Patent ID: 8344731
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: G01N,G01R

Abstract:
1. A device for measuring the NMR relaxation rate of protons in a blood sample, the device comprising: (a) a reader configured to receive a signal from the blood sample, the reader comprising (i) one or more permanent magnets defining a magnetic field, (ii) an RF excitation coil for transmitting an RF excitation to the blood sample, (iii) an RF coil configured to detect an NMR relaxation response produced by exposing the blood sample to the magnetic field and the RF excitation, (iv) an electrical element in communication with the RF coil, the electrical element configured to amplify, rectify, transmit, and/or digitize the signal corresponding to the NMR relaxation response, and (v) a display for indicating the NMR relaxation rate of the protons in the blood sample; (b) a support defining a well holding the blood sample comprising magnetic particles and having the RF coil disposed about the well, the RF coil configured to detect an NMR relaxation response produced by exposing the blood sample to a bias magnetic field created using the one or more permanent magnets and the RF excitation; and (c) a removable cartridge sized for convenient insertion into and removal from the device and having a compartment comprising one or more populations of magnetic particles.