Patent ID: 6669907
Filing Date: 2003-12-30
Classification: B01L

Abstract:
An assay device comprising:a housing defining a proximal region and a distal region, wherein: a) capillarity in the proximal region is induced by a first surface of said housing and a second surface of said housing along a first axis defined by a normal from said first surface to said second surface; b) capillarity in the distal region is induced by a plurality of capillarity-inducing structures, each comprising a perimeter surface discontinuous with perimeter surfaces of adjacent capillarity-inducing structures, said distal region capillarity arising along a second axis between opposing perimeter surfaces of adjacent capillarity-inducing structures; c) said first axis is substantially perpendicular to said second axis such that the opposing perimeter surfaces that induce capillary force in the distal region have a different positional orientation relative to the opposing surfaces of the proximal region; and d) said proximal and distal regions are configured and arranged to provide an effective capillary force in the distal region that is approximately equal to or greater than an effective capillary force in the proximal region, and to provide a fluid flow path from said proximal to said distal region.