Flow control technique for assay devices
First Claim
1. A method for forming a lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or absence of an analyte within a test sample, the method comprising:
- applying a solvent treatment to a membrane, the solvent treatment having a sufficient dissolving capacity for the membrane so that at least one recessed metering channel is formed therein that is configured to receive the test sample;
immobilizing an immunoreactive receptive material on the membrane to form a detection zone, wherein the receptive material is capable of binding to detection probes or conjugates thereof to facilitate detection of an analyte that is suspected to be present within a test sample; and
providing a diluent that is configured to flow laterally from a location upstream from the metering channel until contacting the test sample within the metering channel and facilitating the lateral flow thereof through the pores of the membrane to the detection zone.
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Abstract
A method for controlling fluid flow in an assay device that employs a membrane is provided. Specifically, one or more recessed regions are formed in the membrane by applying a solvent treatment thereto. The solvent treatment is selected based on its particular dissolving capacity for the material used to form the membrane. For example, an alcohol-based solvent, such as methanol, may be used as a solvent for nitrocellulose membranes. Upon contact with the solvent treatment, a recessed region is formed that may serve a variety of different functions relating to flow control. In one particular embodiment, the recessed region may function as a metering channel that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay.
170 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for forming a lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or absence of an analyte within a test sample, the method comprising:
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applying a solvent treatment to a membrane, the solvent treatment having a sufficient dissolving capacity for the membrane so that at least one recessed metering channel is formed therein that is configured to receive the test sample; immobilizing an immunoreactive receptive material on the membrane to form a detection zone, wherein the receptive material is capable of binding to detection probes or conjugates thereof to facilitate detection of an analyte that is suspected to be present within a test sample; and providing a diluent that is configured to flow laterally from a location upstream from the metering channel until contacting the test sample within the metering channel and facilitating the lateral flow thereof through the pores of the membrane to the detection zone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification