Abstract: The invention relates to a sample testing device for conducting a heterogenous assay, for example an ELISA, in a capillary lumen, using one way flow of sample and wash buffer to move the reaction through the binding, separation and signal measurement steps, thus minimising external intervention. The capillary passage is configured to allow time within different zones for reaction, capture, separation of bound and free fractions, and signal measurement. A combined capture-signal read zone is provided to maximise the capture of signal linked binding member, and signal measurement within the capture zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to agglutination assays and related kits, reagents and devices. In particular methods of assaying small analytes having few epitopes are disclosed, by means of using hub moieties to which multiple analytes may be bound by a first epitope, together with a further moiety capable of binding a second analyte epitope and which is also capable of binding to a detectable particle. Stable agglutinated complexes may be so formed, which may used as the basis for various assay formats.

Abstract: A sample metering device for a liquid sample comprises at least one capillary passage (1) with a first inlet (20) for receiving sample, and an outlet (5, 5?, 7, 7?); a side passage (3,3?) extending from the capillary passage part way along the length thereof and leading to the outlet (5, 5?, 7, 7?); and a second inlet (32) located between the first inlet (3,3?) and intersection with the side passage. A fluid application region (18) for receiving a liquid sample to be tested is provided for entry to the capillary passage (1) via the first inlet (20), and a second fluid application region (29) is provided for entry of fluid such as chase buffer to the capillary passage (1). The second inlet (32) prevents any excess sample in the well (18) entering the capillary passage (1) when chase buffer is applied.

Abstract: A modified form of saturation assay is provided that is based on the measurement of a free or unbound labelled reagent fraction (such that there is an increase in signal in the presence of analyte) and employs trapping zones to concentrate said unbound or free labelled faction to avoid loss of sensitivity. Preferably the assay is a membrane assay.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified form of saturation assay, which is based on the measurement of a free or unbound labelled reagent fraction (such that there is an increase in signal in the presence of analyte) and employs trapping zones to concentrate said unbound or free labelled fraction to avoid loss of sensitivity. Preferably, the assay is a membrane assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agglutination based assay system for determining the presence and/or amount of analyte in a sample comprising a test device having one or more capillary pathways comprising detection regions adapted for non-visual detection of a sample which is releasably engageable with a reader which comprises detection means for detecting the sample at the detection regions in each of said capillary pathways and electronic means for indicating the presence and/or amount of analyte.

Abstract: A process is described in which biological cells are separated from a material sample, such as blood or soil, in which the material sample is formed as a suspension in a fluid and introduced into a chamber. One or more acoustic pressure nodes aggregate the material sample, and a flow of fluid removes soluble matter from the aggregate leaving the biological cells and other inert materials at the node(s). In one aspect of the invention the biological materials are separated from inhibitors that might render their subsequent analysis in, for example, a PCR system difficult. In another aspect of the invention a method is described to extract a clean DNA sample for such biological cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified form of saturation assay, which is based on the measurement of a free or unbound labelled reagent fraction (such that there is an increase in signal in the presence of analyte) and employs trapping zones to concentrate said unbound or free labelled fraction to avoid loss of sensitivity. Preferably, the assay is a membrane assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agglutination based assay system for determining the presence and/or amount of analyte in a sample comprising a test device having one or more capillary pathways comprising detection regions adapted for non-visual detection of a sample which is releasably engageable with a reader which comprises detection means for detecting the sample at the detection regions in each of said capillary pathways and electronic means for indicating the presence and/or amount of analyte. Also provided are the individual test device and reader components, and an assay method using the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to agglutination assays and related kits, reagents and devices. In particular methods of assaying small analytes having few epitopes are disclosed, by means of using hub moieties to which multiple analytes may be bound by a first epitope, together with a further moiety capable of binding a second analyte epitope and which is also capable of binding to a detectable particle. Stable agglutinated complexes may be so formed, which may used as the basis for various assay formats.