Patent ID: 6120733
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: B01L,Y10T

Abstract:
A self-contained assay device for detecting analyte(s) in a specimen comprising:(a) a first housing having a bottom with a center hole;(b) a specimen holder rotatably fit in the first housing the specimen holder including a center portion having a center and a periphery, a circular flange surrounding the center portion adapted and configured to retain the specimen to be tested and a pin member extending from the specimen holder and disposed within the center hole of the housing, the center portion having a radial slot extending from its periphery toward its center;(c) a spring/latch assembly adapted to be fit in the radial slot of the specimen holder, the spring/latch assembly including a spring member disposed near the center of the center portion and a latch member having a remote end;(d) a second housing adapted to be fixedly fit in the first housing, the second housing comprising:a concave portion adapted to accommodate the center portion of the specimen holder,a rim portion surrounding the concave portion;an opening in the rim portion for adding the specimen to be tested, the opening in communication with the circular flange;a plurality of cam-shaped chambers provided in the rim portion and communicating with the concave portion, each cam-shaped chamber having an apex portion located furthest away from the concave portion and a cam side extending from the apex portion toward the next chamber;a plurality of inner bore members provided in the rim portion, each inner bore member communicating with one cam-shaped chamber and extending radially outwardly to an end wall, each inner bore member retaining a reagent or wash solution and having an outlet located near the end wall, the outlet communicating with the circular flange of the specimen holder; and(e) a plurality of plunger members each adapted to be slidely fit in one inner bore member in a water-tight fashion,wherein when the specimen holder is rotated relative to the second housing, the latch member thrusts into each chamber and drives the plunger member into the inner bore member to dispense the reagent or wash solution retained in the inner bore member for testing analyte(s) in the specimen.