Thomas E Stone

US Patent:

58888268, Mar 30, 1999

Filed:

Nov 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/976833

Inventors:

Roy Ostgaard - Bolton MA
Stephen Schoenberg - Redwood City CA
Thomas R. Stone - San Francisco CA
Sourav K. Kundu - Cooper City FL
Ted S. Geiselman - Bolton MA

Assignee:

Dade Behring Inc. - Deerfield IL

International Classification:

G01N 3386

US Classification:

436 69

Abstract:

The present invention provides novel test cartridges for use in the assay of liquid samples and methods of carrying out such assays. These test cartridges are particularly useful in assays which include at least one step during which the sample to be assayed and one or more components of the assay system are kept separated by a pierceable member. The test cartridges comprise a housing through which the sample flows during the assay. The housing includes a holding chamber for holding the sample and a test chamber separated by a pierceable member having a cut therein. The test chamber further includes a partition member which has an opening therethrough and includes at least one reagent for the assay. A transfer member movably mounted in the test chamber can move towards and pierce the pierceable member by moving through the cut and contact the liquid sample in the holding chamber. When the transfer member has been moved towards and pierces the pierceable member to contact the liquid sample and a negative pressure is created in the test chamber, liquid sample moves through the transfer member, into the test chamber and through the opening in the partition member.