Fluid sample analysis device with sealable sample storage reservoir
First Claim
1. A test device for detecting an analyte suspected of being present in a fluid sample, comprising:
- a casing, comprising a port for a sample collection well;
a test compartment containing at least one test element;
a sample collection well situated in the port and comprising an upper chamber, an expression plate, a lower chamber, and a sample outlet;
a reservoir within or below the lower chamber for storing fluid sample for confirmation testing;
a plunger comprised within the sample collection well, the plunger having a raised position and a lower position;
a seal that fits sealably over the reservoir when the plunger is located in the lower position;
a cap for the sample collection well, wherein a portion of the cap interacts with the plunger to move the plunger from the raised position to the lower position when the cap is applied to the sample collection well.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to devices and methods for determining the presence of analyte in a fluid sample. The devices utilize a sample collection well, an expression plate for expressing sample into the sample collection well, a plunger that drives a seal, and a test compartment containing test elements. The devices also contain a reservoir for preserving an aliquot of sample for later confirmation testing. When the plunger is lowered into the sample collection well, an aliquot of sample is sealed in the reservoir. In one embodiment the plunger is lowered as a cap is applied to the device. The devices are useful for detecting the presence of analyte in a wide variety of fluid samples, such as saliva. The invention also provides methods of using the devices, and kits containing the devices.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A test device for detecting an analyte suspected of being present in a fluid sample, comprising:
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a casing, comprising a port for a sample collection well;
a test compartment containing at least one test element;
a sample collection well situated in the port and comprising an upper chamber, an expression plate, a lower chamber, and a sample outlet;
a reservoir within or below the lower chamber for storing fluid sample for confirmation testing;
a plunger comprised within the sample collection well, the plunger having a raised position and a lower position;
a seal that fits sealably over the reservoir when the plunger is located in the lower position;
a cap for the sample collection well, wherein a portion of the cap interacts with the plunger to move the plunger from the raised position to the lower position when the cap is applied to the sample collection well. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A kit comprising:
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a test device for detecting an analyte suspected of being present in a fluid sample, comprising;
a casing, comprising a port for a sample collection well;
a test compartment containing at least one test element;
a sample collection well, situated in the port and comprising an upper chamber, an expression plate, a lower chamber, and a sample outlet;
a reservoir within or below the lower chamber for storing a fluid sample for confirmation testing;
a plunger comprised within the sample collection well, the plunger having a raised position and a lower position, and having a seal at the lower end that fits sealably over the indentation when the plunger is located in the lower position;
a cap for the sample collection well, wherein a portion of the cap interacts with the plunger to move the plunger from the raised position to the lower position when the cap is applied to the sample collection well; and
a sample applicator. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of detecting an analyte suspected of being present in a liquid sample, comprising
applying a liquid sample suspected of containing the analyte to a sample applicator; -
applying the liquid sample to a test device by wringing the sample applicator into the test device, where the test device comprises;
a casing, comprising a port for a sample collection well a test compartment containing at least one test element;
a sample collection well, situated in the port and comprising an upper chamber, an expression plate, a lower chamber, and a sample outlet;
a reservoir within or below the lower chamber for storing a fluid sample for confirmation testing;
a plunger comprised within the sample collection well, the plunger having a raised position and a lower position, and having a seal at the lower end that fits sealably over the reservoir when the plunger is located in the lower position;
a cap for the sample collection well, wherein a portion of the cap interacts with the plunger to move the plunger from the raised position to the lower position when the cap is applied to the sample collection well; and
determining if the analyte is present in the sample. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification