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Method of processing assay test results

  • US 7,214,542 B2
  • Filed: 01/30/2003
  • Issued: 05/08/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of testing a fluid sample to determine whether or not it contains a certain substance, comprising:

  • using an assay test device having sample and reaction sensors mounted within a housing;

    storing a predetermined threshold range for readings of the sample and reaction sensors indicative of a desired amount of light within the housing prior to introduction of the fluid sample;

    using the sample sensor to determine an initial sample sensor reading;

    using the reaction sensor to determine an initial reaction sensor reading;

    storing the initial readings of the sample and reaction sensors;

    comparing the initial sample sensor reading to the predetermined threshold range;

    determining in response to the comparing the initial sample sensor reading to the predetermined threshold range whether or not the initial sample sensor reading is acceptable;

    comparing the initial reaction sensor reading to the predetermined threshold range;

    determining in response to the comparing the initial reaction sensor reading to the predetermined threshold range whether or not the initial reaction sensor reading is acceptable;

    generating a signal in response to either determining step finding an unacceptable initial reading to alert the user that the test device is faulty;

    flowing the fluid sample along an elongated test strip;

    using the sample sensor spaced from the test strip to detect the presence of the fluid sample using the light reflecting from a first location on the test strip;

    starting a timer for a predetermined time delay interval in response to the sample sensor detecting the fluid sample under test being received at the first location on the test strip;

    generating an electric time-out signal at the end of the predetermined time delay interval started by the sample sensor;

    using the reaction sensor remote from the sample sensor starting the time delay interval for detecting the fluid sample under test at a second location on the test strip in response to the time-out signal at the end of the time delay interval started by the sample sensor;

    determining whether or not the fluid sample under test at the second location on the test strip contains a predetermined quantity of the certain substance in response to the reaction sensor detecting the fluid sample under test;

    generating an electric output signal in response to the determination in the reaction sensor; and

    indicating the presence or absence of a predetermined quantity of the certain substance contained within the fluid sample under test,wherein the sample sensor and the reaction sensor are photo-optic sensors.

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