Patent ID: 6730268
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: A61B,B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A device for collecting and assaying a sample of biological fluid, the device comprising:(a) a flow control channel defined by at least one liquid pervious side joined to liquid impervious sides, wherein the internal dimensions of the flow control channel are sufficient to permit placement therein of an assay test strip; (b) an assay test strip within the flow control channel, wherein the assay test strip has a sample loading zone therein, and wherein further the assay test strip is disposed within the flow control channel so the sample fluid contacts the sample loading zone at a liquid pervious side of the flow control channel; and, (c) a sample fluid container having a base, an open mouth, and walls connecting the base to the mouth; wherein the flow control channel is disposed inside the sample fluid container with the liquid pervious side oriented toward the mouth of the sample fluid container so that the assay sample fluid, when added to the container and then inverted, is delivered to the sample loading zone of the assay test strip by entry through a liquid pervious side of the flow control channel without migration through an intermediate structure, and wherein entry of fluid into the flow control channel creates an ambient pressure within the flow control channel equivalent to the ambient pressure outside of the flow control channel, thereby eliminating a pressure gradient along which excess sample fluid could flow into the flow control channel.