Detection of formaldehyde in urine samples
First Claim
1. A method for detecting formaldehyde in a urine sample, the method comprising:
- catching a flow of urine from an individual in an absorbent article, the absorbent article comprising a device that contains a substrate, the substrate defining a sample application zone for receiving the urine and a discrete detection zone located downstream from the sample application zone and within which is located a colorant, wherein the urine contacts the sample application zone of the substrate and flows therethrough to reach the colorant within the detection zone, and wherein the colorant reacts directly with formaldehyde to produce a visible spectral response; and
visually detecting the spectral response.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for rapidly detecting the presence of formaldehyde in a urine sample (e.g., urine or a urinary material associated therewith, such as headspace gas located associated with urine) is provided. The method includes contacting the urine sample with a substrate on which is disposed a colorant that is capable of undergoing a detectable color change in the presence of formaldehyde. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that oxidation of the colorant by formaldehyde induces either a shift of the absorption maxima towards the red end of the spectrum (“bathochromic shift”) or towards the blue end of the spectrum (“hypsochromic shift”). The absorption shift provides a color difference that is detectable, either visually or through instrumentation, to indicate the presence of formaldehyde within the urine sample. For example, prior to contact with a urine sample, the colorant may be colorless or it may possess a certain color. However, after contacting the urine sample and reacting with formaldehyde, the colorant exhibits a color that is different than its initial color. The color change may thus be readily correlated to the presence of formaldehyde in the urine sample.
144 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for detecting formaldehyde in a urine sample, the method comprising:
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catching a flow of urine from an individual in an absorbent article, the absorbent article comprising a device that contains a substrate, the substrate defining a sample application zone for receiving the urine and a discrete detection zone located downstream from the sample application zone and within which is located a colorant, wherein the urine contacts the sample application zone of the substrate and flows therethrough to reach the colorant within the detection zone, and wherein the colorant reacts directly with formaldehyde to produce a visible spectral response; and visually detecting the spectral response. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification