Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for conducting multiplex immunoassays to detect multiple target analytes in a liquid sample using a set of tags and anti-tags. The device comprises an array of different anti-tags immobilised on a surface of a sensor for measuring a signal. Each anti-tag is arranged to immobilise a tagged antibody or tagged antigen thereby in use separating tagged immune complexes from the liquid phase affecting the signal measured. The device comprises a sensor chamber for tagged immune complexes to form in the liquid phase and one or more detection zones each comprising the array of different anti-tags for immobilising tagged immune complexes. In use, liquid comprising the tagged immune complexes flows or is fluidically driven from the sensor chamber to the detection zone(s).

Abstract: An assay device for the quantitative determination of the concentration of at least one analyte in a liquid sample comprises a planar emitter (2), a planar detector (3), a lateral flow membrane (4) interposed between the emitter (2) and the detector (3), a conjugate pad (5) in fluid communication with a proximal end of the lateral flow membrane (4), the conjugate pad (5) comprising optically detectable tagging particles bound to a first assay component, a sample pad (6) in fluid communication with the conjugate pad (5) and arranged to receive the liquid sample, and a wicking pad (7) in fluid communication with a distal end of the lateral flow membrane (4). The lateral flow membrane (4) is formed from a light transmissive material and is capable of transporting fluid from the conjugate pad (5) to the wicking pad (7) by capillary action.

Abstract: An oral fluid collection and transfer device comprises a collection device (10) and a test cartridge (100). The collection device includes a frame or chassis (14), and an absorbing pad (12) for absorbing oral fluid and which is secured around part of the frame with part of the frame protruding from the pad. A collapsible cover (16) covers the absorbing means and has apertures (68) for the ingress of oral fluid into contact with the absorbing pad. A cap (18) covers the part of the frame protruding from the absorbing pad. The cap and the cover latch together to surround the frame and the absorbing pad. The device also includes a fluid adequacy indicator (20) in the form of an electrical circuit with an LED (66) which is completed when the absorbing means has absorbed a predetermined volume of oral fluid.

Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. Light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. A light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: An analyte collection apparatus is provided, comprising a gripper; and a compressible analyte collecting portion releasably gripped by the gripper, wherein the gripper exerts a force to grip and compress the analyte collecting portion. The analyte collecting portion can be immersed in a buffer solution whilst in the partially compressed state, and allowed to expand therein, reducing the time required for non-specific binding of analytes to the analyte collecting portion. The analyte collection device facilitates indirect handling of the collected analyte, preventing cross-contamination, and also allows for quick on-site testing.

Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. A light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: Immunoassay tests or agglutination tests run on samples of bodily fluid to detect the presence of particular compounds such as drugs in the body may be screened in the screening device. A test membrane is inserted into the screening device and illuminated. The reflected image is detected and the digitised data processed. For immunoassay tests, the digitised data is segmented and data for the test region is compared to that from the control region and the background regions to determine whether the test data exhibits any significant results. For agglutination tests, the digitised data is processed to determine the number and size of the areas of coagulation to determine whether the test data exhibits any significant results. A swab for taking a bodily sample incorporates a run fluid capsule.

Abstract: An oral fluid collection and transfer device comprises a collection device (10) and a test cartridge (100). The collection device includes a frame or chassis (14), and an absorbing pad (12) for absorbing oral fluid and which is secured around part of the frame with part of the frame protruding from the pad. A collapsible cover (16) covers the absorbing means and has apertures (68) for the ingress of oral fluid into contact with the absorbing pad. A cap (18) covers the part of the frame protruding from the absorbing pad. The cap and the cover latch together to surround the frame and the absorbing pad. The device also includes a fluid adequacy indicator (20) in the form of an electrical circuit with an LED (66) which is completed when the absorbing means has absorbed a predetermined volume of oral fluid. The test cartridge (100) has a collection chamber (110) to allow insertion of the collection device into the test cartridge. A test strip (150) is used to for test the oral fluid for the presence of analytes.

Abstract: Immunoassay tests or agglutination tests run on samples of bodily fluid to detect the presence of particular compounds such as drugs in the body may be screened in the screening device. A test membrane is inserted into the screening device and illuminated. The reflected image is detected and the digitized data processed. For immunoassay tests, the digitized data is segmented and data for the test region is compared to that from the control region and the background regions to determine whether the test data exhibits any significant results. For agglutination tests, the digitized data is processed to determine the number and size of the areas of coagulation to determine whether the test data exhibits any significant results.