Abstract: A system and method wherein components of a reagent such as labeled antibodies are separated from a biologically active sensor surface by depositing the reagent on a carrier surface distinct from a sensor surface in a detection region. The present device provides a short, well-defined and controlled, pre-incubation time between the particles of interest in the sample fluid and the reagent, thereby increasing the reproducibility by providing all components in one detection region such as a detection chamber.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an oral fluid collection device. The oral fluid collection device comprises a handle, a swab holder, and a swab. The swab is in the form of a hollow tube of absorbent material coaxially located about the swab holder, such that the swab is supported by the swab holder along the entire length of the swab.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an assay to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. A housing defines a slot for receiving a sample collector, and a capsule contains a buffer liquid, the capsule being sealed by an openable lid, and being connected to the housing such that insertion of a sample collector into the slot causes the lid to open releasing the buffer liquid into the slot. The housing further defines an incubation chamber containing or configured to receive a reagent, and an aperture permitting liquid communication between said slot and the incubation chamber. The apparatus comprises one or more test elements, a substantially liquid tight sealing member separating the incubation chamber and the test element(s), and an activation mechanism operable to open said liquid tight sealing member thereby bringing at least a portion of the or each test element into liquid communication with said incubation chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an assay to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. A housing defines a slot for receiving a sample collector, and a capsule contains a buffer liquid, the capsule being sealed by an openable lid, and being connected to the housing such that insertion of a sample collector into the slot causes the lid to open releasing the buffer liquid into the slot. The housing further defines an incubation chamber containing or configured to receive a reagent, and an aperture permitting liquid communication between said slot and the incubation chamber. The apparatus comprises one or more test elements, a substantially liquid tight sealing member separating the incubation chamber and the test element(s), and an activation mechanism operable to open said liquid tight sealing member thereby bringing at least a portion of the or each test element into liquid communication with said incubation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunoassays which are highly specific for detection in biological samples of methamphetamine and other drugs of abuse of the methamphetamine group such as ecstasy and other ecstasy class drugs. More particularly, competitive assays are provided comprising: (a) contacting said sample with (i) a pseudoephedrine/carrier conjugate in which pseudoephedrine is linked via its hydroxyl group to the carrier and (ii) an antibody which is capable of binding both one or more drugs of the methamphetamine group and said conjugate; and (b) determining whether the binding of said antibody to said conjugate is reduced by the presence of said sample, a reduction in binding being indicative that the sample contains a methamphetamine group drug.

Abstract: The invention provides competitive immunoassay techniques for high sensitivity detection of delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol (cannabis; THC) employing a carrier conjugate of an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cannabis, more particularly 5-pentylresorcinol conjugated to a macromolecular carrier via its hydroxyl groups. By employing such a conjugate with anti-THC antibody in a lateral flow immunochromatography test device convenient on-site testing for low levels of cannabis in liquid samples may be achieved. Such testing is particularly favoured for roadside testing for cannabis in oral fluid samples.