Patent ID: 9103838
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of determining hematocrit using a lateral flow indicator strip substrate, comprising: (a) applying blood to a sample well communicating with a capillary reservoir communicating with a vertical separator communicating with a proximal end of a lateral flow indicator strip substrate, wherein the vertical separator is positioned such that the blood applied to the sample well is vertically separated and can only enter the lateral flow indicator strip substrate via capillary action from the capillary reservoir and wherein the lateral flow indicator strip substrate provides for differential migration of the red blood cells and the plasma from the blood in the lateral flow indicator strip substrate; (b) allowing the blood to saturate the lateral flow indicator strip substrate; and (c) determining the hematocrit of the applied blood using premarked concentration values of the red blood cells based on the position of migration of the red blood cells in the lateral flow indicator strip substrate relative to the proximal or distal end of the lateral flow indicator strip substrate, wherein the position of migration of the red blood cells is directly proportional to hematocrit; wherein the amount of blood applied in step (a) is not metered, not known and is not measured but is in an amount sufficient to saturate the lateral flow indicator strip substrate; and, wherein dyes or labels to detectably mark the fluid or liquid front of the blood are not included in the blood or lateral flow indicator strip substrate.