Patent ID: 6660469
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for testing a biological sample from an animal for the presence of disease in the animal, the apparatus comprising: a container having a rupturable membrane within the container; a dipstick having an end for insertion into the sample so that a predetermined amount of the sample becomes attached to the dipstick; the container including a chamber containing a reagent which, during testing, reacts with the sample attached to the dipstick to produce light emissions, the chamber being provided in the container between a closed end of the container and the membrane; the dipstick being movable within the container from a first position in which the dipstick is supported in the container out of contact with the membrane, and a second position in which the end of the dipstick with the attached sample is in contact with the reagent, the membrane being ruptured as the dipstick moves from the first position to the second position; and a luminometer for receiving the container, the luminometer having a lid which, on being closed, causes the dipstick to be moved from the first position through the membrane to the second position, whereby a determination of a level of bacteria and/or somatic cells in the sample and hence of the disease in the animal is made by sensing the light emissions from the container.