Test sample card

• US 5,951,952 A
• Filed: 06/11/1997
• Issued: 09/14/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Biomerieux Incorporated (Compagnie Merieux Alliance SAS)
• Original Assignee: Biomerieux Incorporated (Compagnie Merieux Alliance SAS)
• Inventors: Colin, Bruno, Tegeler, G. R., Staples, John L., O'Bear, Raymond E.
• Primary Examiner(s): ALEXANDER, LYLE
• Application Number:
  US08/872,813
• Time in Patent Office: 825 Days
• Field of Search: 422/99-104, 422/63, 422/65, 436/46-47
• US Class Current: 422/552
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/025 Align devices or objects to ensure defined positions relative to each other
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/0684 Venting, avoiding backpressure, avoid gas bubbles
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/0689 Sealing
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0816 Cards, e.g. flat sample carriers usually with flow in two horizontal directions
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0864 comprising only one inlet and multiple receiving wells, e.g. for separation, splitting
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/049 vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502 with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures centrifugal-type cuvettes G01N21/07; analysis by separation into components G01N30/00; automatic analysers G01N35/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5025 for parallel transport of multiple samples
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502715 characterised by interfacing components, e.g. fluidic, electrical, optical or mechanical interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502723 characterised by venting arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/0025 Preventing defects on the moulded article, e.g. weld lines, shrinkage marks preventing defects on the preformed parts or layers B29C45/14836
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00148 Test cards, e.g. Biomerieux or McDonnel multiwell test cards
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/111666 Utilizing a centrifuge or compartmented rotor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/112499 with sample on test slide
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/113332 with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack

Abstract

An improved sample card is provided. The improved card, typically used in biochemical analysis, achieves high sample well capacity and improved fluid flow, including by means of a plurality of through-channels which route the fluid flow of samples along both the front and back surfaces of the card. Elevated bubble traps are provided, as are integral interrupt slots for sensing card position and alignment. A bezeled leading edge facilitates insertion.

Claims

1. A test sample card for use in microbiological sample testing by a reading machine having a test sample card transport system, the test sample card comprising:

a card body defining a top surface and a bottom surface, a fluid intake port, first and second end regions and first and second side regions, said body defining a plurality of sample wells placed between said first and second end regions and said first and second side regions, said first side region further comprising an edge region;

said edge region having a knurled texture surface extending over a substantial extent of said edge region, said knurled texture surface engaging with and increasing the friction between said test sample card and said transport system to thereby allow said test sample card to be moved bv said transport system.

2. The test sample card of claim 1, wherein said test sample card further comprises a second edge region, said edge region and said second edge region parallel to each other and disposed between said first and second end regions and disposed on opposite sides of said card body,

wherein said second edge region is characterized by an elongate, planar slanted portion forming a smooth, planar corner of said card body linking said second edge region with one of said first and second end regions.

3. The test sample card of claim 1, wherein said knurled texture surface is applied to substantially the entire extent of said edge region.