ANALYTICAL CARTRIDGE AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING ANALYTES

A diagnosis system, which comprises a monitor, comprising means for detecting multiple reflectance readings in an array of individual locations, means for registering an analytical cartridge in the monitor at a fixed location and orientation relative to the array, and means for determining and displaying analytical results from reflectance readings; and an analytical cartridge, comprising a liquid impervious housing, a sample application site in the housing located outside the monitor when the cartridge is registered in the monitor by the means for registering, one or more reflectance reading sites in the housing that register with one or more of the locations in the array, a capillary pathway in the housing leading from the sample application site to each of the reflectance reading sites, and a reflectance matrix located in at least one of the reflectance reading sites. In some embodiments of the invention, control features that optimize accuracy of measurement by controlling when and if sample reaches reflectance reading sites and by drawing excess sample away from undesirable locations in the cartridge are present. One control element balances the liquid-holding capacities of the application site, the sample-transporting capillary passageway that leads to the reflectance reading site, and the porous matrices from which the reflectance reading will be made, so that excess sample is excluded from entry into the cartridge while sample volumes that are below the minimum necessary for accurate operation do not reach the matrix, thereby avoiding false readings. Un système diagnostique, doté d'un dispositif de contrôle, comprend un dispositif permettant de détecter des lectures de réflectance multiples effectuées dans un ensemble de zones individuelles, un dispositif permettant d'introduire une cartouche d'analyse dans le dispositif de contrôle en un point et selon une orientation fixes par rapport à cet ensemble, ainsi qu'un dispositif permettant de déterminer et d'afficher des résultats d'analyse provenant des lectures de réflectance. Il comprend aussi une cartouche d'analyse munie d'un boîtier étanche aux liquides, d'un site d'application d'échantillon placé dans ce boîtier mais restant hors du dispositif de contrôle lorsque la cartouche y est insérée par le dispositif d'introduction, d'un ou plusieurs sites de lecture de réflectance placés dans le logement et entrant en contact avec une ou plusieurs zones de l'ensemble, d'un conduit capillaire placé dans l