Apparatus for rapid deposition of test samples on an absorbent support

• US 5,011,779 A
• Filed: 10/02/1989
• Issued: 04/30/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Long Island Jewish Medical Center
• Original Assignee: Long Island Jewish Medical Center
• Inventors: Maimon, Jonathan
• Primary Examiner(s): Lacey, David L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ALEXANDER, LYLE
• Application Number:
  US07/418,784
• Time in Patent Office: 575 Days
• Field of Search: 422/109, 422/101, 422/104, 435/40, 435/293, 435/301, 436/180, 436/530, 436/807, 436/809
• US Class Current: 435/309.1
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0293 for liquids
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/288 Filter punches
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54366 Apparatus specially adapted for solid-phase testing
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1065 Multiple transfer devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/809 Multifield plates or multicontainer arrays

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for depositing a plurality of discrete liquid assay test samples onto an absorbent assay support. Pursuant to the invention, a guide and positioning device is provided to receive and position a device for dispensing a plurality of discrete test samples such that the dispensing device is operable to dispense the plurality of test samples in accordance with a predetermined pattern. A planar absorbent assay support device is positioned at a position which is vertically spaced and aligned below the guide and positioning device to receive the discrete test samples dispensed by the dispensing device. In this manner, a plurality of discrete test sample spots may be rapidly absorbed onto the absorbent assay support device in accordance with the predetermined pattern for efficient, simultaneous processing in a chosen immunoassay system.

Claims

1. A non-vacuum apparatus for mass processing of test samples comprising a guide and positioning means having a top and side surfaces wherein one of the sides has a horizontal groove constructed so as to slidably receive an absorbent material support frame and in the top there are a plurality of openings disposed in a rectangular pattern;

an absorbent material support frame slidably mounted in said groove below said openings for movement into and out of said means, said frame having a pair of rectangular frame members hingedly connected together in overlying relationship with at least an upper frame member having an aperture therein; and

a planar absorbent array support removably mounted in said frame between said frame members and below said openings for receiving liquid test samples therefrom under gravity within said aperture of said upper frame member.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said frame members has an aperture to permit exposure of said array support to said dispensing elements.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said openings is of conical shape.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said array support has a notch on one side and wherein a lower one of said frame member has an element thereon for positioning in said notch to orient said array support in said frame.