Abstract: A closure and a device for use with a closure are described. The closure includes a first member having an interrupted beveled edge, a second member having an undercut edge, and optionally a base member to which the second member is fixed. The first member is adapted to be received with the interrupted beveled edge retained by the undercut edge. A test device can include such a closure and can also include a hinge between the first and second members. Test elements, such as a chromatographic medium, an absorber, an applicator, or a sample application zone, can be disposed on the first member and/or the base member and can be brought into opposition by closing the first member with the closure. The beveled edge is interrupted by one or more uncut portions or bridges. A testing device according to the present invention can perform a number of types of immunoassays, including unidirectional assays, bidirectional assays, and assays employing a split flow path.

Abstract: An assay device for detection or determination of an analyte in a sample uses either removably attachable components or hinged panels to provide greater flexibility and reduce manufacturing and storage costs. In one embodiment of the device, the device comprises: (1) a first opposable component including:(a) a first panel; (b) a second panel mounted on the first panel generally parallel to the first panel with space between the first and second panel, the second panel having an opening forming a first receptacle for a sample collection device; and (c) a second receptacle for a test strip formed by the first panel and the second panel; and (2) a second opposable component hingedly attached to the first opposable component. In this device, the first and second opposable components can be brought into operable contact so that fluid is expressed from the sample collection device and applied to the test strip for detection or determination of an analyte by a test performed on the test strip.

Abstract: An assay device for the performance of assays for analytes, particularly those of biological interest, provides for improved efficiency and sensitivity by reducing background. The assay device performs an immunochromatographic assay and also provides a wash to remove unbound labeled specific binding partner and thereby reduce the background. Assay devices according to the present invention can use either a directly visible label such as a metal sol label or an enzyme label. One embodiment of assay devices according to the present invention is particularly suitable for assay of analytes in whole blood samples. The present invention also encompasses test kits and methods of use of the assay devices.

Abstract: A chromatographic assay device for use with immunoassays allows rapid and convenient assays of analytes of biological interest, and permits extractions to be carried out in situ, avoiding the use of separate extraction vessels. The device has a wide dynamic range and avoids interference from particulates or colored components. In one form, the device comprises: (1) a first opposable component comprising a sample preparation zone adapted to receive a sample to be assayed; and (2) a second opposable component comprising a chromatographic medium. The first and second opposable components can be brought into opposition so as to cause the sample preparation zone to apply the sample to be tested to the chromatographic medium. Preferably, the analyte is detected with a visually detectable label.

Abstract: A chromatographic assay device for use with immunoassays allows rapid and convenient assays of analytes of biological interest, and permits extractions to be carried out in situ, avoiding the use of separate extraction vessels. The device has a wide dynamic range and avoids interference from particulates or colored components. In one form, the device comprises: (1) a first opposable component comprising a sample preparation zone adapted to receive a sample to be assayed; (2) a second opposable component comprising a chromatographic medium; and (3) a conductive barrier attached to the second opposable component. The first and second opposable components can be brought into opposition so as to cause the sample preparation zone to apply the sample to be tested to the chromatographic medium. Preferably, the analyte is detected with a visually detectable label. Other variations of the device vary the arrangement of components to provide optimal chromatography for a variety of analytes.

Abstract: A chromatographic assay device for use with immunoassays allows rapid and convenient assays of analytes of biological interest, and permits extractions to be carried out in situ, avoiding the use of separate extraction vessels. The device has a wide dynamic range and avoids interference from particulates or colored components. In one form, the device comprises: (1) a first opposable component comprising a sample preparation zone adapted to receive a sample to be assayed; (2) a second opposable component comprising a chromatographic medium; and (3) a conductive barrier attached to the second opposable component. The first and second opposable components can be brought into opposition so as to cause the sample preparation zone to apply the sample to be tested to the chromatographic medium. Preferably, the analyte is detected with a visually detectable label. Other variations of the device vary the arrangement of components to provide optimal chromatography for a variety of analytes.