Patent ID: 9011658
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: B01L

Abstract:
1. A sampling plate, comprising: a sample zone for receiving a liquid sample; an air porous body which is in fluid communication with the sample zone, the air porous body being arranged to receive air displaced from the sample zone as the liquid sample is received into the sample zone; an overflow reservoir linked to the sample zone via an overflow channel; a loading port for loading the liquid sample; and a loading path between the loading port and sample zone along which the liquid sample can travel towards the sample zone; wherein the sample zone comprises: at least two discrete testing zones, each defined by a well, having a hydrophobic boundary lying between the at least two testing zones; and a raised hydrophobic loading platform located towards a central region lying between all the respective testing zones, the loading platform being arranged to first receive the liquid sample before distributing the liquid sample amongst the respective testing zones; wherein each testing zone comprises: a hydrophilic portion; and a pair of electrodes which is bridged, in use, by the liquid sample in a testing zone; wherein the overflow channel is linked to the hydrophobic loading platform to enable the liquid sample to flow from the hydrophobic loading platform into the overflow reservoir; wherein the overflow channel is discrete from the at least two discrete testing zones, and separated therefrom by a hydrophobic boundary; and wherein the overflow channel is narrower than each respective entrance to the testing zones.