The present invention relates to an apparatus for conducting a variety of assays for the determination of analytes in liquid samples, and relates to the methods for such assays. In particular, the invention relates to a single-use
cartridge designed to be adaptable to a variety of real-time
assay protocols, preferably assays for the determination of analytes in biological samples using immunosensors or other ligand / ligand
receptor-based
biosensor embodiments. The
cartridge provides novel features for
processing a metered portion of a sample, for precise and flexible control of the movement of a sample or second fluid within the
cartridge, for the amending of solutions with additional compounds during an
assay, and for the construction of immunosensors capable of
adaptation to diverse
analyte measurements. The disclosed device and methods of use enjoy substantial benefits over the prior art, including simplicity of use by an operator, rapid in situ determinations of one or more analytes, and single-use methodology that minimizes the risk of
contamination of both operator and patient. The disclosed invention is adaptable to the point-of-care clinical diagnostic field, including use in accident sites,
emergency rooms,
surgery,
nursing homes,
intensive care units, and non-medical environments.