Microfluidic cartridges for molecular diagnostics, docking stations using such microfluidic cartridges, and processes for analyzing biological samples

摘要

The present invention relates to a microfluidic cartridge for detecting one nucleic acid of a sample, comprising a plurality of functional volumes split into functional areas and a fluidic network of microchannels. According to the invention, at least two functional areas are fluidly connected to a central distribution hub of fluids by one or more hub-connected microchannels, said central distribution hub being adapted to transfer fluids from a first functional area to a second functional area by passing through said central distribution hub; and in that at least three valves of hub-connected microchannels are arranged in order to be actuated mechanically by an external cam-driven actuator. The present invention further relates to a docking station using such a microfluidic cartridge and to a process for analyzing a biological sample involving a docking station and a microfluidic cartridge according to the invention.