WO2025012430A1 - Radiation transfer unit and device comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation transfer unit (RU) for use in the analysis of at least one substance, comprising: - a radiation guiding system (RGS) that is configured to guide radiation from a radiation region (RR) to a detection region (DR), wherein the radiation region (RR) is configured to emit radiation emitted out of respective chambers (C1 to C11, CC) each chamber comprising at least one substance to be analyzed, wherein the detection region (DR) is configured to be used by an optical system for image capturing of radiation forwarded by the radiation transfer unit (RU), - at least two input regions (IPR) configured to receive radiation from the radiation region (RR), wherein the at least two input regions (IPR) are arranged within an input area (IA) defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two input regions (IPR), - at least two output regions (OPR) configured to forward radiation transferred by the radiation transfer unit (RU) to the detection region (DR), wherein the at least two output regions (OPR) are arranged within an output area (OA) defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two output regions (OPR), wherein the output area (OA) is smaller than the input area (IR), and wherein the radiation guiding system (RGS) is configured to transfer the radiation in at least two transfer channels (TC) that are optically decoupled from each other.

Description

RADIATION TRANSFER UNIT AND DEVICE COMPRISING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a radiation transfer unit that may be arranged within an analysis device, e.g. at or on a cartridge or on a cartridge retaining space configured to retain the cartridge. The cartridge retaining space may also be named as a cartridge retaining space. The cartridge may be used for handling at least one substance, e.g. a biological substance such as microbiological substance. Moreover, the invention relates to a corresponding device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The technical field of micro-reactors is a fast-growing technical field having applications not only in detection of human microbial infection or human virus diseases but also in agriculture, environmental protection, forensic, etc. However, many micro-reactors have disadvantages, e.g. too cost expensive, too big, involving too much operator effort, impractical, etc. Thus, there is still a need to provide an improved bioreactor and/or parts or subassemblies of such an improved micro-reactor.

Usage of cartridges may ease the usage of a machine in order to perform a plurality of tests. The cartridges may prevent cross contamination of test substances used to perform the test. Essentially, the cartridge may provide the fluidic system of the micro-reactor, whereas the machine may provide at least one driving unit, at least one heating unit, at least one stirring unit, at least one thermal transfer arrangement and/or at least one optical unit, etc.

The optical unit may comprise at least one radiation transfer unit that may be able to transfer radiation, e.g. fluorescent radiation - emitted e.g. by corresponding probes in the presence of a specific substance. The optical unit should be as simple as possible, e.g. with regard to costs. The transferred radiation may be used to generate at least one image in order to document tests performed and/or in order to enable automatic generation of test data and/or of test result data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A radiation transfer unit for use in the analysis of at least one substance, comprising: - a radiation guiding system that may be configured to guide radiation from a radiation region to a detection region, wherein the radiation region may be configured to emit radiation emitted out of respective chambers - each chamber may comprise at least one substance to be analyzed, wherein the detection region may be configured to be used by an optical system for image capturing of radiation forwarded by the radiation transfer unit,

- at least two input regions which may be configured to receive radiation from the radiation region, wherein the at least two input regions may be arranged within an input area defined by the minimum bounding area (boundary area) of the at least two input regions,

- at least two output regions which may be configured to forward radiation transferred by the radiation transfer unit to the detection region, wherein the at least two output regions may be arranged within an output area defined by the minimum bounding area (boundary area) of the at least two output regions, wherein the output area may be smaller than the input area, and wherein the radiation guiding system may be configured to transfer the radiation in at least two transfer channels that may be optically decoupled from each other.

This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all features of the present invention. Other embodiments will become apparent from a review of the ensuing detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

Before the present invention is described in detail below, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols and reagents described herein as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Preferably, the terms used herein are defined as described in “A multilingual glossary of biotechnological terms: (IUPAC Recommendations)”, Leuenberger, H.G.W, Nagel, B. and Kolbl, H. eds. (1995), Helvetica Chimica Acta, CH-4010 Basel, Switzerland). Several documents are cited throughout the text of this specification. Each of the documents cited herein (including all patents, patent applications, scientific publications, manufacturer's specifications, instructions, GenBank Accession Number sequence submissions etc.), whether supra or infra, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. In the event of a conflict between the definitions or teachings of such incorporated references and definitions or teachings recited in the present specification, the text of the present specification takes precedence.

The term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” according to the present invention means the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. The term “consisting essentially of’ according to the present invention means the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, while excluding modifications or other integers which would materially affect or alter the stated integer. The term “consisting of’ or variations such as “consists of’ according to the present invention means the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers and the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar reference used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

As used herein, the term “about” indicates a certain variation from the quantitative value it precedes. In particular, the term “about” allows a ±5% variation from the quantitative value it precedes, unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The use of the term “about” also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, the expression “about 80°C” allows a variation of ±4°C, thus referring to range from 76°C to 84°C.

The term “at least one substance” at used herein, refers to any substance which can be handled, tested, or analysed with the radiation transfer unit of the present invention. The at least one substance may be a biological substance, such as a microbiological substance. Specifically, the term “at least one substance”, according to the present invention, refers to a substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule).

For example, the at least one substance comprises or consists of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule) from a microbial species such as bacteria or viruses.

Of particular interest is a substance, specifically a substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule) (from a microbial species), which is associated with a particular disease or condition or with a specific disease or condition stage. The at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) which is detected with the radiation transfer unit (RU) of the present invention is preferably labelled with a detectable dye specifically fluorescence marker/probe such as fluorophore. More preferably, the nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule as the at least one substance is labelled with a detectable dye specifically fluorescence marker/probe such as TaqMan probe. A TaqMan probe is a hydrolysis probe that is designed to increase the specificity of quantitative PCR.

Preferably, the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) is part of a sample such as biological sample as described herein. If the sample contains cellular material and the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) is contained therein, the cellular material needs to be lysed first in order to release the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) from the cells. Subsequently, the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) is isolated from the cell debris and then purified. In case the sample already contains the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) in isolated and/or purified form, it can immediately be started with the detection reaction. Generally, a PCR reaction is preformed to amplify the nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule before detection. The PCR reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of a TaqMan probe. In case of an RNA molecule, the RNA is first transcribed into cDNA before the amplification reaction is performed.

A TaqMan probe consists of a fluorophore covalently attached to the 5’-end of the oligonucleotide probe and a quencher at the 3 ’-end. Several different fluorophores (e.g. 6- carboxyfluorescein, acronym: FAM, or tetrachlorofluorescein, acronym: TET) and quenchers (e.g. tetramethylrhodamine, acronym: TAMRA) are available. The quencher molecule quenches the fluorescence emitted by the fluorophore when excited by the cycler’s light source via Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). As long as the fluorophore and the quencher are in proximity, quenching inhibits any fluorescence signals. TaqMan probes are designed such that they anneal within a nucleic acid such as DNA region amplified by a specific set of primers. TaqMan probes can be conjugated to a minor groove binder (MGB) moiety, dihydrocyclopyrroloindole tripeptide (DPI3), in order to increase its binding affinity to the target sequence; MGB-conjugated probes have a higher melting temperature (T_m) due to increased stabilization of van der Waals forces. As the Taq polymerase extends the primer and synthesizes the nascent strand (from the single-stranded template), the 5' to 3' exonuclease activity of the Taq polymerase degrades the probe that has annealed to the template. Degradation of the probe releases the fluorophore from it and breaks the proximity to the quencher, thus, relieving the quenching effect and allowing fluorescence of the fluorophore. Hence, fluorescence detected in the quantitative PCR thermal cycler is directly proportional to the fluorophore released and the amount of nucleic acid such as DNA template present in the PCR. This signal can then be detected with the radiation transfer unit (RU) of the present invention.

The term “cell lysis”, in the context of the present invention, refers to a technique that destroys and/or disrupts cells for the purpose of analyzing the contents of the cells, such as analyzing the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) contained in the cells. The cells may be mammalian cells and/or microbial cells, such as bacterial and yeast cells.

The term “lysate”, as used herein, refers to the product of enzymatic, osmotic, and/or mechanical disruption of the cell membranes of a cell population. Cell lysates are widely used for the isolation of cellular components such as nucleic acid molecules like DNA or RNA molecules, proteins, or whole organelles. In the context of the present invention, a lysate is produced in order to detect, analyze, and/or quantify the at least one substance, specifically the substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule comprised in the cell population.

The term “disease”, as used herein, refers to an abnormal condition that affects the body of an individual. A disease is often construed as a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. In humans, the term “disease” is often used more broadly to refer to any condition that causes pain, dysfunction, distress, social problems, or death to the individual afflicted, or similar problems for those in contact with the individual. In this broader sense, it sometimes includes injuries, disabilities, disorders, syndromes, infections, deviant behaviors, and atypical variations of structure and function, while in other contexts and for other purposes these may be considered distinguishable categories. Diseases usually affect individuals not only physically, but also emotionally, as contracting and living with many diseases can alter one’s perspective on life, and one’s personality.

The at least one substance, specifically the substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), is preferably associated with infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, cancer diseases (or simply cancer), or any combinations thereof.

The term “infectious disease”, as used herein, refers to any disease which can be transmitted from individual to individual or from organism to organism, and is caused by a microbial agent (e.g. common cold). Infectious diseases are known in the art and include, for example, a viral disease, a bacterial disease, or a parasitic disease. Said diseases are caused by a virus, a bacterium, a fungus, and/or a parasite. The substance that causes an infectious disease can also be designated as pathogen.

The term “pathogen” (pathogenic germs), as used herein, refers to a virus, a bacterium, a fungus, and/or a parasite that can cause an infectious disease. It is then a pathogenic agent or substance.

Preferably, the infectious disease is a respiratory disease such as pneumonia like hospitalized pneumonia, an implant or tissue infection, an intra-abdominal infection, or a urinary tract infection or a blood stream infection (e.g. if no other source of infection may be localized) or a CNS infection (meningitis/encephalitis).

The term “respiratory disease”, as used herein, refers to any disease affecting the respiratory system. For example, respiratory diseases as used herein include (i) obstructive lung diseases, (ii) restrictive lung diseases, (iii) respiratory tract infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, e.g., common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, or laryngitis, and lower respiratory tract infections, e.g., pneumonia, (iv) respiratory tumors, e.g., small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (e.g., adenocarcinoma, large cell undifferentiated carcinoma), other lung cancers such as carcinoid, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or melanoma, lymphoma, head and neck cancer, mesothelioma, and cancer metastasis in the lung such as from breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, germ cell cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, (v) pleural cavity diseases, e.g., empyema and mesothelioma, and (vi) pulmonary vascular diseases. Particular preferred respiratory diseases in the context of the present invention are respiratory diseases that can be diagnosed using molecular diagnostics, preferably using nucleic acid amplification and analysis methods. For example, respiratory tract infections, such as infections with pathogens, e.g., bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi, preferably yeast or bacteria, and respiratory tumors are preferred respiratory diseases in the context of the present invention. Particularly more preferred respiratory diseases in the context of the present invention are pneumonias, in particular pneumonias caused by infections with pathogens, such as bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, atypical, community-acquired, healthcare-associated, hospital-acquired, ventilator-acquired pneumonia, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, tuberculosis, bronchitis, pathogenic infections during cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a respiratory tumor.

The respiratory pathogens preferably include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Serratia marcescens, Haemophilus parahaemolyticus, Enterococcus cloacae, Candida albicans, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pneumocystis jirovecii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and its associated antibiotic resistance genes, e.g. methicillin-resistant genes, e.g. methicillin-resistant genes, for example methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA).

Particularly even more preferred,

(i) the hospitalized pneumonia is selected from the group consisting of hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia (hCAP), hospital-acquired (or nosocomial) pneumonia (HAP), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP), and severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP),

(ii) the implant or tissue infection is selected from the group consisting of burn wound infections, cardiology-associated infections, catheter-associated infections, deep skin and tissue infections diabetic foot infections, orthopedic implant infections, implant infections and surgical site infections,

(iii) the intra-abdominal infection is selected from the group consisting of acute abdomen, ascites, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, peritonitis, and surgical site infections,

(iv) the urinary tract infection is selected from the group consisting of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, complicated cystitis, urosepsis, and pyelonephritis.

The term “inflammatory disease”, as used herein, refers to a disease in which the immune system attacks and/or damages the body’s own tissues, resulting in an inflammation. Preferably, the inflammatory disease is selected from the group consisting of atherosclerosis, an autoimmune disease, allergy, asthma, a coeliac disease, glomerulonephritis, hepatitis, and an inflammatory bowel disease.

However, even in the case of an intact immune system, “inflammation” may be part of the normal healing process. The substance (under test) may be related to an inflammation resulting from normal healing process or from an inflammatory disease.

The term “sepsis”, as used herein, refers to a life-threatening complication of a wide variety of infectious diseases. Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Sepsis is usually caused by an inflammatory immune response triggered by the infection. Most commonly, the infection is bacterial, but it may also be fungal, viral, or protozoan. Disease severity partly determines the outcome. The risk of death from sepsis is as high as 30%, from severe sepsis as high as 50%, and from septic shock as high as 80%.

The terms “cancer disease” or “cancer”, as used herein, refer to or describe the physiological condition in an individual that is typically characterized by unregulated cell growth. Examples of cancer include, but are not limited to, lung cancer, preferably non-smallcell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) or small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLS), breast cancer, cervical cancer, gastric cancer, bladder cancer, skin cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, neuroendocrine cancer, colon cancer, urothelial cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, renal cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, lymphatic cancer, blood cancer, squamous cell cancer, laryngeal cancer, retina cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, testicular cancer, bone cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. The term “cancer”, as used herein, also encompasses cancer metastases.

Of particular interest is a substance, specifically a substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), that is indicative of a microorganism. Exemplary microorganisms include but are not limited to a bacterium, virus, fungus and protozoa. Thus, the substance can be a pathogen. Substances such as pathogens that can be handled, tested, or analysed with the radiation transfer unit of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA), Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hominis, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus warneri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influnzae, Staphylococcus simulans, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Candida albicans. Substances that can be handled, tested, or analysed with the radiation transfer unit of the present invention also encompass substances responsible for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases selected from the following: gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), syphilis (Treponema pallidum), Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), nongonococcal urethritis (Ureaplasm urealyticum), yeast infection (Candida albicans), chancroid (Haemophilus ducreyi), trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis), genital herpes (HSV type I & II), HIV I, HIV II and hepatitis A, B, C, G, as well as hepatitis caused by TTV. Preferably, the substance comprises or consists of a nucleic acid molecule from the above microorganism.

Alternatively, the substance, specifically the substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), is a biomarker.

The term “biomarker”, as used herein, refers to a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is an indicator of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to foresee how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition, or may be used to associate a certain disease or condition - or outcome of disease - to a certain value of said biomarker found in a sample e.g. a blood sample. Biomarkers are also called molecular markers and signature molecules. If the biomarker is used to predict the probable course and outcome of a disease or condition, it may be called a prognostic biomarker. If the biomarker is used to diagnose a disease or condition, it may be called a diagnostic biomarker.

The substance, specifically the substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule, which is handled, tested, or analysed with the cartridge can specifically be designated as analyte.

The at least one substance, specifically the substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), may be part of a fluid, e.g. a liquid or a gas. The fluid may be a fluidic sample. The fluidic sample may be a processed, non-processed, native (as removed from the body or from another source) or not yet processed fluidic sample. The fluidic sample may be any medium which is suitable to accommodate the at least one substance. The sample handled, tested, or analysed with the radiation transfer unit of the invention can be of any origin or nature, for example of biological, chemical natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic origin. The invention is, thus, not limited to any specific sample origin. Any sample suspected to contain the at least one substance, specifically the substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule, can be used in conjunction with the radiation transfer unit of the invention.

Preferably, the sample is a biological sample (a processed, non-processed, native or not yet processed biological sample). More preferably, the biological sample is a bodily sample (a processed, non-processed, native or not yet processed bodily fluid). Even more preferably, the bodily sample is a bodily fluid (a processed, non-processed, native or not yet processed bodily fluid) or bodily tissue (a processed, non-processed, native or not yet processed bodily tissue) sample. Specifically, the bodily tissue sample is a liquified bodily tissue sample.

A processed biological sample is based on/derived from a biological material. Especially, the processed biological sample is a lysed sample or an extracted sample. The biological sample as describe herein preferably may comprise cells and said cells may contain, in turn, a substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule.

Alternatively, the biological sample may represent a culture medium or a culture supernatant, e.g. microbial culture medium, microbial growth medium. Thus, the culture medium or the culture supernatant may comprise prokaryotes (bacteria, viruses) or eukaryotes, especially prokaryotic (bacteria, viruses) or eukaryotic pathogens.

In a preferred embodiment, the bodily sample such as bodily fluid or bodily tissue sample may be incorporated directly into the radiation transfer unit of the present invention without further processing. The bodily sample such as bodily fluid or bodily tissue sample may also be pre-treated before incorporation into the radiation transfer unit of the present invention. The choice of pre-treatments will depend on the type of bodily sample such as bodily fluid or bodily tissue used sample and/or the nature of the substance. For instance, where the substance is present at low level in the bodily fluid or bodily tissue, the bodily fluid or bodily tissue can be concentrated via any conventional means to enrich the sub stance/ analyte. Methods of concentrating the sub stance/ analyte include but are not limited to drying, evaporation, centrifugation, filtering, sedimentation, precipitation, and amplification. Where the sub stance/ analyte is a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), it can be extracted using various lytic enzymes or chemical solutions according to the procedures set forth in Sambrook et al. ("Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual"), or using nucleic acid binding resins following the accompanying instructions provided by manufactures. Where the sub stance/ analyte is a molecule present on or within e.g. a cell having a cell nucleus or within an entity having no nucleus, extraction can be performed using lysing agents including but not limited to denaturing detergent such as SDS or non-denaturing detergent such as thesit, sodium deoxylate, triton X-100, and tween-20. The bodily tissue sample may be, for example, liquefied before incorporation into the cartridge.

The term “bodily sample”, as used herein, refers to any sample that is derived from the body of an individual. Especially, the term “bodily sample” refers to any sample that is derived from the body of an individual and comprises a substance, specifically a substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule). The term “bodily sample” encompasses a bodily fluid sample and a bodily tissue sample.

The term “bodily tissue sample”, as used herein, refers to any tissue sample that is derived from the body of an individual. Especially, the term “bodily tissue sample” refers to any sample that is derived from tissue of an individual and comprises a substance, specifically a substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule). Said bodily tissue sample encompasses a skin flake, skin biopsy, hair follicle, biopsy tissue, tissue explant, and tissue section, the bodily tissue sample also encompasses tumor tissue sample. Said bodily tissue sample may be removed from a patient or (control) subject by conventional biopsy techniques. It is preferred that the bodily tissue sample is a liquified bodily tissue sample.

The term “bodily fluid sample”, as used herein, refers to any fluidic sample that is derived from the body of an individual. Especially, the term “bodily fluid sample” refers to any fluidic sample that is derived from fluid of an individual and comprises a substance, specifically a substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule). Particularly, any bodily fluid suspected to contain the at least one substance (the at least one analyte) can be used in conjunction with the subject radiation guiding system. The body fluid sample may be a respiratory sample, a blood sample, an urine sample, a sputum sample, a breast milk sample, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample, cerumen (earwax) sample, a gastric juice sample, endolymph fluid sample, perilymph fluid sample, peritoneal fluid sample, pleural fluid sample, saliva sample, sebum (skin oil) sample, semen sample, sweat sample, tears sample, cheek swab, vaginal secretion sample, liquid biopsy, or vomit sample including components or fractions thereof.

In the context of the present invention, the disease may be a respiratory disease. The bodily sample such as a bodily fluid or bodily tissue sample is preferably taken for the purpose of a scientific test, such as for diagnosing a disease, e.g. a respiratory disease, for example, by detecting and/or identifying a pathogen or the presence of a tumor marker in a bodily sample which is preferably relevant for the diagnosis of a respiratory disease. Preferably, a bodily sample in the context of the present invention comprises cells, for example, pathogens or cells of the individual the bodily sample originated from, for example, tumor cells.

In the context of the present invention, the preferred bodily samples are samples that are relevant for the diagnosis of a respiratory disease. Such bodily samples may be respiratory samples, i.e. bodily samples derived from the respiratory tract, and non-respiratory samples, i.e. bodily samples that are not derived from the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract in the context of the present invention preferably comprises the nose, nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, throat, pharynx, voice box, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs, including respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli. Examples for respiratory samples in the context of the present invention are sputum, pus (e.g., pus from the paranasal cavity), bronchial secretion, tracheal secretion, endotracheal secretion, bronchial aspirates, tracheal aspirates, endotracheal aspirates, bronchial lavage, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial swab, nasopharyngeal swab, laryngeal swab, and lung biopsies. Preferred non-respiratory samples used in the present invention are relevant for the diagnosis of respiratory diseases. Preferred examples of non-respiratory samples in the context of the present invention are blood, pus, pleural fluid, pleural punctates, gastric juice, gastric aspirates, and drainages or punctate fluids from other body locations.

The term “individual”, as used herein, refers to any subject whose sample comprising a substance may be analyzed or tested with the radiation transfer unit of the present invention. The individual is preferably an animal, more preferably a mammalian animal including a human being. For example, an individual in the context of the present invention may be a mouse, rat, guinea-pig, rabbit, cat, dog, goat, sheep, pig, cow, horse, or human, preferably a human. The individual may be a patient, wherein the term “patient” refers to an individual suffering from a disease or condition, or being suspected of suffering from a disease or condition.

The term “molecular biological test”, as used herein, refers to any molecular biological assay which allows the detection and/or analysis of at least one substance, specifically substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule). The molecular biological test includes microbiological tests. A preferred molecular biology test is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or a reverse transcription (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

The term “biochemical test”, as used herein, refers to any biochemical assay which allows the detection and/or analysis of at least one substance, specifically substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule).

As mentioned above, of particular interest is a substance, specifically a substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), that is indicative of a microorganism. This substance and not the microorganism itself is analysed with the radiation transfer units of the present invention. The nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule) may be comprised in a liquid such as a fluid or gas. It may be handled, tested, or analyzed with the cartridge. The nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule) has to be extracted from its origin e.g. microorganism, and has to be present in detectable amounts to be analysed. This may be achieved using nucleic acid molecule purification, extraction and amplification methods as described below. For detection with the radiation transfer unit of the present invention, the provided nucleic acid molecule may be attached to a probe which can be detected based on its color/fluorescence.

The term “nucleotide”, as used herein, refers to an organic molecule consisting of a nucleoside and a phosphate. In particular, a nucleotide is composed of three subunit molecules: a nucleobase, a five-carbon sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and a phosphate group consisting of one to three phosphates. The four nucleobases in DNA are guanine, adenine, cytosine and thymine; in RNA, uracil is used in place of thymine. The nucleotide serves as monomeric unit of nucleic acid molecules, such as deoxyribonucleotide acid (DNA) or ribonucleotide acid (RNA). Thus, the nucleotide is a molecular building-block of DNA and RNA.

The DNA molecule may be a double stranded DNA, a genomic DNA, or a complementary DNA (cDNA) molecule. The RNA molecule may be a messenger RNA (mRNA), a small nucleolar RNA (snoRNAs), a ribosomal RNA (rRNA), or a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule.

The terms “nucleotide sequence” or “polynucleotide” are interchangeably used herein and refer to single-stranded and double-stranded polymers of nucleotide monomers, including without limitation, 2'-deoxyribonucleotides (DNA) and ribonucleotides (RNA) linked by internucleotide phosphodiester bond linkages, or internucleotide analogs, and associated counter ions, e.g., H+, NH4+, trialkylammonium, Mg2+, Na+, and the like. A nucleotide sequence or polynucleotide may be composed entirely of deoxyribonucleotides, entirely of ribonucleotides, or chimeric mixtures thereof and may include nucleotide analogs.

A “nucleic acid amplification method”, in the context of the present invention, is any molecular biological technique that is suitable for amplifying, i.e. multiplying, a nucleic acid, wherein the amplification may be linear or exponential. Examples for nucleic acid amplification methods are polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), ligase chain reaction (LCR), strand displacement amplification (SDA), multiple displacement amplification (MDA), Q-beta replicase amplification, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification. The amplification method may be specific for a certain nucleic acid such as a specific gene or a fragment thereof, or may be universal such that all or a specific type of a nucleic acid, such as mRNA, is amplified universally. For example, the skilled person may design oligonucleotide primers which specifically hybridize to the nucleic acid of interest and use these primers in a PCR experiment.

A “nucleic acid analysis method” in the context of the present invention is any method that allows for detection and/or identification of a specific nucleic acid, wherein the term “detection” also comprises the quantitative determination of a nucleic acid. The detection and/or identification may be based on specific amplification, for example, by the amplification of a specific DNA fragment using oligonucleotide primers specific for said DNA fragment in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The skilled person is well aware of how to design oligonucleotide primers which specifically hybridize to the nucleic acid molecule of interest. The detection and/or identification may also be achieved without amplification, for example, by sequencing the nucleic acid to be analyzed or by sequence specific hybridization, for example, in the context of a microarray experiment. Sequencing techniques and microarray- based analysis are well known procedures in the field. The sequencing includes next generation sequencing.

The nucleic acid to be isolated, amplified, detected and/or identified may be DNA such as double stranded DNA, genomic DNA, or complementary DNA (cDNA). The RNA may be messenger RNA (mRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNAs), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), or transfer RNA (tRNA).

The skilled person is well aware of nucleic acid isolation, amplification, and analysis methods having regard to the general knowledge and the literature in the field.

Particularly, the nucleic acid amplification and/or analysis method is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

More particularly, the PCR is selected from the group consisting of digital PCR, realtime PCR (quantitative PCR or qPCR), preferably TaqMan qPCR, multiplex PCR, nested PCR, high fidelity PR, fast PCR, hot start PCR, and GC-rich PCR. The digital PCR may be digital droplet PCR or digital partition PCR.

The term “polymerase chain reaction (PCR)”, as used herein, refers to laboratory technique to rapidly make millions to billions of comprising (complete or partial) of a specific sample comprising DNA. It allows to take a very small sample of DNA and amplify it (or a part of it) to a large enough amount to study in detail. The majority of PCR methods rely on thermal cycling. Thermal cycling exposes reactants to repeated cycles of heating and cooling to permit different temperature-dependent reactions - specifically, DNA melting and enzyme-driven DNA replication. PCR employs two main reagents-primers (which are short single strand DNA fragments known as oligonucleotides that are a complementary sequence to the target DNA region) and a DNA polymerase.

A PCR reaction may be carried out in a single test tube or chamber simply by mixing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) with a set of reagents and performing thermal cycles. Thereby, the following steps are repeated several times thereby doubling the number of double DNA strands in each cycle:

1. (Denaturation) At a higher temperature, denaturation is performed, e.g. hydrogen bonds between the two strands of the double helix are broken and two single strands result,

2. (Annealing) Cooling down to a lower temperature is performed, oligonucleotides or primers anneal to the DNA molecules at specific positions,

3. (Elongation) At a medium temperature that is between the higher temperature and the lower temperature, e.g. Taq (Thermus aquaticus) DNA polymerase (thermostable polymerase) may attach to one end of each primer and may synthesize new double strands of DNA. However, two steps PCR may be used as well, e.g. the elongation step may be omitted. Furthermore, specific PCR tests may be used, e.g. RT-PCR-Test (reverse-transcriptase-PCR), qRT-PCR or RT-qPCR (real time quantitative PCR), inverse PCR, irt-PCR (immunoquantitative real time PCR), immune PCR, agglutination-PCR.

The term “reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)”, as used herein, refers to a laboratory technique combining reverse transcription of RNA into (in this context called complementary DNA or cDNA) and amplification of specific DNA targets using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

For a PCR reaction, a master mix is used. The term “master mix”, as used herein, refers to a premixed solution of all reagents and essential components required to run a nucleic acid application or analysis reaction, e.g. a PCR or RT-PCR assay. For a PCR reaction, the master mix contains dNTPs (deoxyribose nucleoside triphosphate), e.g. dATP (deoxyadenosine triphosphate), dGTP (deoxyguanosine TP), dTTP (deoxythymidine TP), and dCTP (deoxy cytidine TP), Taq DNA polymerase enzymes, MgCh, stabilizers, and enhancers in a reaction buffer.

Master mix, specific primers and/or universal primers and probes for the detection/amplification of the at least one substance and the at least one substance have to be brought together to perform the PCR reaction.

The term “probe”, as used herein, may refer to detectable “auxiliary” molecules or other materials, e.g. using optical detection or optical detection units. The probe may comprise a Taqman probe. A Taqman probe is a hydrolysis probe that is designed to increase the specificity of quantitative PCR. The probe may have fluorescence characteristics in order to ease or to admit optical detection. Thus, double marked probes with quenchers may be used, especially in order to enhance the substances under tests that may be tested within one chamber. However, alternatively only one color may be detected using e.g. intercalating dyes or other dyes.

The PCR system may have applications in a broad range of molecular biology and biotech lab experiments, including cloning (or synthesis of specific DNA fragments), sequencing, genotyping, nucleic acid synthesis, gene expression, generation of NGS (next generation sequencing) libraries, and mutagenesis.

A PCR master mix may specifically help researchers and scientists to enhance their PCR assay performance by providing a spectrum of benefits, including saving time and reducing the chances of any errors/cross-contamination in preparing PCR formulations. They are often utilized in routine or high-yielding PCR. Commercial PCR master mixes are available in liquid and lyophilized forms. The liquid form mix is required to be stored at a temperature between -20°C to +4°C and is typically cheaper than the lyophilized or freeze-dried mixes.

Lyophilized PCR master mixes can be stored at ambient temperatures for a longer period. Moreover, they are easy to transport and while running PCR, the solution only needs to be reconstituted in the buffer solution, which comes with the master mix.

Master mixes for real-time PCR may further include at least one probe, especially a fluorescent compound and/or fluorescence enhancing compound and/or fluorescence suppression compound or molecule. Alternatively, only one dye may be used within one chamber, e.g. an intercalating dye. However, the probe may be provided separate from the master mix, e.g. within a detection chamber, e.g. within the (PCR) disc wheel mentioned below.

Embodiments of the invention

The present invention will now be further described. In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved radiation transfer unit, preferably as a first stage of an optical unit. Especially, the radiation transfer unit should be as simple as possible, e.g. with regard to costs. Furthermore, a corresponding device and a corresponding method should be provided.

According to an embodiment, a radiation transfer unit for use in the analysis of at least one substance is provided. The radiation transfer unit may comprise:

- a radiation guiding system that may be configured to guide radiation from a radiation region to a detection region, wherein the radiation region may be configured to emit radiation emitted (radiated) out of respective chambers - each chamber may comprise at least one substance to be analyzed, wherein the detection region may be configured to be used by an optical system for image capturing of radiation forwarded by the radiation transfer unit,

- at least two input regions which may be configured to receive radiation from the radiation region, wherein the at least two input regions may be arranged within an input area defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two input regions,

- at least two output regions which may be configured to forward radiation transferred by the radiation transfer unit to the detection region, wherein the at least two output regions may be arranged within an output area defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two output regions, wherein the output area may be smaller than the input area, e.g. the output area may be in the range of 10 percent to 60 percent of the input area or in the range of 20 percent to 50 percent of the input area, and wherein the radiation guiding system may be configured to transfer the radiation in at least two transfer channels that may be optically decoupled from each other, e.g. such that the radiation transferred in one of the transfer channels does not influence the transfer of radiation in another transfer channel.

Thus, a significant reduction of the extension of the output area compared to the input area may be reached. This reduction may allow to use considerably smaller optical units. Even a reduction by 30 or by 50 percent of the area or of a maximal extension may allow to use less expensive and/or less complex optical units, e.g. comprising at least one lens, at least one beam splitter (dichroic mirror) and/or at least one radiation generation unit, e.g. for excitation of fluorescent probes, e.g. using at least one power LED (light emitting diode) and/or at least image capturing unit, e.g. a camera. The reduction of the extension of the optical unit may allow to reduce the overall size of a testing device thereby reducing the overall costs considerably, e.g. less use of material, etc.

According to a further embodiment, a first transmission direction may be from the object side to the opposite side. The opposite side may be an image side. However, the image may be “blurred” since only the color may be relevant, e.g. the color of fluorescent radiation, preferably of electromagnetic waves.

According to a further embodiment, a second transmission direction may be in the opposite direction, i.e. from the opposite side to the object side, e.g. in order to stimulate radiation of fluorescent materials, e.g. within test chambers. Thus, several probes may be used to emit radiation in different wavelengths ranges. A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test may be performed or another test, e.g. nucleic acid amplification.

The radiation transfer unit may be configured to align the transfer channels, preferably non-parallel to each other. The angle between a longitudinal axis of a transfer channel and a symmetry axis arranged in the center between the transfer channels may be in the range of 3 degree to 30 degrees, 3 degrees to 15 degrees or in the range of 4 degrees to 10 degrees, e.g. 7 degrees or 7.2 degrees.

The at least one object may comprise at least one test chamber. It may be important that the radiation of each chamber is transferred separately in order to avoid mixing of colors for example and in order to have exact test results.

An image capturing unit, preferably only one common image capturing unit, e.g. camera may be used to make an image of the detection region, e.g. of the output region, e.g. for documentation purposes and/or for automatic testing.

According to a further embodiment, at least one alignment element may be used, e.g. only one part, e.g. a disk comprising respective through holes. Alternatively, several alignment elements may be used as is described in more detail below.

According to a further embodiment, at least three transfer channels, e.g. radiation transmission units, at least four transfer channels, e.g. radiation transmission units may be used. The number of transfer channels/ radiation transmission units may be preferably within the range of 3 to 30, 4 to 25, 5 to 20 or 6 to 15. This number may allow to have a high number of tests per cartridge, e.g. if each transfer channel, i.e. each test chamber, transfers three colors. Thus, e.g. more than 30 test may be included into one cartridge. The number of tests may be less than 100 to give only an example for an upper limit. A sample tube may comprise a liquid volume in the range of 50 to 300 microliter or in the range of 75 microliter to 200 microliter to give only one example.

According to a further embodiment, the radiation transfer unit may be configured to arrange the transfer channels, e.g. comprised within or consisting of radiation transmission units as described below in more detail. Thus, the transfer channels may be arranged along the surface of a cone, fulcrum of a cone.

There may be an object side plane that is arranged closely to the objects, the plane may comprise the input regions, e.g. object side radiation passages as described below. This object side plane may be movable, e.g. translational with regard to the cartridge or to a cartridge retaining space within a device that comprises the radiation transfer unit. An end position of the movement of the object side plane may be used during analysis/testing, e.g. during taking of pictures during test. The retracted position of the object side plane may allow to remove the cartridge from the device.

There may be an image side plane that may comprise the output regions, e.g. the opposite side radiation passages that are described in more detail below. The image side plane may be movable, e.g. translational with regard to cartridge. An end position of the image side plane (e.g. nearest to the cartridge or to the cartridge retaining space) may be used during test, e.g. during taking of picture during test. An opening directed to a further optical unit or directed to a retaining space for a further optical unit may be arranged closely to image side plane or within this plane. The retracted position of the image side plane may allow to remove the cartridge from the device.

A central axis may extend perpendicular to the object side plane and/or to the image side plane. The central axis may be coaxial with a rotation axis of a chamber carrier of the cartridge, e.g. with the rotation axis of a disc or disc wheel. Both planes, i.e. the object side plane and the image side plane may be arranged parallel to each other and/or also parallel to a main surface of the cartridge (greatest surface area).

Longitudinal axes of transfer channels and/or of the radiation transmission units may be arranged symmetrical to the central axis and/or all including the same angle relative to the central axis.

The radiation may form a beam. The radiation may be an electromagnetic radiation, a particle radiation or other kind of radiation. The electromagnetic radiation, may be light in the visible range or within another range, especially a range that is adjacent to visible range, e.g. IR (infrared) or UV (ultra violet). The radiation may be a radiation in the wavelength range of 350 nm (nanometer) to 750 nm or in the range of 400 nm (blue) to 700 nm, including e.g. 650 nm (red).

The transfer channels, e.g. radiation transmission units, light guides, etc. may have a transparency or translucency within the relevant wavelength range.

Optical imaging may be used, e.g. using comparably sharp images of the object. However, alternatively colors may be transmitted without modifications or with only slight modifications but edges of an object may not be transmitted sharply, i.e. only blurred or may not be locatable in the image. This may allow to use low cost and/or simple optical elements.

The at least one test chamber and/or the transfer channels, e.g. radiation transmission unit, light guide, etc. may be arranged along the circumference of a circle, e.g. with same distance (offset) or same circumferential distance between adjacent test chamber and/or the transfer channels, e.g. radiation transmission units.

The reduction of the output area relative to the input area may be at least 30 percent or at least 50 percent of the input area. Thus, a distance between adjacent “walls” or borders of the transport channels at the input side may be at least by factor 1.5 greater than second distance a distance between adjacent “walls” or borders of the same respective transport channels at the output side. The factor may be in the range of 1.2 to 2.5 or in the range of 1.3 to 2. Again, these factors may result in a reduction of the extension of a further optical unit that is optically and/or mechanically coupled to the radiation transfer unit. Consequently, also the extensions of a device may be reduced significantly, e.g. width and/or length and/or height. This may result in reduced overall production cost and in a simpler and/or device having lower weight.

According to a further embodiment, the transfer channels may transfer, e.g. guide the radiation from a first input region of the at least two input regions to a first output region of the at least two output regions optically decoupled with regard to guiding of the radiation from a second input region of the at least two input regions to a second output region of the at least two output regions. “Optically decoupling” may be reached by several technical means, e.g. shielding material between the channels, distances between the channels and/or preventing that radiation gets out of a transfer channel, e.g. using reflection, especially total reflection. The transfer channels may be separated from each other, e.g. there are no common transfer portions. Total reflection may be very good if the outer surfaces are very smooth, e.g. within the order of the wavelength of the transmitted or transferred radiation. Thus, “roughness” may be lower than 10 micrometer, lower than 5 micrometer or even lower than 1 micrometer. “Roughness” may be higher than 10 nm or higher than 100 nm to give only some examples for lower limits

In other words, the radiation guiding system may be configured to mitigate or to prevent optical coupling between radiation from different input regions, e.g. coming from different reaction chambers or test chambers. This may reduce errors during testing significantly.

The radiation guiding system may be configured to guide the radiation along of at least two separate channels from the at least two input regions to the at least two respective output regions. Each channel of the at least two separate channels may have its own transmission region along the whole transmission path from the respective input region at least two input regions to the respective output region of the at least two respective output regions.

The at least one substance may be a substance as mentioned above in the introductory part of the description. Specifically, the at least one substance may comprise or may consists of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule).

Of particular interest may be a substance, specifically a substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), which is associated with a particular disease or condition or with a specific disease or condition stage.

Preferably, the at least one substance, specifically the at least one substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), may be associated with infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, cancer diseases (or simply cancer), or any combinations thereof. More preferably, the infectious disease may be a respiratory disease such as pneumonia like hospitalized pneumonia, an implant or tissue infection, an intra-abdominal infection, or a urinary tract infection.

Especially, the at least one substance, specifically the at least one substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), may be indicative of a microorganism. Exemplary microorganisms include but are not limited to a bacterium, virus, fungus, yeast and protozoa. Thus, the at least one substance can be a pathogen.

Alternatively, the substance, specifically the substance comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. DNA or RNA molecule), may be a biomarker.

The fluid may be a liquid or a gas. Specifically, the fluid may be a fluidic sample. The fluidic sample may be a processed, non-processed or not yet processed fluidic sample. Preferably, the sample is a biological sample (a processed, non-processed or not yet processed biological sample). More preferably, the biological sample is a bodily sample (a processed, non-processed or not yet processed bodily fluid). Even more preferably, the bodily sample may be a bodily fluid (a processed, non-processed or not yet processed bodily fluid) or bodily tissue (a processed, non-processed or not yet processed bodily tissue) sample. Specifically, the bodily tissue sample may be a liquified bodily tissue sample. The biological sample may also be a culture medium, e.g. a cell culture medium or a culture supernatant, e.g. a cell culture supernatant.

The at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) which is detected with the radiation transfer unit (RU) of the present invention is preferably labelled with a detectable dye specifically fluorescence marker/probe such as fhiorophore. More preferably, the nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule as the at least one substance is labelled with a detectable dye specifically fluorescence marker/probe such as TaqMan probe. A TaqMan probe is a hydrolysis probe that is designed to increase the specificity of quantitative PCR.

Preferably, the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) is part of a sample such as biological sample as described herein. If the sample contains cellular material and the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) is contained therein, the cellular material needs to be lysed first in order to release the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) from the cells. Subsequently, the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) is isolated from the cell debris and then purified. In case the sample already contains the at least one substance (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule) in isolated and/or purified form, it can immediately be started with the detection reaction. Generally, a PCR reaction is preformed to amplify the nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule before detection. The PCR reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of a TaqMan probe. In case of an RNA molecule, the RNA is first transcribed into cDNA before the amplification reaction is performed.

A TaqMan probe consists of a fluorophore covalently attached to the 5’-end of the oligonucleotide probe and a quencher at the 3 ’-end. Several different fluorophores (e.g. 6- carboxyfluorescein, acronym: FAM, or tetrachlorofluorescein, acronym: TET) and quenchers (e.g. tetramethylrhodamine, acronym: TAMRA) are available. The quencher molecule quenches the fluorescence emitted by the fluorophore when excited by the cycler’s light source via Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). As long as the fluorophore and the quencher are in proximity, quenching inhibits any fluorescence signals. TaqMan probes are designed such that they anneal within a nucleic acid such as DNA region amplified by a specific set of primers. TaqMan probes can be conjugated to a minor groove binder (MGB) moiety, dihydrocyclopyrroloindole tripeptide (DPI3), in order to increase its binding affinity to the target sequence; MGB-conjugated probes have a higher melting temperature (T_m) due to increased stabilization of van der Waals forces. As the Taq polymerase extends the primer and synthesizes the nascent strand (from the single-stranded template), the 5' to 3' exonuclease activity of the Taq polymerase degrades the probe that has annealed to the template. Degradation of the probe releases the fluorophore from it and breaks the proximity to the quencher, thus, relieving the quenching effect and allowing fluorescence of the fluorophore. Hence, fluorescence detected in the quantitative PCR thermal cycler is directly proportional to the fluorophore released and the amount of nucleic acid such as DNA template present in the PCR. This signal can then be detected with the radiation transfer unit (RU) of the present invention.

As to preferred embodiments of the at least one substance or the fluid, it is referred to the above definition part or to other parts of this application.

According to an embodiment, each of the at least two transfer channels may extend along a respective straight line. Preferably, the lateral distance between at least one pair or between each pair of the at least two transfer channels may decrease with increasing distance to the radiation region, preferably continuously, e.g. from the respective input region to the respective output region. This may allow to use simple geometrically shaped elements for the implementation of the transfer channels, e.g. straight rods, e.g. with round cross section (circular, elliptical, etc.) or with other cross section shapes, e.g. triangle, square, rectangular etc. Moreover, manufacturing of such straight elements may be simpler compared to the manufacture of curved or bendable elements. Moreover, straight elements may be products of mass production, making the production thereof simple in an industrial process.

Alternatively, the transfer channel may extend along an essentially straight line that deviates laterally from a straight line only by at most 1 percent or at most 2 percent of the lengths of a transfer channel. Thus, the transfer channel may comprise an originally straight glass rod or plastic rod that is bended slightly by an alignment member.

However, alternatively, each of the at least two transfer channels may extend along a respective curve. This may allow to create space for other elements or units that may be arranged around the circumference of the radiation guiding system.

The curve may have a moderate curvature, e.g. the radius of curvature may be in the range of 20 cm to 100 cm or in the range of 30 cm to 80 cm. The curve may have a maximal distance from a straight line connecting the respective input region and the respective output region that is less than 30 percent or less than 20 percent or less than 10 percent of the length of the line. However, the maximal distance may be more than 2 percent or more than 3 percent to give only examples for lower limits.

The curvature may be only in one direction. This means that the curved element is curved within only one plane.

Glass may be used, e.g. all types of glass, e.g. soda-lime silica glass. Plastic may be used as well, e.g. COC (cyclic olefin polymer), polycarbonate, etc. Plastic may have a lower specific weight compared to e.g. glass. The refraction index of plastic may be higher compared to the refraction index of glass.

The glass/plastic may not comprise special doping as is used for infrared transmission glasses/plastics and or UV transmission glasses/plastics.

The glass or plastic may have no self-fluorescence in the relevant wavelength range, especially in the wave length range that is used for excitation and emission of the probes.

The maximum curvature may be the curvature that still allows total reflection of the light within the transfer channel.

According to an embodiment, the at least two transfer channels may be configured to transfer the radiation by reflection, preferably by total reflection. Thus, the transmission losses may very low enabling excellent detection results.

According to an embodiment, the at least two transfer channels may be made of a rigid material or may comprise a rigid material, preferably made of or comprising a non-flexible material, more preferably made of a rod comprising or consisting of glass or comprising or consisting of plastic. A rigid material may be aligned easily, e.g. along its whole length, e.g. using only one alignment member, e.g. in a middle portion thereof or in an end portion.

The bending stiffness may be the flexural strength of a material, e.g. the product of Young’s module (elasticity module) and second moment of area. Glass may have a value within the range of 50000 to 70000 N/mm². Soda-lime silica glass may have a value of e.g. 70000 N/mm². However, other types of glass may be used as well, e.g. quartz glass or another standard laboratory glass. Plastic materials may have a much lower value of the flexural strength, e.g. COC or polycarbonate. The rigidity may prevent elastic or even plastic bending of the transfer channel, e.g. resilient bending.

The glass/plastic may not comprise special doping as is used for infrared transmission glasses/plastics and or UV transmission glasses/plastics.

According to a further embodiment, the respective straight rod may have an outer lateral width or an outer diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or of 0.5 mm to 5 mm or of 1 mm to 4 mm, especially within an intermediate portion and/or at the input region, e.g. object side radiation (beam) passage and/or output region, e.g. opposite (image side) radiation (beam) passage. The outer diameter may be preferably constant over the length or over at least 90 percent of the length of the respective transfer channel. Thus, the outer diameter may be adapted to the diameter of test chambers.

According to a further embodiment, the input region, e.g. first object side radiation passage and/or output region, e.g. the first opposite side radiation passage may be aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first radiation transmission unit and/or including an angle within the range of 87 to 93 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the first radiation transmission unit or within a range of 89 to 91 degrees, e.g. 90 degrees or about 90 degrees. This may ease production. Moreover, an unexpected good coupling characteristic is provided by using straight cuts, e.g. on straight rods that are arranged oblique to a symmetry axis.

The same may apply to other transfer channels/radiation transmission units. Thus, the second object side radiation passage and/or the second opposite side radiation passage may be aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second radiation transmission unit and/or including an angle within range of 87 to 93 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the second radiation transmission unit or within range of 89 to 91 degrees, e.g. 90 degrees or about 90 degrees.

Unexpectedly, coupling in of light waves is no issue. Thus, angled end faces are not necessary. However, according to an alternative, angled surfaces may be used, e.g. on an object side in order to have constant distance to the chamber and/or on the image side. This may raise the amount of radiation that is coupled into and/or out of the transfer channel further. However, if only colors have to be detected this may not be necessary.

According to a further embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the at least two radiation transmission units may be arranged at an angle within the range of 3 degrees to 30 degrees or in the range of 3 degrees to 15 degrees or in the range of 4 degrees to 10 degrees, e.g. 7 degrees or 7.2 degrees relative to the normal direction of a plane or line in which the first input region, e.g. object side radiation passage and the second input region, e.g. second object side radiation passage are arranged. Even these comparably small angles may lead to a significant reduction of the output area are depending on the length of the transfer channels.

According to an embodiment, the rigid material may be an outer material of the at least two transfer channels. Thus, a simple non-coated material may be used. Coated material may be used alternatively.

A homogenous material may be used, e.g. homogenous with regard to kind of material and/or to refraction index.

According to an embodiment, the radiation transfer unit may comprise at least two radiation transmission units. A first radiation transmission unit of the at least two radiation transmission units may comprise a first object side radiation passage, a first opposite side radiation passage and a first transfer channel of the at least two transfer channels. A second radiation transmission unit of the at least two radiation transmission units may comprise a second object side radiation passage, a second opposite side radiation passage and a second transfer channel of the at least two transfer channels. Thus, the transfer channels may be implemented using separated elements. This may allow an optically decoupled transmission within the transfer channels.

According to an embodiment, the radiation transfer unit may comprise at least one alignment member, e.g. arranged at least partly between the transfer channels/radiation transmission units.

The at least one alignment member may be configured to align at least one or at least two or all of the at least two radiation transmission units. Through holes, grooves, circumferentially extending members, etc. may be used as simple and cost-effective alignment members.

According to an embodiment, the at least one alignment member may be arranged at an intermediate portion of the at least one aligned radiation transmission unit. Thus, the end portions may be free, e.g. allowing to arrange other elements at least one of the ends. The intermediate portion may be arranged between a first end portion on a first end of the aligned radiation transmission unit and a second end portion of the aligned radiation transmission unit. The second end may be an opposite end relative to the first end.

According to a further embodiment, the intermediate portion may comprise e.g. less than 2/3 or less than one half of the complete length of the radiation transmission unit/transfer channel. A first end portion may be arranged at one side of intermediate portion. A second end portion may be arranged at other side of intermediate portion. At least one or each of the end portions may comprise e.g. at least 1/6 of length or 1/5 of length. Therefore, the end portions may be comparably free, especially free of an alignment member. Thus, an input portion or an object side end portion (e.g. closer to the object side than the other end portion) may be arranged close to a radiation blocking/guiding element, e.g. a contact element, e.g. ring like. The input portion may be arranged at least partially or completely within the radiation blocking element, in order to allow beams with including a greater angle relative to longitudinal axis to enter within the radiation transmission unit and/or to block light coming from other test chambers or directed to other test chambers/transfer channels or other sources within a device or even from the environment around the device.

The technical effect of aligning at an intermediate portion may be a good support compared to holding/aligning at an object side portion or opposite side portion (image side).

According to an embodiment, the at least one alignment member may comprise at least one of an inner alignment member and an outer alignment member. The inner alignment member may be configured to be arranged between the at least two radiation transmission units/transfer channel and to provide outwards directed alignment forces to the at least two radiation transmission units/transfer channels. The outer alignment member may be configured to be arranged around the at least two radiation transmission units and/or around the inner alignment member and to provide inwards directed alignment forces to the at least two radiation transmission units/transfer channels.

The inner alignment member may be supported on the outer alignment member or on other part(s) of an assembly comprising the alignment members.

The inner alignment member may comprise a cylindrical part or a cone shape part. If a cylindrical part (outer surface) is used, grooves or other indentation may be used that have different depths in order to provide decreasing of distance between transfer channels/radiation transmission units with increasing distance from the object side.

The outer alignment member may comprise an outer cylindrical part, e.g. a hollow cylinder. Thus, laterally arranged surfaces and/or slanted surfaces may be used. Resilient elements, e.g. resilient rings may improve the holding and/or alignment of the transfer channels.

The alignment may be made in several directions by using only two alignment members, e.g. axial direction and/or radial direction and/or circumferential direction. Thus, effective alignment may be accomplished.

According to an embodiment, the radiation transfer unit may comprise at least one radiation blocking element arranged at or on the first input region, e.g. first object side radiation passage and/or at or on the second input region, e.g. second object side radiation passage of at least one of the at least two radiation transmission units

The blocking element may block the radiation. The blocking element may be nontransparent for the relevant radiation, e.g. having high reflectivity for these radiation or a high absorption coefficient. However, reflectivity may allow to raise the amount of radiation that is coupled into the transfer channel.

According to an embodiment, the radiation blocking element may be a contact element, preferably a biased contact element. The contact element may be arranged translatable relative to the at least one of the at least two radiation transmission units/transfer channels. The contact element may be configured to contact a wall, preferably a sidewall of a chamber which comprises a substance during analysing the substance. Preferably, the radiation transfer unit may comprise at least one resilient element that biases the contact element into the direction of the chamber.

The technical effect of the contact element may be to mitigate tolerances, e.g. of cartridge and/or of plastic parts of radiation transfer unit, arrangement, assembly, etc. Moreover, especially a biased contact element may reduce the width of slits, gaps etc. and may thereby raise the blocking characteristic of the overall arrangement of the transfer channel at or within the contact element, e.g. within a space that is surrounded by the contact element.

The contact elements may be connected to each other, e.g. via a central portion, e.g. of a metal sheet, e.g. of a heat transmission sheet but also alternatively of an electrically or heat isolating material. This may omit separate assembling of single blocking or contact elements. Moreover, use of at least one central biasing element may be eased by the central portion, e.g. the number of biasing elements may be significant lower, e.g. lower than on half or lower than on thread thereof, than the number of contact element/blocking elements which may correspond to the number of test chambers.

The resilient (biasing) element may be at least one compression spring. Alternatively, rubber or silicone elements may be used. At least one gap may be used intentionally, e.g. an air gap, e.g. a radial gap and/or an axial gap between the transfer channel/radiation transmission unit (e.g. input region thereof) and the blocking/contact element, e.g. in order to define an exact distance, to allow compensation of tolerances, to have reproducibility of tests, etc. Especially, in combination with heat conduction via the blocking element or contact element further technical effects may be relevant, e.g. preventing or mitigating heat flow from the blocking/contact element to the transfer channel/radiation transmission unit, e.g. glass rod or plastic rod, etc.

Preferably, the contact element may comprise or consist of a material having a good heat conductivity and/or of a non-transparent material for the wavelength of the radiation.

This may provide synergistic effects between heat transfer to the test chamber and blocking/reflecting characteristics as mentioned above.

The head conductivity of the blocking/contact element may be at least as good as the heat conductivity of copper. Thus, copper or silver, etc. may be used. A thin upper gold layer or layer of another appropriate material may prevent or mitigate oxidation of the material of lower layer(s). Thus, good radiation blocking/ reflectivity and good heat transfer characteristics may be combined.

The radiation transfer unit may comprise at least one rotatable element that is arranged rotatable relative to the at least two radiation transmission units. The rotatable element may be configured to mechanically interact with a rotatable element of a cartridge that provides at least one fluidic system used for preparing the analysis of the substance, e.g. during a test. The at least one rotatable element may be supported by the radiation transfer unit, e.g. by a main body of the radiation transfer unit. Thus, the radiation transfer unit may fulfil several purposes resulting in a compact device.

The rotatable element may comprise tooth of a toothed wheel configured to interact with at least one toothed wheel of a cartridge comprising at least a part of a micro reactor, preferably the fluidic system of a micro reactor. However, alternatively a friction wheel may be used as well.

The toothed wheel may have axially extending tooth. The axial extension may be at least twice or triplicate the extension of tooth in circumferential direction of toothed wheel. Thus, the tooth may be configured, especially by its axial length of its tooth, such that the tooth may interact with a transmission belt and with the inner tooth of wheel of a cartridge, e.g. wheel that drives rotatable disc comprising several test chambers. The toothed wheel may be a spur wheel. A slide bearing (sleeve bearing) may be used to simplify the construction. However, bearings comprising rolling elements (cone, cylinder, ball, etc.) may be used as well but may be more expensive compared to slide bearing.

Therefore, the radiation transfer unit may be a multipurpose unit, e.g. supporting a rotatable element and/or heat transfer in addition to the optical characteristics mentioned above.

The toothed wheel or other mechanical transmission element may be arranged at the outside of the radiation transmission unit, e.g. arranged at the circumference of the radiation transmission units/radiation guiding system.

According to a further aspect, a device is provided comprising a radiation transfer unit according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above.

The device may comprise a retaining space, preferably a cartridge retaining space configured to retaining at least one substance to be analyzed during at least one automatic test. The substance may be comprised in at least one chamber, preferably arranged within a movable part of the cartridge, e.g. within a rotatable element (disc wheel).

The device may be configured to perform at least one automatic test, at least 10 automatic tests or at least 20 automatic tests using one cartridge. Such a device enables efficient testing for a plurality of e.g. pathogens within one test period/cycle. Packages of pathogen tests are mentioned below.

Thus, the technical effects mentioned above for the radiation transfer unit may also apply to the device and vice versa.

The device may comprise at least one, several or all of the function blocks as mentioned below.

According to an embodiment, the device may comprise at least one of: a) at least one rotatable driving unit configured to rotate a chamber carrier, preferably a chamber carrier of a cartridge, e.g. a (PCR) disc wheel or a disc wheel, and b) at least one heating unit configured to provide heat for performing the analysis.

Preferably, the device may be configured to provide at least a part of the heat to regions adjacent to the first and/or second object side radiation passage of at least one of the at least two beam transfer units.

Chambers that are arranged on a rotatable element, e.g. on a disc or disc wheel may be easily filled from one source.

According to an embodiment, the device may comprise at least one chassis and at least one support unit that may be movable (e.g. translational) relative to the chassis. The radiation transfer unit may be mounted on the support unit. Preferably, at least one resilient element may be used to apply a pushing force to the support unit using a pushing unit. Thus, a pre-defined pressure may be used, e.g. in order to prevent damage on the cartridge or on units of the device.

The resilient element that is used to apply the pushing force may be a springs, e.g. a compression springs, preferably a helical compression spring.

According to a further embodiment, the device may comprise a further optical unit that is optically and/or mechanically coupled to the radiation transfer unit. The further optical unit may comprise at least one of the following:

- At least one beam splitter (e.g. dichroic mirror),

- At least one aperture,

- At least one lens,

- At least one radiation source, preferably three different radiation sources for different wave length or for different wave length ranges, e.g. blue, green, red.

- At least one camera unit, e.g. CCD (charged coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor).

An optical main axis of the further optical unit may be arranged oblique to side edges of the device, i.e. to a longitudinal axis of the device (e.g. parallel to or corresponding to a cartridge insertion direction, e.g. with an angle within range of 30 to 60 degrees between a long arm (e.g. arm with main optical axis) and the longitudinal direction of the device. An optical auxiliary axis of the further optical unit may be arranged in an angle of about 90 degrees or of 90 degrees to the optical main axis. This may result in an optical unit comprising “arms”, e.g. at least two long arms making it cumbersome to mount the further optical unit within a device. Thus, the above mentioned mounting angle of the optical unit may reduce device extension(s) considerably.

According to an aspect, the same technical effects as mentioned above may apply to a method for analyzing at least one substance using preferably an embodiment of the radiation transfer unit or of the device as mentioned above.

Biofilters may be used to prevent pollution of the environment. The cartridges may be disposable, e.g. burning of the cartridges after use may be performed in order to prevent that microorganism and/or small particles (e.g. magnetic beads) enter the environment.

The present invention is summarized as follows:

1. A radiation transfer unit (RU) for use in the analysis of at least one substance, comprising: a radiation guiding system (RGS) that is configured to guide radiation from a radiation region (RR) to a detection region (DR), wherein the radiation region (RR) is configured to emit radiation emitted out of respective chambers (Cl to Cl l, CC), each chamber comprising at least one substance to be analyzed, wherein the detection region (DR) is configured to be used by an optical system for image capturing of radiation forwarded by the radiation transfer unit (RU), at least two input regions (IPR) configured to receive radiation from the radiation region (RR), wherein the at least two input regions (IPR) are arranged within an input area (IA) defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two input regions (IPR), at least two output regions (OPR) configured to forward radiation transferred by the radiation transfer unit (RU) to the detection region (DR), wherein the at least two output regions (OPR) are arranged within an output area (OA) defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two output regions (OPR), wherein the output area (OA) is smaller than the input area (IR), and wherein the radiation guiding system (RGS) is configured to transfer the radiation in at least two transfer channels (TC) that are optically decoupled from each other.

2. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to item 1, wherein each of the at least two transfer channels (TC) extends along a respective straight line or along an essentially straight line that deviates laterally from a straight line only by at most 1 percent or at most 2 percent of the lengths of a transfer channel, wherein the lateral distance between at least one pair or between each pair of the at least two transfer channels (TC) decreases with increasing distance to the radiation region (RR), preferably continuously.

3. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to item 1 or 2, wherein each of the at least two transfer channels (TC) extends along a curve that has a maximal distance from a straight line connecting the respective input region (IPR) and the respective output region (OPR) that is less than 30 percent or less than 20 percent or less than 10 percent of the length of the line, and/or wherein the at least two transfer channels (TC) are configured to transfer the radiation by reflection, preferably by total reflection.

4. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least two transfer channels (TC) are made of a rigid material or comprise a rigid material, preferably of a non-flexible material, more preferably of a rod comprising or consisting of glass or comprising or consisting of plastic material. 5. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to item 4, wherein the rigid material is the outer material of the at least two transfer channels (TC).

6. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of the preceding items, comprising at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2), wherein a first radiation transmission unit (RTU1) of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2) comprises a first object side radiation passage (OBP1), a first opposite side radiation passage (OPP1) and a first transfer channel (TCI) of the at least two transfer channels (TC), and wherein a second radiation transmission unit (RTU2) of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2) comprises a second object side radiation passage (OBP2), a second opposite side radiation passage (OPP2) and a second transfer channel (TCI) of the at least two transfer channels (TC).

7. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to item 6, comprising at least one alignment member (AM), wherein the at least one alignment member (AM) is configured to align at least one or at least two or all of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2).

8. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to item 7, wherein the at least one alignment member (AM) is arranged at an intermediate portion of the at least one aligned radiation transmission unit (RTU1, RTU2), wherein the intermediate portion is arranged between a first end portion on a first end of the aligned radiation transmission unit (RTU1, RTU2) and a second end portion of the aligned radiation transmission unit (RTU1, RTU2), wherein the second end is an opposite end relative to the first end.

9. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of items 6 to 8, wherein the at least one alignment member (AM) comprises at least one of an inner alignment member (IAM2) and an outer alignment member (0AM2), wherein the inner alignment member (IAM2) is configured to be arranged between the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2) and to provide outwards directed alignment forces to the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2), and/or wherein the outer alignment member (0AM2) is configured to be arranged around the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2) and/or around the inner alignment member (IAM2) and to provide inwards directed alignment forces to the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2).

10. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of items 6 to 9, comprising: at least one radiation blocking element (CE) arranged at or on the first object side radiation passage (OBP1) and/or at or on the second object side radiation passage (OBP1) of at least one of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU)

11. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to item 10, wherein the radiation blocking element is a contact element (CE), preferably a biased contact element (CE), wherein the contact element (CE) is arranged translatable relative to the at least one of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU), and wherein the contact element (CE) is configured to contact a wall, preferably a sidewall of a chamber (CH) which comprises a substance during analysing the substance, and wherein preferably the radiation transfer unit (RU) comprises at least one resilient element (RE) that biases the contact element (CE) into the direction of the chamber (CH).

12. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to items 6 to 11, comprising at least one rotatable element (TW2a) that is arranged rotatable relative to the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2), preferably supported by the radiation transfer unit (RU) or by a main body (MB2) of the radiation transfer unit (RU), wherein the rotatable element (TW2a) is configured to mechanically interact with a rotatable element (860) of a cartridge (C) that provides at least one fluidic system (FS1 to FS2) used for preparing the analysis of the substance.

13. A device (Dev, 900) comprising a radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of items

9 to 12, wherein the device (Dev, 900) comprises a retaining space configured to retaining at least one substance to be analyzed during at least one automatic test, and wherein the device (Dev. 900) is configured to perform the at least one automatic test.

14. The device (Dev, 900) according to item 13, comprising at least one of a) at least one rotatable driving unit configured to rotate a chamber carrier, preferably a chamber carrier of a cartridge (C), more preferably a disc wheel (DW, 600), and b) at least one heating unit (FB7) configured to provide heat for performing the analysis, wherein preferably the device (900) is configured to provide at least a part of the heat to regions adjacent to the first and/or second object side radiation passage (OBP) of at least one of at least two beam transfer units (RTU).

15. The device (900) according to any one of items 12 to 14, comprising at least one chassis

(CHA) and at least one support unit (SU) that is movable, preferably translational, relative to the chassis (CHA), wherein the radiation transfer unit (RU) is mounted on the support unit (SU), wherein preferably at least one resilient element (RE) is used to apply a pushing force to the support unit (SU) using a pushing unit (LDU).

16. A method for analyzing at least one substance, wherein the radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of items 1 to 12 or the device according to any one of items 13 to 15 is used.

Various modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art in the relevant fields are intended to be covered by the present invention.

The making and using of the presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure provides many applicable concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the disclosed concepts, and do not limit the scope of the claims.

Moreover, same reference signs refer to the same technical features if not stated otherwise. As far as "may" is used in this application it means the possibility of doing so as well as the actual technical implementation. The present concepts of the present disclosure will be described with respect to preferred embodiments below in a more specific context namely a cartridge, device, method, etc. to perform a nucleic acid amplification, a nucleic acid quantification, and/or nucleic acid analysis test such as a PCR or RT (real time)-PCR test. The disclosed concepts may also be applied, however, to other tests and/or appropriate arrangements as well, especially to tests comprising temperature cycles and/or using beads, e.g. magnetizable particles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is further illustrated by the following figures, however, without being restricted thereto. The drawings are not drawn to scale. The following is illustrated in

Figure 1: a cartridge comprising a (PCR) disc wheel.

Figure 2: an embodiment of a switching wheel rotation unit and of a (PCR) disc wheel rotation unit as well as further mechanical components of a test device. Figure 3: a first embodiment of a radiation transfer unit (bundling unit) comprising a simple one-part alignment member.

Figure 4: a modification of a radiation transmission unit comprising a pipe.

Figures 5A and 5B: a second embodiment of a radiation transfer unit (bundling unit) comprising a two-part alignment member, wherein one part is comprised in a main body of an assembly comprising the radiation transfer unit.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples, however, without being restricted thereto.

Figure 1 illustrates a (PCR) disk wheel DW, 600 that may be used as a second movable (rotatable) unit of the cartridge C. A switching wheel SW, 200 may be used as a first rotatable unit, e.g. in order to connect several buffer chambers in an appropriate way. The switching wheel SW, 200 may comprise a second fluidic system FS2 (movable/rotatable), see figure 2. The (PCR) disc wheel DW, 600 may comprise a first flat member, e.g. in the shape of a plate, e.g. a plate having a circular, oval, elliptical, disc like shape, etc. Other shapes are possible as well, e.g. rectangular, e.g. in case of a translatable switching unit.

The first flat member of the disc wheel DW, 600 may be an outer member of disc wheel DW, 600. The first flat member may provide a plate like support. The first flat member of the disc wheel DW, 600 may be opaque.

A first foil may be used to cover the lower side of disc wheel DW, 600. A second foil may be used to cover the lower side of disc wheel DW, 600. The first foil and the second foil may be transparent. Welding may be used to connect the foils fluid tight to the first flat member.

A gasket may be arranged between the stationary part of cartridge C and the disc wheel DW, 600 in order to get tight fluidic connections.

The gasket may be an axial gasket relative to a rotation axis RA of the disc wheel DW, 600.

(PCR) disc wheel 600, DW may comprise a predetermined number of basic regions arranged in a circumferential direction, e.g. sectors of a circle. The basic regions may have the same area and/or may comprise the same fluidic structures. In the embodiment, twelve regions may be provided. Eleven regions may be basic regions, comprising detection chambers Cl to Cl 1 that are arranged near aperture 610 and around aperture 610. Each detection chamber Cl to Cl l may be connected to two radial, e.g. straight radial channels, see e.g. radial channels CH31a, CH31b that are connected to detection chamber Cl. The radial channels may extend radially outwards from the respective chamber Cl to Cl 1 to which they are connected. At the free ends of the radial channels, respective axial portions may be arranged that may extend in the axial direction (i.e. parallel to a rotation axis RA of disc wheel 600, DW), see e.g. axial portions AP3 la and AP3 lb.

In the assembled state of the disc wheel 600, DW, the axial portions, e.g. AP31a and AP31b may be arranged between the main parts of the respective radial channel and the cartridge C. At least one fluidic interface IFDW (see figure 1) may be provided between the third fluidic system FS3 (movable/rotatable) and a first fluidic system FS1 (stationary) of the cartridge C, see e.g. channels b, c and d. In the embodiment, ends of channels c and d which are located near the disc wheel 600, DW and/or respective taps (axial portions) connected to these ends may form part of the at least one fluidic interface IFDW.

The chambers Cl to Cl 1, the radial channels and the axial portions may be part of the third fluidic system FS3 of the cartridge C. Alternatively, the third fluidic system FS3 of disc wheel 600, DW may have a different configuration.

In the embodiment, one special region of disc wheel 600, DW may be different from the other regions. A calibration chamber CC and/or a “short circuit” SC may be arranged in this special regions. In the embodiment calibration chamber CC may have a circular shape. The calibration chamber CC may comprise e.g. fluorescence materials that may be used to calibrate an optical input system, e.g. a camera. Moreover, the special region may comprise the SC short circuit (channel) that is mentioned above. The calibration chamber CC may be arranged more radially inwards compared to the short circuit (channel) SC. The calibration chamber CC may be arranged at a radial position that is also used to arrange the chambers Cl to Cl l. Alternatively, other arrangements of the calibration chamber CC and/or of the short circuit (channel) SC may be used as well. The calibration chamber CC and/or the short circuit (channel) SC may be comprised within the third fluidic system FS3 which is rotatable relative to stationary unit 100 of cartridge C.

The circular aperture 610 may be used for coupling of a heating unit (e.g. a Peltier element) on one side of the cartridge C (e.g. side of the viewer of figure 1) to a counter part of the heating unit at the other side of the cartridge C through the aperture 610. A main part of the heating unit, e.g. a carrier unit may comprise an active heating/cooling element, e.g. a Peltier element. The main part may be brought into contact with the upper sides of detection chambers Cl to Cl l without using aperture 610, e.g. by contacting the free surface of disc wheel DW, 600 which surfaces faces to the viewer in figure 1. The counterpart, e.g. heat spreader 890, see figure 2, of the heating unit may not comprise an active heating/cooling element but may comprise a good heat conductor that may conduct heat coming from the main part further to the lower sides of detection chamber Cl to Cl 1.

Figure 1 illustrates a rotating position of disc wheel DW, 600 in which a short circuit SC connection connects channels c and d, e.g. in order to allow movement of a liquid plug within channel CHI of the switching wheel SW.

If the disc wheel DW, 600 is rotated clockwise by 1/12 at its circumference, channel c is connected to axial portion AP31a and channel d is connected to axial portion AP31b, e.g. allowing filling of chamber Cl.

Figure 1 illustrates also a gasket G. Gasket G may have essentially rectangular or quadratic protrusions along its circumference, e.g. in order to have a tight seat of gasket G within groove Gr2, see e.g. protrusion 620. At least one wider protrusion 630 may be used to ease assembling of gasket G in a pre-defined position within groove Gr2.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a switching wheel rotation unit 800 and of a (PCR) disc wheel rotation unit 850 and further mechanical components of a test device 900.

Cartridge C has been inserted into device 900, e.g. from the right side of figure 2 to the left side. A left side wall SW2 may abut against a stop element (not illustrated). Furthermore, a flexible hose H of cartridge C is illustrated at the upper sidewall of cartridge C. Hose H may be used to couple a pump, e.g. a peristaltic pump to the fluidic systems FS1, FS2 and FS3 of cartridge C.

Switching wheel rotation unit 800 may be used to drive switching wheel SW, 200 that is covered by cartridge C in figure 2. However, aperture 110 of stationary unit 100 and a toothed wheel 810 (cylindrical insert) are illustrated. Toothed wheel 810 is arranged within the aperture 110 and is in mechanical contact with the switching wheel SW, 200 e.g. arranged within a ring shaped protrusion on the bottom side of switching wheel SW.

Force fit and/or form fit may be used to connect both parts SW, 200 and 810 mechanically. Alternatively or additionally, an adhesive may be used or further connection elements, etc.

A plurality of inner tooth, e.g. teeth 812 may be arranged at the inside of a cylinder of toothed wheel 810. The number of tooth on tooth wheel 810 may be in the range of 30 to 60 tooth, e.g. 45 tooth may be used.

A toothed wheel TWla may be configured to interact with toothed wheel 810 in order to transmit rotation forces. Figure 2 illustrates a teeth 822 of toothed wheel TWla. The number of tooth of toothed wheel TWla may be equal to the number of tooth of toothed wheel 810. It may be possible to move toothed wheel TWla axially after cartridge C is inserted into machine 900. This axial movement is indicated by an arrow A8. Optionally, DW rotation unit 850 may be moved in the same direction at the same time. Thus, mechanical interference between toothed wheel 810 and toothed wheel TWla may be provided.

Toothed wheel TWla may be supported by a bearing Bel, e.g. a ball bearing, a roller bearing, etc.). Bearing Bel may be mounted on a support member (not illustrated), preferably on a movable support member.

The support member may further support a toothed wheel TW lb (not illustrated) and a motor Ml (not illustrated). The motor Ml may carry the toothed wheel TWlb on a shaft. Toothed wheel TWlb may be similar or may be identical to toothed wheel TW2b of DW rotation unit 850 as described below. Motor Ml may be similar or may be identical to motor M2 of DW rotation unit 850 as described below.

A toothed belt TB1 may connect toothed wheel TWla and toothed wheel TWlb in order to transmit rotational forces from motor Ml to toothed wheel TWla. A teeth 832 of toothed belt TB1 is illustrated in figure 2.

Other transmission units may be used as well e.g. a gear comprising gear wheels but not a gear belt, etc.

An optional cover Col may be used to cover toothed belt TB1 and/or parts of toothed wheels TWla and toothed wheel TWlb.

Disc wheel DW, 600 rotation unit 850 may be used to drive disc wheel DW, 600 that is covered by cartridge C in figure 2. However, the aperture 120 of stationary unit 100 and a toothed wheel 860 (cylindrical insert) are illustrated. Toothed wheel 860 may be arranged within the aperture 120. Moreover, toothed wheel 860 (cylindrical insert) may be in mechanical contact with the disc wheel DW, 600 e.g. arranged within a ring shaped protrusion on the bottom side of disc wheel DW.

Force fit and/or form fit may be used to connect both parts 600, 860 mechanically. Alternatively or additionally, an adhesive may be used or further connection elements, etc.

A plurality of inner tooth, e.g. teeth 862 may be arranged at the inside of a cylinder of toothed wheel 860. The number of tooth on tooth wheel 860 may be in the range of 30 to 60 tooth, e.g. 45 tooth may be used.

A toothed wheel TW2a may be configured to interact with toothed wheel 860 in order to transmit rotation forces. Figure 2 illustrates a teeth 872 of toothed wheel TW2a. The number of tooth of toothed wheel TW2a may be equal to the number of tooth of toothed wheel 860. It may be possible to move toothed wheel TW2a axially after cartridge C is inserted into machine 900. This axial movement may be synchronously or independent of the axial movement of toothed wheel TWla, see the arrow A8. Thus, mechanical interference between toothed wheel 860 and toothed wheel TW2a may be provided.

Toothed wheel TW2a may be supported by a bearing Be2, e.g. a ball bearing, a roller bearing, etc.). Bearing Be2 may be mounted on a support member (not illustrated), preferably on a movable support member, e.g. to the same support member as bearing Bel or to a further support member.

The support member that supports bearing Be2 may further support a toothed wheel TW2b and a motor M2. The motor M2 may carry the toothed wheel TW2b on its shaft. Toothed wheel TW2b may be similar or may be identical to toothed wheel TWlb of SW rotation unit 800. Motor M2 may be an electrical motor, especially a stepper motor. A control unit for motor M2 is illustrated in figure 2, e.g. comprising power transistors that have to be cooled by cool sheets or other cooling units comprising straight slits, e.g. a passive cooling may be used.

A toothed belt TB2 may connect toothed wheel TW2a and toothed wheel TW2b in order to transmit rotational forces from motor M2 to toothed wheel TW2. A teeth 882 of toothed belt TB2 is illustrated in figure 2.

Other transmission units may be used as well in order to drive disc wheel DW, 600 e.g. a gear comprising gear wheels but not gear belt, etc.

An optional cover Co2 may be used to cover toothed belt TB2 and/or parts of toothed wheels TW2a and toothed wheel TW2b ,e.g. in order to reduce noise emitted and/or to for other purposes.

A heat spreader unit 890 may be arranged within the bearing Be2. Thus, heat spreader unit 890 may be arranged stationary within toothed wheel TW2b.

If the heat spreader unit 890 is rotationally and translationally fixed to the toothed wheel TW2b it is possible to use synchronous temperature cycling for all chambers, e.g. Cl to Cl 1 of disc wheel DW, 600, e.g. in order to have a simpler assembly and/or in order to mitigate temperature isolation problems between separate cylinders of heat spreader 890, see e.g. cylinders 890a to 890e.

The heat spreader unit 890 may comprise discs, e.g. a number of discs that corresponds to the number of regions on disc wheel DW, 600 (in the embodiment 12 discs), see e.g. discs 890a to 890e of heat spreader (plus further cylinders, that are not illustrated). The discs may be comprised in contact elements CE which are illustrated in figures 5 A and 5B. The heat spreader unit 890 may be heated by at least one heating element, e.g. a Peltier element. The heating element may also have cooling properties, e.g. if the direction of current is reversed at the electrical connections of a Peltier element. The heating element may not be part of the heat spreader 890 but may be brought into contact with the heat spreader 890 as described in more detail below, see e.g. central portion CP.

The heat spreader unit 890 may also be combined with light guiding fibers LGF or with light guides LG, e.g. 12 light guide rods in the embodiment. Thus, the number of light guide rods may correspond to the number of regions on disc wheel DW, 600, e.g. places for detection chambers Cl to Cl 1 plus one place for calibration chamber CC/short circuit SC. Light guiding fibers LGF or light guides LG may be used to guide e.g. fluorescent light from chambers Cl to Cl l and/or from calibration chamber CC simultaneously or independently to an optical input device that is arranged within a space surrounded by a case of bearing Be2 or at the side of bearing Be2. A camera may be used as an optical input device. Light may be radiated into the chambers Cl to Cl l, CC, e.g. using light guiding fibers LGF or light guides LG, e.g. simple glass cylinders or pipes in combination with e.g. at least one beam splitter (e.g. dichroic), optical filter and/or dichroic mirror(s). At least one LED (light emitting diode), e.g. of at least two or of at least three colors, may be used to induce fluorescence in the chambers of disc wheel DW, 600, e.g. in chambers Cl to Cl l. An image detector may be used to generate an image. The image may be evaluated to determine the intensity of light, especially of fluorescence light of the probes in the chambers of the disc wheel DW, 600, e.g. chambers Cl to Cl l. From the intensity of light the presence or absence and/or the quantity of nucleic acids in each chamber may be determined. At least two pictures or at least three pictures may be taken in timely sequence according to the respective color of the LEDs.

Alternatively, light guiding fibers LGF/ light guides LG, glass rods (cylinders) or glass bars or other appropriated light guides may be separated from the heat spreader unit 890.

Additionally, figure 2 illustrates fill hole(s) B1F that may be used to fill a first buffer chamber Bl, preferably two small fill holes may be used, e.g. one for filling and one for venting. Buffer fill hole(s) B2F may be used to fill a second buffer chamber B2, preferably two fill holes, e.g. one for filling and one for venting. Buffer fill hole(s) B6F for filling of a buffer chamber B6 are also illustrated in figure 2. Filling holes of other buffer chambers B3 to B5 are not illustrated in figure 2.

After filling of the buffer chamber s Bl, B2, etc., the fill holes may be closed by a foil that is glued or otherwise fastened to the fill holes.

A dry master mix chamber fill hole(s) DMCF, preferably one greater hole if compared with the other fill holes, may be used to fill a powder of the master mix MM into the DMC (dry master mix chamber). Again, a foil may be used to close the hole, e.g. an adhesive foil. Device Dev, 900 may further comprise a chassis CHA, e.g. a steel frame comprising an internal installation space of rectangular shape. Figure 2 illustrates a lower part of the chassis CHA.

A support unit SU, e.g. a support plate may be used to support switching wheel SW rotation unit 800, disc wheel DW, 600 and rotation unit 850 as well as other parts, e.g. using through holes in flanges or base plates BP of both units 800 and 850. Optionally, driving units of units 800 and 850, e.g. motor M2 and the further motor (not illustrated) may be supported on supporting unit SU as well. Thus, at least both units 800 and 850 may be translational movable towards cartridge C or to a cartridge retaining space CRS that is configured to retain the cartridge C or another cartridge. Of course, both units 800 and 850 may be movable in the opposite direction by a corresponding movement of the support unit SU.

A translational alignment device TAD may comprise a linear driving unit LDU, a motor M, a resilient element RE, etc. The linear driving unit LDU may be used to translate support unit SU and units 800 and 850 therewith. Linear driving unit LDU may comprise a tooth rod, a cock wheel and the motor M, e.g. an electrical motor. Alternatively, a spindle and a spindle nut may be used. At least one resilient element RE may be arranged between an end of the linear driving unit LDU and the supporting unit SU. The at least one resilient element RE may allow to push support unit SU and units 800 and 850 therewith gently into the inner tooth wheels 810, 860 of cartridge C, especially with close physical contact and with a defined pushing force. The clamping force at the cartridge C may be in the range of 100 N (Newton) to 300 N or 150 N to 250 N, e.g. 200 N, especially at each side half of the value of the specified force may be applied at the end of the clamping movement of the movable parts. Thus, a comparably high clamping force may be generated, e.g. by at least one electrical motor. The high clamping force may be advantageous for the thermal unit, e.g. in order to enable excellent heat transfer. However, for an optical unit without a thermal unit such high clamping forces may not be necessary. The clamping force may be directed against the force of the compression spring, see e.g. resilient element RE or other embodiments. Thus, the resulting clamping force that is applied to the analysis carrier, e.g. cartridge C, especially the disc wheel DW, 600 may be self-centering.

Alternatively, the motor M may be arranged, e.g. mounted on the support unit SU itself. A spindle (jackscrew) or other appropriate mechanical element may extend e.g. through the supporting plate to a spindle nut mounted on a counter support unit on the other side of the cartridge retaining space CRS. At least one resilient element may be arranged between the spindle nut and a central holding frame or on another appropriate position. According to a preferred embodiment, at least two operation states may be used to move support unit SU to cartridge C using e.g. linear driving unit LDU and motor M. In a first operation state, supporting unit SU may be moved only so far towards cartridge C that the tooth 822, 872 of tooth wheel TWla, TW2a engage with the tooth 812, 862 of tooth wheels TWla, TW2a. However, e.g. heat spreader 890, especially contact elements CE thereof do not contact a chamber CH of disc wheel DW, 600. Thus, driving of the switching wheel SW and/or of the disc wheel DW, 600 may be performed, e.g. in order to fill the disc wheel DW, 600.

However, in a second operation state, the support unit SU may be moved so far towards cartridge C that not only there is an engagement of the tooth 812, 822; 862,872 but also a close mechanical contact between the contact element(s) CE and the disc wheel DW, 600, especially to the back side of the disc wheel DW, 600 if compared with the view that is illustrated in figure 1. In the position of the second operation state, heating of the chambers CH of disc wheel DW, 600 may be performed, e.g. in order to perform a PCR test or another test. A Peltier element (or other appropriate heating and/or cooling element) having or comprising e.g. at least one plane surface may be used on the front side of disc wheel DW, 600. A part of the heat generated by the heating element (Peltier or other element) may be guided via metal sheet MS2, e.g. via central portion CP of the metal sheet MS2, to the contact elements CE, e.g. CE1 to CE6, see e.g. figures 5A and 5B and corresponding description as mentioned below.

During the test, pictures may be taken using, e.g. light guides LG (LG1 to LG6, etc., see e.g. figures 5A and 5B) and a further optical unit as well as a camera. Thus, e.g. a real time PCR may be performed by providing at least one picture or image for each temperature cycle.

As is explained in more detail below, e.g. description of figures 3 to 5B, light guides LG or other transfer channels TC may bundle or concentrate radiation passages in order to reduce the overall width of the region that is relevant for the image. This may allow to simplify the further optical unit, e.g. with regard to its lengths, number of components and/or extension of components etc.

It may only be necessary to detect the colors of fluorescent probes within the respective chamber CH, e.g. Cl to Cl 1, CC. Thus, it may not be necessary to provide a sharp image of the chamber. This may simplify the optical path further, e.g. glass rods or other transparent or translucent rods may be used instead of costly light fibers. The simple light guides LG or other transfer channels TC may also be used to transmit excitation light or other excitation radiation to or into the chambers CH, e.g. Cl to Cl l, CC. Each chamber CH may comprise e.g. up to three probes, e.g. excitable within at least three wavelength ranges. Thus, three pictures may be taken per chamber CH and per cycle. Overall, e.g. more than 30 different tests may be performed at the same time, e.g. parallel in time.

The further optical unit may comprise at least one appropriate beam splitter and/or at least one or several appropriate dichroic mirrors. The further optical unit may comprise at least three light sources, e.g. at least one green LED (light emitting diode), at least one blue LED and at least one red LED, especially respective electrical power LEDs, consuming e.g. power within the range of 1.5 W (Watt) to 10 W or within the range of 2 W to 8 W for each respective power LED group. The numbers of LEDs in each color LED group may be in the range of 2 to 10 LEDs or in the range of 3 to 9 LEDs. A current in the range of 150 mA (milliampere) to 500 mA or in the range of 200 mA to 400 mA may be used, e.g. for each LED. A voltage in the range of 2 V (Volt) to 4 V or in the range of 2.5 V to 3.5 V, e.g. for each LED. For example, the following may be used:

- At least two red LEDs, e.g. three red LEDs may be used and/or e.g. operated with an input power in the range of 2 W (Watt) to 5 W, e.g. with about 3.3 W, and/or

- At least five green LEDs, e.g. seven green LEDs and/or e.g. operated with an input power in the range of 2 W to 8 W, e.g. of 6 W, and/or

- At least two blue LEDs, e.g. four blue LEDs and/or e.g. operated with an input power in the range of 2 W (Watt) to 6 W of about 3.8 W.

Higher values as specified may be used as well, e.g. increased by factor 2. Technical limits may be provided by the efficient of cooling devices. Lower values may be set by the minimal light that is necessary to detect fluorescence.

Figure 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a radiation transfer unit (bundling unit) RU1, 1300 comprising a simple one-part alignment member AM. Another embodiment of a radiation transfer units BU2 is described below with reference to figures 5 A and 5B, respectively.

The radiation transfer unit RU1, 1300 may comprise at least two, at least three, at least four beam or radiation transmitting units RTU1, RTU2, etc. Thus, radiation transfer unit RU1 may comprise a number of beam transmitting units RTU. The number of beam/radiation transmitting units RTU may be within the range of 5 to 15, e.g. 12 beam/radiation transmitting units RTU. Only two beam transmitting units RTU1 and RTU2 are illustrated in figure 3 in order to simplify description of the functional principle.

An arrangement ARI may be part of an assembly AS1, e.g. an assembly that comprises at least one mounting portion in order to mount the assembly AS1 into a device, e.g. into device Dev, 900. The radiation transfer unit RU1 may be regarded as a first optical unit. Arrangement ARI may comprise only parts that are used to transmit beams or light, especially from a chamber CH, e.g. of disc wheel DW, 600 into the direction of a further optical unit, especially an image capturing unit (ICU, function block FB12), e.g. comprising a camera. Arrangement ARI may be the first stage ImSl of the optical system comprising arrangement ARI and image capturing unit ICU, FB12. The purpose of the radiation transfer unit RU, e.g. RU1, RU2, may be to concentrate beams or light coming from the chamber(s) CH such that the further optical unit ICU, FB12 may be produced more cost effective, e.g. using less components or smaller components and/or having less extensions, e.g. along a main optical axis and or along at least one further auxiliary axis which may be arranged perpendicular to the main optical axis.

The alignment member AM may be a one-part member, e.g. a plate (comprising circular arranged transfer channels TC) or a bar, comprising e.g. only two transfer channels. The alignment member AM may comprise a plurality of through holes, e.g. corresponding to the number of radiation transmission units RTU. The alignment member AM may be a molded part or a part produced by subtractive technique. In the embodiment, a first through hole THH1 may be arranged on the left side for holding and for aligning of the first radiation transmission unit RTU1 (transfer channel TCI). A second through hole THH2 is arranged on the right side for holding and for aligning of the second radiation transmission unit RTU2 (transfer channel TC2). The slanting angle, e.g. An8b of a longitudinal axis of the first through hole THH1 relative to an axis of symmetry SyA is opposite to the slanting angle of the second through hole THH2 relative to an axis of symmetry. The slanting angle of the first through hole THH1 determines the slanting angle of the first radiation transmission unit RTU1. The slanting of the second through hole THH2 determines the slanting angle of the second radiation transmission unit RTU2, see angle An8b as described in more detail below.

The inner diameter of the through holes THH1, THH2 may be only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the radiation transmission units RTU. Thus, through holes THH1, THH2 may be used to hold and to align radiation transmission units RTU. However, other embodiments may use no through holes or through holes of larger diameter, see figures 9 and 10.

The radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2 may be glued into through holes THH1, THH2. Alternatively, other fastening methods may be used, e.g. force fit. Alternatively, the alignment member AM may be molded around radiation transmission units RTU.

Alignment member AM may perform axial alignment and/or radial alignment of the radiation transmission units RTU, e.g. of RTU1 and of RTU2. An intermediate portion IP of the alignment member AM may be arranged between or intermediate of the radiation transmission units RTU, e.g. of RTU1 and of RTU2. At an upper surface of the intermediate portion IP, the distance between both radiation transmission units RTU1 and RTU2 may be greater compared to the distance between RTUs on a lower surface of intermediate portion IP. According to the intercept theorem or Thales’s theorem this difference in distance is projected into both directions into which the radiation transmission units RTU1 and RTU2 extend.

In other words, according to one embodiment, the radiation transmission units RTU1 and RTU2, etc. may be arranged around the surface of an imaginary cone, e.g. a truncated cone or frustrum of a cone in order to reach a bundling effect of the radiation transmission units RTU1 and RTU2 thereby reducing a diameter Dial at an object O side to a diameter Dia2 at the opposite side, e.g. image side Im.

Thus, the diameter of the imaginary cone or equivalently a distance between object side ends (object side radiation passage (OBP)) of the radiation transmission units RTU may be reduced by at least 30 percent, by at least 40 percent or by at least 50 percent, e.g. within the range of 30 percent to 90 percent to give only an example for an upper limit.

Object O may be a chamber CH of disc wheel DW, 600, especially a fluorescent probe emitting a beam or other radiation radiated out of chamber CH as is described in more detail below. Image Im may be a blurred image of object O, e.g. only preserving the color (wavelength) of the fluorescent beam(s) but e.g. not the shape of the object or other optical characteristics of the object. However, according to another embodiment, a more complex radiation transmission unit RTU may be used that allows more exact imaging, e.g. comprising at least one optical lens.

In the embodiment, radiation transmission unit RTU1, RTU2 may be structured very simple, e.g. comprising only one part, e.g. a glass rod, made of normal glass, e.g. as used for windows but in another shape. Alternatively, a plastic material may be used. Thus, no special doping is necessary as would be necessary for IR (infrared), UV (ultra violet) transmission glass. The glass may comprise silicon dioxide, e.g. quartz sand and other chemicals that enable the production of the glass. A simple soda-lime silica glass may be used. Alternatively, plastic rods may be used as well.

Another variant of radiation transmission units is described below with reference to figure 4, e.g. using a pipe of small diameter, e.g. with an inner polished surface.

The radiation transmission unit RTU1 may comprise an object side radiation passage OBP1 and an opposite side (image side) radiation passage OPP1, e.g. a respective plane surface, preferably a circular surface. Alternatively, other shapes may be used, e.g. elliptically or square. An angle A8c between a tangential direction on object side radiation passage OBP1 and a longitudinal axis LAI of radiation transmission unit RTU1 may be e.g. 90 degrees or about 90 degree thereby simplifying production of radiation transmission unit RTU1 compared e.g. to an object side radiation passage OBP1 that is slanted or arranged oblique relative to the longitudinal axis LAI. The same may apply to the angle of the opposite side radiation passage OPP1 relative to longitudinal axis LAI, see angle similar to angle An8a that may be e.g. 90 degrees or about 90 degree.

The radiation transmission unit RTU2 may comprise an object side radiation passage OBP2 and an opposite side (image side) radiation passage OPP2, e.g. a plane surface, preferably a circular surface. An angle similar to angle A8c between a tangential direction on object side radiation passage OBP2 and a longitudinal axis LA2 of radiation transmission unit RTU2 may be e.g. 90 degrees or about 90 degree thereby simplifying production of radiation transmission unit RTU2 compared e.g. to an object side radiation passage OBP2 that is slanted or arranged oblique relative to longitudinal axis LA2. The same may apply to the angle of the opposite side radiation passage OPP2 relative to longitudinal axis LA2, see angle An8a that may be e.g. 90 degrees or about 90 degree.

A diameter Dia3 of radiation transmission unit RTU1 (same for RTU2 and further RTUs) may be in the range of 1 mm (millimeter) to 4 mm or in the range of 1.5 mm to 3 mm, e.g. 2 mm. A length LI of radiation transmission unit RTU 1 (same for RTU2 and further RTUs) may be in the range of 2 cm (centimeter) to 10 cm or in the range of 3 cm to 6 cm, e.g. 4 cm or 3.8 cm.

The diameter Dial may be in the range of 15 cm (centimeter) to 25 cm or in the range of 17 to 23 cm, e.g. 20 cm. The diameter Dial may be measured from the center of a rod to the center of the opposite rod.

The diameter Dia2, may be smaller than the diameter Dial, e.g. by at least 5 cm. The diameter Dia2 may be in the range of 18 cm (centimeter) to 8 cm or in the range of 16 to 10 cm, e.g. 13 cm or 13.5 cm. The diameter Dia2 may be measured from the center of a rod to the center of the opposite rod.

Figure 3 illustrates a chamber CH, e.g. one of the chambers CHI to CHI 1, CC of disc wheel DW, 600. A similar chamber CH may be arranged at the object side radiation passage OBP1 of the radiation transmission unit RTU1, etc. Thus, a radial distance of the center of object side radiation passages OBP (e.g. from an axis of symmetry (SyA) may correspond or may be identical to a radial distance of a center of chambers CH from a rotation axis of disc wheel DW, 600, e.g. cambers Cl to C12 as mentioned above. A circumferential offset of the object side radiation passages OBP may correspond or may be identical to a circumferential offset of chambers CH of disc wheel DW, 600, e.g. of chambers Cl to Cl 1 and of calibration chamber CC.

A first minimal radial distance Disl between an inner wall of opening OP1 and an outer lateral surface of radiation transmission unit RTU may be in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm or in the range of 0.15 to 0.3 mm, especially in the first state of the supporting unit SU, see figure 2 and corresponding description as mentioned above. Distance Disl may be reduced in the second state of supporting unit SU, e.g. by 0.1 mm, e.g. due to mechanical contact of contact element CE and chamber CH resulting e.g. in compression of a biasing element within radiation transfer unit RU.

A second minimal distance Dis2 may be defined in axial direction of the opening OP1 of a contact element CE on sheet portion SP. Sheet portion SP may be part of a heat conducting sheet or of a sheet that is used to provide a contact face between radiation transfer unit RU1, 1300 and chamber CH of disc wheel DW, 600 or to disc wheel DW, 600 itself. Distance Dis2 may be defined between a portion of radiation transmission unit RTU that is nearest to chamber CH on a lower side of contact element CE of sheet portion SP. In the first state of supporting unit SU, distance dis2 may be in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, e.g. 0.3 mm. In the second state of supporting unit SU, distance dis2 may be in the range of 0.6 to 0.8 mm.

The thickness Thl of the sheet portion SP (may correspond to metal sheet MS2, see figures 10A and 10B) may be in the range of 0.7 to 1.5 mm, e.g. 1 mm.

Thus, in both states of supporting unit SU, there may be an air gap between inner walls of opening OP1 and object side radiation passage OBP2 of radiation transmission unit (e.g. glass rod, plastic rod) RTU2. The same may apply to other radiation transmission units RTU and corresponding contact element CE, see e.g. CE1 to CE6, etc. as illustrated in figures 9 and 10 and as described in more detail below.

Thus, sheet portion SP may allow entry of beams having a larger angle with regard to longitudinal axis LA2, see e.g. arrows A8a to A8c. Thus, beams may enter into radiation transmission unit, e.g. RTU2 and are forwarded from the object side radiation passage OBP2 to the opposite side (image) radiation passage, e.g. OPP2. Moreover, if sheet portion SP is made of an optically reflective material, this may ease entry of radiation into the transfer channels TC. Contact element may have a radiation blocking/guiding function and/or a heat conducting function.

Total reflection may take place at the inner side of outer surface of radiation transmission unit RTU2 (same for RTU1 and other RTUs), e.g. glass rod, or hollow glass rod. In other words, it is comparably easy to couple light into radiation transmission unit RTU. Optical losses due to coupling and/or due to transmission of the beam are unexpected low. Sharp imaging may not be necessary, e.g. blurred image at opposite side radiation passage OPP2 may be sufficiently, especially as long as the colors are transmitted without a change or with only slight changes.

As mentioned above, supporting unit SU may be part of a translational alignment device TAD. Translational alignment device TAD may be mounted to chassis CHA (see figure 2) of device Dev, 600.

Thus, a plane PLO may be formed near object O. All object side radiation passages OBP of the radiation transmission units RTU may be arranged within plane PLO. A further plane PLIM may be formed near image Im. All opposite (image) side radiation passages OPP of the radiation transmission units RTU may be arranged within plane PLIM. The plane PLO may be parallel to the plane PLIM. Both planes PLO and PLIM may be arranged perpendicular to symmetry axis Sy A, e.g. including an angle of 90 degrees or of about 90 degrees.

A diameter Dial may be measured within the plane PLO and a diameter dia2 may be measured within the plane PLIM. Thus, a significant reduction of the value of the diameter dial (or distance) to the value of the diameter dia2 (or distance) may be accomplished between the planes PLO and PLIM due to the arrangement ARI of radiation transfer unit RU, 1300. The reference points for diameter Dial may be the intersection points of the longitudinal axes LAI and LA2 with the plane PLO. The reference points for diameter Dia2 may be the intersection points of the longitudinal axes LAI and LA2 with the plane PLIM.

Alternatively, the minimal boundary (bounding) area of input regions IPR and the minimal boundary (bounding) area of output regions IPO may be used to describe the area reduction reached by radiation transfer unit RTU. Thus, diameter Dial may be measured as the diameter of a circle with minimal radius encircling still both radiation transmission units RTU1 and RTU2 as well as further transmission units of the radiation transfer unit RU1, 1300 within the plane PLO or slightly below, e.g. in order to surround the complete radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2, etc. Similarly, the diameter Dia2 may be measured as the diameter of a circle with minimal radius encircling still both radiation transmission units RTU1 and RTU2 as well as further transmission units of the radiation transfer unit RU1, 1300 within the plane PLIM.

The same principles of reduction of distances or areas may be used to increase diameter Dia2 (or distance) if compared with diameter Dial (or distance) if appropriate for a test device.

Figure 4, illustrates a further embodiment of a radiation transmission unit RTUlb that may be used instead of radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2, etc. Radiation transmission unit RTUlb may have the shape of a hollow cylinder. Preferably, the inner surface may be polished and/or layered in order to increase the reflection coefficient. Thus, radiation transmission unit RTUlb may be a pipe having an outer diameter in the same range as mentioned above for RTU1, RTU2, etc. Appropriate materials for radiation transmission unit RTUlb may be steel, plastic material, glass, etc.

The radiation transmission unit RTUlb may comprise an object side radiation passage OBPlb, e.g. one end of a through hole. The radiation transmission unit RTUlb may comprise an opposite side (image side) radiation passage OPP lb, e.g. the other end of the through hole. Arrows A8d to A8f illustrate entry of a beam into radiation transmission unit RTUlb and forward transmission of the beam from the object side radiation passage OBPlb to the opposite side (image side) radiation passage OPP lb by reflection.

The radiation transfer unit RU, RU 1 , RU2 for use in the analysis of at least one substance may comprise a radiation guiding system RGS that is configured to guide radiation from a radiation region RR to a detection region DR. The radiation region RR may be configured to emit radiation emitted (radiated) out of respective chambers Cl to Cl l, CC each chamber comprising at least one substance to be analyzed. The detection region DR may be configured to be used by an optical system for image capturing of radiation forwarded by the radiation transfer unit RU, RU1, RU2.

The radiation transfer unit RU, RU1, RU2 may comprise at least two input regions IPR configured to receive radiation from the radiation region RR. The at least two input regions IPR may be arranged within an input area IA defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two input regions IPR.

The radiation transfer unit RU, RU1, RU2 may comprise at least two output regions OPR configured to forward radiation transferred by the radiation transfer unit RU to the detection region DR. The at least two output regions OPR may be arranged within an output area OA defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two output regions OPR.

The output area OA may be smaller than the input area IR.

The radiation guiding system RGS may be configured to transfer the radiation in at least two transfer channels TC that are optically decoupled from each other, e.g. without the possibility of intermingling of radiation.

In the radiation transfer unit RU, each of the at least two transfer channels TC extend along a respective straight line. The lateral distance between at least one pair or between each pair of the at least two transfer channels TC may decrease with increasing distance to the radiation region RR, preferably continuously. Within the radiation transfer unit RU, RU1, RU2 the at least two transfer channels TC may extend along a curve that has a maximal distance from a straight line connecting the respective input region IPR and the respective output region OPR that is less than 30 percent or less than 20 percent or less than 10 percent of the length of the line.

The at least two transfer channels TC may be configured to transfer the radiation by reflection, preferably by total reflection. However, other transfer principles may be used as well, e.g. refraction, straight wave transmission, etc.

The at least two transfer channels TC may be made of a rigid material or comprise a rigid material, preferably of a non-flexible material, more preferably of a rod comprising or consisting of glass or comprising or consisting of a plastic rod. The rigid material may be the outer material of the at least two transfer channels TC, e.g. there is no outer coating and/or outer shielding material.

Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a second embodiment of a radiation transfer unit RU2, 1400 comprising a two-part alignment member AM, wherein one part (0AM2) is comprised in a main body MB2 of an assembly AS2 comprising the radiation transfer unit RU2, 1400. Figure 5 A illustrates the main components and figure 5B illustrates details of the main components.

Radiation transfer unit RU2, 1400 may be part of an arrangement AR2 similar to arrangement ARI, e.g. with regard to the radiation transfer function that is explained above in detail. Light guides LG1 to LG6 and further light guides of another half circle are used as radiation transmission units RTU. Light guides LG1 to LG6 and further light guides may be glass rods, plastic rods, pipes or other appropriate light guiding units.

The assembly AS2 may comprise a main body MB2. Main body MB2 may have an essentially hollow cylindrical shape, e.g. comprising a cylindrical outer SF. Main body MB may be made of a plastic material or of another appropriate material, e.g. metal. POM (polyoxymethylene) may be used as a material for forming the main body MB2, e.g. due to its good sliding characteristics, see rings Ril and Ri2 as described in more detail below as well as due to its good heat isolation characteristics (due to its poor heat conducting characteristics).

The assembly AS2 may comprise from bottom to top:

- An inner alignment member IAM2, e.g. made of POM (polyoxymethylene), e.g. partially crystallized, good sliding characteristics, wear resistant, etc.,

- A supporting body SB2, e.g. made of PEEK (poly etheretherketone), e.g. due to its low heat conductivity coefficient,

- A central top part CTP2, e.g. made of PEEK (polyetheretherketone), e.g. due to its low heat conductivity coefficient. All four parts, i.e. main body MB2, inner alignment member IAM2, supporting body SB2 and A central top part CTP2 may comprise black pigments, e.g. in order to prevent fluorescence.

The details and functions of all four parts is described in the following.

The assembly AS2 may comprise further parts:

- A metal sheet MS2, e.g. comprising or consisting of silver (e.g. due to its high heat conductivity coefficient), thin upper layer of gold, e.g. for anti-oxidation protection,

- Further auxiliary parts, for example:

- Screws SCR1, SCR2,

- Resilient elements RE1, RE2,

- Elastic supporting members ER1, ER2 (rings), etc.

The details and functions of the metal sheet MS2 and of the auxiliary parts is described below in more detail.

Main body MB2 may provide a kind of casing for the other parts of assembly AS2. Moreover, main body MB2 may allow mounting of assembly AS2 into a device, e.g. onto support unit SU as mentioned above with reference to figure 2. According to another embodiment, no outer wheel TW2a is used on the outer circumference of main body MB2. Moreover, heat conduction may be optionally installed in the assembly AS2. Thus, the main purpose or the single purpose of the assembly AS2, especially of the main body MB2 may be to hold the radiation transfer unit RU2, 1400.

The main body MB2 may comprise from bottom to top

- A ring shaped base plate BP extending radially outwards from the cylindrical main portion of main body MB2,

- A lower portion LP2x, essentially cylindrically (hollow cylinder),

- An intermediate (i.e. between lower portion LP2x and an upper portion 1402) narrow portion 1401 of the main body MB2 extending radially inwards form an inner essentially cylindrical surface of a lower portion of main body MB2. The narrow portion 1401 may have a supporting function for inner alignment member IAM2 and the parts mounted thereon, e.g. supporting body SB2, central top part CTP2 and metal sheet MS2,

- An outer alignment member 0AM2 formed partially within the narrow portion 1401 and on or in the inner surface of an upper portion 1402, and

- The upper portion 1402 being essentially cylindrical and comprising a retaining space for the inner alignment member IAM2, for light guides LG1 to LG6 as well as for a lower portion of the supporting body SB2. The base plate BP may comprise mounting elements that may allow mounting of the assembly AS2 within a device, e.g. within device Dev, 900. Through holes TH in peripheral regions of base plate BP may be used as mounting elements. A type plate TP may be fastened on the bottom of the base plate BP.

The lower portion LP2x of main body MB2 may carry a ring Ril that may extend somewhat radially outwards from a main outer surface of the lower portion LP2x of main body MB2. Ring Ril may form a first sliding surface for a sliding bearing Be2 used to bear toothed wheel TW2a.

A convex edge ED2al may be arranged at an inner surface of lower portion LP2x. Edge ED2a and/or the adjacent step, especially the axially facing ring shaped surface between convex edge ED2al and a concave edge ED2a2, may form an axial stop surface for an inlet of the further optical unit (FB12) that is used for taking up images during a test, e.g. a biochemical test using cartridge C and especially the chambers CH of disc wheel DW, 600. The inlet of the further optical unit may be radially aligned by the radially inwardly facing inner surface of the lower part of lower portion LP2x.

The narrow portion 1401 may divide the inner space of the main body MB2 into a lower cavity and an upper cavity. The narrow portion 1401 may comprise through holes, e.g. THH3 for the light guides LG1 to LG6. On the contrary to through holes THH1 and THH2, the trough holes THH3, etc. may have a much larger diameter compared to the outer diameter of light guides LG1 to LG6. Thus, only an outer surface portion of through holes THH3, etc. may be used for alignment. Alternatively, light guides LG1 to LG6, etc. may make no mechanical contact with the inner walls of through holes THH3. Thus, alignment of the light guides LG1 to LG6 may be made by other parts, i.e. outer alignment member 0AM2 in the upper portion 1402 and by inner alignment member IAM2 as is described below in more detail.

The intermediate narrow portion 1401 may comprise two inner surfaces on both sides of circumferentially extending edges ED2bl (convex, recessed) and ED2b2 (concave, protruding). A washer W may be arranged on the axially facing surface (ring shaped) between both edges ED2bl and ED2b2. The washer W and a head of screw SCR1 may be arranged within a lower retaining space RSI of intermediate narrow portion 1401. The shaft of screw SCR1 may engage a lower portion LP2a of the inner alignment member IAM2 within a blind hole B1H1. The lower portion LP2a of the inner alignment member IAM2 may be arranged within an upper retaining space RS2 of intermediate narrow portion 1401. The intermediate narrow portion 1401 may extend at least one third of the outer radius at intermediate narrow portion 1401 from an inner surface of lower portion LP2x, e.g. from the upper inner surface of lower portion LP2x.

The upper portion 1402 of the main body MB2 may the comprise outer alignment member 0AM2, e.g. partially or completely. Recesses for light guides LG1 to LG6 may be arranged within the inner surface of upper portion 1402. The recesses may have the inverse shape compared to the outer surface of light guides LG1 to LG6. Thus positioning in circumferential and in radial outward direction may be provided by these recesses.

Outer alignment member 0AM2 and inner alignment member IAM2 may form an alignment member AM that has the same function as alignment member AM mentioned above and illustrated in figure 3, e.g. to fulfil an alignment function for light guides LG1 to LG6, etc. (e.g. 12 light guides or other appropriate number of light guides). The alignment function may comprise e.g. axial alignment and/or radial alignment and/or circumferential alignment. Thus, a bundling function may be fulfilled with low effort.

The upper portion 1402 may comprise an external ring Ri2 that may form a second sliding surface for toothed wheel TW2, i.e. for bearing Be2. The ring Ri2 may be arranged radially outwards compared to an upper portion of upper portion 1402 as illustrated.

The upper portion 1402 may further comprise a groove GR9c on its outside. The groove GR9c may provide a retaining space for a gasket GK, e.g a gasket comprising a cross section in the shape of a cross. The gasket GK may be a ring having e.g. a cross-like profile or cross section or another appropriate cross section. The gasket GK may prevent that dust, humidity etc. gets into the intermediate space between the main body MB2 and an inner surface of toothed drive wheel (spur wheel), especially not onto the sliding faces formed by rings Ril, Ri2. According to one embodiment two toothing regions may be used on the drive wheel, e.g. one region for the tooth belt and one region for the toothing to the cartridge C. Booth regions may have different tooth shapes and/or different tooth extensions and/or different distances between adjacent tooth. Only one molding part may be used that comprises booth toothing regions. Alternatively, two separate toothing parts may be connected together in order to form the drive wheel. The inner surface of the drive wheel may be a sliding surface that slides on the outer surface of the main body MB.

Moreover, the upper portion 1402 may comprise a circumferentially extending inner edge ED2cl (convex) and a circumferentially extending inner edge ED2c2 (concave). Both edges ED2cl, ED2c2 may have the same axial position. An axially facing ring shaped surface between edges ED2cl, ED2c2 may form an axial stop surface for supporting body SB2. The inner alignment member IAM2 may fulfill an axial alignment and/or radial alignment and/or a circumferential alignment function, especially in combination with the outer alignment member 0AM2. All of these functions may allow to implement a bundling function as already described above with reference to figure 3.

The inner alignment member IAM2 may have an essentially cylindrically shape, e.g. solid cylinder, especially a central portion CP2a thereof. The inner alignment member IAM2 may comprise from bottom to top:

- A lower portion LP2a radially aligned within upper retaining space RS2,

- A central portion CP2a axially aligned on an upper surface of intermediate narrow portion 1401,

- An upper portion UP2a which may be provided to mount supporting body SB2 axially translatable, see arrows A9, but e.g. radially aligned to the upper portion UP2a.

The lower portion LP2a may comprise a lower portion of blind hole B1H1 for screw SCR1. Thus, a threaded shaft of the screw SCR1 may be screwed into a complementary thread within the inner wall of the blind hole B1H1. Hence, inner alignment member IAM2 may be mounted onto the narrow portion 1402 by screw SCR1 thereby positioning the inner alignment member IAM2 radially and axially relative to the outer alignment member 0AM2. As mentioned above, the outer alignment member 0AM2 may be implemented optionally partially in intermediate portion 1401 and at least partially in upper portion 1402 of main body MB2.

The central portion CP2a may comprise:

- An upper portion of blind hole B1H1 for screw SCR1,

- A circumferentially extending lower groove Gr9a providing a retaining space for an elastic ring ER1,

- A circumferentially extending upper groove Gr9b, providing a retaining space for elastic ring ER2.

The bottom of lower groove GR9a may be arranged radially more inwards compared to the location of the bottom of upper groove GR9b. In other words, lower groove GR9a may be deeper than upper groove GR9b. However, in an alternate body, a slanted outer surface may be used and the grooves may have the same depth, see e.g. embodiment of figure 5.

Thus, elastic ring ER1 may be arranged with a smaller radial distance relative to the symmetry axis SyA compared to the radial distance of elastic ring ER2 relative to the symmetry axis SyA. This may correspond to the slanting angle of the longitudinal axes of light guides LG1 to LG6, etc. relative to symmetry axis SyA. Both elastic rings ER1 and ER2 may be used to press, e.g. gently, light guides LG1 to LG6, etc. radially outwards against the recesses in the outer alignment member 0AM2 and to support the light guides LG1 to LG6, etc. slightly resiliently. Thus, small impacts on outer alignment member 0AM2 and/or on at least one of the light guides LG1 to LG6, etc. may be compensated thereby preventing breakage and/or displacement of at least one light guide LG1 to LG6, etc., e.g. during transport of the assembly AS2 and/or during transport of the assembled device Dev, 900. Moreover, the elastic rings ER1 and ER2 may also provide axial support for the light guides LG1 to LG6, etc.

The upper portion UP2a may comprise a solid cylinder. The solid cylinder may comprise a central blind hole B1H2 that may be used for engaging screw SCR2 with an inner thread within the inner wall of the blind hole B1H2. Thus, screw SCR2 and the upper portion UP2a may be used to mount central top part CTP2 onto upper portion UP2a, e.g. providing an axial stop for the translational movement of supporting body SB2 /metal sheet MS2.

The top surface of the upper portion UP2a may comprise at least two, preferably four, retaining spaces for the resilient elements RE1, RE2, etc. e.g. a cylindrical opening, or a cylindrical hole. Alternatively, only one resilient element may be used.

The resilient elements RE1, RE2, etc. may bias the supporting body SB2 away from the inner alignment member IAM2, e.g. also away from main body MB2. Thus, if contact elements CE, e.g. CE to CE6, etc. make physical contact to the back side of disc wheel DW, 600, metal sheet MS2 and supporting body SB2 may move towards inner alignment member IAM2/ main body MB2 thereby allowing to compensate for tolerances of the cartridge or of the parts of assembly AS2.

The supporting body SB2 may support metal sheet MS2, especially peripheral portions thereof, e.g. contact elements CE1 to CE6, and further contact elements of other half circle not illustrated in figure 5, e.g. number of contact elements corresponding to number of chambers (CH) in disc wheel DW, 600, e.g. 12 or other appropriate number. The support may be made by supporting arms SPA1 to SPA6, etc. at the connection portions ConPl to ConP6, etc. as well as via supporting cylinders SPC1 to SPC6, etc.

The supporting body SB2 may comprise a lower - more disc like portion - arranged within the upper part of the upper portion 1402. A plurality of supporting arms SPA1 to SPA6 may extend form the disc like portion slightly radially outwardly and axially up to the contact elements CE1 to CE6, etc. The number of supporting arms SPA1 to SPA6, etc. may correspond to the number of test chambers CH within disc wheel DW, 600, e.g. inclusive a calibration chamber CC.

A respective one of the light guides LG1 to LG6, etc. may be arranged between two adjacent arms SPA1 to SPA6, etc. Each supporting arm SPA1 to SPA6, etc. may extend up to a respective supporting cylinder SPC1 to SPC6, etc. of supporting body SB2. Supporting cylinders SPC1 to SPC6, etc. may extend into the axial direction, e.g. parallel to the axis of symmetry SyA. Each supporting cylinder SPC1 to SPC6, etc. may contact a respective contact element CE, e.g. CE1 to CE6, etc. to be described later. Alternatively, there may be a small gap between each supporting cylinder SPC1 to SPC6, etc. and a respective contact element CE, e.g. CE1 to CE6, e.g. in order to compensate production tolerances of the involved parts. The gap may be in the range of e.g. 0.1 mm (millimeter) to 0.5 mm or within another appropriate range. Furthermore, each supporting cylinder SPC1 to SPC6 may surround the end of a respective light guide LG1 to LG6, etc.

At a lower surface of the support body SB2, further retaining spaces for upper parts of resilient elements RE1, RE2, etc. may be arranged, e.g. openings, holes, e.g. cylindrical hole(s).

The central top part CTP2 may be used to fasten supporting body SB2 on inner alignment member IAM2. Especially in state 1 of the support unit SU, a gap may be provided between an upper surface of the central top part CTP2 and a lower surface of a central part CP of metal sheet MS2. This gap may provide space for the relative movement of central portion CP towards inner alignment member IAM2, outer alignment member 0AM2, main body MB2, e.g. together with supporting body SB2. The gap may be also useful for preventing heat conduction from metal sheet MS2 towards the central top part CTP2 and to other parts of the assembly AS2. between an upper surface of the central top part CTP2 and a lower surface of a central part CP of metal sheet MS2.

The outer diameter of the central top part CTP2 may be adapted to the inner diameter of central part CP of metal sheet MS2. The central top part CTP2 may be essentially cylindrically, e.g. having a constant outer diameter along the whole axial lengths of the central top part CTP2. However, again, a radial gap may be used e.g. in order to prevent heat conduction from metal sheet MS2 to the central top part CTP2 and thereafter to other parts of the assembly AS2.

The central top part CTP2 may comprise:

- A lower portion LP2b,

- A central portion CP2b, and

- An upper portion UP2b.

The lower portion LP2b may provide a lower retaining space LRS adapted to retain the upper portion UP2a of the inner alignment member IAM2.

The central portion CP2b may comprise a narrow portion NP. The narrow portion NP may divide the inner space of the central top part into the lower retaining space and an upper retaining space URS. The narrow portion NP may be adapted to receive the shaft of the screw SCR2. The shaft of the screw SCR2 may extend into blind hole B1H2, especially in the region of the lower retaining space LRS.

The upper portion UP2b may provide the upper retaining space URS adapted to retain a head of screw, SCR2. The head of screw SCR2 may comprise an Inbus (may be a trademark) hole or another appropriate hole in order to fasten screw SCR2, i.e. TORX (may be a trademark).

Thus, screw SCR2 may be used to assemble supporting body SB2 onto inner alignment member IAM2 using central top part CTP2.

The metal sheet MS2 may conduct heat from a heating element, e.g. on a front side of cartridge C, e.g. on a front side of disc wheel DW, 600, see view as illustrated in figure 1. The heat may be conducted through aperture 112 of cartridge C, especially through aperture 610 of disc wheel DW, 600 to central portion CP and then radially outwards to contact elements CE, e.g. contact elements CE1 to CE6, etc. Thus, heat may be conducted “around the corner”.

The number of contact elements CE1 to CE6, etc. may correspond to the number of chambers CH within disc wheel DW, 600, e.g. PCR disc wheel DW 600. The number of chambers may be in the range of 5 to 25 or in the range of 10 to 15. In the embodiment 12 chambers are used, i.e. inclusive a calibration chamber CC. Thus, twelve contact elements CE may be used, see contact elements CE1 to CE6 of the half of the circle that is illustrated in figures 5 A and 5B.

Contact elements CE1 to CE6, etc. may be arranged radially outward relative to central portion CP of metal sheet MS2. Each contact element CE1 to CE6, etc. may comprise a respective opening OP allowing to receive light beams or other beams from chambers CH at the object side radiation passages OBP of the radiation transmission units RTUs, e.g. of the light guides LG1 to LG6, etc.

As mentioned above, contact elements CE1 to CE6, etc. may allow heat conduction. However, in an alternative embodiment heat may be only directed from one side to disc wheel DW, 600. Thus, openings OP may be omitted, is a transparent or translucent material may be used for the contact elements. Contact elements CE may be used for thermal isolation of chambers CH from the environment within device Dev, 900. The distance between the object side radiation passages OBP and the contact elements CE may be adapted appropriately for the alternative embodiment. However, even if no heat is transferred using contact elements CE, openings OP may be used to perform a radiation blocking and/or radiation guiding function as mentioned in the introductory part of the description. Connecting portions ConPl to ConP6, etc. may connect a respective contact element CE and the central portion CP. In the embodiment of figures 5 A and 5B, all connecting portions are bend downwards relative to central portion CP and relative to contact elements CE. However, other bending schemes are possible as well, e.g. alternative upward and downward bending of connecting portions ConPl to ConP6. The central portion CP may be arranged raised relative to the contact elements CE, e.g. in order to ease physical contact with the heating element. The technical effect of the central portion has been mentioned in the introductory part, e.g. allowing to use centrally arranged resilient elements and/or ease assembling of the radiation guiding system RGS and/or of the radiation transfer unit RU, RU1, RU2.

A one step cutting and forming tool may be used to produce metal sheet MS2 comprising the contact elements CE1 to CE6, etc. in a cost efficient and simple way.

Metal sheet MS2, e.g. connecting portions ConPl to ConP6, etc. may be fastened to support body SB2 using e.g. snap connections on support body SB2 that snap onto (interact) lower portions of connecting portions ConPl to ConP6. However, other fastening principles may be used as well, e.g. using screws, rivets, etc.

A temperature sensor Sen2 may be arranged on the lower surface of the central portion CP of metal sheet MS2. The temperature sensor Sen2 may be used to check that a tight heat conducting contact is made between a heating element and central portion CP itself. Alternatively, the temperature sensor Sen2 may be used for other purposes, e.g. heat control purposes of heat emitted by the heating element, e.g. a Peltier element or other electrical heating element. However, a further temperature sensor may be used to perform heat control for the heating element of device Dev, 900.

Figure 5B illustrates an angle An9 that corresponds to angle An8a, see figure 3. Again, angle An9 is 90 degrees or about 90 degrees. Thus, light guides LG1 to LG6, etc. may be cut or otherwise separated at right angles, especially on both of its ends. However, other values may be used for angle An9.

At least one guiding rod GR2 may be used to provide guidance for the translational movement of metal sheet MS2, see arrow A9. A middle portion of the guiding rod GR2 may be arranged within inner alignment member IAM2. A first end portion of the guiding rod GR2 may be arranged in the narrow portion of the main body MB2. The other end of the guiding rod GR2 may be arranged within central top portion CTP2. The support body SB2 may comprise a through hole for the guiding rod GR2. According to one embodiment, the support body SB2 and the central top portion CTP2 may be arranged translatable relative to guiding rod GR2, e.g. by using holes in these two parts that have a greater inner diameter than the outer diameter of the guiding rod GR2 and that enable the relative movement. According to this embodiment, the guiding rod GR2 may be fixed to inner alignment member IAM2 and to the narrow portion of main body MB2, e.g. by interference fit, i.e. using holes that have only a slightly greater inner diameter compared to the outer diameter of the guiding rod GR2. However, other fastening means or schemes are possible as well, e.g. loosely arrangement of guiding rod GR2 in all four parts MB2, IAM2, SB2 and CTP2.

A gap may be used between the peripheral portions (contact elements) CE and the supporting structure, e.g. supporting body SB2. The gap may allow resilient arrangement of the peripheral portions/contact elements CE relative to the supporting structure, e.g. supporting body SB2 and finally relative to the chamber wall(s) of chamber CH, Cl to Cl 1, CC, etc.

There may be differences between the embodiment illustrated in figures 5 A and 5B and a further embodiment may be as follows:

- The inner alignment member may have a cylindrical outer side wall, e.g. having no slanting with regard to the axis of symmetry. However, grooves for at least two elastic rings corresponding to elastic rings ER1 and ER2 may have different depths accounting for the slanting angle of the light guides (transfer channels TC). The lower groove may be deeper compared to the upper groove, e.g. measured in radial R direction.

- The further embodiment may use an alignment member that is a separate part compared to a main body similar to main body MB2,

- Only one resilient element may be used to bias metal sheet similar to metal sheet MS towards the disc wheel DW, 600,

- The metal sheet of the further embodiment may be arranged with a distance to a supporting body that is similar to supporting body SB2,

- A supporting body similar to supporting body SB2 may be fixed to the main body.

- A temperature sensor similar to temperature sensor Sen2 may be arranged at another position on a metal sheet similar to metal sheet MS2.

- The further metal sheet may be bended in a different way, e.g. alternatively bent up and bent down connecting portion similar to connecting portion ConPl to ConP6, etc.

Thus, the radiation transfer unit RU1, RU2 may comprise at least two radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2. The first radiation transmission unit RTU1 may comprise a first object side radiation passage OBP1, a first opposite side radiation passage OPP1 and a first transfer channel TCI of the at least two transfer channels TC.

The second radiation transmission unit RTU2 of the at least two radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2 may comprise a second object side radiation passage OBP2, a second opposite side radiation passage OPP2 and a second transfer channel TCI of the at least two transfer channels TC.

The radiation transfer unit RU may comprise at least one alignment member AM or at least two alignment members. The at least one alignment member AM may be configured to align at least one or at least two or all of the at least two radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2, etc. The at least one alignment member AM or the at least two alignment members AM, e.g. IAM2, 0AM2 may be arranged at an intermediate portion of the at least one aligned radiation transmission unit RTU1, RTU2, etc.

The intermediate portion IP may be arranged between a first end portion on a first end of the aligned radiation transmission unit RTU1, RTU2, etc. and a second end portion of the aligned radiation transmission unit RTU1, RTU2, etc. The second end may be an opposite end relative to the first end.

The at least one alignment member AM may comprise at least one of an inner alignment member IAM2 and an outer alignment member 0AM2. The inner alignment member IAM2 may be configured to be arranged between the at least two radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2, etc. and to provide outwards directed alignment forces to the at least two radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2, etc.

The outer alignment member 0AM2 may be configured to be arranged or may be arranged around the at least two radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2 and/or around the inner alignment member IAM2 and to provide inwards directed alignment forces to the at least two radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2.

The radiation transfer unit RU may comprise at least one radiation blocking element CE arranged at or on the first object side radiation passage OBP1 and/or at or on the second object side radiation passage OBP1 of at least one of the at least two radiation transmission units RTU, RTU1, RTU2.

The radiation blocking element may be a contact element CE, e.g. CE1 to CE6, preferably a biased contact element CE. Biasing may be performed by a resilient element RE1, RE2, e.g. by at least one compression spring.

The contact element CE e.g. CE1 to CE6 may be arranged translatable relative to the at least one of the at least two radiation transmission units RTU, RTU1, RTU2, etc.

The contact element CE may be configured to contact a wall, preferably a sidewall of a chamber CH, e.g. Cl to Cl 1, CC which comprises a substance during analysing the substance. Preferably, the radiation transfer unit RU may comprise at least one resilient element RE that biases the contact element CE into the direction of the chamber CH. The radiation transfer unit RU may comprise at least one rotatable element TW2a that may be arranged or that may be rotatable relative to the at least two radiation transmission units RTU1, RTU2. The rotatable element TW2a may be configured to mechanically interact with a rotatable element 860 of a cartridge C that provides at least one fluidic system FS1 to FS2 used for preparing the analysis of the substance for a test.

The device Dev, 900 may comprise the radiation transfer unit RU. The device 900 may be configured to perform at least one automatic test, e.g. a PCR test or another test.

The device Dev, 900 may comprise at least one of: a) at least one rotatable driving unit 850 which may be configured to rotate a chamber carrier, e.g. (PCR) disc wheel DW, 600, preferably a chamber carrier of the cartridge C, and b) at least one heating unit FB7 configured to provide heat for performing the analysis, wherein preferably the device 900 is configured to provide at least a part of the heat to regions adjacent to the first and/or second object side radiation passage OBP of at least one of the at least two beam transfer units RTU, RTU1, RTU2, etc.

The device Dev, 900 may comprise other units as mentioned above, e.g. at least one, several or all of the units FBI to FB13.

The device 900 may comprise at least one chassis CHA and at least one support unit SU that is movable relative to the chassis CHA, e.g. translational. The radiation transfer unit RU may be mounted on the support unit SU. Preferably, at least one resilient element RE may be used to apply a pushing force to the support unit SU using e.g. a pushing unit LDU.

The design of the fluorescent probes may use FRET (Forster resonance energy transfer) principles or non-FRET principles. For PCR monitoring the following may be used:

- Hairpin probe (molecular beacon),

- Scorpion probe (they change configuration and self-hybridize after the primer is extended in PCR),

- Taqman (may be a trademark, Thermus aquaticus-man), e.g. the probes may be destroyed by Taq DNA polymerase in the course of the PCR, separating donor and acceptor fluorophores.

- Hybridization probes.

Reference is made further to Molecular Cloning: A laboratory manual, Green and Sambrook, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, U.S.; fourth edition (June 15, 2012), vol. I to III, especially vol. II, chapter 9 which all are included by reference herewith for all legal purposes. Moreover, the disclosed cartridge and/or micro reactor may be used not only for PCR but also for other purposes, e.g. isothermal amplification.

The following pathogens may be subject to the analysis of at least one substance comprised therein (e.g. nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule):

Exemplary within an HPN (Hospitalized Pneumonia) package:

Exemplary within an IAI (Intra- Abdominal Infection) package or within another package as indicated:

Exemplary e.g. within the IAI (Intra-Abdominal Infection) package: Anaerobic/facultative anaerobic bacteria

1 Aeromonas spp. 2 Bacteroides fragilis group

3 Bacteroides spp./

4 Prevotella spp.

5 Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile)

6 Clostridium perfringens 7 Finegoldia magna

8 Cutibacterium acnes (P. acnes)

Exemplary additionally within an ITI (Implant and tissue infection) package: Corynebacteriaceae Corynebacterium spp.

Exemplary additionally within an BCU (BCU) package:

Mycobacteriaceae

Mycobacterium spp. In these cases, the amplification products of the genes or genetic regions representative for the above-mentioned pathogen (bacterial) species are detected with the radiation transfer unit (RU) of the present invention. The detection is carried out by via a color marking such as fluorescence marking. Specifically, the bacteria-specific nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA molecule to be detected is labelled with a detectable dye such as fluorescence marker/probe like TaqMan probe.

A TaqMan probe may consist of a fluorophore covalently attached to the 5’-end of the oligonucleotide probe and a quencher at the 3 ’-end. Several different fluorophores (e.g. 6- carboxyfluorescein, acronym: FAM, or tetrachlorofluorescein, acronym: TET) and quenchers (e.g. tetramethylrhodamine, acronym: TAMRA) are available. The quencher molecule quenches the fluorescence emitted by the fluorophore when excited by the cycler’s light source via Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). As long as the fluorophore and the quencher are in proximity, quenching inhibits any fluorescence signals. TaqMan probes are designed such that they anneal within a nucleic acid such as DNA region amplified by a specific set of primers. TaqMan probes can be conjugated to a minor groove binder (MGB) moiety, dihydrocyclopyrroloindole tripeptide (DPI3), in order to increase its binding affinity to the target sequence; MGB-conjugated probes have a higher melting temperature (T_m) due to increased stabilization of van der Waals forces. As the Taq polymerase extends the primer and synthesizes the nascent strand (from the single-stranded template), the 5' to 3' exonuclease activity of the Taq polymerase degrades the probe that has annealed to the template. Degradation of the probe releases the fluorophore from it and breaks the proximity to the quencher, thus, relieving the quenching effect and allowing fluorescence of the fluorophore. Hence, fluorescence detected in the quantitative PCR thermal cycler is directly proportional to the fluorophore released and the amount of nucleic acid such as DNA template present in the PCR. This signal is then detected with the radiation transfer unit (RU) of the present invention.

A packet of assays/tests/probes may be used for a respective cartridge, e.g. for respiratory diseases. The number of tests (e.g. corresponding to the number of probes comprised within the cartridge) that may be performed using a respective cartridge C may be within the range of 10 to 40 or in the range of 15 to 35 tests.

For example, within a respiratory disease package tests for the following viruses may be performed: Adenovirus, at least one Coronavirus (SARS CoV, MERS CoV, Cov 19, etc.), Influenza A (Orthomyxovirus), Parainfluenza (Krupps, Paramyxovirus), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (Paramyxovirus), Rhinovirus (common cold, Picomavirus). Optionally, tests for viruses or bacteria causing hospitalized pneumonia may be added, e.g. as mentioned in this application.

Other assays (test packages) may be used as well, e.g. for the detection of:

- HPN (Hospitalized Pneumonia),

- IAI (Intra-Abdominal Infection),

- ITI (Implant and tissue infection),

- UTI (Urinary tract infection),

- BCU (Blood culture), etc.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many of the features, functions, processes and methods described herein may be varied while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the system, process, manufacture, method or steps described in the present disclosure. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present disclosure systems, processes, manufacture, methods or steps presently existing or to be developed later that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such systems, processes, methods or steps. The embodiments mentioned in the first part of the description, e.g. section “embodiments” may be combined with each other. The embodiments of the description of figures may also be combined with each other. Further, it is possible to combine embodiments mentioned in the first part of the description with examples of the second part of the description which relates to figures 1 to 5B.

Claims

1. A radiation transfer unit (RU) for use in the analysis of at least one substance, comprising: a radiation guiding system (RGS) that is configured to guide radiation from a radiation region (RR) to a detection region (DR), wherein the radiation region (RR) is configured to emit radiation emitted out of respective chambers (Cl to Cl l, CC), each chamber comprising at least one substance to be analyzed, wherein the detection region (DR) is configured to be used by an optical system for image capturing of radiation forwarded by the radiation transfer unit (RU), at least two input regions (IPR) configured to receive radiation from the radiation region (RR), wherein the at least two input regions (IPR) are arranged within an input area (IA) defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two input regions (IPR), at least two output regions (OPR) configured to forward radiation transferred by the radiation transfer unit (RU) to the detection region (DR), wherein the at least two output regions (OPR) are arranged within an output area (OA) defined by the minimum bounding area of the at least two output regions (OPR), wherein the output area (OA) is smaller than the input area (IR), and wherein the radiation guiding system (RGS) is configured to transfer the radiation in at least two transfer channels (TC) that are optically decoupled from each other.

2. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two transfer channels (TC) extends along a respective straight line or along an essentially straight line that deviates laterally from a straight line only by at most 1 percent or at most 2 percent of the lengths of a transfer channel, wherein the lateral distance between at least one pair or between each pair of the at least two transfer channels (TC) decreases with increasing distance to the radiation region (RR), preferably continuously.

3. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the at least two transfer channels (TC) extends along a curve that has a maximal distance from a straight line connecting the respective input region (IPR) and the respective output region (OPR) that is less than 30 percent or less than 20 percent or less than 10 percent of the length of the line, and/or wherein the at least two transfer channels (TC) are configured to transfer the radiation by reflection, preferably by total reflection.

4. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two transfer channels (TC) are made of a rigid material or comprise a rigid material, preferably of a non-flexible material, more preferably of a rod comprising or consisting of glass or comprising or consisting of plastic material.

5. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2), wherein a first radiation transmission unit (RTU1) of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2) comprises a first object side radiation passage (OBP1), a first opposite side radiation passage (OPP1) and a first transfer channel (TCI) of the at least two transfer channels (TC), and wherein a second radiation transmission unit (RTU2) of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2) comprises a second object side radiation passage (OBP2), a second opposite side radiation passage (OPP2) and a second transfer channel (TCI) of the at least two transfer channels (TC).

6. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to claim 5, comprising at least one alignment member (AM), wherein the at least one alignment member (AM) is configured to align at least one or at least two or all of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2).

7. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one alignment member (AM) is arranged at an intermediate portion of the at least one aligned radiation transmission unit (RTU1, RTU2), wherein the intermediate portion is arranged between a first end portion on a first end of the aligned radiation transmission unit (RTU1, RTU2) and a second end portion of the aligned radiation transmission unit (RTU1, RTU2), wherein the second end is an opposite end relative to the first end.

8. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the at least one alignment member (AM) comprises at least one of an inner alignment member (IAM2) and an outer alignment member (0AM2), wherein the inner alignment member (IAM2) is configured to be arranged between the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2) and to provide outwards directed alignment forces to the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2), and/or wherein the outer alignment member (0AM2) is configured to be arranged around the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2) and/or around the inner alignment member (IAM2) and to provide inwards directed alignment forces to the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2).

9. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, comprising: at least one radiation blocking element (CE) arranged at or on the first object side radiation passage (OBP1) and/or at or on the second object side radiation passage (OBP1) of at least one of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU)

10. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to claim 9, wherein the radiation blocking element is a contact element (CE), preferably a biased contact element (CE), wherein the contact element (CE) is arranged translatable relative to the at least one of the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU), and wherein the contact element (CE) is configured to contact a wall, preferably a sidewall of a chamber (CH) which comprises a substance during analysing the substance, and wherein preferably the radiation transfer unit (RU) comprises at least one resilient element (RE) that biases the contact element (CE) into the direction of the chamber (CH).

11. The radiation transfer unit (RU) according to claim 5 to 10, comprising at least one rotatable element (TW2a) that is arranged rotatable relative to the at least two radiation transmission units (RTU1, RTU2), preferably supported by the radiation transfer unit (RU) or by a main body (MB2) of the radiation transfer unit (RU), wherein the rotatable element (TW2a) is configured to mechanically interact with a rotatable element (860) of a cartridge (C) that provides at least one fluidic system (FS1 to FS2) used for preparing the analysis of the substance.

12. A device (Dev, 900) comprising a radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the device (Dev, 900) comprises a retaining space configured to retaining at least one substance to be analyzed during at least one automatic test, and wherein the device (Dev. 900) is configured to perform the at least one automatic test.

13. The device (Dev, 900) according to claim 12, comprising at least one of: a) at least one rotatable driving unit configured to rotate a chamber carrier, preferably a chamber carrier of a cartridge (C), more preferably a disc wheel (DW, 600), and b) at least one heating unit (FB7) configured to provide heat for performing the analysis, wherein preferably the device (900) is configured to provide at least a part of the heat to regions adjacent to the first and/or second object side radiation passage (OBP) of at least one of at least two beam transfer units (RTU).

14. The device (900) according to claims 12 or 13, comprising at least one chassis (CHA) and at least one support unit (SU) that is movable, preferably translational, relative to the chassis (CHA), wherein the radiation transfer unit (RU) is mounted on the support unit (SU), wherein preferably at least one resilient element (RE) is used to apply a pushing force to the support unit (SU) using a pushing unit (LDU).

15. A method for analyzing at least one substance, wherein the radiation transfer unit (RU) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or the device according to any one of claims 12 to 14 is used.