METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR READING TEST STRIPS
First Claim
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1. A test strip reader, comprising:
- a light source that illuminates at least part of a test strip;
a transport mechanism that moves the test strip past the light source, the transport mechanism further comprising a spring that propels the test strip and a damping mechanism that limits the speed of transport;
a sensor that produces a signal indicating the intensity of light reflected from the test strip;
electronic circuitry configured to repeatedly measure the signal from the sensor and to produce for each measurement a digital value representing the reflected light intensity;
a processor configured to determine, based on the digital values, a test result.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reading test strips such as lateral flow test strips as used for the testing of various chemicals in humans and animals. A compact and portable device is provided that may be battery powered when used remotely from the laboratory and, may store test data until it can be downloaded to another database. Motive power during scanning of the test strip is by means of a spring and damper that is wound by the operator during the insertion of a test strip cassette holder prior to test.
42 Citations
48 Claims
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1. A test strip reader, comprising:
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a light source that illuminates at least part of a test strip; a transport mechanism that moves the test strip past the light source, the transport mechanism further comprising a spring that propels the test strip and a damping mechanism that limits the speed of transport; a sensor that produces a signal indicating the intensity of light reflected from the test strip; electronic circuitry configured to repeatedly measure the signal from the sensor and to produce for each measurement a digital value representing the reflected light intensity; a processor configured to determine, based on the digital values, a test result. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A test strip reader, comprising:
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a light source that illuminates at least part of a test strip; a mechanically-powered transport mechanism that moves the test strip past the light source; electronic circuitry comprising a processor and configured to repeatedly measure a quantity of light reflected from the test strip, to produce for each measurement a digital value representing the measured light quantity, and to determine a test result based on the digital values; and a battery that supplies power to the light source and electronic circuitry.
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28. A method of ascertaining a test result, comprising:
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receiving a test strip to which a test fluid has been applied; reading the reflectance of the test strip at multiple locations along the test strip by mechanically transporting the test strip past a reading location in a battery-powered test strip reader; recording a digital value for each reflectance reading; ascertaining a peak or minimum reflectance value in each of one or more regions of the test strip; comparing the peak or minimum reflectance values with a predetermined set of interpretation rules to determine the test outcome; and communicating the test outcome. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30)
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31. A test strip reader, comprising:
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a base portion housing a mechanical transport mechanism including a spring and a damper; an upper portion housing an illumination source that illuminates a test strip under test, a sensor that detects light reflected from the test strip, an electronic circuit that controls operation of the test strip reader, and a display on which test results are shown to a user of the test strip reader; wherein the test strip under test resides above the base portion, and is transported by the transport mechanism beneath the light source during reading of the test strip. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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Specification