FIELD DEPLOYABLE SMALL FORMAT FAST FIRST RESULT MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM

A field-deployable small format microfluidic system includes simplified, low-cost system control elements, optics, fluid control, and thermal control. An embodiment of a microfluidic chip includes a first plate having reagent wells and pneumatic ports formed therein, a second plate with reaction wells and microfluidic channels connecting each reaction well with one reagent well and one pneumatic port formed therein, and a printed circuit board with heater elements, a temperature sensor, and thermal vias providing thermal transfer through the PCB. In one embodiment, the reaction wells, pneumatic ports, reaction wells, and thermal vias are formed symmetrically with respect to a geometric center of the microfluidic chip to promote thermal uniformity across the reaction wells.