Sample testing device

• US 20040014203A1
• Filed: 07/14/2003
• Published: 01/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James C. Wickstead, Keith A. Seritella
• Original Assignee: James C. Wickstead, Keith A. Seritella
• Inventors: Wickstead, James C., Seritella, Keith A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,257,991 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/287.2
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/046 Function or devices integrated in the closure
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0609 Holders integrated in container to position an object
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0672 Integrated piercing tool
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0825 Test strips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0832 cylindrical, tube shaped
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0481 squeezing of channels or chambers
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502 with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures centrifugal-type cuvettes G01N21/07; analysis by separation into components G01N30/00; automatic analysers G01N35/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/255 including use of a solid sorbent, semipermeable membrane, or liquid extraction

Abstract

A sample testing device has a buffer container that can hold buffer fluid, a filter with a securement for holding a test strip, the test strip, a test strip container having a receptacle to accommodate the filter, so that when the filter is held therein the test strip is disposed in the receptacle, and a sample collector for holding a sample. The sample collector receives the buffer container, and the sample collector has a piercing member which, when the buffer container is placed in the sample collector, pierces the buffer container. Buffer fluid in the buffer container then contacts the sample. As buffer fluid flows through the sample collector, the buffer fluid that has contacted the sample passes through the filter to the test strip.

Claims

1. A sample testing device, comprising:

a buffer container having an interior which receives a buffer fluid therein and a weakened portion;

a filter having a securement;

a test strip having an end held by said securement;

a test strip container having a receptacle dimensioned and disposed to accommodate said filter, so that when said filter is accommodated by said test strip container, the test strip is disposed in said receptacle,

a sample collector for holding a sample therein and which is shaped to receive said buffer container, said sample collector having a channeling member having a lumen, wherein when the buffer container is squeezed, the weakened portion fails and the buffer fluid in the interior of the buffer chamber contacts the sample and passes through the lumen to said filter;

wherein as the buffer fluid flows through the lumen of the sample collector the buffer fluid that has contacted the sample passes through the filter to the test strip.

2. The sample testing device of claim 1, wherein said test strip is oriented substantially perpendicular to said filter.

3. The sample testing device of claim 1, wherein said buffer container has a threaded outer surface and said sample collector has a threaded inner surface, the threaded outer surface engaging the threaded inner surface when the buffer container and the sample collector are joined.

4. The sample testing device of claim 1, wherein said buffer container has a projection and said sample collector has a depression, the projection engaging the depression when the buffer container and the sample collector are joined.

5. The sample testing device of claim 1, wherein a top portion of said buffer container is bellowed, and wherein when said top portion is compressed, at least a portion of the buffer fluid is expelled from the buffer container.

6. The sample testing device of claim 1, wherein the buffer fluid is sealed within said buffer container.

7. The sample testing device of claim 1, wherein said buffer container comprises a compressible grip, and wherein when said grip is compressed, at least a portion of the buffer fluid is expelled from the buffer container.

8. The sample testing device of claim 1, wherein said test strip container has a viewing window through which the test strip is visible.

9. The sample testing device of claim 1, wherein said test strip container comprises a cover and a body, and said cover and said body are joined together.

10. The sample testing device of claim 9, wherein said cover and said body are joined together in fluid-tight fashion.

11. A method for testing a sample, comprising the steps of:

obtaining a sample to be tested;

placing the sample in a sample collector;

positioning a buffer container having a buffer fluid therein above the sample collector;

positioning the sample container above a filter, the filter having a test strip in contact therewith;

causing the buffer fluid to flow downward from the buffer container over the sample and through the filter to the test strip.

12. A method for testing a sample as in claim 11, wherein said causing step comprises urging the buffer container downward to contact and be pierced by a piercing member.

13. A method for testing a sample as in claim 11, wherein said causing step comprises compressing the buffer container so that a weakened portion of the buffer container ruptures.