Apparatus for assaying viscosity changes in fluid samples and method of conducting same
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of measuring a change in the viscosity of a fluid sample comprising:
- (a) charging a housing adapted for insertion into an external reading device with a fluid sample, said housing (i) equipped with sample displacement means for applying a force against said fluid sample effective to displace at least a portion of said fluid sample within said housing, (ii) contained within said housing, at least one reagent capable after contact with said fluid sample of promoting a change in the viscosity of said fluid sample, and (iii) contained within said housing, at least one sensing means capable of detecting the displacement of said fluid sample;
(b) applying said force to said fluid sample, such that said reagent comes into contact with said fluid sample and at least a portion of said fluid sample is displaced across said sensing means;
(c) detecting changes through said sensing means, in the displacement of said fluid sample, which changes are a measure of the change in the viscosity of said fluid sample.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus for conducting a variety of assays that are responsive to a change in the viscosity of a sample fluid and relates to methods of conducting such assays. In particular, the present invention is related to the use of a cartridge for conducting one or more coagulation assays or, conversely, fibrinolysis assays. The disclosed device enjoys simplicity and is adaptable to the point-of-care clinical diagnostic area, including use in accident sites, emergency rooms, surgery or intensive care units.
-
Citations
34 Claims
-
1. A method of measuring a change in the viscosity of a fluid sample comprising:
-
(a) charging a housing adapted for insertion into an external reading device with a fluid sample, said housing (i) equipped with sample displacement means for applying a force against said fluid sample effective to displace at least a portion of said fluid sample within said housing, (ii) contained within said housing, at least one reagent capable after contact with said fluid sample of promoting a change in the viscosity of said fluid sample, and (iii) contained within said housing, at least one sensing means capable of detecting the displacement of said fluid sample; (b) applying said force to said fluid sample, such that said reagent comes into contact with said fluid sample and at least a portion of said fluid sample is displaced across said sensing means; (c) detecting changes through said sensing means, in the displacement of said fluid sample, which changes are a measure of the change in the viscosity of said fluid sample. - 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, 27, 28, 29, 30)
-
-
31. A method of conducting a blood fibrinolysis test comprising:
-
(a) charging a housing adapted for insertion into an external reading device with a blood sample, said housing (i) equipped with sample displacement means for applying force against said blood sample effective to displace at least a portion of said blood sample within said housing, (ii) contained within said housing, at least one reagent capable after contact with said blood sample of promoting the coagulation of said blood sample, and (iii) contained within said housing, at least one sensing means capable of detecting the displacement of said blood sample; (b) applying said force to said blood sample, such that said reagent comes into contact with said blood sample and at least a portion of said blood sample is displaced across said sensing means; (c) detecting changes, through said sensing means, in the displacement of said blood sample as a measure of the coagulation of said blood sample; (d) maintaining said force against said coagulated blood sample until lytic processes cause said coagulated blood sample to become less viscous, allowing increased displacement of at least a portion of said lysed blood sample across said sensing means. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34)
-
Specification