Patent ID: 8388907
Filing Date: 2013-03-05
Classification: A61B,B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting an analyte by utilizing a device having a main body comprising a hollow interior; at least one swab affixed to a first end of the main body for obtaining a sample; at least one sealed receptacle disposed within the main body and having therein a wash for dissolving an analyte; a release mechanism within the housing capable of being engaged with the sealed receptacle to release the wash; a cap removably attached to the first end of the main body and having a hollow depression therein for receiving released wash, such that any analyte on the swab is dissolved into the wash; at least one analysis strip disposed within the main body having thereon at least one conjugate zone and at least one reaction zone, whereby the presence or absence of an analyte within the wash triggers the reaction zone to exhibit a noticeable signal; and a button operably engaged with the main body, such that, when aligned in a first position and activated by depressing, the button engages the sealed recepticle with the release mechanism, such that the swab is exposed to the wash so as to dissolve any analyte thereon and, when the button is aligned in a second position and activated by depressing, at least a portion of the at least one analysis strip is exposed to the dissolved analyte in the wash, a) removing the cap on the main body of the device; b) bringing the swab on the device into contact with the surface or medium to be sampled; c) replacing the cap on the device so that it covers the swab and seals the end of the main body; d) aligning the button to the first position; e) activating, by depressing, the button so that the wash is released and washes over the swab to dissolve any analyte thereon into the cap; f) aligning the button to the second position; g) activating the button to expose at least a portion of the analysis strip to the dissolved analyte in the cap, so as to cause the reaction zone to exhibit a noticeable signal; and h) determining whether the analyte is present by observing the signal.