BACKGROUND

[0001] Precise sample dispensing in devices can be challenging due to many moving parts in the devices. In particular, sample preparation devices may receive a cassette holding sample preparation cartridge modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0003] Figure 1 A is a perspective view of an example sample preparation device for constraining a cassette comprising a frame holding a sample preparation cartridge module.

[0004] Figure 1 B is a perspective view of the example sample preparation device of Figure 1 A showing the cassette being inserted therein.

[0005] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cassette of Figure 1 B, but shown from a side opposite that in Figure 1 B to show locating features.

[0006] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a sample preparation cartridge module held by the cassette of Figure 1 B, that includes locating features.

[0007] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a sample dispensing end of the sample preparation cartridge module of Figure 3 showing a first locating feature.

[0008] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the sample dispensing end of the sample preparation cartridge module of Figure 3 showing a first locating feature mated with a corresponding first locating feature of a carriage of the sample preparation device of Figure 1A.

[0009] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a portion of the sample preparation cartridge module of Figure 3 that includes a second locating feature.

[0010] Figure 5B is a perspective view of the portion of the sample preparation cartridge module of Figure 3 that includes the second locating feature mated with a corresponding second locating feature of a carriage of the sample preparation device of Figure 1A.

[0011] Figure 6 depicts a cross-section of the medical device of Figure 1A, with the cassette received in a cassette holding portion of a carriage thereof, with the cassette holding portion in a cassette receiving position.

[0012] Figure 7 depicts a cross-section of the medical device of Figure 1A, with the cassette received in the cassette holding portion of the carriage thereof, with the cassette holding portion in a cassette constraining position.

[0013] Figure 8A is a perspective view of an example sample preparation device that incorporates the device of Figure 1A.

[0014] Figure 8B is a block diagram of the device of Figure 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In biological assays, a biological component can be intermixed with other components in a biological sample that can interfere with subsequent analysis. As used herein, the term “biological component” can refer to materials of various types, including proteins, cells, cell nuclei, nucleic acids, bacteria, viruses, or the like, that can be present in a biological sample. A “biological sample” can refer to a fluid or a dried or lyophilized material obtained for analysis from a living or deceased organism. Isolating the biological component from other components of the biological sample can permit subsequent analysis without interference and can increase an accuracy of the subsequent analysis. In addition, isolating a biological component from other components in a biological sample can permit analysis of the biological component that would not be possible if the biological component remained in the biological sample. In this context, “Isolation” can also be referred to as “purification”, whereby biological component may be separated from the rest of the biological sample after introduction to a sample preparation cartridge module interchangeably referred to hereafter as a sample container, a sample dispensing container, a cartridge module, and the like. It will be understood that the isolated biological component may be output in association with (e.g., bound to) particulate substrate and a reagent solution, or the like. The isolation or purification refers to the separation of the biological component from other components of the biological sample with which it was originally introduced in the cartridge module, but it does not mean that the biological component is completely isolated when it is dispensed. For example, isolation refers to the fact that the biological component is sufficiently separated or “purified” from other components of the original biological sample to facilitate further processing such as detection and/or amplification.

[0016] Many isolation techniques can include repeatedly dispersing and reaggregating samples. The repeated dispersing and re-aggregating can result in a loss of a quantity of the biological component. Furthermore, isolating a biological component with some of these techniques can be complex, time consuming, and labor intensive and can result in less than maximum yields of the isolated biological component. Such Isolation techniques are done using specific devices.

[0017] Obtaining precise biological sample preparation devices can be challenging due to many moving parts present in the devices, for example to move a carriage holding a cartridge of sample dispensing containers relative to sample receiving wells. The cartridge may hold a plurality of the sample dispensing containers or sample preparation devices or sample preparation cartridge modules which contain different respective biological samples.

[0018] During the isolation process, The sample dispensing containers or sample preparation devices or sample preparation cartridge modules may heat the samples to perform for example, lysis on cells in the biological samples to release biological component of interest, coming from the biological sample, may be a nucleic acid (such as DNA or RNA). Resulting sample fluid may be drawn through a fluid density gradient in the sample dispensing containers and dispensed into sample receiving wells, which may be transferred to further analytical assay such as, for example, a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

[0019] However, as initial quantities of the biological component of interest present in the biological sample, may be small, precise dispensing of the component of interest from the sample dispensing containers into the sample receiving wells should occur so as to not lose any content and/or to prevent cross-contamination between samples. As such a precise determination of a position of a shuttle and/or well carriage, that holds the sample receiving wells, relative to the carriage is important, and vice versa.

[0020] In some examples, the device of the present disclosure is a device that can be used to prepare sample to be used in a process of preparing samples for a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assay. PCR assays are processes that can rapidly copy millions to billions of copies of a very small DNA or RNA sample. PCR can be used for many different application, included sequencing genes, diagnosing viruses, identifying cancers, and others. In the PCR process, a small sample of DNA or RNA is combined with reactants that can form copies of the DNA or RNA.

[0021] As described herein, the biological sample comprises a biological component. In some examples, the biological component of interest, coming from the biological sample, may be a nucleic acid (such as DNA or RNA). A particulate substrate can be configured to be associated with the biological component, to isolate the biological component from the biological sample. In one example, the particulate substrate comprises paramagnetic beads and/or any magnetizing particle and/or magnetizing microparticles. In one example, the biological component comprises nucleic acids such as DNA and/or RNA that may be extracted from the biological sample by lysing, bound to magnetic particulate substrate, and separated from the lysate and dragged towards an output by an externally generated (para)magnetic force. Lysate may refer to the fluid containing the material resulting from the lysis of a biological sample. Such lysis may release the biological component that is contained therein. Lysing itself may include mixing and/or heating the biological sample, chemically lysing the biological sample, and/or a combination of the foregoing.

[0022] However, precise sample dispensing in sample preparation devices that perform the sample preparation as described above, can be challenging due to many moving parts in the devices. In particular, sample preparation devices may receive a cassette holding sample preparation cartridge modules, such as the aforementioned sample containers. For example, the cassette may “loosely” hold a plurality of the sample preparation cartridge modules which contain different respective biological samples. However, the sample preparation cartridge modules should be precisely held by the sample preparation devices at the cassette when dispensing samples thereof into sample dispensing wells, for example, after the sample preparation cartridge modules are subject to a sample preparation process applied in the sample processing devices.

[0023] In particular, as initial quantities of the biological samples and/or biological components of interest therein, may be small, precise dispensing of the samples and/or biological components of interest from the sample preparation cartridge modules into the sample receiving wells should occur so as to not lose any of the biological components of interest and/or to prevent cross-contamination between biological components of interest from different sample preparation cartridge modules. As such the carriage should hold the cassette of the sample preparation cartridge modules in a precise position, and specifically hold the sample preparation cartridge modules in precise positions.

[0024] As such, provided herein is a sample preparation device for receiving a cassette comprising a frame holding a sample preparation cartridge module and/or sample preparation cartridge modules. The sample preparation device includes a carriage to receive the cassette, and the carriage comprises a cassette constrainer portion and a cassette holder portion. The cassette holder portion receives the cassette and moves and/or pivots, relative to the cassette constrainer portion, between a cassette receiving position and a cassette constraining position. A latch may hold the cassette holder portion in the cassette constraining position. The cassette constrainer portion comprises a first locating feature, such as a rib, to mate with a corresponding first locating feature of the sample preparation cartridge module, such as a slot. The rib in the slot at least temporarily constrains movement of the sample preparation cartridge module, relative to the carriage, when the cassette is received at the cassette holder portion and further constrains rotational movement of the sample preparation cartridge module, relative to the carriage. The cassette constrainer portion further comprises a second locating feature, such as a pin, to mate with a corresponding second locating feature of the sample preparation cartridge module, such as a hole, for example with concave region structure around the hole to guide the pin into the hole. The rib in the slot further positions the pin relative to the hole. The pin in the hole constrains movement of the sample preparation cartridge module relative to the carriage, when the cassette holder portion is pivoted to the cassette constraining position. As such, the sample preparation cartridge modules are held in precise positions relative to the carriage for later precise positioning of the sample preparation cartridge modules in the sample preparation device.

[0025] A first aspect of the present specification provides a sample preparation device for receiving a cassette holding a sample preparation cartridge module, the sample preparation device comprising: a carriage to receive the cassette, the carriage comprising: a cassette constrainer portion; and a cassette holder portion to: receive the cassette; and move, relative to the cassette constrainer portion, between a cassette receiving position and a cassette constraining position, the cassette constrainer portion comprising: a first locating feature and a second locating feature, the first locating feature to: mate with a corresponding first locating feature of the sample preparation cartridge module to position the second locating feature relative to a corresponding second locating feature of the sample preparation cartridge module, and the second locating feature to: mate with the corresponding second locating feature of the sample preparation cartridge module to constrain movement of the sample preparation cartridge module relative to the carriage, when the cassette holder portion is pivoted to the cassette constraining position.

[0026] At the sample preparation device of the first aspect, the first locating feature may comprise rib.

[0027] At the sample preparation device of the first aspect, the second locating feature may comprise a pin.

[0028] The sample preparation device of the first aspect, may further comprise a latch to hold the cassette holder portion in the cassette constraining position.

[0029] At the sample preparation device of the first aspect, the cassette holder portion may be to move, relative to the cassette constrainer portion, between the cassette receiving position and the cassette constraining position by pivoting between the cassette receiving position and the cassette constraining position.

[0030] A second aspect of the present specification provides a sample preparation device comprising: a carriage to receive a cassette holding a sample preparation cartridge module, the sample preparation cartridge module comprising a slot at a sample dispensing end and a hole distal the slot along a longitudinal axis of the sample preparation cartridge module, the hole about perpendicular to the slot, the carriage comprising a rib and a pin, the rib to mate with the slot when the cassette is received in the carriage, to position the pin relative to the hole, and the pin to mate with the hole when the cassette is received in the carriage, to constrain movement of the sample preparation cartridge module. [0031] At the sample preparation device of the second aspect, the carriage may comprise a cassette holder portion and a cassette constrainer portion, the cassette holder portion pivotable, relative to the cassette constrainer portion, between a cassette receiving position and a cassette constraining position, wherein the rib and the slot are at the cassette constrainer portion and the pin mates with the hole when the cassette holder portion pivots into the cassette constraining position.

[0032] The sample preparation device of the second aspect may further comprise a latch to hold the cassette holder portion in the cassette constraining position, wherein the cassette holder portion is biased to the cassette receiving position.

[0033] At the sample preparation device of the second aspect, the carriage may be further to constrain movement of the cassette relative to the carriage.

[0034] The sample preparation device of the second aspect may further comprise respective surfaces, adjacent the rib and the pin, against which the sample preparation cartridge module is braced.

[0035] A third aspect of the present specification provides a cassette for insertion into a carriage of a sample preparation device, the cassette comprising: a frame shaped for insertion into the carriage; and a sample preparation cartridge module held by the frame such that the sample preparation cartridge module moves limited given distances in three- dimensions, the sample preparation cartridge module comprising: a sample receiving end distal a sample dispensing end, with a longitudinal axis therebetween; a first locating feature, at the sample dispensing end, to mate with a corresponding first locating feature of the carriage, to at least temporarily constrain movement of the sample preparation cartridge module in one dimension along the longitudinal axis; and a second locating feature, along the longitudinal axis, to mate with a corresponding second locating feature of the carriage, to constrain movement of the sample preparation cartridge module in the carriage.

[0036] At the cassette of the third aspect, the first locating feature may comprise a slot extending towards the sample dispensing end.

[0037] At the cassette of the third aspect, the first locating feature may comprise a slot extending towards the sample dispensing end: and a tapered region extending away from the slot.

[0038] At the cassette of the third aspect, the second locating feature may comprise a hole perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0039] At the cassette of the third aspect, the second locating feature may comprise: a hole perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a concave region around the hole.

[0040] Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B show perspective views of an example device 100 for constraining a cassette 102, the cassette 102 comprising a frame 104 holding a sample preparation cartridge module 106 (e.g., as depicted, eight sample preparation cartridge modules 106). A sample preparation cartridge module 106 may interchangeably referred to hereafter as a sample container, a sample dispensing container and/or a sample module, and the like. In particular, Figure 1 A shows the device 100 without the cassette 102 and Figure 1 B shows the device 100 with the cassette 102, for example as the cassette 102 is being received into the device 100.

[0041] While describe in more detail below, it is understood that components of the device 100 may be components of a larger device used for sample preparation. In particular, the device 100 may be used in a larger sample preparation device to isolate and/or purify biological components of interest of samples in sample preparation cartridge modules. Such a sample preparation device is described below with respect to Figure 8A and Figure 8B.

[0042] As depicted, there are eight sample preparation cartridge modules 106 in the cassette 102, the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 being elongate, and arranged, side-by-side and/or about parallel to each other in a row and/or line in the rectangularly shaped frame 104, with the cassette 102 being generally rectangular in shape to accommodate the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 in a row. [0043] It is further understood that the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 are held by the frame 104 “loosely”, for example in a row (e.g. about parallel to one another), such that the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 move limited given distances in three-dimensions. For reference, an XYZ coordinate system 107 is also depicted in Figure 1A and Figure 1 B to show one example of such dimensions. Hence, a “Z” direction may be along a length of a sample preparation cartridge module 106 (e.g. along a longitudinal axis thereof, as described below with respect of Figure 3), an “X” direction may be along the row of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 in the frame 104, and a “Y” direction may be perpendicular to the “X” and “Y” directions.

[0044] For example, the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 may be held in corresponding apertures, and the like, in the frame 104 so that while the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 are held by the frame 104, the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 move limited distances in the frame 104 in each of the “X”, “Y” and “Z” directions so that, as will explained below, the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 may be moved into particular positions, relative to the cassette 102 by locating features of the sample preparation cartridge modules interacting with locating features of the device 100.

[0045] The device 100 generally comprises a carriage 108 to receive the cassette 102. The carriage 108 is generally understood to receive the cassette 102 and be moved into different positions in the sample preparation device. As will explained herein, the carriage 108 includes features for precisely locating the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 relative to the carriage device 100 and/or the larger sample preparation device, so that precise processing of samples in the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 may occur along with precise dispensing of the samples into sample wells.

[0046] As depicted, the carriage 108 comprises: a cassette constrainer portion 110 and a cassette holder portion 112. As depicted, the cassette holder portion 112 is generally shaped to receive the cassette 102 and may, for example, include features to better facilitate insertion of the cassette 102 into the cassette holder portion 112. For example, an interior of the cassette holder portion 112 comprises a pair of slots 114 for receiving corresponding wings 116, and the like, on either of corresponding sides of the generally rectangular shaped frame 104 of the cassette 102. For example, with reference to Figure 1 B, a user may align the wings 116 of the cassette 102 with the slots 114 of the cassette holder portion 112 and exert a force 117 in the “Z” direction on the cassette 102 to insert the cassette 102 into the cassette holder portion 112. As will be explained below, such a force 117 cause first locating features of the carriage 108 and the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 to mate, which initially positions second locating features of the carriage 108 and the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 relative to each other, for example in the “Z” direction. The interior of the cassette holder portion 112 is of a width 118 (e.g. shown by an arrow in Figure 1 B) and shape to accept the frame 104 of the cassette 102.

[0047] Hence, in general, the carriage 108 and/or the cassette holder portion 112 is further to constrain movement of the cassette 108 and/or the frame 104 relative to the carriage 108 and/or fix the cassette 108 and/or the frame 104 into a given position relative to the carriage 108.

[0048] As will be described in more detail below with respect to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the cassette holder portion 112 is further generally to move, relative to the cassette constrainer portion 110, between a cassette receiving position (e.g. as shown in Figure 1A, Figure 1 B and Figure 6) and a cassette constraining position e.g. as shown in Figure 7).

[0049] In particular, in the cassette receiving position, the cassette 102 is insertable into the cassette holder portion 112 without interference from various locating features of the cassette constrainer portion 110. For example, as depicted in Figure 1A and Figure 1 B, when the cassette holder portion 112 is in the cassette receiving position, the cassette holder portion 112 is at an angle relative to the cassette constraining portion 110 and/or a remainder of the carriage 108. For example, the device 100 may “raised”, and/or otherwise moved out of the sample preparation device of which the device 100 is a component, and the cassette holder portion 112 may move into the cassette receiving position for loading and/or manual insertion of the cassette 102 into the cassette holder portion 112. In some examples, the cassette holder portion 112 may be biased into the cassette receiving position.

[0050] However, as will be explained in more detail below with respect to Figure 4A, Figure 4B, Figure 5A, Figure 5B and Figure 7, as the carriage 108 is being lowered, and/or otherwise moved into the sample preparation device, the cassette holder portion 112 moves from the cassette receiving position, for example into the cassette constraining position, and second locating features of the cassette constrainer portion 110 mate with respective locating features of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 to constrain movement of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 relative to the carriage 108. In particular the various locating features mating with each fully constrains movement of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 relative to the carriage 108 (e.g. constrained in the “X”, “Y” and “Z” directions as well as rotationally constrained about the “X”, “Y” and “Z” directions).

[0051] For example, the device 100 and/or the sample preparation device of which the device 100 is a component, may comprise a lip and/or an opening, and/or any suitable mechanical feature which applies a force 120 on the cassette holder portion 112, for example as the carriage 108 is moved into the sample preparation device. The force 120 forces the cassette holder portion 112 towards the cassette constrainer portion 110 (e.g. into the cassette constraining position), and similarly causes corresponding locating features of the cassette constrainer portion 110 and the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 to mate with each other, thereby constraining the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 into positions relative to the carriage 108.

[0052] In particular, while not depicted, the carriage 108 may include pins, hinges, and the like, to pivot the cassette constraining position between the cassette receiving position and the cassette constraining position. Put another way, in some examples, the cassette holder portion 112 is to move, relative to the cassette constrainer portion 110, between the cassette receiving position and the cassette constraining position, by pivoting between the cassette receiving position and the cassette constraining position. Such pivoting is described in more detail below in Figure 6 and Figure 7.

[0053] The locating features of the cassette constrainer portion 110 and the cassette 102 are now described with reference to Figure 1A, Figure 1 B, as well as Figure 2 and Figure 3. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the cassette 102 from a side opposite that shown in Figure 1 , for example to show respective locating features of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 thereof.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of a sample preparation cartridge module 106 that includes respective locating features; for example, as described below with respect to Figure 8B, a sample preparation cartridge module 106 may comprise different sample processing regions and the locating features of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 may be located at either end of a fluid density gradient region. Hence, in Figure 3 the portion (e.g. a fluid density gradient region) of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 is depicted as separate from the cassette 102, to better show the respective locating features of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106.

[0054] With attention again directed to Figure 1 A and/or Figure 1 B, the cassette constrainer portion 110 comprises a first locating feature 122 and a second locating feature 124. While only one of each of the locating features 122, 124 are indicated in Figure 1 , it is understood that the cassette constrainer portion 110 includes as many respective locating features 122, 124 as there are sample preparation cartridge modules 106 in the cassette 102, for example, as depicted eight sample preparation cartridge modules 106. Hence, as depicted, there are eight of each of the locating features 122, 124, though the cassette 102 could hold as few as one sample preparation cartridge module 106, and/or a number of sample preparation cartridge modules 106 different from eight, with a number of the locating features 122, 124 adjusted accordingly.

[0055] In general, the first locating feature 122 is to: mate with a corresponding first locating feature 126 of a corresponding sample preparation cartridge module 106; the first locating feature 126 of a sample preparation cartridge module 106 is best seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3. In particular, the first locating feature 122 may be to mate with the corresponding first locating feature 126 of a corresponding sample preparation cartridge module 106 when the cassette 102 is inserted into the carriage holder portion 112 and the force 117 applied to the cassette 102.

[0056] For example, as depicted, the first locating feature 122 of the cassette constrainer portion 110 may comprise a rib and the corresponding first locating feature 126 of the corresponding sample preparation cartridge module 106 may comprise a slot that accepts the rib therein, for example when the cassette 102 is inserted into the carriage holder portion 112 and the force 117 applied to the cassette 102. As the first locating feature 126 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 is located at an end of the sample preparation cartridge module 106, for example at a sample dispensing end 131 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 along a longitudinal axis 132 thereof (e.g. as best seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3), with the first locating feature 122 positioned correspondingly at the cassette constrainer portion 110, the first locating feature 122 may at least temporarily constrain movement of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 (e.g. along the longitudinal axis 132 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 and/or in the “Z” direction) and/or constrain rotational movement of the sample preparation cartridge module 106.

[0057] However, the mating of the first locating features 122, 126 generally positions the second locating features 124 of the cassette constrainer portion 124 relative to corresponding second locating features 128 of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106. For example, again comparing Figure 1A and/or Figure 1 B, with Figure 2 and Figure 3, the second locating feature 124 is generally to: mate with a corresponding second locating feature 128 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106.

[0058] For example, as depicted, the second locating feature 124 of the cassette constrainer portion 110 may comprise a pin and the corresponding second locating feature 128 of the corresponding sample preparation cartridge module 106 may comprise a hole that accepts the pin therein, for example when the hole of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 is pivoted into the pin of the cassette constrainer portion 110 as the cassette holder portion 112 pivots into the cassette constraining position. In particular, the second locating feature 124 is to constrain movement, and/or constrain linear movement, of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 relative the carriage 108, when the cassette holder portion 112 is pivoted to the cassette constraining position. The hole of the second locating feature 128 is understood not to extend through the sample preparation cartridge module 106 but rather is of a depth and size (e.g. a diameter) that accepts the pin of the second locating feature 124 therein.

[0059] For example, when the pin is in the hole, the pin may prevent the sample preparation cartridge module 106 from moving in the “X” “Y”, and “Z” directions relative to the carriage 108. Furthermore, the rib in the slot may prevent the sample preparation cartridge module 106 from rotating relative to the carriage 108.

[0060] Furthermore, it is understood that tolerance of at least the second locating features 124, 128 is selected to be as small as possible to reduce and/or minimize longitudinal and lateral movement (e.g. give and/or play) of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 relative to the carriage 108 when the cassette holder portion 112 is in the cassette constraining position. In a particular example a center-to-center distance between a rib and a pin (e.g. the locating features 122, 124) may be about 78.1+/-0.25mm, and a diameter/width of a pin and/or rib may be about 3.0mm, with the slots and holes (e.g. the locating features 126, 128) adapted accordingly, however such dimensions are understood to depend on the general shape and dimensions of the overall sample preparation device, and/or materials of the locating features 122, 124, 126, 128 (e.g. which may be plastic and/or metal and/or any suitable materials) and hence any suitable dimensions (and materials) are within the scope of the present specification.

[0061] Hence, in general, as the first locating feature 122 at least prevents rotational movement of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 relative to the carriage 108, and as the second locating feature 124 constrains linear movement of the sample preparation cartridge module 106, the locating features 122, 124 hold the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 in precise positions relative to the carriage 108.

[0062] Furthermore, as the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 are “loosely” held by the frame 104, the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 may be moved into such precise positions, for example when the first locating features 122, 126 and the second locating features 124, 128 mate with each other.

[0063] Various further aspects of the device 100 and the cassette 102 will next be described.

[0064] For example, attention is again directed to Figure 1A and Figure 1 B which further depicts a latch 129 to hold the cassette holder portion 112 in the cassette constraining position. Hence, it is understood that the device 100 may further comprise the latch 129 to hold the cassette holder portion 112 in the cassette constraining position. While only one latch 129 is depicted in Figure 1 , it is understood that the device 100 may comprise a pair of latches on opposite sides of the carriage 108 to latch the cassette holder portion 112 in the cassette constraining position.

[0065] In yet further examples, it is understood that the cassette holder portion 112 may be biased to the cassette receiving position such that, when the device 100 moves out of the sample preparation device, the cassette holder portion 112 pivots into the cassette receiving position, and the latch 129 unlatches.

[0066] With further reference to Figure 1A and Figure 1 B, the device 100 may further comprise guide holes 134, and the like, at opposing ends of the carriage 108, through which rails and/or lead screws (e.g. and/or drive screws) of a carriage guide (e.g. a vertical carriage guide described below with respect to Figure 8B) of the sample preparation device may be inserted to facilitate movement of the carriage 108 in the sample preparation device. It is understood that, while at the depicted perspective only some guide holes 134 are visible, the device 100 may comprise any suitable number of guide holes 134, at opposing ends of the carriage 108 through which rails and/or lead screws of a carriage guide may be inserted, for example to move the carriage 108 in the sample preparation device into different positions, using servomotors, and the like.

[0067] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 2, and Figure 3, it further understood that a sample preparation cartridge module 106 includes the sample dispensing end 131 , from which a sample processed in the sample preparation cartridge module 106 is dispensed, and a sample receiving end 136 distal the sample dispensing end 131 , with a longitudinal axis 132 therebetween. For example, the sample receiving end 136 depicted in Figure 1 , may include a port 138 at which a sample is received for processing.

[0068] Furthermore, while the locating features 122, 124, 126, 128 have been described with respect to ribs and slots, and pins and holes, the locating features 122, 124, 126, 128 may comprise any suitable features which hold the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 in precise positions relative to the carriage 108, and the like. For example, the first locating features 122, 126 may be reversed such that the first locating feature 122 of the carriage 108 comprises a slot and the corresponding first locating feature 126 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 comprises a rib. Alternatively, the first locating features 122, 126 may comprise corresponding pins and slots in any suitable locations. Similarly, the second locating features 124, 128 may comprise pins and holes, and/or ribs and slots, of any suitable shape and/or size, and furthermore, their positions may be reversed such that, for example, the second locating feature 124 of the cassette constrainer portion 110 comprises a hole, and the corresponding locating feature 128 of the container 106 110 comprises a pin.

[0069] Regardless, the specific example of the device 100 depicted in Figure 1A and Figure 1 B shows: the carriage 108 to receive the cassette 102 holding a sample preparation cartridge module 106, the sample preparation cartridge module 106 comprising a slot (e.g. the corresponding first locating feature 126) at a sample dispensing end 131 (e.g. as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3) and a hole (e.g. the corresponding second locating feature 124) distal the slot along the longitudinal axis 132 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106, the hole about perpendicular the longitudinal axis 132 and/or the slot. Indeed, the slot of the first locating feature 126 is understood to open towards the sample dispensing end 131 (e.g. as best seen in Figure 3 and Figures 4A) to better receive the rib of the first locating feature 122 of the cassette constrainer portion 110.

[0070] Hence, the specific example of the device 100 depicted in Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B shows the carriage 108 comprising a rib (e.g. the first locating feature 122) and a pin (e.g. the second locating feature 124). The rib is to mate with the slot (e.g. the corresponding first locating feature 126) to position the pin relative to the hole (e.g. the corresponding second locating feature 128) (when the cassette 102 is received in the carriage 108 and to constrain rotational movement of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 relative to the carriage 108. The pin is to mate with the hole to constrain movement and/or linear movement of the sample preparation cartridge module 106.

[0071] In particular, as has already been described, the carriage 108 comprises the cassette holder portion 112 and the cassette constrainer portion 110, and the cassette holder portion 112 may be pivotable, relative to the cassette constrainer portion 110, between a cassette receiving position and a cassette constraining position. As has already been described, the rib and the slot are at the cassette constrainer portion 110 and mate when the cassette 102 is received in the cassette holder portion 112, and the pin mates with the hole when the cassette holder portion 112 pivots into the cassette constraining position.

[0072] For example, attention is next directed to Figure 4A, Figure 4B, Figure 5A and Figure 5B which better shows the mating between the various locating features 122, 124, 126, 128.

[0073] Attention is first directed to Figure 4A and Figure 4B which depicts a sample dispensing end 131 of a sample preparation cartridge module 106. Figure 4A depicts the sample dispensing end 131 before mating, and Figure 4B depicts the sample dispensing end 131 after mating.

[0074] With reference to Figure 4A, as has already been described, the first locating feature 126 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 may comprise a slot extending towards the sample dispensing end 131. As depicted, however, the first locating feature 126 may further comprise a tapered region 401 extending away from the slot, for example tapered outward from the slot to guide the rib of the first locating feature 122 of the cassette holder portion 112 into the slot as the cassette 102 is inserted into the cassette holder portion 112.

[0075] For example, with reference to Figure 4B, the rib of the first locating feature 122 of the cassette constrainer portion 110 is received in the slot, as guided by the tapered region 401 , as the cassette 102 is inserted into the cassette holder portion 112. In Figure 4B, a portion of the cassette constrainer portion 110 is depicted in outline to show the relative position of the portion of the cassette constrainer portion 110 at the sample dispensing end 131 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 when the first locating features 122, 126 are mated.

[0076] Furthermore, as depicted, in both Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the sample preparation cartridge module 106 may comprise adjacent surfaces 403 that extend from either side of the first locating feature 126 and which, when the first locating feature 126 is mated with the first locating feature 122 of the cassette constrainer portion 110, resides against the cassette constrainer portion 110, for example to brace the sample preparation cartridge module 106 against the cassette constrainer portion 110. Hence, the depicted portion of the cassette constrainer portion 110 is understood to comprise respective adjacent surfaces against which the adjacent surfaces 403 are braced.

[0077] Attention is next directed to Figure 5A and Figure 5B which depicts a portion of a sample preparation cartridge module 106 that includes the second locating feature 128. Figure 5A depicts the sample preparation cartridge module 106 before mating, and Figure 5B depicts the sample preparation cartridge module 106 after mating.

[0078] With reference to Figure 5A, the second locating feature 128 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 may comprise a hole extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 132 and/or perpendicular to a slot of the first locating feature 122. As depicted, the second locating feature 128 may further comprise a concave region 501 around the hole, for example increasing in diameter outward from the hole to guide the pin of the second locating feature 124, of the cassette holder portion 112, into the hole, as the cassette holder portion 112 moves into the cassette constraining position.

[0079] For example, with reference to Figure 5B, the pin of the second locating feature 124 of the cassette constrainer portion 110 is received in the hole, as guided by the concave region 501 , as the carriage holding portion 112 pivots and/or moves into the carriage constraining position. In Figure 5B, a portion of the cassette constrainer portion 110 is depicted in outline to show the relative position of the portion of the cassette constrainer portion 110 at the region of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 that includes the second locating feature 128.

[0080] Furthermore, as depicted, in both Figure 5A and Figure 5B, the sample preparation cartridge module 106 may comprise adjacent surfaces 503 that extend from either side of the second locating feature 128 and which, when the second locating feature 128 is mated with the second locating feature 124 of the cassette constrainer portion 110, resides against the cassette constrainer portion 110, for example to brace the sample preparation cartridge module 106 against the cassette constrainer portion 110. Hence, the depicted portion of the cassette constrainer portion 110 is understood to comprise respective adjacent surfaces against which the adjacent surfaces 503 are braced.

[0081] Hence, together, the adjacent surfaces 403, 503 along the sample preparation cartridge module 106, and the respective adjacent surfaces of the cassette constrainer portion 110, brace the sample preparation cartridge module 106 against the cassette constrainer portion 110 when the carriage holder portion 112 is in the carriage constraining position, for example to assist with holding the sample preparation cartridge module 106 into a precise position relative to the carriage 108. Put another way, the device 100 may include respective surfaces, adjacent the rib and the pin, against which the sample preparation cartridge module may be braced. [0082] Attention is next directed to Figure 6 and Figure 7 which respectively depict a cross-section of the device 100, with the cassette 102 received in the cassette holder portion 112, for example through a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 132 of a sample preparation cartridge module portion 106, and further perpendicular to the second locating features 126, 128. While not depicted in Figure 6 and Figure 7, it is understood that the rib of the first locating feature 122 of the cassette restraining portion 110 has been received in the slot of the first locating feature 126 of the cassette 102.

[0083] In particular, Figure 6 shows the cassette holder portion 112 in the cassette receiving position, and Figure 7 shows the cassette holder portion 112 in the cassette constraining position. Figure 6 and Figure 7 are provided at least to show the positions of the second locating features 126, 128 in the cassette receiving position and the cassette constraining position, as well as the latch 129 in the cassette receiving position and the cassette constraining position.

[0084] For example, with reference to Figure 6, in the cassette receiving position, the latch 129 is not latched and the pin of the second locating feature 126 is not “in” the hole of the second locating feature 128. However, Figure 6 further illustrates that, when the cassette 102 in the cassette holder portion 112, the pin of the second locating feature 126 and the hole of the second locating feature 128 are about aligned. Hence, when the force 120 is applied, the cassette holder portion 112 pivots (e.g. as represented by an arrow 601) about a pivot point 603 (e.g. represented a circle in Figure 6, but enlarged to emphasize a position thereof), such that the pin of the second locating feature 126 is inserted into the hole of the second locating feature 128, as depicted in Figure 7.

[0085] As also depicted in Figure 7, the latch 129 is in a latched position, and the cassette holder portion 112 has moved into the cassette constrainer position so that the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 are in a position where they may be guided, in the carriage 108, aligned with a path of the carriage 108 through the sample preparation device of Figure 8A and Figure 8B, for interaction with components thereof and/or for dispensing of a sample therein. For example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 further show the longitudinal axis 132 of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106; in Figure 6, the longitudinal axis 132 of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 is at an angle to the cassette constraining portion 110 while in Figure?, the longitudinal axis 132 of the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 is about parallel angle the cassette constraining portion 110.

[0086] Hence, Figure 6 and Figure 7 further illustrate that the device 100 accepts the cassette 102 and positions the cassette 102 relative to the carriage 108 via the locating features 122, 124, 126, 128, for example to precisely position the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 for sample processing in the sample preparation device of Figure 8A and Figure 8B.

[0087] It is further understood that the cassette 102 is provided for insertion into the carriage 108 of a sample preparation device that includes the device 100. It is understood that the cassette 102 comprises: the frame 104 which is understood to be shaped for insertion into the carriage 108. The cassette 102 further includes a sample preparation cartridge module 106 (or a plurality of sample preparation cartridge modules 106) held by the frame 104 such that the sample preparation cartridge module 106 (or the plurality of sample preparation cartridge modules 106) moves limited given distances in three-dimensions. A sample preparation cartridge module 106 of the cassette 102 is understood to include the sample receiving end 136 distal the sample dispensing end 131 , with the longitudinal axis 132 therebetween, and hence the sample preparation cartridge module 106 may be a generally elongate shape. The sample preparation cartridge module 106 is understood to include the first locating feature 126, at the sample dispensing end 131 , to mate with the corresponding first locating feature 122 of the carriage 108, to at least temporarily constrain movement of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 in one dimension in the frame 104 (e.g. longitudinally and/or in a “Z” direction) along the longitudinal axis 132. The sample preparation cartridge module 106 is understood to further include the second locating feature 128, along the longitudinal axis 132, to mate with the corresponding second locating feature 124 of the carriage 108, to constrain movement of the sample preparation cartridge module 106. The mating of the first locating features 122, 126, further positions the second locating features 124, 128 relative to each other, for better mating, as has already been described.

[0088] As has already been described, in some examples, the first locating feature 126 may comprise a slot extending towards the sample dispensing end 131 and may optionally comprise the tapered region 401 extending away from the slot. In some examples, the second locating feature 128 may comprise a hole perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 132 and may optionally comprise the concave region 501 around the hole.

[0089] Attention is next directed to Figure 8A and Figure 8B which respectively depict a perspective view and a block diagram of an example sample preparation device 800 that incorporates aspects of the device 100 and of Figure 1.

[0090] As depicted, the sample preparation device 800 (interchangeably referred to hereafter as the device 800) includes a chassis 802 that includes a cassette access door 804 for loading the cassette 102 that includes the sample preparation cartridge module 106 and/or sample preparation cartridge modules 106 therein, the sample preparation cartridge module 106 holding a sample for testing as described hereafter. While the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 are depicted as being in an elongate shape and/or in the form of a column, similar to Figure 1 B, Figure 2 and Figure 3, the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 may be any suitable shape. The chassis 802 further includes a well access door 810 for loading a well holder 812 containing a well 814 and/or wells for receiving processed samples dispensed from the sample preparation cartridge module 106 after processing by the device 800. While only one sample preparation cartridge module 106 is depicted, and eight wells 814, it is understood that the cassette 102 may hold a same number of sample preparation cartridge modules 108 as there are wells 814 at the well holder 812. For example, as depicted, similar to Figure 1 B and/or Figure 2, there may be eight sample preparation cartridge modules 106 and hence eight wells.

Furthermore, while the cassette 102 is depicted in an end view showing only one sample preparation cartridge module 106, and the well holder 812 is shown in a front view showing eight wells 814, the components of the device 800 may cause the cassette 102 and the well holder 812 to be loaded into the device 800 in any suitable relative orientation including, but not limited to, about parallel to one another such that a line of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 is about aligned with a line of the wells 814.

[0091] As depicted, the device 800 further comprises an input device 818, such as a touch screen display, and the like, which may be used to control the device 800 into a loading mode, which causes the cassette access door 804 and the well access door 810 to open such that the cassette 102 and the well holder 812, with the wells 814, may be manually loaded into the device 800. Hence, it is understood that a sample preparation cartridge module 106 is loaded with a sample 838 (e.g. such as a biological sample retrieved from a human by medical personnel), and the like, via the port 138 at the sample receiving end 134. The input device 818 may also be used to set given temperatures to which the sample preparation cartridge module 106 is to be heated and/or a heating cycle of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 and/or a heating/mixing cycle (e.g. setting mixing speeds of an agitator 844 of the device 800).

[0092] In the loading mode, the carriage 108 of the device 800, which may alternatively be referred to as the cassette carriage 108, is raised along a vertical carriage guide 826 to at least partially emerge from an opening that is normally covered by the cassette access door 804. The cassette holder portion 112 pivots relative to the cassette constrainer portion 110 into the carriage receiving position, and the cassette 102 is then manually loaded into the cassette holder portion 112 of the cassette carriage 108.

[0093] Similarly, in the loading mode, the shuttle (e.g. a well carriage) 828, which moves linearly on the planar surface (e.g. a horizontal carriage guide) 830, is moved out of an opening that is normally covered by the well access door 810, for example by moving and/or rotating an end of planar surface 830 at which the shuttle 828 is located in the loading mode, out of the opening. The well holder 812 is then manually loaded into a complementary shaped depression and/or holder 831 in the well carriage 108. While the terms vertical and horizontal are used herein with regards to a position of the device 800 in a normal use mode, such terms are meant for ease of description only and/or to indicate relative positions of components of the device 800 (e.g. the guide 826 and the planar surface 830 may be about perpendicular to each other as one is vertical and the other horizontal, but may be in any suitable orientation).

[0094] Once loaded, the cassette carriage 108 moves the cassette 102, moving the cassette holder portion 112 (e.g. closing the door 804), and then into different positions in the device 800, for example along the vertical carriage guide 826 (e.g. which may include guide rails through the holes 134), to process the sample 838 before dispensing the sample 838 from the sample preparation cartridge module 106 into a well 814. As such, while not depicted, the device 800 (e.g. and/or the device 100 integrated into the device 800) is further understood to include a motor and/or a servomotor, and the like, to move the cassette carriage 108 into different positions along the vertical carriage guide 826. Furthermore, when the cassette carriage 108 moves the cassette 102 into the device 800, the cassette holding portion 112 is understood to move into the cassette constraining position as described herein, to precisely position the sample preparation cartridge module 106 relative to the carriage 108. For example, a component of the device 800 may exert the force 120 onto the cassette holder portion 112 as the carriage 108 moves into the device 800.

[0095] Similarly, once loaded, the planar surface 830 moves inside the device 800 (e.g. closing the door 810) and the shuttle 828 is moved into a position to receive the sample 838 from the sample preparation cartridge module 106 into a corresponding well 814. When there a plurality of sample preparation cartridge modules 106 holding respective samples 838, once the samples 838 are processed, the shuttle 828 is moved into respective positions to receive respective samples 838 dispensed from respective sample preparation cartridge modules 106 into corresponding wells 814. As such, the shuttle 828 may be positioned at an angle relative to the cassette carriage 108 and/or the cassette 102 such that different sample preparation cartridge modules 106 align with different wells 814 at different positions of the shuttle 828. [0096] As such, while not depicted, the device 800 is further understood to include motors and/or a servomotors, and the like, to move the planar surface 830 into and out of the device 800, and to linearly move the shuttle 828 along the planar surface 830.

[0097] While not depicted, the device 800 may further include respective components for opening and closing the doors 804, 810.

[0098] To effect processes of the device 800, a sample preparation cartridge module 106 may be divided into a first region 832 and a second region 834 (e.g. depicted in Figure 3), divided by a barrier 836. A sample 838 is received into the sample preparation cartridge module 106 via the port 138, and may resides at a bottom of the first region 832, at the barrier 836. The sample preparation cartridge module 106 may further comprise an agitator 840 in the first region 832 which may be actuated via a mixer actuator 842 and an agitator 844, and the like of the device 800 as described below. In particular, the mixer actuator 842 may include a servomotor and/or servomotors, and the like, to move/rotate the agitator 844 to mix the sample 838 via the agitator 840, while the sample 838 is heated, as described below.

[0099] For example, the cassette 102 may be moved, along the vertical carriage guide 826, via the cassette carriage 108, into a heating position for heating by one or both of two heaters 846 (e.g. heaters 846-1 , 846-2) attached to respective mechanical devices 848 (e.g. mechanical devices 848-1 , 848-2).

[00100] While not depicted in Figure 8A, the device 800 is understood to include respective temperature sensors at the heaters 846 and/or the mechanical devices 848 so that, in a heating position of the cassette carriage 108, the heaters 846 may be positioned adjacent the first region 832 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 to heat the sample 838, while the agitator 840 is actuated by the agitator 844, to agitate and/or mix the sample 838 while it is being heated, for example to promote lysis in cells of the sample 838. As such, the agitator 844 itself is understood to be further moved by the mixer actuator 842 into a position to agitate and/or mix the sample 838, while it is being heated, and actuated by the mixer actuator 842 which may comprise any suitable combination of motors for moving and turning the agitator 844. Alternatively, as will be explained in further detail below, the first region 832 (or the second region 834) may include magnetizing microparticles having surfaces to which biological components of interest (e.g. expelled by cells of the sample 838 due to lysis) bond; hence, in some examples, the agitator 844 may comprise a magnetic agitating device which agitates the sample 838 during lysis by applying a changing magnetic field to the first region 832 to move the magnetizing microparticles; in such examples, the agitator 840 may be omitted from the sample preparation cartridge module 106.

[00101] However, as depicted, it is understood that the agitator 840 is generally configured to mate with the agitator 844; for example, as depicted, the agitator 840 may be attached to a pressure source 850, such as a plunger, and he like, an outer surface of which may be used to both mate with the agitator 844, to actuate the agitator 840, and move the sample 838 to the second region 834, for example by applying pressure to the pressure source 844 via the agitator 844 to break the barrier 836.

[00102] Once lysis is performed on the sample 838, biological components of interest may be released from the sample 838 and bond to magnetizing microparticles. While not depicted, the second region 834 may further include a wash buffer which may be mixed with the biological components of interest bonded to the magnetizing microparticles (e.g. when plunged into the second region 834), by actuation of a suitable reservoir 852 of a plurality of reservoirs 852 that perform different functions for the sample preparation cartridge module 106; such reservoirs 852 may be alternatively referred to as blisters and/or pouches, and the like. For example, one reservoir 852 may hold the wash buffer, another reservoir 852 may hold chemicals to stabilize the biological components of interest, another reservoir 852 may hold a grease barrier, and yet another reservoir 852 may be for dispensing the processed sample 838, including the biological components of interest bonded to the magnetizing microparticles, into a well 814, for example via a needle and/or tip 854 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106, for example at the sample dispensing end 131. [00103] As mentioned above, the cassette 102 may hold a plurality of sample preparation cartridge modules 106 and hence the device 800 may include various devices for actuating a plurality of corresponding reservoirs 852 (e.g. concurrently) on a plurality of sample preparation cartridge modules 106 and devices for actuating individual reservoirs 852 (e.g. independent of each other) on the sample preparation cartridge modules 106. For example, as depicted, the device 800 may include a multiple reservoir actuator 856 including a plurality of reservoir tips 858 (though only one is depicted) which may be used to actuate a plurality of corresponding reservoirs 852 (e.g. concurrently) on a plurality of sample preparation cartridge modules 106, for example to concurrently introduce the wash buffer, or the stabilizing chemicals or the grease barrier into the second regions 834 of the plurality of sample preparation cartridge modules 106. However, the device 800 may include a plurality of single reservoir actuators 860 (though only one is depicted) including respective reservoir tips 862 (though, again, only one is depicted), for independently actuating respective reservoirs 852 at the plurality of sample preparation cartridge modules 106 to independently dispense samples 838 into respective wells 814 via respective tips 862. In other examples, the device 800 may comprise one single reservoir actuator 860 including one reservoir tip 862 that is movable within the device 800 between sample preparation cartridge modules 106.

[00104] It is understood that the cassette carriage 108 may be moved into various suitable positions along the vertical carriage guide 826 relative to other components of the device 800, to effect actuation of the pressure source 844 and/or actuation of respective reservoirs 852 by the reservoir actuators 856, 860.

[00105] The device 800 and/or the sample preparation cartridge module 106 may include other suitable components. For example, as previously mentioned, the sample preparation cartridge module 106 may include magnetizing microparticles in the first region 832 which have surfaces treated to bond to biological components of interest from the sample 838 when heated. Furthermore, the second region 834 may include a wash buffer density gradient, when the wash buffer is introduced into the second region 834; in particular, the second region 834 may comprise a fluid density gradient which isolates and/or purifies the biological components of interest bonded to the magnetizing microparticles. As such the second region 834 may alternatively be referred to as the fluid density gradient region which is depicted in Figure 3.

[00106] As depicted, the device 800 may include a magnet 864, which may be actuated via a magnetic actuator 866 to move the magnet 864 adjacent the sample preparation cartridge module 106 as the sample preparation cartridge module 106 is moved along the vertical carriage guide 826, for example to attract the magnetizing microparticles in the processed sample 838 and move the sample 838 towards the tip 854 and/or through the wash buffer density gradient in the second region 834.

[00107] As depicted, the device 800 further includes a cooler and/or air-intake port 868 and/or tube which may include a fan, and the like (not depicted) for drawing air into the device 800 via a filter 870, and an exhaust port 872 (which may also include a fan) for expelling air drawn into the device 800 via the cooler port 868 via a respective filter 874. In particular, the ports 868, 872 may provide passive or active cooling at the device 800 to cool the sample 838 when heated. Furthermore, when such cooling is active, a fan and/or fans of the ports 268, 272 may be controlled in cooling sample preparation cartridge modules 106.

[00108] Finally, once the samples 838 are processed as described, the cassette carriage 108 may be moved into a sample dispensing position relative to the shuttle 828 and/or the wells 814 to dispense the processed samples 838, including respective biological components of interest bonded to magnetizing microparticles, into the wells 814 from the sample preparation cartridge modules 106; the shuttle 828 may be moved into sample receiving positions, relative to the carriage 108, to position the wells 814 relative to the sample preparation cartridge modules 106 to receive the samples 838 as dispensed. Once the samples 838 are dispensed into the wells 814, the shuttle 828 may again be moved out of the device 800 and the wells 814 transferred to a PCR assay device. Hence it may be important to precisely position the sample preparation cartridge module 106 relative to the carriage 108, as described herein with respect to Figure 4A, Figure 4B, Figure 5A, Figure 5B, Figure 6 and Figure 7, such that the components of the device 100 align with the regions 832, 834 and reservoirs 852 of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 and so that precise positioning of the sample preparation cartridge module 106 relative to the wells 814 may occur during dispensing.

[00109] It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.