In a liquid handling system including a liquid handling substrate having a plurality
of channels for conducting a liquid sample in said substrate, where the channels
terminate in a plurality of exit ports in an outer surface of the substrate for
transfer of a quantity of the liquid sample. The handling system also includes
a liquid storage and dispensing substrate having a plurality of separable cartridges
corresponding to the channels, with each cartridge terminating at a microelectro
mechanical system (MEMS) comprising a laminate of glass, silicon and a piezoelectric
substance. The handling system further includes a liquid detecting system comprising
a light emitting diode and a photo-detector, where each channel includes a reservoir
in communication with a corresponding cartridge creating an interface therebetween.
The handling system enables a method for storing and dispensing liquids including
drawing a liquid sample into the channels either by capillary action, vacuum, electrostatic
flow, a minipump or any combination thereof, storing the liquid sample into the
cartridge, and dispensing the liquid sample.
