Test elements in sealed chambers for analyzing compounds contained in liquid samples

• US 5,645,798 A
• Filed: 06/05/1995
• Issued: 07/08/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH (Roche Holding AG)
• Original Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH (Roche Holding AG)
• Inventors: Eikmeier, Heino, Schreiber, Joerg, Schmid, Wilfried, Sacherer, Klaus-Dieter, Kuhr, Hans-Juergen
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Long V.
• Application Number:
  US08/464,405
• Time in Patent Office: 764 Days
• Field of Search: 422/55, 422/58, 422/63, 422/64, 422/66, 422/65, 422/99, 422/104, 436/43, 436/44, 436/46, 436/164, 436/805, 436/810, 435/805, 435/808
• US Class Current: 422/410
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0825 Test strips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 9/52 Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00039 Transport arrangements specific to flat sample substrates, e.g. pusher blade
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00089 Magazines
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00277 Special precautions to avoid contamination (e.g. enclosures, glove- boxes, sealed sample carriers, disposal of contaminated material)
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00782 reprogrammmable code
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/8483 Investigating reagent band test-element handling not specific to a test method G01N33/4875; analytical elements specific to chemical analysis of biological material G01N33/52; autometer with reagent band G01N35/04
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/48778 Containers specially adapted therefor, e.g. for dry storage
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00029 provided with flat sample substrates, e.g. slides G01N35/028 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00732 Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 435/808 Optical sensing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/805 Optical property
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/808 Automated or kit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/11 Automated chemical analysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/112499 with sample on test slide
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/114165 with step of insertion or removal from test line

Abstract

A system for analyzing sample liquids using dry reagents which is particularly suitable for the determination of clinical parameters. The system includes an analysis instrument containing the individually sealed test elements to carry out an analytical test. Shape and nature of the test elements were designed to match the analysis system. The system is particularly suitable for analyses where the available test elements exhibit a low storage stability when brought into contact with the environment.

Claims

1. An integrated array comprising a plurality of test elements, said test elements being radially arranged on a common plane, said integrated array also including a plurality of chambers therein, wherein each test element of the plurality of test elements is individually sealed in a chamber of said plurality of chambers, and wherein each test element includes a test field wherein detectable changes occur upon addition of sample liquids thereto, each test element including a piercing means thereupon for piercing a seal of the chamber when said each test element is pushed into contact with the seal.

2. An integrated array as recited in claim 1, wherein the seal is configured to be pierced by said piercing means of said each test element.

3. An integrated array as recited in claim 1, further including data means associated with the array which is specific for the test elements of the array.

4. An integrated array as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of test elements includes notch means thereupon, said notch means for contacting a transport mechanism, wherein said transport mechanism pushes said each test element out of the chamber.

5. An integrated array as recited in claim 1, wherein said each test element includes guiding means on opposing sides thereof, said guiding means for guiding said test element in a main direction of movement and for preventing movement perpendicular to the main direction of movement, when the test element is moved in the main direction.

6. An integrated array as recited in claim 5, wherein said guiding means has a shape which corresponds to guide rails, and is configured to be received in said guide rails.

7. An integrated array as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of chambers comprise two foils sealingly attached to each other.

8. An integrated array as recited in claim 7, wherein each of said two foils each comprise a plastic-laminated metal foil.

9. An integrated array as recited in claim 1, further comprising a circular aperture therein.

10. An integrated array as recited in claim 1, wherein said piercing means comprises a tip of said test element.

11. An integrated array as recited in claim 1, wherein said piercing means comprises an edge of said test element.