Hybrid valve structure for high-throughput, low-volume liquid-handling applications

A hybrid valve that integrates precision microfluidics for fluid routing, high-speed valving for fluid switching, and reagent-jetting devices for metering the fluid dispenses is described. The hybrid valve enables parallel switching between aspiration and dispense modes for multiple sample streams. This unique valve structure addresses many of the concerns with handling microscale volumes, including efficient use of samples, degradation of ink jet valves and speed of operation. A broad range of volumes can be manipulated with excellent reproducibility. The hybrid valve can be configured for a variety of applications. Pick-and-place aspiration and dispensing of unique reagents and rapid dispensing of a common reagent are possible. Together these features lead to higher-speed transfer of smaller volumes of reagent.