Assay test strips with multiple labels and reading same
First Claim
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1. A diagnostic test system, comprising:
- an assay test strip comprisinga flow path for a fluid sample;
a sample receiving zone coupled to the flow path;
a test label that specifically binds a target analyte;
a control label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte and has a different optical characteristic than the test label; and
a detection zone coupled to the flow path downstream of the sample receiving zone, the detection zone comprisinga capture region;
an immobilized test reagent that specifically binds the target analyte in the capture region; and
an immobilized control reagent that specifically binds the control label in the capture region, wherein the immobilized test reagent and the immobilized control reagent are intermixed in the capture region; and
a reader comprising an illumination system that focuses a beam of light onto an area of the detection zone, the cross-section of the focused beam of light on the surface of the detection zone having a size and shape substantially corresponding to the size and shape of the capture region.
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Abstract
In one aspect, an assay test strip includes a test label that specifically binds a target analyte and a control label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte and has a different optical characteristic than the test label. In another aspect, an assay test strip includes a test label that specifically binds a target analyte and at least one non-specific-binding label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte. Systems and methods of reading assay test strips also are described.
111 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A diagnostic test system, comprising:
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an assay test strip comprising a flow path for a fluid sample; a sample receiving zone coupled to the flow path; a test label that specifically binds a target analyte; a control label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte and has a different optical characteristic than the test label; and a detection zone coupled to the flow path downstream of the sample receiving zone, the detection zone comprising a capture region; an immobilized test reagent that specifically binds the target analyte in the capture region; and an immobilized control reagent that specifically binds the control label in the capture region, wherein the immobilized test reagent and the immobilized control reagent are intermixed in the capture region; and a reader comprising an illumination system that focuses a beam of light onto an area of the detection zone, the cross-section of the focused beam of light on the surface of the detection zone having a size and shape substantially corresponding to the size and shape of the capture region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20)
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7. A diagnostic test system, comprising:
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an assay test strip comprising a flow path for a fluid sample; a sample receiving zone coupled to the flow path; a test label that specifically binds a target analyte; a control label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte and has a different optical characteristic than the test label; a detection zone coupled to the flow path downstream of the sample receiving zone, the detection zone comprising a capture region; an immobilized test reagent that specifically binds the target analyte in the capture region; and an immobilized control reagent that specifically binds the control label in the capture region, wherein the immobilized test reagent and the immobilized control reagent are intermixed in the capture region; and a set of regularly spaced position markers along an edge of the assay test strip distinct from the capture region, the position markers having a different optical characteristic than the surface of the detection zone; a reader comprising an illumination system that focuses a beam of light onto an area of the detection zone, the cross-section of the focused beam of light on the surface of the detection zone having at least one dimension at most equal to the smallest of a first and a second dimension of the capture region; and a data analyzer programmed to store light intensity measurements obtained from the position markers and to identify a position of the capture region on the assay test strip using the stored light intensity measurements and predetermined information correlating locations of regions of interest with a light intensity contrast pattern produced by the position markers. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 21)
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Specification