Metering technique for lateral flow assay devices
US8173380B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/54366
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A diagnostic test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The kit employs a lateral flow device that contains a membrane. A metering channel is formed in the membrane that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay. Such a metering channel is particularly effective for embodiments in which the test sample has a relatively low volume, such as less than about 100 microliters, in some embodiments from about 0.5 to about 25 microliters, and in some embodiments, from about 1 to about 10 microliters. For example, whole blood drops obtained from patients with a lancet typically have a volume of less than about 3 microliters. Despite their low volume, the present inventors have discovered that the blood drops may still be accurately analyzed for the presence of an analyte using lateral flow detection techniques.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.