Patent ID: 7993871

Claim:
A method for detecting an analyte in a sample, the method comprising: a) providing an elongated test unit, the test unit comprising: (i) a hollow section having a first open end and second open end; (ii) a probe within the hollow section, the probe comprising a first probe end and a second probe end; (iii) a test unit cover, the cover adapted to enclose said first open end of the hollow section and positioned relative to the probe so that the longitudinal movement of the cover causes the longitudinal movement of the probe; (iv) a test vial extending from the second open end of the hollow section, and containing a reagent sealed therein by a frangible seal; (v) an o-ring surrounding the test unit and within an o-ring holder, the o-ring and o-ring holder configured so that the longitudinal movement of the cover secures the cover into the o-ring holder and in position so that the cover abuts the o-ring, said abutting of the o-ring by the cover forming a liquid barrier which barrier prevent liquid from leaking out of the test unit, the test unit constructed and arranged to obtain a test sample on or within the second probe end and to provide admixture of the sample with the reagent within the test vial; b) removing the probe from the test unit; c) collecting a sample onto the probe to provide a sample-probe; d) inserting the sample-probe into the test unit; e) moving the sample-probe longitudinally through the frangible test vial seal to contact the reagent, wherein moving the sample-probe longitudinally both ruptures a frangible seal and secures the cover within the o-ring holder wherein the cover abuts the o-ring.