Metering Technique for Lateral Flow Assay Devices
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A diagnostic test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The kit employs a lateral flow device that contains a membrane. A metering channel is formed in the membrane that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay. Such a metering channel is particularly effective for embodiments in which the test sample has a relatively low volume, such as less than about 100 microliters, in some embodiments from about 0.5 to about 25 microliters, and in some embodiments, from about 1 to about 10 microliters. For example, whole blood drops obtained from patients with a lancet typically have a volume of less than about 3 microliters. Despite their low volume, the present inventors have discovered that the blood drops may still be accurately analyzed for the presence of an analyte using lateral flow detection techniques.
100 Citations
31 Claims
-
1-15. -15. (canceled)
-
16. A method for performing a lateral flow assay, the method comprising:
-
contacting a test sample having a volume of less than about 100 microliters with a metering channel that is formed in a membrane; placing a bridging member over the metering channel and in fluid communication with the membrane; and supplying a diluent to the membrane to facilitate flow of the test sample to a detection zone. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
-
Specification