Patent ID: 6235241
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: B01L,G01N

Abstract:
An assay result reader, for use in conjunction with an assay device which comprises a porous liquid-permeable carrier in the form of as trip or sheet through the thickness of which electromagnetic radiation is transmissible, said carrier including a detection zone in which an assay result is revealed by specific binding of a detectable material directly or indirectly to a binding agent immobilized in said detection zone, detection of said detectable material being effected by determining the extent to which electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the thickness of said carrier is attenuated by the presence of said detectable material bound in said detection zone, said assay result reader comprising:a) receiving means for receiving at least a portion of said assay device, said portion including said detection zone;b) reading means associated with said receiving means said reading means comprising:(i) at least one source of electromagnetic radiation;(ii) one or ore sensors capable of detecting the intensity of said electromagnetic radiation, said source and said one or more sensors being positioned such that when said portion of said assay device is received within said receiving means, said detection zone is disposed in the electromagnetic radiation path between said source and said one or more sensor; and(iii) a diffuser in front of said one or more sensors and downstream of said assay device such that electromagnetic radiation from said source must pass through said diffuser before reaching said one or more sensors, said detection zone of said assay device being disposed in the electromagnetic radiation path between said source and said diffuser when said assay device is received within said receiving means.