Diagnostic testing process

US8067246B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Tyrian Diagnostics Limited · AU

Inventors

• David Ian Marlborough · Fawn Drive, AU
• Andrew John Sloane · Sydney, AU
• Robert Cole · Rancho Santa Margarita, US
• William Samuel Hunter · Torquay, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 2, 2010
• Grant date: Nov 29, 2011
• Expiry date: Sep 2, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S436/81
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for use in a flow through assay process is disclosed. The method is characterised by a “pre-incubation step” in which the sample which is to be analyzed (typically for the presence of a particular protein), and a detection analyte (typically one or more antibodies bound to colloidal gold or a fluorescent tag) which is known to bind to the particular protein may bind together for a desired period of time. This pre-incubation step occurs before the mixture of sample and detection analyte come into contact with a capture analyte bound to a membrane. The provision of the pre-incubation step has the effect of both improving the sensitivity of the assay and reducing the volume of sample required for an assay. An apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed defining a pre-incubation chamber for receiving the sample and detection analyte having a base defined by a membrane and a second membrane to which a capture analyte is bound. In one version the pre-incubation chamber is supported above the second membrane in one position but can be pushed into contact with the membrane carrying the capture analyte thus o permitting fluid transfer from the incubation chambe…