Apparatus for assaying viscosity changes in fluid samples and method of conducting same
First Claim
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1. A cartridge for measuring a change in the viscosity of a fluid sample comprising:
- (a) a housing capable of being charged with a fluid sample and equipped with a 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;
(b) at least one reagent, contained within said housing, capable after contact with said fluid sample of promoting a change in the viscosity of said fluid sample;
(c) at least one sensing means, contained within said housing, capable of detecting the displacement of said fluid sample.
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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.
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Citations
70 Claims
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1. A cartridge for measuring a change in the viscosity of a fluid sample comprising:
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(a) a housing capable of being charged with a fluid sample and equipped with a 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; (b) at least one reagent, contained within said housing, capable after contact with said fluid sample of promoting a change in the viscosity of said fluid sample; (c) at least one sensing means, contained within said housing, capable of detecting the displacement 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, 59, 60, 61, 62)
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25. A cartridge for measuring a change in the viscosity of a fluid sample comprising:
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(a) a housing capable of being charged with a fluid sample and equipped with a pump means capable of applying a force against said fluid sample effective to displace said fluid sample within said housing; (b) at least one reagent, contained within said housing, capable after contact with said fluid sample of promoting a change in the viscosity of said fluid sample; (c) at least one sensing means, contained within said housing, capable of detecting the displacement of said fluid sample. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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26. A cartridge for measuring a change in the viscosity of a fluid sample comprising:
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(a) a housing equipped with (i) sample retaining means capable of being charged with a fluid sample, and (ii) pump means capable of applying a force against said fluid sample contained in said sample retaining means effective to displace at least a portion of said fluid sample within said housing; (b) at least one reagent, contained within said housing, capable after contact with said fluid sample of promoting a change in the viscosity of said fluid sample; (c) at least one sensing means, contained within said housing, capable of detecting the displacement of said fluid sample. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 63, 64)
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54. A cartridge for conducting a blood test comprising:
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(a) a housing equipped with (i) sample retaining means capable of being charged with a blood sample, and (ii) pump means capable of applying a force against said blood sample contained in said sample retaining means effective to displace at least a portion of said blood sample within said housing; (b) at least one reagent, contained within said housing, capable after contact with said blood sample of promoting a change in the viscosity of said blood sample; (c) at least one sensing means comprising a conductivity sensor, contained within said housing, capable of detecting the displacement of said blood sample, said pump means capable of reversibly applying said force such that at least a portion of said blood sample is displaced back and forth across said sensor in a substantially reciprocating manner. - View Dependent Claims (55, 56, 57, 58)
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65. A cartridge for facilitating the measurement of a change in the viscosity of a fluid sample comprising:
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(a) a housing capable of being charged with a fluid sample and equipped with a 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; (b) at least one reagent, contained within said housing, capable after contact with said fluid sample of promoting a change in the viscosity of said fluid sample; (c) at least one region, defined within said housing, in which the position of the interface of said fluid sample and air can be monitored as said interface moves with the displacement of said fluid sample. - View Dependent Claims (66, 67, 68, 69, 70)
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Specification