Patent ID: 7794656

Claim:
An apparatus for analysis of a biological sample, comprising: a test assembly comprising an inner wall defining a sample-receiving chamber and a median wall that together with the inner wall defines a test chamber, said test chamber containing an assay test strip, and the sample-receiving chamber and the test chamber capable of fluid communication via an opening, wherein the median wall extends beyond a bottom portion of the inner wall into a base portion, said base portion comprising a gap into which said median wall slidably fits an assay test strip disposed in the test chamber; and such that said base is movably mounted on the test assembly, the base moveable between a closed position and an open position to achieve movement of a valve dimensioned for engagement with said opening, which controls fluid flow from the sample-receiving chamber, via the opening, to the test chamber, wherein said base further comprises one or more guide pins that enrage with one or more grooves in the median wall and thereby control the extent of movement of said valve and prevent the base from moving beyond a preselected amount.