Test strip with flared sample receiving chamber
First Claim
1. A test strip for analyzing a fluid, comprising:
- a test strip body defining a generally hollow interior sample receiving capillary chamber defined between interior lower and upper surfaces within the test strip body, the chamber having a flared portion terminating in a fluid receiving opening of the capillary chamber and an elongated portion extending inwardly from the flared portion, the elongated portion being defined by a first pair of opposing sidewalls, the flared portion being defined by a second pair of sidewalls that narrow in a direction from the fluid receiving opening toward the elongated portion, the fluid receiving opening having a width greater than the distance between the opposing first pair of sidewalls of the elongated portion, the test strip body defining a vent in communication with the capillary chamber, whereby air can escape from the vent as fluid is drawn into the capillary chamber; and
a testing area positioned in the elongated portion of the capillary chamber for analyzing the fluid;
the test strip body further includinga base substrate;
a covering layer overlying the base substrate; and
a spacing layer sandwiched between the base substrate and the covering layer, the spacing layer including a void that defines the first and second pairs of sidewalls of the capillary chamber between the base substrate and the covering layer, the base substrate and the covering layer including mutually-facing wall surfaces which comprise the interior lower and upper surfaces defining the capillary chamber.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A test strip with a sample receiving chamber having a novel flared portion that terminates in a sample receiving opening. The flared portion provides a reservoir from which sample fluid can be drawn into the capillary or sample receiving chamber. The wider opening provided by the present invention is easier to “target” with a sample fluid. In preferred embodiments, the hydrophilic reagent layer extends to the dosing end or side of the test strip and further promotes wicking of the sample into the sample receiving chamber and thus reduces dose hesitation. In other preferred embodiments, a tapered dosing end is provided on the test strip in combination with the flared portion, and this combination create a test strip that will draw sample fluid into the sample receiving chamber regardless of where along the dosing edge of the test strip the fluid sample makes contact.
383 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A test strip for analyzing a fluid, comprising:
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a test strip body defining a generally hollow interior sample receiving capillary chamber defined between interior lower and upper surfaces within the test strip body, the chamber having a flared portion terminating in a fluid receiving opening of the capillary chamber and an elongated portion extending inwardly from the flared portion, the elongated portion being defined by a first pair of opposing sidewalls, the flared portion being defined by a second pair of sidewalls that narrow in a direction from the fluid receiving opening toward the elongated portion, the fluid receiving opening having a width greater than the distance between the opposing first pair of sidewalls of the elongated portion, the test strip body defining a vent in communication with the capillary chamber, whereby air can escape from the vent as fluid is drawn into the capillary chamber; and a testing area positioned in the elongated portion of the capillary chamber for analyzing the fluid; the test strip body further including a base substrate; a covering layer overlying the base substrate; and a spacing layer sandwiched between the base substrate and the covering layer, the spacing layer including a void that defines the first and second pairs of sidewalls of the capillary chamber between the base substrate and the covering layer, the base substrate and the covering layer including mutually-facing wall surfaces which comprise the interior lower and upper surfaces defining the capillary chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A test strip for analyzing a fluid, comprising:
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a test strip body defining an interior sample receiving capillary chamber defined between interior lower and upper surfaces within the test strip body, the capillary chamber defining and terminating in a fluid receiving opening, the interior capillary chamber including a first portion defined by a first pair of opposing sidewalls extending between the interior lower and upper surfaces, the interior capillary chamber further including a second pair of sidewalls that extend from the fluid receiving opening to the first portion, the second pair of sidewalls extending between the interior lower and upper surfaces, the space between the second pair of sidewalls being wider at the fluid receiving opening than at the first portion, the test strip body defining a vent in communication with the capillary chamber, whereby air can escape from the vent as fluid moves into the interior capillary chamber; and a testing area located in the first portion of the capillary chamber; the test strip body further including a base substrate; a covering layer overlying the base substrate; and a spacing layer sandwiched between the base substrate and the covering layer, the spacing layer including a void portion that defines the first and second pairs of sidewalls of the capillary chamber between the base substrate and the covering layer, the base substrate and the covering layer including mutually-facing wall surfaces which comprise the interior lower and upper surfaces defining the interior capillary chamber. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A test strip for analyzing a fluid, comprising:
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a test strip body defining an interior sample receiving capillary chamber defined between interior lower and upper surfaces within the test strip body, the capillary chamber defining and extending inwardly from a fluid receiving opening, the capillary chamber including a test area location spaced inwardly from the fluid receiving opening, the fluid receiving opening having a width, the capillary chamber having a width at the test area location, the width of the capillary chamber at the fluid receiving opening being greater than the width of the capillary chamber at the test area location, the test strip body defining a vent in communication with the capillary chamber; the test strip body further including a base substrate; a covering layer overlying the base substrate; and a spacing layer sandwiched between the base substrate and the covering layer, the spacing layer including a void portion that defines sidewalls of the capillary chamber between the base substrate and the covering layer, the base substrate and the covering layer including mutually-facing wall surfaces which comprise the interior lower and upper surfaces defining the capillary chamber. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification