Patent ID: 6977173

Claim:
A testing device for the identification of an analyte of interest, comprising: a. a housing having a sample application matrix for: i. receipt of a liquid-containing sample; ii. desiccation of the sample in situ; and iii. rehydration of the desiccated sample for transfer to a testing element; b. at least one aperture in the housing to receive a testing element inserted therein and hold said testing element in direct liquid-conductive communication with the sample application matrix; and c. at least one insertable testing element, the or each testing element, on insertion into an aperture in the housing, being retained within the housing in liquid-conductive communication with the sample application matrix, such that upon rehydration of the desiccated sample, resolubilized or resuspended components of the sample are carried from the sample application matrix to the testing element or elements.