Systems and modules for nucleic acid amplification testing

Abstract

Systems for nucleic acid amplification testing are provided. The systems comprise a consumable amplification module and a reader module for receiving the amplification module. The amplification module comprises: a reactor vessel for containing a test sample; a heater comprising a heater element in thermal contact with the reactor vessel and controllable to add heat to the reactor vessel so as to heat the test sample; a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of at least one of the heater element and the test sample; and a heat sink or a heat spreader in thermal contact with the heater. The reader module comprises: a heater controller for selectively controlling the heater element between an on condition and an off condition in response to the determined temperature of the heater element and/or test sample; and an electrical heater interface for connecting the heater controller and the heater. The system comprises a heat sink for subtracting heat from the reactor vessel so as to cool the test sample. The amplification module may comprise the heat sink. The receiver module may comprise the heat sink and a thermal interface, and the amplification module may comprise the heat spreader for thermal contact with the thermal interface.