Diagnostic assay system and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A diagnostic assay system operable for conducting assay operations and recording signals generated therefrom;
- said system comprising;
a hand-held processor housing assembly having at least one fluid access port and a light-tight compartment for a film assemblage;
a film assemblage having its image recording area retained within a light-tight compartment and being withdrawable therefrom;
a carrier assembly movable within the housing assembly between a fluid accessing position and an exposing position, the carrier assembly carries at a least fluid reservoir assembly for use in conjunction with an assay test element such that whenever in the fluid accessing position sample test fluid can be introduced through the access port;
the fluid reservoir assembly retains fluid therein and releases the same upon demand onto the assay test element;
a triggering assembly in the housing strikes the fluid reservoir assembly to release the fluid to the test strip when the carrier assembly moves to the exposing position thereby commencing a signal generating activity if the analyte of interest is present; and
, means for allowing the signal to expose the film in the light-tight compartment when the carrier assembly is in the exposing position.
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Abstract
A diagnostic assay device comprising a housing assembly and an image recording material housed therein that is exposed by a luminescent read-out signal generated by a luminescent activity triggered in response to displacement of a liquid carrier assembly carrying an analyte of interest with a reservoir containing an assay solution.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A diagnostic assay system operable for conducting assay operations and recording signals generated therefrom;
- said system comprising;
a hand-held processor housing assembly having at least one fluid access port and a light-tight compartment for a film assemblage;
a film assemblage having its image recording area retained within a light-tight compartment and being withdrawable therefrom;
a carrier assembly movable within the housing assembly between a fluid accessing position and an exposing position, the carrier assembly carries at a least fluid reservoir assembly for use in conjunction with an assay test element such that whenever in the fluid accessing position sample test fluid can be introduced through the access port;
the fluid reservoir assembly retains fluid therein and releases the same upon demand onto the assay test element;
a triggering assembly in the housing strikes the fluid reservoir assembly to release the fluid to the test strip when the carrier assembly moves to the exposing position thereby commencing a signal generating activity if the analyte of interest is present; and
, means for allowing the signal to expose the film in the light-tight compartment when the carrier assembly is in the exposing position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
- said system comprising;
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13. A method of conducting a diagnostic assay of a test fluid and recording the results thereof by recording signals capable of exposing an image recording material if the test fluid contains an analyte of interest, said method includes the steps of:
- providing at least one self-developing film strip;
providing a processor including a hand-held housing assembly having at least a fluid access port allowing introduction of the test fluid to a fluid reservoir assembly therefor and an associated diagnostic element in operative relationship thereto;
housing the film assemblage within a light-tight compartment of the housing assembly so that an exposure aperture therein allows exposure of the film assemblage;
carrying the fluid reservoir and diagnostic element in the housing from a first position to a second position;
triggering the reservoir during such carrying step to release the retained fluid to the diagnostic element whereby if the fluid contains an analyte of interest a signal recordable on the film is generated;
exposing the film assemblage through the exposure aperture when the diagnostic element is at the second position. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
- providing at least one self-developing film strip;
Specification