Nucleic acid amplification reaction station for disposable test devices
First Claim
1. A disposable nucleic acid amplification test device for insertion into an amplification station conducting an amplification reaction using the test device, the test device comprising:
- a body defining a first chamber for receiving a sample and a second chamber for conducting a nucleic acid amplification reaction therein;
a conduit connecting the first chamber to the second chamber;
a nucleic acid amplification reaction enzyme in fluid communication with the second chamber;
a valve controlling the flow of the sample through the conduit; and
wherein the portion of the body of the test device defining the second chamber has an external configuration sized and shaped so as to place the second chamber into thermal contact with controlled heating elements provided in the analytical instrument when the test device is inserted into the instrument, the controlled heating elements regulating the temperature of the second chamber; and
wherein the test device is constructed and arranged with a cover connected to the test device moveable from a first position covering the first chamber to a second position so as to enable a user to supply the sample into the first chamber directly.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature. A pneumatic system is also provided that assists in fluid transfer of a reaction solution from the first chamber to the second chamber.
46 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A disposable nucleic acid amplification test device for insertion into an amplification station conducting an amplification reaction using the test device, the test device comprising:
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a body defining a first chamber for receiving a sample and a second chamber for conducting a nucleic acid amplification reaction therein; a conduit connecting the first chamber to the second chamber; a nucleic acid amplification reaction enzyme in fluid communication with the second chamber; a valve controlling the flow of the sample through the conduit; and wherein the portion of the body of the test device defining the second chamber has an external configuration sized and shaped so as to place the second chamber into thermal contact with controlled heating elements provided in the analytical instrument when the test device is inserted into the instrument, the controlled heating elements regulating the temperature of the second chamber; and wherein the test device is constructed and arranged with a cover connected to the test device moveable from a first position covering the first chamber to a second position so as to enable a user to supply the sample into the first chamber directly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A disposable nucleic acid amplification test device comprising:
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a first chamber containing a first reaction reagent; a second chamber containing a second reaction reagent; an intermediate chamber between the first chamber and the second chamber; an externally, mechanically actuated flow control element selectively providing fluid communication between the first chamber and the intermediate chamber; and a cover connected to the test device moveable from a first position covering the first chamber to a second position exposing the first chamber so as to enable a user to supply the sample into the first chamber directly. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification