Liquid distribution and metering

Abstract

Devices for handling liquid, for example microfluidic devices, are described, which are rotatable about an axis of rotation to drive liquid flow within the device. The 5 devices provide one or more of an aliquoting structure () having a plurality of daisy chained aliquoting chambers () for providing a plurality of aliquots, arrangements for sequencing the dispensing of the aliquots by controlling the rotation of the device and arrangements for ensuring that a fault condition can be detected when insufficient liquid is present in the device to fill 10 all aliquots. Further disclosed are arrangements for ensuring a detection chamber () of the device remains filled with liquid, arrangements for reducing the risk of air ingress to the detection chamber () on repeated emptying and filling of a supply structure () and arrangements for reducing the risk of bubble formation when filling the detection chamber (). A corresponding system for operating the 15 device and method for processing of a sample using the device is also disclosed.