Abstract: A cartridge (1) and method for conducting a labeled molecular affinity binding test such as antibody/antigen, ligand/receptor, and colorometric reactions, and other chemical reactions for which one or more analytes is present in a liquid sample formate. A progressive compression structure (22,36) progressively forces a liquid flow out of a conjugate pad (26) toward a reaction region (27) to more thoroughly and rapidly mix the liquid, encouraging specific first affinity binding to the analytes in question. A specially dimensioned constricting passageway (35) surrounding the reaction region including the result zones (28,29) provides an additional siphoning force to the flow.

Abstract: A cartridge and method for conducting a labeled molecular affinity binding test such as antibody/antigen, ligand/receptor, and colorometric reactions, and other chemical reactions for which one or more analytes is present in a liquid sample formate. A progressive compression structure progressively forces a liquid flow out of a conjugate pad toward a reaction region to more thoroughly and rapidly mix the liquid, encouraging specific first affinity binding to the analytes in question. A specially dimensioned constricting passageway surrounding the reaction region including the result zones provides an additional siphoning force to the flow. These combined forces rapidly and more evenly guide the flow of liquid through the reaction region so that the rushed rate of uptake of analytes at the strip lines are more evenly distributed, adhesive attachment of non-specific molecules is largely avoided, vastly improving sensitivity and specificity, and providing quantitative results in some tests.

Abstract: A cartridge and method for conducting a labeled molecular affinity binding test such as antibody/antigen, ligand/receptor, and colorometric reactions, and other chemical reactions for which one or more analytes is present in a liquid sample formate. A progressive compression structure progressively forces a liquid flow out of a conjugate pad toward a reaction region to more thoroughly and rapidly mix the liquid, encouraging specific first affinity binding to the analytes in question. A specially dimensioned constricting passageway surrounding the reaction region including the result zones provides an additional siphoning force to the flow. These combined forces rapidly and more evenly guide the flow of liquid through the reaction region so that the rushed rate of uptake of analytes at the strip lines are more evenly distributed, adhesive attachment of non-specific molecules is largely avoided, vastly improving sensitivity and specificity, and providing quantitative results in some tests.

Abstract: A cartridge and method for conducting a labeled molecular affinity binding test such as antibody/antigen, ligand/receptor, and colorometric reactions, and other chemical reactions for which one or more analytes is present in a liquid sample formate. A progressive compression structure progressively forces a liquid flow out of a conjugate pad toward a reaction region to more thoroughly and rapidly mix the liquid, encouraging specific first affinity binding to the analytes in question. A specially dimensioned constricting passageway surrounding the reaction region including the result zones provides an additional siphoning force to the flow. These combined forces rapidly and more evenly guide the flow of liquid through the reaction region so that the rushed rate of uptake of analytes at the strip lines are more evenly distributed, adhesive attachment of non-specific molecules is largely avoided, vastly improving sensitivity and specificity, and providing quantitative results in some tests.

Abstract: A device and method for enhancing rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in chromatography strip-type rapid IVD devices useful in, for example, clinical, point-of-care, laboratory or over-the-counter settings. The device drives a flow fluid, primarily under the force of gravity alone, through a first chamber having a porous dam structure to enhance and substantially complete the first affinity binding reaction between a source of mobilizable labeled binding members and an analyte in the fluid. Flow through the dam causes a delay, mixing and trapping of the typically chemically disuniform initial fluid front so that fluid exiting the dam exhibits a more uniformly high degree of first affinity binding and decreased non-affinity binding.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus using a gravitationally encouraged, interrupted, downward, diffusive and programmed flow of fluid to provide for rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in, for example, a clinical, point-of-care setting. A fluid specimen such as blood, saliva or urine is deposited into a first chamber carrying a source of conjugate having mobilizable binding members such as immunographic antigens or antibodies specific to the condition being tested conjugated to a detectable label such as colloidal gold. The specimen is premixed with a first measured, reactive mix buffer solution carried within an openable tank. The specimen and solution are temporarily held within an incubation reservoir formed behind a dam made from porous, diffusive material.

Abstract: A self-contained device using a gravitationally encouraged, interrupted downward and programmed flow of fluid to provide for rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in a point-of-care setting. A fluid specimen such as blood, saliva or urine is deposited into a first chamber carrying a colloidal conjugate of antigens or antibodies pathogenically specific to the condition being tested and premixed with a first measured, reactive mix buffer solution carried within an openable tank. Alternately, the buffer solution is preformulated to carry the colloidal conjugate in suspension. The premixture flows out of the first chamber toward chromatographic test strips having a single layer of uniformly dispersed porous matrix material such as polyethylene and inclined in a downward flow orientation. The flow is interrupted by a holding reservoir which is drained by siphoning, gravity and capillary forces. The delayed and regulated flow provides an incubation time for a better affinity binding of the specimen.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus using a gravitationally encouraged, interrupted, downward, diffusive and programmed flow of fluid to provide for rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in, for example, a clinical, point-of-care setting. A fluid specimen such as blood, saliva or urine is deposited into a first chamber carrying a source of conjugate having mobilizable binding members such as immunographic antigens or antibodies specific to the condition being tested conjugated to a detectable label such as colloidal gold. The specimen is premixed with a first measured, reactive mix buffer solution carried within an openable tank. The specimen and solution are temporarily held within an incubation reservoir formed behind a dam made from porous, diffusive material.

Abstract: A device for quantitively collecting, preserving and mailing a specimen of fecal or other biological matter for later analysis comprises a tubular vessel defining a chamber closed at one end by a plug and restricted at the opposite end by a narrow aperture. A stopper for closing the open end of the vessel extends into a stick having indentations capable of retaining some of the biological matter. The stick intimately engages the aperture so that the amount of matter introduced into the chamber is limited to what is carried in the indentations. The shank of the stick seals the aperture once the stopper has been screwed into place. The plug mounts a breakable hollow nib and is installed after introduction into the chamber of a metered volume of preserving solution. A cover caps the plug and nib to provide additional sealing of that end of the vessel.

Abstract: A device for quantitively collecting, preserving and mailing a fresh and wet specimen of fecal or other biological matter for later analysis comprises a tubular vessel defining a chamber closed at one axial end by an openable, machine replaceable plug and restricted at the opposite end by a narrow aperture. A stopper for closing the open end of the vessel extends into a stick for dipping into and retaining some of the biological matter. The shank of the stick is dimensioned to seal the aperture once the stopper has been screwed upon the open end of the vessel. A cover caps the plug to provide additional sealing and protection of that end of the vessel during transportation. The vessel has a tapered shape to be carried closely packed with other similar vessels in a test carrier.

Abstract: A device for quantitively collecting, preserving and mailing a fresh and wet specimen of fecal or other biological matter for later analysis comprises a tubular vessel defining a chamber closed at one axial end by an openable plug and restricted at the opposite end by a narrow aperture. A stopper for closing the open end of the vessel extends into a stick for dipping into and retaining some of the biological matter. The shank of the stick is dimensioned to seal the aperture once the stopper has been screwed upon the open end of the vessel. A cover caps the plug to provide additional sealing of that end of the vessel during transportation. The mail transportation of the vessel device with a sealable shipping capsule that is essentially leakproof. A disposable telescoping handle mounts to the stopper to allow the user to stab at matter such as feces in a toilet without contacting the toilet water.

Abstract: A lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay rapid test device uses a strip having multiple epitope antigen test lines that are responsive to the same pathogenic organism or pathogen. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a rapid test strip for detection of antibodies to HIV-1, HIV-1/subgroup O, and HIV-2 has test lines coated with P-24, gp41, gp120 , gp160 and gp36 antigens.

Abstract: A device for quantitively collecting, preserving and mailing a fresh and wet specimen of fecal or other biological matter for later analysis comprises a tubular vessel defining a chamber closed at one axial end by a plug and restricted at the opposite end by a narrow aperture. A stopper for closing the open end of the vessel extends into a stick whose distal portion has indentations capable of retaining a portion of the biological matter when the stick is dipped into it. A medial portion of the stick intimately contacts the edge of the aperture so that the amount of matter introduced into the chamber is limited and the excess stored outside the chamber in the presence of a disiccant for drying. The shank of the stick is dimensioned to seal the aperture once the stopper has been screwed upon the open end of the vessel. The plug mounts a breakable hollow nib and is installed after introduction into the chamber of a metered volume of preserving solution.

Abstract: A device for quantitively collecting, preserving and mailing a fresh and wet specimen of fecal or other biological matter for later analysis comprises a tubular vessel defining a chamber closed at one axial end by a plug and restricted at the opposite end by a narrow aperture. A stopper for closing the open end of the vessel extends into a stick whose distal portion comprises indentations capable of retaining a portion of the biological matter when the stick is dipped into it. The distal portion of the stick is shaped and dimensioned to intimately and circumferentially contact the edge of the aperture so that the amount of matter introduced into the chamber is limited to the part having penetrated into the indentations. The shank of the stick is dimensioned to seal the aperture once the stopper has been screwed upon the open end of the vessel. The plug mounts a breakable hollow nib and is installed after introduction into the chamber of a metered volume of preserving solution.

Abstract: A device for quantitively collecting, preserving and mailing a fresh and wet specimen of fecal or other biological matter for later analysis comprises a tubular vessel defining a chamber closed at one axial end by a plug and restricted at the opposite end by a narrow aperture. A stopper for closing the open end of the vessel extends into a stick whose distal portion has indentations capable of retaining a portion of the biological matter when the stick is dipped into it. A medial portion of the stick is shaped and dimensioned to intimately and circumferentially contact the edge of the aperture so that the amount of matter introduced into the chamber is limited and the excess stored outside the chamber in the presence of a disiccant for drying. The shank of the stick is dimensioned to seal the aperture once the stopper has been screwed upon the open end of the vessel. The plug mounts a breakable hollow nib and is installed after introduction into the chamber of a metered volume of preserving solution.

Abstract: A device using polychromatic assay strips in the detection of drug residue in urine and in connection with other such immunoassay tests mounts two sets of parallel strips back-to-back. Each set of strips is visible through a window on the front or back faces of the device. The specimen fluid is deposited through an aperture in the device enclosure and carried to the test strips by a wick in the form of a piece of blotting paper. One of the test strips visible through a separate window is used to detect adulteration of the specimen.