances, radioactive labeling materials, enzymes, biotin, and immunological compounds. In some embodiments, a reagent may have a generally spherical shape with a diameter between approximately 1.0 mm and approximately 2.3 mm, and a weight coefficient of variation of less than approximately 3%. In some embodiments, a lyophilized reagent may include one or more surfactants at a concentration sufficient to inhibit bubble formation when the reagent dissolves, and a filler at a concentration sufficient to facilitate the formation of chemical cross-links capable of conducting water in the reagent. For example, the surfactant may be a nonionic detergent, such as ocxynol lauryl ether 9 or polyoxyethylene 9. The concentration of a surfactant in the reagent may be configured so that the concentration in the reconstituted reagent is between approximately 0.08 g and approximately 3.1 g per 100 mL.The chemical network structure formed by the filler agent allows the reagent to dissolve rapidly and completely in a sample solution or diluent. In some embodiments, a filler agent may include one or more of polyethylene glycol, myo-inositol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, bovine serum albumin, dextran, mannitol, sodium cholate, combinations thereof, and similar compounds. The filler agent may have a concentration of between approximately 10% and approximately 50% by dry weight. In some embodiments, photometrically detectable marker compounds may be configured to generate a color reaction and may include 1,1',3,3,3',3'-hexamethylenedioxytricarbocyanine iodide and 1,1'-bis(sulfoalkyl)-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine salts. These marker compounds can be used, for example, to determine in situ dilution. A marker concentration can be determined photometrically by comparing the absorbance of the diluted sample at a predetermined wavelength with a reference solution of known concentration. The ratio of the marker concentrations before and after mixing with a sample can then be used to calculate the sample dilution. Marker compounds can also include enzymatic substrates such as p-nitrophenyl phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and D-lactate. The compound p-nitrophenyl phosphate is a substrate for alkaline phosphatase and can be configured to generate a colored p-nitrophenol reaction product. It is observed that microfluidic improvements to the rotor described herein (e.g., inlets, housings, arched cavity reflectors, conduit, vessel piercing mechanism, vessel, diluent, reagent, and the like) are not limited by a rotor manufacturing process. For example, the rotor can be ultrasonically and / or laser welded. II. Systems Fluid analysis system This document describes fluid analysis systems that may include one or more of the components necessary to perform fluid analysis using the devices in various embodiments described herein. For example, the fluid analysis systems described herein may automatically process and analyze a sample applied to a rotor device to identify and / or analyze one or more analytes. Generally, the fluid analysis systems described herein may include one or more rotor assemblies, a radiation source, a detector, and a controller (including memory, a processor, and computer instructions). The radiation source may be configured to emit a light signal (e.g., a light beam) and to illuminate a set of rotor housings. A detector may be configured to receive the light beam that has passed through the rotor.A controller coupled to the detector can be configured to receive signal data corresponding to the light beam received by the detector and generate analyte data using that signal data. One or more analytes in the fluid can be identified by the controller using the analyte data. The sample can include at least one or more of the following: blood, serum, plasma, urine, sputum, semen, saliva, ocular lens fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, and tissue culture medium, as well as food and industrial chemicals, combinations thereof, and similar substances. Rotor manufacturing system This document describes rotor fabrication systems that may include one or more of the components necessary to fabricate the rotor devices described herein. For example, the fabrication systems described herein may couple (e.g., join, weld) one or more layers of a rotor assembly together. Generally, the fabrication systems described herein may include one or more platforms configured to hold one or more rotor components, a radiation source, a photomask, and a controller (including memory, a processor, and computer instructions). In some embodiments, the platform may be a floating platform configured to hold a rotor and provide precise alignment and coupling with a photomask stored in a photomask housing.The radiation source can be configured to emit a light signal (e.g., a light beam) for laser welding one or more layers of a rotor assembly together. Any of the rotor devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) described herein can be manufactured using the rotor manufacturing systems described herein. Platform In some embodiments, a photomask can be aligned with a platform configured to hold a rotor for laser welding. Due to the size of the microfluidic channels, the photomask and rotor must be precisely aligned to properly laser weld a rotor using a photomask. To ensure consistent and proper alignment between the photomask and each part of the rotor to be welded, the platform can be configured to move in a plane parallel to the photomask to improve the rotor's alignment with the photomask. For example, a photomask can be held in a fixed position, and the rotor base can be held on a platform (e.g., a stand, structure) that can float relative to the photomask to help position and clamp the photomask to the rotor. Figure 16 is a perspective view of a platform (1600) (e.g., a floating platform) that may include a welding support (1610) having a first set of protrusions (1620) and a second set of protrusions (1630) arranged on one side facing a photomask housing (see Figure 18). The first set of protrusions (1620) (e.g., guide pins) may be configured to be received in corresponding holes in a photomask housing. The second set of protrusions (1630) (e.g., rotor alignment pins) may be configured to be received in corresponding holes (e.g., recesses) in a rotor (1600), such that the rotor is contained on the platform (1600). The first and second sets of protrusions may each include at least two protrusions.The platform may further include one or more alignment mechanisms (1640) (e.g., adjusting screws) that can be configured to move the welding support (1610) along a plane of the platform (1600), thereby enabling the first set of protrusions (1620) to engage with a photomask coupling. The alignment mechanism (1640) may be manually operated or automatically controlled by a drive mechanism (e.g., it may be operated by means of a control device). Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a photomask housing (1700) comprising a first layer (1710) (e.g., a first housing), a second layer (1720) (e.g., a glass plate), a photomask (1730), and a third layer (1740) (e.g., a second housing). The first layer (1710) may include a set of bushings (1750) (e.g., guide bushings) corresponding to the first set of protrusions (1620) on the platform (1600). In some embodiments, the photomask housing (1700) can be fixed relative to the platform (1600). In this configuration, the floating platform allows the bushings and protrusions (e.g., bushing guide pins, rotor alignment pins) to move and engage with each other, enabling the photomask to be releasably attached to the rotor.Figure 18 illustrates a rotor (1800) contained within the platform (1600) and positioned to advance toward and be releasably attached to the photomask housing (1700). The platform (1600) can be driven along an axis perpendicular to the photomask housing (1700). In some embodiments, the photomask can be configured to block infrared radiation to one or more parts of the rotor attached to the platform. Rotor inspection system This document describes rotor inspection systems that may include one or more of the components necessary to perform a rotor device weld analysis according to various embodiments described herein. For example, the inspection systems described herein may visualize, process, and optically analyze a rotor to generate rotor data corresponding to one or more of the rotor's structural features. For example, the rotor data may correspond to one or more of a set of rotor welds, structures (e.g., cavities, channels, housings), and reagents. Generally, the inspection systems described herein may include one or more of a radiation source (e.g., a light source), a detector, and a controller (including memory, a processor, and computer instructions).The radiation source can be configured to emit a light signal (e.g., a beam) and illuminate one or more rotor structures. A detector can be configured to receive the light beam reflected by the rotor. A controller coupled to the detector can be configured to receive signal data corresponding to the light beam received by the detector and generate rotor data using this signal data. One or more rotor structures can then be identified and characterized using this rotor data. For example, a rotor exceeding a predetermined number of substandard welds can be flagged as rejected by the rotor inspection system. no Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi As another example, a rotor containing a predetermined number of broken spheres of lyophilized reagent can be marked for manual inspection. Any of the rotor devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) described herein can be inspected using the rotor inspection systems described herein. Rotor assembly Any of the centrifugal rotors (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), as described herein, may be used with the fluid analysis systems described herein. In some embodiments, a rotor may include a fourth layer to improve the handling, processing, and identification of a sample applied to the rotor. A user may place the fourth layer, which secures the rotor, into a fluid analysis system for automated sample processing. The fourth layer may be useful for providing physical support and protection to the rotor. For example, the fourth layer may form a seal around an opening in the rotor. In some embodiments, the rotor housing may include one or more identifiers, such as a barcode, QR code, and one or more fiducials (e.g., colored / opaque dots, a ruler, slots, reference points, markers), combinations thereof, and the like. Source of radiation Fluid analysis systems, as described herein, may include a radiation source configured to emit a first light signal (e.g., illumination) directed at the centrifugal rotor. The radiation source may be configured to generate the light beam at UV, visible, and / or near-infrared wavelengths. A detector, as described herein, may be configured to receive a second light beam from the centrifugal rotor. The second light signal may be generated in response to illumination of the microfluidic channel by the first light signal. The second light signal may be used to generate analyte data for analysis. In some embodiments, the radiation source may include one or more light-emitting diodes, lasers, microscopes, optical sensors, lenses, and flash lamps.For example, the radiation source can generate light that can be carried by fiber optic cables, or one or more LEDs can be configured to provide illumination. In another example, a fiberscope, which includes an array of flexible optical fibers, can be configured to receive and propagate light from an external light source. Detector Generally, the fluid analysis systems described herein may include a detector used to receive light signals (e.g., light beams) passing through a sample within a housing of a centrifugal rotor. The received light can be used to generate signal data that can be processed by a processor and memory to generate analyte data. The detector may be arranged on one side of the centrifugal rotor opposite a radiation source so that it receives a light beam (e.g., a second light signal) from the radiation source that has passed through one or more housings of the centrifugal rotor. The detector may also be configured to display one or more identifiers (e.g., barcodes) and identifiers of the centrifugal rotor. In some embodiments, the detector may include one or more lenses, a camera, and measuring optics.For example, the detector may include an optical sensor (e.g., a charged-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor) and may be configured to generate an image signal that is transmitted to a display. Alternatively, the detector may include a camera with an image sensor (e.g., a CMOS or CCD array with or without a color filter array and associated processing circuitry). Control device The fluid analysis systems, rotor manufacturing systems, and rotor inspection systems described herein may be coupled to one or more control devices (e.g., computer systems) and / or networks. Figure 8B is a block diagram of the control device (820). The control device (820) may include a controller (822) having a processor (824) and memory (826). In some embodiments, the control device (820) may further include a communication interface (830). The controller (822) may be coupled to the communication interface (830) to enable a user to remotely control the control device (820), a radiation source (810), a centrifugal rotor assembly (812), a detector (814), and any other system components (800).The communication interface (830) may include a network interface (832) configured to connect the control device (820) to another system (e.g., the Internet, a remote server, a database) via a wired and / or wireless network. The communication interface (830) may also include a user interface (834) configured to allow a user to directly control the control device (820). Controller Generally, the fluid analysis systems described herein may include a centrifugal rotor and a corresponding control device coupled to a radiation source and a detector. In some embodiments, a detector may be configured to generate signal data. The signal data may be received by a controller and used to generate analyte data corresponding to one or more analytes in a sample. Consequently, the control device may identify and / or characterize one or more analytes in a sample. As described in more detail herein, the controller (822) may be coupled to one or more networks by means of a network interface (832). The controller (822) may include a processor (824) and memory (826) coupled to a communication interface (830) that includes a user interface (834).The controller (822) can automatically perform one or more stages of identification, processing, image analysis, and analyte analysis of the centrifugal rotor, thereby improving one or more of the specificity, sensitivity, and speed of fluid analysis. The controller (822) may include computer instructions for its operation to cause the processor (824) to perform one or more of the steps described herein. In some embodiments, the computer instructions may be configured to cause the processor to receive signal data from the detector, generate analyte data from the signal data, and identify one or more analytes from the fluid using the analyte data. In some embodiments, the computer instructions may be configured to cause the controller to set image data parameters. The computer instructions may also be configured to cause the controller to generate the analyte data. Signal data and analysis may be saved for each housing of each centrifugal rotor. A control device (820), as depicted in Figure 8B, may include a controller (822) communicating with the fluid analysis system (800) (e.g., a radiation source (810), a centrifugal rotor assembly (812), and a detector (814)). The controller (822) may include one or more processors (824) and one or more machine-readable memories (826) communicating with the one or more processors (824). The processor (824) may incorporate data received from the memory (826) and user input to control the system (800). The memory (826) may further store instructions to cause the processor (824) to execute modules, processes, and / or functions associated with the system (800). The controller (822) can connect to and control one or more of a radiation source (810), centrifugal rotor assembly (812), detector (814), communication interface (830) and the like by means of wired and / or wireless communication channels. The controller (822) can be implemented in accordance with numerous general-purpose or special-purpose computer systems or configurations. Various examples of computer systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use with the systems and devices disclosed herein may include, but are not limited to, software or other components within, or incorporated in, a server or server computing devices, such as routing / connectivity components, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, distributed computer networks, personal computing devices, network devices, portable (e.g., handheld) devices, or laptops.Examples of wearable computing devices include smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, tablets, laptops that take the form of smartwatches and the like, and wearable or augmented reality devices that interact with the patient's environment through sensors and may use head-mounted displays for visualization, eye tracking, and user input. Processor The processor (824) can be any suitable processing device configured to perform and / or execute a set of instructions or code, and may include one or more data processors, image processors, graphics processing units, physical processing units, digital signal processors, and / or central processing units. The processor (824) can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), combinations thereof, and similar devices. The processor (824) can be configured to perform and / or execute application processes and / or other modules, processes, and / or functions associated with the system and / or a network associated with it.The underlying device technologies can be provided in a variety of component types, including metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technologies such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies such as emitter-coupling logic (ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer and metal-conjugated polymer-metal structures), analog and digital mix, combinations of these, and the like. Memory In some embodiments, the memory (826) may include a database (not shown) and may be, for example, random access memory (RAM), buffer memory, a hard disk, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, combinations thereof, and the like. As used herein, database refers to a data storage resource. The memory (826) may store instructions for causing the processor (824) to execute modules, processes, and / or functions associated with the control device (820), such as calibration, indexing, non-centrifugal rotor signal processing, image analysis, analyte analysis, notification, communication, authentication, user settings, combinations thereof, and the like.In some embodiments, storage can be network-based and accessible to one or more authorized users. Network-based storage may be referred to as remote data storage or cloud data storage. Data and signal analysis stored in cloud data storage (for example, a database) can be accessed by authorized users via a network, such as the Internet. In some embodiments, the database (840) may be a cloud-based FPGA. Some embodiments described herein refer to a computer storage product with a non-transient, computer-readable medium (also called a non-transient, processor-readable medium) that contains instructions or computer code for performing various computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium) is non-transient in the sense that it does not include transient propagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wave carrying information in a transmission medium such as space or a cable). The media and the computer code (also called code or algorithm) may be those designed and constructed for a specific purpose or purposes. Examples of non-transient computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical storage media such as compact discs / digital video discs (CD / DVD); compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROM); holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical discs; solid-state storage devices such as a solid-state drive (SSD) and a hybrid solid-state drive (SSHD); carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), read-only memory (ROM), and random-access memory (RAM) devices.Other embodiments described herein refer to a computer program product, which may include, for example, the instructions and / or computer code disclosed herein. The systems, devices, and methods described herein may be implemented using software (running on hardware), hardware, or a combination thereof. Hardware modules may include, for example, a general-purpose processor (or microprocessor or microcontroller), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), combinations thereof, and the like. Software modules (running on hardware) may be expressed in a variety of software languages ​​(for example, computer code), including C, C++, Java®, Python, Ruby, Visual Basic®, and / or other programming languages ​​and object-oriented, procedural, or other development tools.Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, microcode or microinstructions, machine instructions such as those produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code. Communication interface The communication interface (830) may allow a user to interact with and / or control the system (800) directly and / or remotely. For example, a user interface (834) of the system (800) may include an input device for a user to enter commands and an output device for a user and / or other users (e.g., technicians) to receive output (e.g., displaying sample data on a display device) related to the operation of the system (800). In some embodiments, a network interface (832) may allow the control device (820) to communicate with one or more of a network (870) (e.g., the Internet), a remote server (850), and a database (840), as described in more detail herein. User interface The user interface (834) can serve as a communication interface between a user (e.g., an operator) and the control device (820). In some embodiments, the user interface (834) can include an input device and an output device (e.g., a touchscreen and display) and can be configured to receive input and output data from one or more sensors, input devices, output devices, a network (870), a database (840), and a server (850). For example, signal data generated by a detector can be processed by a processor (824) and a memory (826) and displayed visually by one or more output devices (e.g., a display). The user interface (834) can receive signal data, image data, and / or analyte data and display them visually, audibly, and / or via haptic feedback through one or more output devices.As another example, user control of an input device (e.g., joystick, keyboard, touchscreen) can be received by the user interface (834) and then processed by a processor (824) and memory (826) so that the user interface (834) outputs a control signal to one or more components of the fluid analysis system (800). In some embodiments, the user interface (834) can function as both an input and output device (e.g., a handheld controller configured to generate a control signal while also providing haptic feedback to a user). Output device A user interface output device (834) can generate image data and / or analyte data corresponding to a sample and / or system (800), and can include one or more display devices, audio devices, and haptic devices. The display device can be configured to show a graphical user interface (GUI). The user console (860) can include an integrated display and / or video output that can be connected to output to one or more generic displays, including remote displays accessible via the internet or a network. The output data can also be encrypted to ensure privacy, and all or part of the output data can be stored on a server or in an electronic health record system.A display device may allow a user to view signal data, calibration data, functionalization data, image data, analyte data, system data, fluid data, patient data, and / or other data processed by the controller (822). In some embodiments, an output device may include a display device that includes at least one of a light-emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), electroluminescent display (ELD), plasma display panel (PDP), thin-film transistor (TFT), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), electronic paper / electron ink display, laser display, holographic display, combinations thereof, and the like. An audio device can audibly emit patient data, fluid data, imaging data, analyte data, system data, alarms, and / or warnings. For example, the audio device can emit an audible warning when the centrifugal rotor is incorrectly inserted into the centrifugal rotor assembly. In some embodiments, an audio device may include at least one of a loudspeaker, a piezoelectric audio device, a magnetostrictive loudspeaker, and / or a digital loudspeaker. In some embodiments, a user can communicate with other users using the audio device and a communication channel. A haptic device can be incorporated into one or more of the input and output devices to provide additional sensory output (e.g., force feedback) to the user. For example, a haptic device can generate a tactile response (e.g., vibration) to confirm the user's input to an input device (e.g., joystick, keyboard, touch surface). In some embodiments, the haptic device can include a vibratory motor configured to provide haptic tactile feedback to a user. In some embodiments, the haptic feedback can confirm the start and non-completion of centrifugal rotor processing. Additionally or alternatively, the haptic feedback can notify the user of an error, such as incorrect placement and / or insertion of the centrifugal rotor into a centrifugal rotor assembly.This can prevent potential damage to the system. Input device Some embodiments of an input device may include at least one switch configured to generate a control signal. For example, the input device may be configured to control the movement of the centrifugal rotor assembly. In some embodiments, the input device may include a wired and / or wireless transmitter configured to transmit a control signal to a wired and / or wireless receiver of a controller (822). For example, an input device may include a touch surface for a user to provide input (e.g., finger contact on the touch surface) corresponding to a control signal.An input device that includes a touch surface can be configured to detect contact and movement on the touch surface using any of a plurality of touch sensitivity technologies, including capacitive, resistive, infrared, optical imaging, dispersive signal, acoustic pulse recognition, and surface acoustic wave technologies. In embodiments of an input device that includes at least one switch, a switch can include, for example, at least one button (e.g., a fixed key, soft key), touch surface, keyboard, analog lever (e.g., a joystick), directional keypad, pointing device (e.g., a mouse), trackball, touch selector, step switch, rocker switch, pointing device (e.g., a light pen), motion sensor, image sensor, and microphone.A motion sensor can receive user movement data from an optical sensor and classify a user gesture as a control signal. A microphone can receive audio and recognize a user's voice as a control signal. Network interface As depicted in Figure 8A, a control device (820) described herein can communicate with one or more networks (870) and computer systems (850) via a network interface (832). In some embodiments, the control device (820) can communicate with other devices via one or more wired and / or wireless networks. The network interface (832) can facilitate communication with other devices via one or more external ports (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), multipin connector) configured to connect directly to other devices or indirectly via a network (e.g., Internet, wireless LAN). In some embodiments, the network interface (832) may include a radio frequency receiver, transmitter, and / or optical (e.g., infrared) receiver and transmitter configured to communicate with one or more devices and / or networks. The network interface (832) may communicate via cables and / or wirelessly with one or more of the sensors, user interface (834), network (870), database (840), and server (850). In some embodiments, the network interface (832) may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry (e.g., an RF transceiver) comprising one or more receivers, transmitters, and / or optical receivers and transmitters (e.g., infrared) configured to communicate with one or more devices and / or networks. The RF circuitry may receive and transmit RF signals (e.g., electromagnetic signals). The RF circuitry converts electrical signals into / from electromagnetic signals and communicates with communication networks and other communication devices via these electromagnetic signals. The RF circuitry may include one or more antenna systems, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and similar components.A wireless network can refer to any type of digital network that is not connected by cables of any kind. Examples of wireless communication in a wireless network include, but are not limited to, cellular, radio, satellite, and microwave communication. Wireless communication can use any of a plurality of communication standards, protocols, and technologies, including, but not limited to, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced GSM Data Environment (EDGE), High-Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11g).11η), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), WiMAX, an email protocol (e.g., Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Post Office Protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Instant Messaging Session Initiation Protocol, Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS), Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol. Some wireless networking applications combine multiple cellular networks or use a combination of cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite communication. In some implementations, a wireless network can connect to a wired network to interact with the Internet, other carrier voice and data networks, business networks, and personal networks. A wired network is typically carried over copper twisted-pair, coaxial cable, and / or fiber optic cables. There are many different types of wired networks, including wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), local area networks (LANs), Internet area networks (IANs), campus area networks (CANs), global area networks (GANs), such as the Internet, wireless personal area networks (PANs) (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy), and virtual private networks (VPNs). As used herein, "network" refers to any combination of wireless, wired, public, and private data networks that are typically interconnected via the Internet to provide a unified network and information access system. III. Methods This document describes embodiments of methods for using a rotor to analyze a fluid, such as blood, manufacturing a rotor, and inspecting a rotor. These methods can identify and / or characterize a sample and, in some embodiments, can be used with the described systems and devices. For example, a fluid analysis system can analyze and characterize a blood sample placed in a rotor and identify one or more analytes. Typically, a biological sample can be introduced into a rotor, and the rotor placed in a fluid analysis system. The system can then rotate the rotor using centrifugal force so that the sample is distributed in a set of housings. The system can optically analyze the housing assembly, and further analyses can be performed to characterize the sample. Some conventional rotors manufactured using ultrasonic welding techniques can generate reagent dust that can contribute to unwanted reagent contamination between the rotor cuvettes. For example, when rotor parts are ultrasonically welded, a reagent microsphere within a cuvette can vibrate ultrasonically and generate reagent dust. In some cases, the reagent dust can migrate from a cuvette into a channel or other cavity of the rotor. In contrast, the manufacturing methods described herein can weld multiple rotor layers together to form a rotor device that addresses these shortcomings and can be used with the fluid analysis system. An inspection method can characterize one or more aspects of the rotor and allow for rotor classification, such as based on manufacturing quality. Fluid analysis The methods for analyzing a fluid in some embodiments may not use a fluid analysis system and / or rotor as described herein. The methods described herein can quickly and easily identify analytes from a sample based on optical analysis techniques. Figure 9 is a flow diagram that generally illustrates a method for analyzing a fluid (900). A rotor structurally and / or functionally similar to the rotors (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) described herein may be used in one or more of the fluid analysis steps described herein. The process may include, in step 902, applying a sample to a rotor. In some embodiments, the sample may include a blood sample from a subject such as a human or animal. For example, the blood sample may be taken from a vein or via finger prick.A sample / fluid volume can be, for example, between approximately 40 microliters and approximately 100 microliters. In some embodiments, the rotor may be packaged in a waterproof aluminum pouch and may also include a desiccant packet. The desiccant minimizes the impact of moisture on a reagent inside the rotor. The sample can be introduced through a sample port or the rotor opening. In step 904, the rotor containing the sample can be placed (e.g., inserted) into a fluid analysis system. For example, the rotor can be configured to be mounted on a centrifuge of the fluid analysis system (800). The rotor can include a receptacle or other suitable coupling mechanism for mounting, for example, on a vertical drive shaft of the centrifuge. For example, the rotor can be placed on a sliding platform configured to retract into the fluid analysis system and allow a spindle (e.g., a shaft) to be releasably coupled to the rotor. In some embodiments, the spindle can be coupled to a slideable diluent container within a cavity of the rotor such that the container can be configured to open and direct the diluent from the container to other cavities of the rotor for mixing with the sample.For example, a container arranged inside the rotor can be pushed upwards by a shaft towards a set of protrusions configured to pierce the container. In step 906, the rotor can be rotated at one or more predetermined speeds by means of the centrifuge. In embodiments where the sample includes blood, the blood cells can be separated from the diluted plasma by centrifugal force in step 906. In other embodiments, the separation of the blood cells from the plasma can occur prior to dilution. In some embodiments, the sample can be mixed with the diluent to form a substantially homogeneous mixture. For example, the rotor (100) illustrated in Figure 1A can be rotated at suitable RPMs such as, for example, about 1,000 RPM, about 2,000 RPM, about 3,000 RPM, about 4,000 RPM, about 5,000 RPM, about 6,000 RPM, including all intermediate values ​​and subranges. ηοίζηη / ίζηζ / Ε / γι As the rotor spins, a sample can exit the arched cavity (110) while the diluent enters the dosing chamber (112). The sample can begin to fill the housing (152) (e.g., red blood cell housing) as the diluent flows from the dosing chamber (112) to the mixing chamber (114). The centrifugal force of the rotating rotor prevents the liquid from passing through a U-shaped portion of one or more channels. When the rotor is at rest (e.g., not rotating), capillary forces allow the sample (e.g., plasma) to flow through one or more channels. One or more spin cycles can be used to dispense and mix the sample and diluent in the mixing chamber (114), as well as to dispense the mixed diluent and sample into the channel (120) for distribution into the housing assembly (130). After separation and mixing in step 908, the fluid sample can be distributed through the rotor's internal channels into a set of housings by centrifugal force. In some embodiments, the housing set may include a set of test housings, where each housing contains one or more reagents (e.g., lyophilized reagent, reagent microspheres), and a set of reference housings. Chemical reactions can occur between the fluid and the reagent in the test housings, while the plasma can enter the reference housing set without reacting with a reagent. The fluid within the housing assembly can be optically analyzed while the rotor is rotating. For example, chemical reactions occurring in the test housings can be analyzed photometrically. In step 910, a radiation source (e.g., light source, illumination source) can be used to direct a beam of light through one or more of the rotor housings. The radiation source can include an arc lamp and / or another high-intensity light source, including a pulsed laser, tunable wavelength sources, combinations thereof, and similar sources. For example, an arc lamp can discharge approximately 0.1 joules of energy during a flash of approximately 5 microseconds in duration. The fluid within the housing assembly can partially absorb the light beam received from the radiation source.The degree to which light is absorbed can depend on the wavelength of the light beam and the contents of the housing being analyzed. In some embodiments, the radiation source can be activated based on a light signal received from a rotor reflector. For example, a reflector can receive a light beam emitted in a plane of the rotor, which can be redirected perpendicularly toward a detector. The detector receives the light beam, and a control device processes the signal data to control the radiation source, causing it to emit a light beam at a predetermined time through a rotor housing. In step 912, a detector (e.g., an optical sensor) can be used to detect the light passing through one or more rotor housings. In some embodiments, the detector can be coupled to one or more optical components, including one or more beam splitters, interference filters, and photodetectors. The optical components can form an optical detection path (not shown). The detector in step 914 can be configured to generate signal data for one or more of the housings. In step 916, the signal data can be processed by the control device to characterize (e.g., quantify) one or more analytes in the sample. In some embodiments, a plurality of tests (e.g., up to 50 different tests) can be performed. For example, the analysis can include a titration criterion test and a speed test.Additionally or alternatively, specific immunoassays and other fixation assays may be performed in the test chambers. Generally, however, such assay procedures are homogeneous. In some cases, heterogeneous assay systems may be used when blood is separated from plasma in the test chambers after an immunological reaction step has occurred. Blood assays may include one or more of glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, serum aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), serum alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein, alkalinity, phosphatase, bilirubin, calcium, and chloride. Some of these assays may use blood plasma combined with one or more reagents to generate a visually detectable (e.g., photometrically detectable) change in the plasma. In step 918, the analysis performed may be generated by the fluid analysis system. Rotor manufacturing This document also describes embodiments corresponding to methods for manufacturing a rotor that can be used in some embodiments with the embodiments of the fluid analysis system described herein. A rotor structurally and / or functionally similar to the rotors (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) described herein can be manufactured by one or more of the manufacturing steps described herein. For example, the methods described herein can manufacture a rotor device using injection molding and laser welding techniques. Rotors manufactured using these methods can have numerous advantages, such as rotors with a reduced risk of reagent contamination (e.g., the generation of microsphere dust within a housing), as well as improvements in one or more aspects of quality, consistency, performance, and manufacturing automation.Generally, the methods described herein involve the formation and joining of a set of rotor layers. For example, a rotor base may include a first layer and a second layer joined together, for example, by a two-shot injection molding process. The first layer may be substantially transparent. The second layer may substantially absorb infrared radiation. The first and second layers may define a set of housings. In addition, the second layer may define a set of channels and cavities as described in more detail herein. The rotor may include a third layer aligned with the base. The third layer may define an opening configured to receive a fluid, and this third layer may be substantially transparent.The base can be bonded (e.g., welded) to the third layer using infrared radiation, such that the channel establishes a fluid communication path between the opening and the housing assembly. In some embodiments, one or more additional layers can be formed and bonded to the third layer. Figure 10A is a flowchart that generally describes a method (1000) for manufacturing a rotor. The method may include, in step 1002, the formation of a first layer and, in step 1004, the formation of a second layer. In step 1006, the first and second layers may be joined together to form a rotor base. For example, the first and second layers may be formed and joined (steps 1002, 1004, 1006) through multi-shot injection molding (e.g., sequential injection molding) as described in more detail with respect to Figures 10B and HA through 11F. In some embodiments, the first layer joined to the second layer may define a set of housings. In some embodiments, the first and second layers may be composed of one or more of acrylic, polycarbonate, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), polystyrene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The first layer may be substantially transparent. For example, the first layer may be substantially transparent to at least one type of ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared radiation. The second layer may include at least approximately 0.1% by weight of carbon black. For example, the second layer may include approximately 0.2% carbon black. For example, the second layer may include approximately 0.4% carbon black. For example, the second layer may include approximately 0.8% carbon black. The second layer may substantially absorb at least one type of mid-infrared and near-infrared radiation.In some embodiments, the second layer can substantially absorb radiation with a wavelength of at least 940 nm. In some embodiments, the first and second layers of a rotor can be formed and joined by the two-shot molding process (1020) described in the flow diagram in Figure 10B and illustrated in Figures 11A to 11F. As illustrated in Figure 11B, a two-shot molding system / approach can include a first mold half (1120) and a corresponding second mold half (1130). The first mold half (1120) can include a first cavity (1122) and a second cavity (1124). The second mold half (1130) can include a first core (1132) and a second core (1134). The shape of the first cavity (1122) and the second cavity (1124) may differ, while the shape of the first core (1132) and the second core (1134) may be the same.The different shapes of the first cavity (1122) and the second cavity (1124) allow for the formation of different structures with each injection (e.g., shot) of material. Having the same shape between the first core (1132) and the second core (1134) ensures that the first layer has a consistent shape. The first half of a mold (1120) and the second half of a mold (1130) can be formed from steel, for example. In some embodiments, one of the first half of a mold (1120) and the other half of a mold (1130) can be configured to move axially and rotate relative to the other. For example, the second half of a mold (1130) in Figures HA to 11F can be configured to move axially and roll relative to a stationary first half of a mold (1120). A two-shot molding process may include step 1022 of closing a pair of mold halves (1120, 1130) and injecting (e.g., firing) a first material (e.g., clear resin material) into a first core (1132). The first layer of a first rotor (1140) will be formed between the molds (1120, 1130) and will be defined by the shape of the first core (1132) and the first cavity (1122). In step 1024, the second half of a mold (1130) can be moved axially away from the first half of a mold (1120) to open the mold. The first layer of the first rotor (1140) can be positioned within the first core (1132) of the second half of a mold (1130). In step 1026, the second half of a mold (1130) can be rotated (e.g., rolled) 180 degrees such that the first cavity (1122) is aligned with the second core (1134) and the second cavity (1124) is aligned with the first core (1132) when the first layer of the first rotor (1140) is in place. This rotation of the second half of a mold (1130) allows the first layer of the first rotor (1140) to receive an injection of a second material (e.g., carbon-filled resin material) over the first layer. That is, the second layer can be aligned with the first layer. Concurrently, a first layer from a separate rotor can be injected into the adjacent second core (1134). In step 1028, the pair of molds (1120, 1130) can be closed, and a first material can be injected into the second core (1134). The first layer of a second rotor (1142) can be formed between the molds (1120, 1130) and can be defined by the shape of the second core (1134) and the first cavity (1122). In parallel, a second material (e.g., a carbon-filled resin material) can be injected into the first core (1132). A second layer of the first rotor (1140) can be formed between the molds (1120, 1130) and can be defined by the shape of the first layer, the first core (1132), and the second cavity (1124). That is, the second layer can be formed and bonded to the first layer by multi-shot injection molding. As described in more detail herein, the second cavity (1124) and the second half of a mold (1130) can be configured to form a set of switches that create a seal between the first and second materials and aid in the formation of structural features of a rotor (e.g., a housing assembly). For example, a metal surface of the second cavity (1124) can be mated to the first layer of a rotor to define a switch configured to prevent material injection and / or to create support. In particular, each housing in a housing assembly can include a tapered sidewall surface (e.g., Figure 3B) of a first layer to which the second cavity (1124) can be mated to create a barrier configured to prevent the second material from flashing out or spilling out. In this way, one or more voids (e.g., housings) can be formed in the rotor. In step 1030, the second half of a mold (1130) can be moved axially away from the first half of a mold (1120) to open the mold. As shown in Figure HE, the first layer of the second rotor (1142) can be arranged within the second core (1134) of the second half of a mold (1130). The first rotor (1140), which has the first and second layers, can be arranged within the second cavity (1124). In step 1032, the second half of a mold (1130) can be rotated (e.g., rolled) 180 degrees so that the first cavity (1122) is aligned with the first core (1132) and the second cavity (1124) is aligned with the second core (1134) having the first layer of the second rotor (1142). In step 1034, the first rotor (1140) having the first layer and the second layer joined together (e.g., rotor base) can be ejected from the second cavity (1124).The process can return to step 1028 (e.g., Figure 11D) to manufacture additional rotors. In other embodiments, the second material (e.g., carbon-filled resin) can be fired before firing the first material (e.g., clear resin material). Referring again to Figure 10A, in step 1008, a set of lyophilized reagents can be placed in a set of housings. For example, a first set of housings may be empty, a second set of housings may contain different lyophilized reagents, and each housing in a third set of housings may contain a plurality of lyophilized reagents. In step 1010, a third layer can be formed. For example, the third layer can be formed through injection molding. The third layer can be composed of one or more of acrylic, polycarbonate, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), polystyrene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The third layer can be substantially transparent. For example, the third layer can be substantially transparent to at least one type of ultraviolet light, visible light, and non-infrared radiation. In step 1012, the first and second layers can be bonded to the third layer using infrared radiation, such that a rotor channel establishes a fluid communication path between the aperture and the housing assembly. For example, the first and third layers can be laser-welded to the second layer. Laser welding can be performed using one or more semiconductor diode lasers, solid-state Nd:YAG lasers, and fiber lasers. In some embodiments, a diode laser can generate a light beam with a wavelength of approximately 940 nm. Step 1012 may include aligning the rotor base (e.g., the first layer attached to the second layer) with the third layer. In some embodiments, a photomask may be aligned with the rotor base and the third layer. In some embodiments, the photomask may be held in a fixed position and the rotor base may be held on a platform (e.g., a stand, a structure). For example, the photomask may be attached to the rotor base by the platform (e.g., a floating platform). The platform may be configured to move the rotor base toward the photomask and align the photomask with the rotor base. In some embodiments, the photomask may be configured to block infrared radiation to one or more parts of the rotor base and the third layer.Due to the precise tolerances required between the rotor and the photomask to ensure proper welding, a platform can be configured to move in a plane parallel to the photomask to aid in aligning the rotor with the photomask. A floating platform allows bushings and protrusions (e.g., bushing guide pins, rotor alignment pins) to move relative to and engage with each other so that the photomask can be releasably attached to the rotor. For example, as described in detail herein with respect to Figures 16 to 18, one of the photomask and platform components can include a set of bushings configured to engage with a corresponding set of protrusions on the other photomask and platform. In some embodiments, the infrared radiation can be configured as a laser beam. In some embodiments, the laser beam can be one or more of a linear beam, a spot beam (e.g., point beam), a field beam (e.g., plane beam), and the like. The laser beam can be emitted onto the photomask, the rotor base, and the third layer. For example, a linear beam can be passed over the photomask. The photomask can be configured to define a welding pattern on the rotor. On the rotor parts that receive the infrared radiation passing through the photomask, a surface of the second layer can absorb the infrared radiation and form a weld with a surface of the third layer in contact with the second layer.The linear beam, which has a predetermined wavelength (e.g., 940 nm), can be passed over the non-Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi photomask to form a laser weld on the rotor in approximately 1 to 2 seconds at a predetermined power output. In some areas of the rotor adjacent to a laser weld, a gap of approximately 1 to 10 pm may form between the second and third layers due to thermal expansion. In some embodiments, the photomask can be configured to block the laser beam onto at least one freeze-dried reagent in the pool of freeze-dried reagents. This can improve the structural and chemical integrity of a reagent. Alternatively, the laser beam can be directed onto at least one other freeze-dried reagent in the pool. Some of the freeze-dried reagents arranged in the rotor can be configured to receive infrared radiation at a predetermined wavelength, power, and duration, while maintaining the physical and chemical integrity of the reagent. For example, some reagents can function substantially identically to a photomask reagent when exposed to infrared radiation at approximately 940 nm for between 1 and approximately 2 seconds. In other embodiments, the first layer and the second layer can be joined by one or more ultrasonic welding, adhesives (e.g., adhesive tape) and / or solvent bonding. In step 1014, a fourth layer can be formed. For example, the fourth layer can be formed by injection molding. For example, a fourth layer can be structurally and / or functionally similar to the fourth layer (204, 704) as described herein. In step 1016, the fourth layer can be attached to the third layer. For example, a fourth layer can be ultrasonically welded to the third layer. Rotor inspection This document also describes embodiments corresponding to methods for inspecting a rotor that can be used in some embodiments with the embodiments of the fluid analysis system described herein. The methods described herein can inspect a rotor device (e.g., a laser-welded rotor) using optical imaging and analysis techniques. This can have numerous benefits, such as quantifying one or more rotor characteristics. For example, one or more rotor welds, reagent spheres, and housings can be analyzed and verified as part of a consistent, repeatable, and automated quality control process. This can be useful for classifying a rotor by quality. Figure 12 is a flowchart that generally describes a method for inspecting a rotor (1200). A rotor structurally and / or functionally similar to the rotors (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) described herein may be inspected by one or more of the inspection steps described herein. For example, the rotor may include a first layer (101, 201, 301, 501) bonded to a second layer (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 702), such as through two-shot injection molding, to collectively define a set of housings. The first layer may be substantially transparent. The second layer may define a channel. The second layer may substantially absorb infrared radiation. A third layer can define an opening configured to receive a fluid. The third layer can be substantially transparent and attached to the second layer, such as by laser welding. In step 1202, a rotor can be aligned with one or more optical sensors. In some embodiments, one or more optical sensors can be configured to generate a plan view, bottom view, tilt view, and / or side view of the rotor. In some embodiments, one or more radiation sources can be configured to illuminate the parts of the rotor to be visualized. For example, the rotor can be illuminated using diffuse axial illumination. In some embodiments, the rotor can be rotating while the image is being acquired. In step 1204, a set of rotor images can be generated using one or more of the optical sensors. For example, Figures 13A and 13B are illustrative images (1300, 1350) of rotor parts that illustrate the rotor's structural features from a plan view perspective. The images can be of the entire rotor or of a portion of it. In some embodiments, the images can be taken from a side or bottom perspective. In step 1206, one or more rotor features can be identified from the set of rotor images. Image analysis of the rotor images can be performed to generate join information (e.g., data). In some embodiments, the join information can include the results of a comparison between the acquired image data and a reference data set.The bonding information may include a set of edges formed between the second and third layers. For example, an unexpected discontinuity at an edge may indicate an incomplete weld. As shown in Figure 13A, the first parts (1310) of the rotor may have higher intensity values ​​than the second parts (1320) of the rotor. For example, the first parts (1310) of the rotor may have a first pixel intensity range (e.g., 40–80 on a grayscale range of 0255), and the second parts (1320) of the rotor may have a second pixel intensity range (e.g., 100–140 on a grayscale). The difference in contrast between the first parts (1310) and the second parts (1320) may be due to air within the second parts (1320).The first parts (1310) may correspond to welded parts of the rotor, while the second parts (1320) may correspond to non-welded parts of the rotor, including one or more channels, housings, cavities, inlets, and manufacturing defects. Non-fully transparent Lznn / Lznz / E / Yi rotors may not produce rotor images with such visible contrast. In Figure 13B, the first parts (1360) of the rotor have lower intensity values ​​than the second parts (1370, 1380). The first parts (1360) may correspond to weld edges, while the second parts may correspond to rotor structures, such as cavities (1370) and welded parts (1380). The joint information may include one or more gaps within the set of edges. For example, the differences in intensity values ​​between the acquired images (1300, 1350) and a set of reference images for each location within the rotor can be used to identify one or more gaps. Each of these differences can be identified as a defect and included in the joint information. In stage 1208, the rotor can be classified using identified rotor characteristics. The quantity, size, shape, and location of defects can be quantified and compared to a predetermined set of thresholds. For example, some defects may have one or more sizes below a predetermined threshold and be located in an area that has minimal impact on the rotor's integrity and / or functionality. Other defects may result in categorization as one or more of the following: reject, restricted use (e.g., approved for animal use but not for human use), acceptable, limited release, requiring secondary inspection, manual inspection, and so on. That is, there can be multiple quality classifications. For example, incomplete welds that are isolated from a cavity, housing, channel, inlet, and the like may be classified as cosmetic defects.In some cases, an incomplete weld that alters the shape of a channel, housing, cavity, or inlet may be classified as a cosmetic or minor defect. In other cases, an incomplete weld connecting different structures may be classified as a serious defect. For example, an incomplete weld directly connecting two conduits or two housings may alter the rotor's microfluidic performance to such an extent that the rotor may be classified as severely defective. In some embodiments, a combination of the number, size, shape, and location of defects may be used to classify the rotor. High-quality rotors do not exhibit incomplete welds that create new fluid flow paths between different chambers. Alternatively, in step 1210, one or more reagent features can be identified. For example, a set of reagent images can be generated using one or more of the optical sensors. Figures 14A and 14B are illustrative images (1400, 1450) of a rotor housing containing a reagent. Figure 14A is a side view of a housing (1410) containing two freeze-dried reagents (1420). Figure 14B is a plan view of a housing (1470) containing at least one freeze-dried reagent (1470). Image analysis of the housing images can be performed to generate reagent information (e.g., data). In some embodiments, the reagent information may include the results of a comparison between the acquired image data and a reference dataset. The reagent information may include color data and a set of borders that define the reagent's size and shape. For example, the reagent information can be used to identify a reagent sphere split into multiple pieces and / or a freeze-dried reagent sphere that has one or more split portions. In step 1212, the reagent can be classified using reagent information. The quantity, size, shape, and location of defects can be quantified and compared to a predetermined set of thresholds. For example, some defects may have one or more sizes and / or shapes outside a predetermined limit. Defects may result in categorization as one or more of the following: rejected, acceptable, limited release, requiring secondary inspection, restricted use (e.g., approved for animal use but not for human use), cosmetic, manual inspection, and so on. That is, there can be multiple quality classifications. In some embodiments, a combination of the quantity, size, shape, and location of defects can be used to classify the reagent and / or rotor. In step 1214, the rotor and / or reagent analysis can be generated by the inspection system. In some embodiments, a display can record the rotor and the inspection result. Alternatively, a set of audible tones (e.g., beeps) can be generated to indicate the rotor and / or reagent inspection result. The analysis can also be stored in a remote database as described herein. As used herein, the expressions "around" and / or "approximately," when used in conjunction with numeric values ​​and / or ranges, generally refer to those numeric values ​​and / or ranges close to a given numeric value and / or range. In some cases, the expressions "around" and "approximately" may mean within ±10% of the given value. For example, in some cases, "around 100 [units]" may mean within ±10% of 100 (e.g., from 90 to 110). The expressions "around" and "approximately" may be used interchangeably. In the preceding description, for explanatory purposes, specific nomenclature was used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various inventions and embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to a person of average skill that specific details are not required to implement the disclosed inventions and embodiments. Therefore, the above descriptions of specific embodiments of the inventions and their corresponding embodiments are presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed; obviously, many modifications and embodiments are possible in light of the foregoing teachings.The embodiments were chosen and described to better explain the principles of the inventions, their corresponding embodiments, and practical applications, to enable other practitioners of a mid-level skill to make better use of the invention and various implementations with different modifications as appropriate for the particular use contemplated. The following claims and their equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any combination of two or more features, structures, systems, articles, materials, kits, stages, and / or methods disclosed herein is included within the inventive scope of this disclosure, provided that such features, structures, systems, articles, materials, kits, stages, and / or methods are not inconsistent with one another. Additionally, some embodiments of the various inventions disclosed herein may be distinguishable from the prior art by specifically lacking one or more features / elements / functionalities found in a reference or combination of references (i.e., claims relating to such embodiments may include negative limitations). All references to publications or other documents, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, web pages, books, etc., presented anywhere in this application, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, it is understood that all definitions, as defined and used herein, prevail over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. ηοίζηη / ίζηζ / Ε / γι NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a first layer defining a channel, a set of housings, and a cavity; a second layer coupled to the first layer, wherein the second layer includes at least one protrusion extending into the first layer, and the second layer defines an opening configured to receive a fluid, wherein the channel establishes a fluid communication path between the opening and the set of housings; and a container slidable within the cavity during use, wherein the protrusion is configured to penetrate a wall of the container.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the container is configured to hold one or more of a fluid, diluent and reagent.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that the protuberance is narrowed.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the container wall includes a membrane, and the at least one protrusion is configured to penetrate the container membrane as the container advances into the second layer.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first layer includes a dosing chamber, wherein the cavity is in fluid communication with the dosing chamber.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the apparatus is configured to receive a substance that includes one or more of blood, serum, plasma, and urine.

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