Disc assay device with inoculation pad and methods of use

• US 6,174,699 B1
• Filed: 03/09/1999
• Issued: 01/16/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Williams, Michael G., Wickert, Peter D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Leary, Louise N.
• Application Number:
  US09/264,804
• Time in Patent Office: 679 Days
• Field of Search: 435/34, 435/4, 435/283.1, 422/50
• US Class Current: 435/34
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/12 Well or multiwell plates C12M25/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/38 Caps; Covers; Plugs; Pouring means
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 33/04 by injection or suction, e.g. using pipettes, syringes, needles pipettes in general B01L3/02
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 41/36 of biomass, e.g. colony counters or by turbidity measurements electrooptical investigation of individual particles G01N15/14, flow cytometers G01N15/1404

Abstract

An assay device for detection and enumeration of microorganisms. The device includes absorbent discs on a substrate, an inoculation vehicle to inoculate the discs with sample and an optional coversheet. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Claims

1. An assay device for detection or enumeration of microorganisms, comprising:

a substrate including absorbent discs attached thereto;

an absorbent pad on a backing; and

a coversheet, wherein said backing and coversheet are attached to said substrate by a hinge such that said pad is capable of contacting said discs.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said pad is attached to said device by a perforation to permit said pad to be removed from said device.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said substrate includes cellulosic discs of two different sizes.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said discs include discs capable of retaining about two microliters of sample and discs capable of retaining about sixteen microliters of sample.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said substrate has an outer margin and the discs capable of retaining about sixteen microliters of sample are attached on said substrate between the discs capable of retaining about two microliters of sample and said outer margin.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein said substrate includes a raised outer margin.