Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/502707—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by the manufacture of the container or its components
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
  • B01F33/30—Micromixers
  • B01F33/304—Micromixers the mixing being performed in a mixing chamber where the products are brought into contact
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/50273—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by the means or forces applied to move the fluids
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
  • B01L3/502738—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by integrated valves
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/52—Containers specially adapted for storing or dispensing a reagent
  • B01L3/523—Containers specially adapted for storing or dispensing a reagent with means for closing or opening
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
  • B01L2200/0621—Control of the sequence of chambers filled or emptied
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/16—Reagents, handling or storing thereof
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
  • B01L2300/046—Function or devices integrated in the closure
  • B01L2300/047—Additional chamber, reservoir
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
  • B01L2300/046—Function or devices integrated in the closure
  • B01L2300/049—Valves integrated in closure
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
  • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
  • B01L2300/0816—Cards, e.g. flat sample carriers usually with flow in two horizontal directions
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
  • B01L2300/0861—Configuration of multiple channels and/or chambers in a single devices
  • B01L2300/0867—Multiple inlets and one sample wells, e.g. mixing, dilution
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
  • B01L2300/0861—Configuration of multiple channels and/or chambers in a single devices
  • B01L2300/087—Multiple sequential chambers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/12—Specific details about materials
  • B01L2300/123—Flexible; Elastomeric
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
  • B01L2400/043—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces magnetic forces
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
  • B01L2400/0481—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure squeezing of channels or chambers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
  • B01L2400/0487—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics
  • B01L2400/049—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics vacuum
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/06—Valves, specific forms thereof
  • B01L2400/0677—Valves, specific forms thereof phase change valves; Meltable, freezing, dissolvable plugs; Destructible barriers
  • B01L2400/0683—Valves, specific forms thereof phase change valves; Meltable, freezing, dissolvable plugs; Destructible barriers mechanically breaking a wall or membrane within a channel or chamber
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
  • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
  • C12Q1/001—Enzyme electrodes
  • C12Q1/005—Enzyme electrodes involving specific analytes or enzymes
  • C12Q1/006—Enzyme electrodes involving specific analytes or enzymes for glucose

Definitions

• This invention relates generally to in-vitro diagnostics, and more particularly to disposable diagnostic cartridges containing labile contents in a compartment thereof and to methods constructing such disposable diagnostic cartridge having labile contents therein.
• Diagnostic tests are increasingly being used to determine the state or condition of a biological environment, such as in human healthcare, agriculture, livestock management, municipal systems management, and national defense, by way of example and without limitation.
• a new market is emerging wherein diagnostic tests are being performed at the point-of-care.
• the diagnostic test can be complex, requiring multiple reagents and multiple steps to execute an assay.
• An assay is a sequence of steps or procedures used to measure the presence or absence of a substance in a sample, the amount of a substance in a sample, or the characteristics of a sample.
• An example of a common and relatively simple point-of-care assay, which can be readily conducted by a layperson, is a blood glucose test.
• the blood is mixed with glucose oxidase, which reacts with the glucose in the sample, creating gluconic acid, wherein the gluconic acid reacts with a chemical, typically ferricyanide, producing ferrocyanide.
• Current is passed through the ferrocyanide and the impedance reflects the amount of glucose present.
• labile reactants include lyophilized reagents and gases, such as CO2 incorporating a radioactive carbon isotope, for example. Given the labile nature of such reactants, it is critical to ensure such selected reactant(s) is protected against exposure to surrounding contaminants prior to use and during use to avoid causing a breakdown of the reactant, which ultimately results in compromising the results of the assay.
• a single-use, consumable diagnostic cartridge is provided that addresses at least those problems discussed above with regard to known single-use, consumable diagnostic cartridges.
• a disposable diagnostic device in accordance with an aspect of the invention, includes a body having a first channel and a second channel spaced from the first channel.
• a shroud is operably fixed to the body.
• the shroud encloses a chamber, wherein the chamber is configured in hermetically sealed-off relation from the first channel and the second channel when the disposable diagnostic device is in a non-activated first state.
• the chamber is configured for open communication with at least one of the first channel and the second channel when the disposable diagnostic device is in an activated second state.
• a reactant is disposed in the chamber, and an inert gas is disposed in the chamber.
• the inert gas protects the reactant from being exposed to contaminants while in the chamber when the disposable diagnostic device is in the non-activated first state.
• the first channel is sealed-off from said chamber by a first rupturable member covering a first port when said first rupturable member is in a non-ruptured state and said first channel is in fluid communication with said chamber through said first port when said first rupturable member is in a ruptured state
• said second channel is sealed-off from said chamber by a second rupturable member covering a second port when said second rupturable member is in a non-ruptured state and said second channel is in fluid communication with said chamber through said second port when said second rupturable member is in a ruptured state.
• first rupturable member is fixed to said body and wherein said second rupturable member is fixed to said body.
• first rupturable member and said second rupturable member are a single piece of material.
• agitation mechanism disposed within said chamber, said agitation mechanism being configured to agitate the flow of a media entering said chamber from one of said first channel through said first port and said second channel through said second port to mix said media with said reactant.
• agitation mechanism is formed on an inner surface of said shroud, said inner surface being exposed to said chamber.
• inner surface has a plurality of protrusions extending into said chamber to form said agitation mechanism.
• agitation mechanism is formed by one or more solid members contained in said chamber, said one or more solid members being free to move within said chamber when at least one of said first and second rupturable members is in said ruptured state to mix said media with said reactant.
• one or more solid members is restrained against movement within said chamber when said first and second rupturable members are in said non-ruptured states.
• an agitation mechanism is formed by ferrous material contained within said chamber, said ferrous material being configured to move within said chamber upon being selectively exposed to an external magnetic field.
• shroud is formed of a compliant material configured to be depressed and substantially flattened to motivate a flow of a media entering said chamber from one of said first channel through said first port and from said second channel through said second port and out the other of said first port through said first channel and out said second port through said second channel.
• shroud has a compressed state defining a first volume inside said chamber when said first rupturable member is in its non-ruptured state and when said second rupturable member is in its non-ruptured state, and an expanded state defining a second volume inside said chamber when at least one of said first rupturable member is in its ruptured state and when said second rupturable member is in its ruptured state, said second volume being greater than said first volume.
• a method of constructing a disposable diagnostic device includes: providing a diagnostic cartridge body having a plurality of microfluidic channels; providing a shroud; disposing a reactant between the shroud and the diagnostic cartridge body; fixing the shroud to the diagnostic cartridge body to seal-off a chamber between the shroud and the diagnostic cartridge body, wherein the reactant is contained in the chamber and the chamber is configured for selective fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels; and performing the disposing and fixing steps in a vacuum atmosphere.
• the method can further include providing an inert gas in the vacuum atmosphere and sealing some of the inert gas in the chamber with the reactant.
• the method further includes performing the fixing step without a dry-room atmosphere.
• the method can further include providing an agitation mechanism in the chamber to facilitate mixing the reactant with a reagent.
• Figure 1 is an isometric view of a disposable diagnostic device constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention
• Figure 2 is cross-sectional view of the disposable diagnostic device taken generally along the line 2-2 of Figure 1 ;
• Figure 3 is a similar view to Figure 2 of the disposable diagnostic device showing the disposable diagnostic device upon being actuated;
• Figures 3a and 3b are enlarged views of the encircled regions 3a and 3b of Figure 3, wherein Figure 3b illustrates an outlet and Figure 3a illustrates an inlet, with the enlarged actuated illustration of Figure 3a being similar to that as shown for Figure 3a;
• Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a disposable diagnostic device constructed in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
• Figure 5 is cross-sectional view of the disposable diagnostic device of Figure 4 taken generally along the line 5-5;
• Figure 5a is cross-sectional view similar to Figure 5 of a disposable diagnostic device in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
• Figure 6 is a similar view to Figure 5 of the disposable diagnostic device showing the disposable diagnostic device of Figure 4 upon being actuated;
• Figure 6a is a similar view to Figure 5a of the disposable diagnostic device showing the disposable diagnostic device of Figure 5a upon being partially actuated;
• Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a shroud assembly of a disposable diagnostic device constructed in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
• Figure 8 is cross-sectional view of a disposable diagnostic device having the shroud assembly of Figure 7 assembled thereto taken generally along the line 8-8.
• Figure 1 illustrates a disposable diagnostic device, also referred to as diagnostic cartridge, and referred to hereafter as cartridge 10, constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention for use in performing an assay in a qualitative and quantitative analysis on a specimen.
• the cartridge 10 includes a body 12 having a first microfluidic channel for conveying a fluid and/or gas, referred to hereafter as first channel 14, and a second microfluidic channel for conveying a fluid and/or gas, referred to hereafter as second channel 16, with first channel 14 being spaced from second channel 16 by a storage chamber, which can also function as a mixing chamber, and referred to hereafter simply as chamber 20.
• the body 12 can be constructed, if desired, having an upper body portion 12a and a lower body portion 12b fixed to one another to facilitate forming the desired contour and path(s) of the channels therein, shown by way of example as first channel 14 and second channel 16 be formed in lower body portion 12b and enclosed by upper body portion 12a.
• a blister, also referred to as shroud 18, is operably fixed to a generally planar surface of upper body portion 12a.
• the shroud 18 encloses the chamber 20, wherein the chamber 20 is configured in hermetically sealed-off relation from the first channel 14 and the second channel 16 when the disposable diagnostic device 10 is in a non-actuated state, also referred to as non- activated first state.
• the chamber 20 is configured for open communication with at least one of the first channel 14 and the second channel 16, meaning that fluid and/or gas is free to flow therebetween, when the disposable diagnostic device 10 is in an actively deployed, actuated state, also referred to as activated second state.
• fluid, solid and/or gas contaminants e.g. oxygen
• the cartridge 10 With the chamber 20 being hermetically sealed off from the first channel 14, the second channel 16 and surrounding environment E by the shroud 18, the cartridge 10 is well suited for shipment and storage over an extended period of time, such as years, without need of additional protective features, including desiccants, or the need for specialized packaging.
• the cartridge 10 is readily manufactured without need of a dry-room environment, and thus, the total cost (including time, labor, space, capital equipment, etc.) of manufacture is significantly reduced in comparison to a cartridge requiring use of a dry-room environment for manufacture.
• the cartridge 10 is manufactured under a vacuum atmosphere, such that the labile reactant 22 is protected from exposure to moisture and other forms of contamination, such as from oxygen, while being disposed and hermetically sealed in the chamber 20.
• the labile reactant 22 can be disposed into the chamber 20 prior to fixing the shroud 18 to the body 12, wherein the inert gas 24 occupies the vacuum atmosphere and is sealed with the chamber 20 along with the labile reactant 22 upon fixing the shroud 18 to the body 12.
• the shroud 18 can be formed of any suitable flexible, compliant material or materials to bound and encapsulate the chamber 20 of a predetermined volume.
• the shroud 18, as shown by way of example and without limitation, includes a bottom surface or layer 26, formed without any predefined rupturable or frangible valve, opening or otherwise, and an upper layer 28.
• bottom surface 26 is described as being valve or opening free, it is contemplated that a predefined valve or opening could be formed in the bottom surface 26, if desired, though not necessary as a result of upper layer 28 having a plurality of opening, piercing or puncture members 30 configured to form openings 32 in the bottom layer 26 over first and second ports 34, 36 of first and second channels 14, 16, respectively.
• the upper layer 28 can be formed of the same type of material as the bottom layer 26, or from a different type of material, as desired.
• the upper layer 28 is sufficiently sized to allow the fluid/gas disposed therein to create a bulbous, expanded portion bounding the reservoir chamber 20, wherein the upper layer 28 is flexible and tough, thereby allowing the bulbous portion to be depressed and actuated upon if desired to facilitate motivating flow of the fluid/gas through one of the first and second channels 14, 16.
• the bottom and upper layers 26, 28 can be bonded to one another about their respective out peripheries via any suitable bonding process upon disposing the labile reactant 22 and inert gas 24 therebetween, such as a suitable welding or adhering process.
• the first channel 14 is sealed-off from the chamber 20 by a first valve, also referred to as first rupturable member 38 covering the first port 34 when the first rupturable member 38 is in a non-ruptured state.
• the first channel 14 is in fluid communication with the chamber 20 through the first port 34 when the first rupturable member 38 is in a ruptured state.
• the second channel 16 is sealed-off from the chamber 20 by a second rupturable member 40 covering the second port 36 when the second rupturable member 40 is in a non-ruptured state.
• the second channel 16 is in fluid communication with the chamber 20 through the second port 36 when the second rupturable member 40 is in a ruptured state.
• the first and second rupturable members 38, 40 can be selectively ruptured concurrently with one another, or separately from one another at different times, as desired.
• the first rupturable member 38 is fixed to the body 12 and the second rupturable member 40 is fixed to the body 12, with both being configured in overlying relation with the first and second ports 34, 36, wherein the first and second rupturable members 38, 40 can be formed as a single piece of material, such as being formed by the material of the bottom layer 26.
• the first and second rupturable members 38, 40 are rupturable, such as via the puncture members 30, by way of example and without limitation, whereupon the ruptured first and second rupturable members 38, 40 are provided with the openings 32 to bring the first and second channels into fluid communication with the chamber 20 through the first and second ports 34, 36.
• the desired reagent 42 can be introduced through a corresponding one of the channels having an opened port, shown, by way of example and without limitation as being introduced through the first channel 14, through the first port 34 and into the chamber 20. With the reagent 42 being introduced into the chamber 20, the reagent 42 and the reactant 22 can be mixed together to initiate the desired assay within the chamber 20.
• an agitation mechanism 44 can be disposed within the chamber.
• the agitation mechanism 44 is configured to agitate the flow of a media, herein the reagent 42, entering the chamber 20 to quickly and thoroughly mix the reagent 42 with the reactant 22.
• the agitation mechanism 44 tends to establish a non-laminar flow of the reagent 42 as the reagent 42 flows against and adjacent the agitation mechanism 44.
• the agitation mechanism 44 can be formed on an inner surface 46 (FIGS. 5 and 6) of the shroud 18, with the inner surface 46 being directly exposed to the chamber 20.
• the agitation mechanism 44 can be formed via a plurality of protrusions 44 extending into the chamber 20, with the protrusions 44 being shown forming an undulating, corrugated contour of alternating peaks and valleys in wave-like form.
• the agitation mechanism 44 can be formed by one or more solid members 48 (FIGS. 2 and 3) contained in the chamber 20, with the one or more solid members 48 being free to move within the chamber 20 when at least one of the first and second rupturable members 38,
• the one or more solid members 48 can be restrained against movement within the chamber 20 when the first and second rupturable members 38, 40 are in their non-ruptured states.
• the restraining can be performed by adhering the solid members 48 to a surface within the cavity 20, by way of example and without limitation, with the adherent being dissolvable by the reagent 42 as it enters the cavity 20. Movement of the solid members 48 can be facilitate by gravity simply by tilting the cartridge 10 sufficiently to cause movement of the solid members 48.
• the agitation mechanism 44 can be formed by ferrous material, such as illustrated with regard to the solid members 48 wherein the solid members 48 can have a ferrous content, contained within the chamber 20.
• the ferrous material 48 is configured to move within the chamber 20 upon being selectively exposed to an external magnetic field 50.
• the magnetic field 50 can be located and directed as desired to obtain the desire movement of the ferrous material 48 within the chamber 20.
• FIG. 5a a disposable diagnostic device 110 in accordance with a further aspect is illustrated, wherein the same reference numerals are used to identify like features.
• the cartridge 110 includes the shroud 18, which can be provided having a compressed state defining a minimal first volume V 1 inside the chamber 20 when the first rupturable member 38 is in its non-ruptured state and when the second rupturable member 40 is in its non-ruptured state, such that the cartridge 110 is in its non-actuated state.
• the shroud 18 can further be formed to attain an unfolded, expanded state defining a second volume V2 inside the chamber 20 when at least one of the first rupturable member 38 is in its ruptured state and/or when the second rupturable member 40 is in its ruptured state, shown in Figure 5b as having the first rupturable member 38 being ruptured to allow the ingress (inflow) of the reagent 42 through the first channel 14 and into the cavity 20, with the second volume V2 being greater than said first volume V 1. Accordingly, the expanded state results from the ingress of the reagent 42 into the cavity 20 causing the shroud 18 and the underlying cavity to expand.
• the remaining first or second rupturable member 38, 40 can be opened to allow the mixture to be expelled from the cavity 20 through the desired first or second channel 14, 16 to continue the assay, as desired.
• FIG. 7 and 8 a disposable diagnostic device 210 in accordance with a further aspect of the invention is illustrated, wherein the cartridge 210 has similar features identified by like reference numerals in Figure 8. Further discussion is believed unnecessary in view of the discussion above for such enumerated features.

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
• Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
• Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Hematology (AREA)
• Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
• Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)

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• 2022
  • 2022-06-30 EP EP22738043.3A patent/EP4363109A1/de active Pending
  • 2022-06-30 CN CN202280046230.4A patent/CN117881478A/zh active Pending

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