Abstract: A wick for use in determining sufficiency of an amount of analyte fluid provided to an analyte test section of an assay device is provided. The wick comprises a primary wick portion attached or attachable to the analyte test section so as to be in fluid communication therewith. The primary wick portion has a receiving surface adapted for receiving the analyte fluid and is configured to draw the analyte fluid from a first area to a second area of the primary wick portion. The assay wick further comprises an indicator portion having a contrasting visual characteristic. The indicator surface is covered by at least a portion of the primary wick portion, which comprises a wicking material that becomes more light transmissive when wetted by the analyte fluid. The contrasting visual characteristic is viewable through the at least a portion of the primary wick portion only when the at least a portion of the primary wick portion is suffused by the analyte fluid.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fluid transmissive structure is provided that comprises first and second fiber layers each comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. The polymeric fibers of these fiber layers have diameters greater than one micron and collectively define interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths through the first and second fiber layers. The structure also comprises a plurality of nanofibers disposed intermediate at least a portion of the first fiber layer and at least a portion of the second fiber layer.

Abstract: A shut-off valve is provided for use in a suction canister. The shut-off valve comprises a valve portion comprising a valve body having at least one side wall and an end wall collectively defining a valve interior. The valve body has an open end configured to allow fluid communication between the valve interior and an outlet port of the canister. The valve body walls comprise a porous plastic material and a moisture-reactive material adapted to expand on contact with liquid and reduce or eliminate the flow path through the porous plastic material. The shut-off valve further comprises a filter portion covering at least a portion of an exterior surface of the valve body. The filter portion comprises a fiber filter medium comprising a plurality of fibers collectively defining a tortuous fluid flow path through the fiber filter medium.