Test strip incubation device and method

• US 5,939,329 A
• Filed: 05/07/1998
• Issued: 08/17/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Serim Research Corporation
• Original Assignee: Serim Research Corporation
• Inventors: Christner, James E., Price, Kenneth W.
• Primary Examiner(s): ALEXANDER, LYLE
• Application Number:
  US09/074,532
• Time in Patent Office: 467 Days
• Field of Search: 422/58, 422/61, 436/44, 436/47, 436/63, 436/164, 436/165, 436/168-169
• US Class Current: 436/165
• 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

Abstract

A test strip incubation device and method for developing a test strip having a reagent test pad disposed thereon, the reagent test pad requiring an incubation time, which allows greater accuracy and reliability of test results as well as a narrower window of PASS and FAIL indication concentrations. The device comprises a test strip holder which allows a wetted reagent test pad to be vertically stored in an enclosed reaction chamber during the incubation period. The reaction chamber is bounded by a substantially clear material to allow the user to easily observe the status of the reagent test pad held in the reaction chamber. The enclosed reaction chamber provides a high humidity environment for minimizing water evaporation from the reagent test pad during the incubation period. The device may be economically formed from low cost materials, is simple to use and facilitates disposal of the sample material after testing. The device is advantageously used in combination with a storage device which includes recesses for easy storage of several devices and allows viewing of the reagent test pads. The method comprises the steps of wetting the reagent test pad and vertically placing the reagent test pad in an enclosed reaction chamber during the incubation period. The enclosed reaction chamber provides a high humidity environment for minimizing the evaporation of water from the reagent test pad.

Claims

1. In combination, a test strip having a reagent test pad disposed thereon, said reagent test pad requiring an incubation period, and a test strip holder, said holder formed from a single material, said test holder comprising a base and a cover, said base and said cover adapter to fittingly engage each other to form an enclosed reaction chamber capable of maintaining humidity at a desired level, said base and said cover integrally and hingedly connected to one another, said enclosed reaction chamber adapted to receive and hold said reagent test pad, one of said base and said cover including a substantially clear portion allowing viewing of said reagent test pad.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein one of said base and said cover comprises an indentation adapted to hold said test strip.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein one of said base and said cover comprises a tab which abuts against said test strip and securely holds said test strip.

4. The combination of claim 1, wherein said enclosed reaction chamber is adapted to hold said reagent test pad in a substantially vertical orientation.

5. The combination of claim 1, wherein at least one of said base and said cover includes a handle connected thereto and projecting therefrom, whereby said handle facilitates the engagement of said base and said cover.

6. Method for developing results on a reagent test pad disposed on a test strip and requiring an incubation period, comprising the steps of:

providing a test strip having a reagent test pad disposed on one end and a grip portion disposed on another end;

providing a reaction chamber formed of a single material and having a base and a cover integrally and hingedly connected to one another;

wetting the reagent test pad with a desired test material;

placing the reagent test pad in the chamber and closing the chamber, whereby the humidity within the chamber is maintained at a desired level; and

reading the results indicated on the reagent test pad after a predetermined waiting period.

7. The method for developing results on a reagent test pad according to claim 6, wherein said placing step comprises placing and maintaining the reagent test pad in a substantially vertical orientation in the enclosed chamber.