Inventors:
Ilkka Johannes Lahdesmaki - Seattle WA, US
Assignee:
FIAlab Instruments, Inc. - Seattle WA
International Classification:
G01N 35/10
G01N 35/08
G01N 1/40
Abstract:
A fluidic sample pretreatment device is described. The device is capable of manipulating fluid samples in several different manners: 1) mixing the sample with other fluids in a large-bore syringe and receptacle, 2) mixing the sample with other fluids in narrow-bore capillary channels, 3) treating the sample or fluid mixture by passage through a solid-phase sorbent cartridge, 4) measuring optical properties in the sample or fluid mixture by means of UV absorbance or fluorescence, 5) subjecting the sample fluid or fluid mixture to a controlled temperature. The device can transfer the treated sample to an analytical instrument (e.g. a chromatograph or a mass spectrometer) for separation and/or analysis.The device is unique and novel in combining capabilities of fluid mixing both in a large-bore syringe barrel, as well as in narrow-bore tubing. Moreover, in-syringe mixing is promoted by liquid movement between the syringe and the receptacle, rather than by a stir bar located in the syringe. A further unique feature is the use of flow-through ports for feature integration on the selector valve: both a sample introduction point and an optional solid-phase sorbent cartridge are incorporated in this manner.