Fluidics and sample handling in clinical chemical analysis

Newer clinical chemical instruments and devices feature advanced sample handling fluidic systems. This review presents descriptions of the technologies utilized in high throughput automated systems, remote point-of-care analyzers, non-automated test strip systems, blood glucose testing products, and automated nucleic acid based assay systems. The physical processes involved in the fluidic systems include simple diffusion, capillary action, positive pressure displacement, vacuum, magnetic forces, centrifugal motion, and electrochemical processes. Key issues and performance parameters are highlighted. Finally, the state-of-the-art in miniaturized fluidic components is presented with a summary of capillary electrophoresis chips and their application to clinically relevant targets. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.