Immunoassay apparatus and kit

• US 20070148049A1
• Filed: 12/22/2005
• Published: 06/28/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Chembio Diagnostic Systems Incorporated (Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Chembio Diagnostic Systems Incorporated (Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.)
• Inventors: Esfandiari, Javanbakhsh
• Granted Patent: US 7,959,877 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/100
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/027 for microfluidic devices
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0681 Filter
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/069 Absorbents; Gels to retain a fluid
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0832 cylindrical, tube shaped
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0406 capillary forces
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5023 with a sample being transported to, and subsequently stored in an absorbent for analysis
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 7/52 with provision for submitting samples to a predetermined sequence of different temperatures, e.g. for treating nucleic acid samples amplification or hybridisation processes per se C12Q1/68; controlling sequential reactions for synthesis B01J19/0046
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 31/22 using chemical indicators G01N31/02 takes precedence

Abstract

Biological sampling apparatus have a barrel defining a chamber with a narrow passageway at one end and an absorbent analytical test means in the chamber. In one embodiment, an integral frit is provided with a first portion acting as a splash filter and located in the chamber, and a second portion integral with said first portion acting as a wick. The second portion extends through the narrow passageway. A portion of the splash filter is hydrophobic, and at least a portion of the wick is treated with a wetting agent and is hydrophilic. In another embodiment, a splash filter is located in the chamber and a separate hydrophilic wick is provided having a first portion located in the narrow passageway and a second portion located outside the passageway and barrel. The second portion has a bulbous portion capable of absorbing substantially more fluid sample than the first portion.

Claims

1. A biological sampling apparatus, comprising:

a barrel defining a chamber having a first end and a narrow passageway at a second end opposite the first end;

an absorbent analytical test means located in the chamber; and

a frit having a first portion acting as a splash filter and located in said chamber, and a second portion integral with said first portion acting as a wick, said second portion extending through said narrow passageway, at least a portion of said splash filter being hydrophobic, and at least a portion of said wick being treated with a wetting agent to be hydrophilic.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said first end of said barrel is substantially open.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:

a sink filter located between said test means and said first end of said barrel.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:

said sink filter is comprises a desiccant.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said entire wick and at least a portion of said splash filter are treated with a wetting agent to be hydrophilic.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein:

said entire wick and said portion of said splash filter treated with a wetting agent provide a predetermined quantitative sample absorptivity.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said frit comprises at least one of polyester and polyethylene.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein:

said frit is a molded frit.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said wick extends beyond said barrel.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said chamber has a cross-sectional area at said second end, and said splash filter covers said cross-sectional area.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said frit is friction fit in said barrel.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said test means includes a test line sensitive to at least one of HIV1 antibodies, HIV2 antibodies, and tuberculosis antibodies, and a control line.

13. A biological sampling kit, comprising said biological sampling apparatus of claim 1, and a separate vial containing buffer solution.

22. A biological sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said integral splash filter comprises a hydrophobic material, and said second portion of said wick is made hydrophilic with a wetting agent.

14. A biological sampling apparatus, comprising:

a barrel defining a chamber having a first end and a narrow passageway at a second end opposite the first end;

an absorbent analytical test means located in the chamber; and

a hydrophobic splash filter located in said chamber adjacent said narrow passageway; and

a hydrophilic wick having a first portion located in said narrow passageway and a second portion located outside said passageway and outside said barrel, said second portion having a bulbous portion capable of absorbing substantially more fluid sample than said first portion.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein:

said first end of said barrel is substantially open.

16. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein:

said test means includes a test line sensitive to at least one of HIV1 antibodies, HIV2 antibodies, and tuberculosis antibodies, and a control line.

17. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein:

said wick comprises at least one of polyester and polyethylene.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein:

said wick is a molded wick.

19. An apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:

a sink filter comprising a desiccant located between said test means and said first end of said barrel.

20. A biological sampling kit comprising said biological sampling apparatus of claim 14, and a separate vial containing buffer solution.

21. A biological sampling apparatus, comprising:

a barrel defining a chamber having a first end and a narrow passageway at a second end opposite the first end;

an absorbent analytical test means located in the chamber;

a hydrophilic wick extending through said narrow passageway; and

an integral splash filter located in said chamber and in contact with said hydrophilic wick, wherein a first portion of said integral splash filter adjacent said wick is hydrophilic, and a second portion of said integral splash filter closest said test means being hydrophobic.