Ion test means having a porous carrier matrix
First Claim
1. A test means for determining the presence of an ion in an aqueous test sample, the test means comprising a carrier matrix having a porous structure substantially uniformly incorporated with(a) a homogeneous hydrophobic composition containing an ionophore capable of forming a complex with a specific ion to be determined, a reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of the ionophore and the ion to produce a detectable response and a hydrophobic substance;
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the porous structure of the matrix being maintained after the incorporation and drying wherein an aqueous sample flows readily into the carrier matrix upon contact.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A test means for determining the presence of an ion in an aqueous test sample is disclosed, as well as a test device incorporating the test means, a method for preparing it and a method for using it. The test means is composed of a porous carrier matrix incorporated, substantially uniformly, with a homogeneous hydrophobic composition and with a buffering substance capable of providing a pH in the range of from about 5 to 10. The homogeneous hydrophobic composition contains an ionophore capable of forming a complex with the ion, a hydrophobic substance and a reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of ionophore and ion to produce a detectable response. In a preferred embodiment, this invention provides a colorimetric test capable of measuring serum potassium.
51 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A test means for determining the presence of an ion in an aqueous test sample, the test means comprising a carrier matrix having a porous structure substantially uniformly incorporated with
(a) a homogeneous hydrophobic composition containing an ionophore capable of forming a complex with a specific ion to be determined, a reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of the ionophore and the ion to produce a detectable response and a hydrophobic substance; - and
(b) a buffering substance capable of providing a pH in the range of from about 5 to 10;
the porous structure of the matrix being maintained after the incorporation and drying wherein an aqueous sample flows readily into the carrier matrix upon contact. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 8, 9)
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5. A test means for determining the presence of a cation in an aqueous test sample, the test means comprising a carrier matrix having a porous structure substantially uniformly incorporated with
(a) a homogeneous hydrophobic composition containing an ionophore capable of forming a complex with a cation to be determined, a neutral reporter substance having a dissociable proton which proton is capable of dissociating upon interaction of the reporter with the complex of the ionophore and the cation to produce a detectable response and a hydrophobic substance; - and
(b) a buffering substance capable of providing a pH in the range of from about 5 to 10; the porous structure of the matrix being maintained after the incorporation and drying wherein an aqueous test sample flows readily into the carrier matrix upon contact. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A test means for determining the presence of an ion in an aqueous test sample, the test means comprising a porous, fibrous carrier matrix having an open lattice structure substantially uniformly incorporated with
(a) a homogeneous hydrophobic composition containing: -
(i) an ionophore capable of forming a complex with a specific ion to be determined; (ii) a reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of the ionophore and the ion to produce a detectable response; and (iii) a hydrophobic substance; and (b) a buffering substance capable of providing a pH in the range of from 5 to 10; wherein the open lattice structure of the fibrous matrix is maintained after incorporation with the hydrophobic composition and buffering substance, allowing a sample to flow readily into the matrix upon contact. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A method for preparing a test means for determining the presence of an ion in an aqueous test sample, the method comprising the steps of
(a) forming a homogeneous first mixture of the hydrophobic composition comprising an ionophore capable of forming a complex with a specific ion to be determined, a reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of the ionophore and the ion to produce a detectable response, a hydrophobic substance and an organic solvent; - and
(b) forming a homogeneous second mixture of a buffering substance capable of providing a pH in the range of from about 5 to 10 and water or a water-miscible solvent or mixtures thereof; (c) substantially uniformily incorporating a carrier matrix having a porous structure with one of the first or the second mixtures; (d) drying the incorporated matrix; (e)substantially uniformly incorporating the porous carrier matrix with the other of the first or second mixtures to form a doubly incorporated matrix; and (f) drying the doubly incorporated carrier matrix;
wherein the porous structure of the matrix is maintained after incorporation of the hydrophobic composition and buffering substacne and drying so that an aqueous test sample flows readily into the matrix upon contact. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification