Abstract: An assay kit comprising an analyte test strip and a color comparator including a plurality of different color fields arranged in an ordered, preferably linear, succession. There is an aperture through each color field so positioned that the reaction zone of the test strip can be placed behind each color field and the color of the reaction zone thereafter viewed through each aperture, with the particular color field framing at least a portion of the reaction zone. The color comparator can be in the form of overlapping panels of a folder or a label on a bottle. There may be a chart of numerical assay values of the color fields such that the edge of the testing strip underlies the numerical value of the color field being viewed, or the testing strip may have a window therein which frames the numerical value of the color field being viewed. This invention has application in test kits for biological substances, (i.e. glucose, cholesterol) and drugs of abuse; and, in test kits for environmental toxins.

Abstract: A test strip is disclosed which provides for transport and separation of heterogenous fluid samples. This test strip can be used for analysis of whole blood by reflectance measurement. This test strip, which can be especially adapted for use in a disposable blood sampling fixture, comprises two functional components: (1) a wicking element for reception of the whole blood sample and transport of the sample to a dry chemistry reagent system, and (2) a porous membrane which has been impregnated with a dry chemistry reagent system specific for analysis of an analyte within the whole blood sample. A barrier layer is provided between the wicking layer and the porous membrane to preclude contact therebetween. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, an aperture is cut or formed in the barrier layer to allow for the flow of sample for the wick to the surface of the porous membrane.

Abstract: Dry chemistry reagent system, kit and method for detection of an analyte such as glucose, cholesterol, urea, antigen or antibody. The reagent system is a porous membrane or bibulous film having a porosity gradient from one planar surface to the other. In the membrane are uniformly distributed an indicator, a flow control agent and a reagent cocktail. The membrane is also modified by a conditioning agent.