Patent ID: 7651869

Claim:
An optical assay apparatus for detecting an analyte in a sample fluid; wherein said assay apparatus comprises an optical assay cup; wherein said cup comprises a sidewall and an interior volume; wherein said interior volume is at least partially defined by said sidewall and is operable to receive said sample fluid; wherein said sidewall comprises a waveguide having an input end, an inner surface and an outer surface; wherein said input end of said waveguide is operable to receive an input of waveguide interrogation light, and is operable to subject at least part of said interior volume to interrogation by use of at least part of said input of waveguide interrogation light; and wherein at least part of said outer surface of said waveguide is operable to emit an output of signal light as a function of said analyte; wherein said output of signal light is at least primarily emitted through said at least part of said outer surface of said waveguide; and wherein said output of signal light is not primarily emitted through said input end of said waveguide.