Portable Apparatus for Improved Sample Analysis

• US 20120020837A1
• Filed: 09/29/2011
• Published: 01/26/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Montecito Bio Sciences, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Montecito Bio Sciences, Ltd.
• Inventors: Withrow, Edward W. III, Gorlach, Jorn
• Granted Patent: US 8,920,725 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/69
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/415 the glands, e.g. tonsils, adenoids or thymus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/416 the spleen
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/418 lymph vessels, ducts or nodes
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/028 Modular arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/023 Sending and receiving of information, e.g. using bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/024 Storing results with means integrated into the container
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0636 Integrated biosensor, microarrays
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0663 Whole sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0478 pistons
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5023 with a sample being transported to, and subsequently stored in an absorbent for analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54366 Apparatus specially adapted for solid-phase testing
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00871 Communications between instruments or with remote terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 435/809 : Incubators or racks or holders for culture plates or containers

Abstract

The present invention is an improved apparatus for sample analysis. The apparatus employs an assay component containing a membrane having one or a plurality of analyte-specific binding agents attached thereto, a means for absorbing liquid, and a piston means for drawing analytes through said membrane into said means for absorbing liquid. The apparatus is configured to be portable and provide a detector for detecting binding of an analyte to an analyte-specific binding agent, a plurality of data acquisition components, and a computer for integrating, analyzing and storing the detected analyte specific binding and acquired data.

Claims

1. An improved sample analysis apparatus of the type having a membrane with an analyte-specific binding agent attached thereto, a means for absorbing liquid, and a piston means for drawing analytes in a sample through the membrane into the means for absorbing liquid, the improvement comprising

a detector for detecting analyte-specific binding to the analyte-specific binding agent,

a plurality of data acquisition components for acquiring data, and

a computer, wherein the computer integrates, analyzes and stores the detected analyte-specific binding and acquired data thereby providing improved sample analysis.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises one or a plurality of analyte-specific binding agents.