Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the presence or amount of analyte in a fecal sample. The method comprises the steps of (A) contacting the fecal sample with an extraction reagent comprised of at least one detergent and at least one buffer to form a mixture, (B) applying the mixture to an absorbent filter that is in proximity to or in contact with an immunoassay such that analyte present in the sample is transferred to the immunoassay, and (C) detecting the presence of analyte by said immunoassay. In a preferred embodiment, the immunoassay comprises a porous strip containing immunoreagents for detecting analyte.

Abstract: A combined sample-assay device allows sampling and detection within an integrated device. The device is a flat plate-like body with a collection arm. The collection arm optionally folds to enter a recess that flatly supports and seats the arm. The arm may be friction held in this recess and completely enters the recess. Within the recess is a second recess that contains a reading portion and transport portion. Chemiluminescent or other light emitting chemical reagent is placed within the device and light is detected in response to the presence of a sample analyte in a fluid sample.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an assay for target analytes includes a sampling-device holder interface and a quantifier. The sampling device has a sampling portion and a reading portion containing a chemiluminescent reagent. The interface has a sampling-device holder and a light detector. The holder has a housing having an enclosure with a channel and a base plate with an opening. The base plate and the enclosure houses a slidable tray. The tray has a compartment adapted to seat the sampling device and an opening extending through the compartment. The reading portion is aligned with the tray opening. When the tray is closed, the tray opening is also aligned with the base plate opening, exposing the reading portion. Once the sampling portion is exposed to a sample suspected of containing the target analyte, at least one carrier liquid is introduced, if needed, to the sampling portion to transport any target analyte to the reading portion by dispersion.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a target analyte includes a sampling device, a holder, a light source, a light detector, and a quantifier (ammeter). The device has reading and sampling portions connected by a transfer portion. The holder has a housing, including a tray, which has a compartment adapted to seat the sampling device and an opening extending therethrough, slidable therein. The sampling portion is aligned with the tray opening when it is seated. When the tray is closed, the tray opening is aligned with the light detector and the light source. Once the sampling portion is exposed to a sample, carrier liquid is introduced to the sampling portion. While the carrier travel to the reading portion, the target analyte picks-up a labeling luminescent agent contained in the transfer portion. The reading portion captures the labeled target analyte. The non-captured elements exits the reading portion, leaving only the target analyte bound to the luminescent agent, which glows when exposed to light.

Abstract: A test strip, a device incorporating the test strip and a method for use of the test strip within the device detecting an analyte in a solution or bodily fluid are disclosed. The test strip was three zones, a reaction zone coated with a substance that binds the analyte, a sample zone with a region for addition of the sample of solution or fluid, and a detection region zone with a region coated with detection reagent. An absorbent pad underlies the reaction zone. The reaction zone is a small membrane and is physically in contact on its upper surface with both the sample zone and the detection zone. The test strip is incorporated into a device which includes a sample collection/transferring device, a housing for holding the test strip, and a container for holding solvent solutions at both outer ends of the test strip such that the solvent solutions can come into contact with the outer ends of the test strip when pressure is applied to the ends.

Abstract: A method which utilize chemiluminescence for analyte detection and the detection of bacteria on surfaces. The method uses a device comprising a sampling portion made of a first adsorbent material, a container, and a second adsorbent material located within the container. The sampling portion collects analytes from a test sample which includes a surface or volume of a liquid. The second adsorbent material holds one or more chemiluminescent components including luciferase enzyme and cofactors in a dry state. In a preferred embodiment, the sampling portion is swabbed over a suspected contaminated surface. A bacteriolytic solution is then added to the adsorbent and releases ATP from any bacteria present. The ATP diffuses into the second adsorbent and mixes with the reagents therein to produce detectable light.

Abstract: Improved devices for collecting and analyzing samples of aqueous solutions, body fluids, sewage or fecal matter to be used in detecting microbes and microbial byproducts. A device in accordance with the invention comprises a body including an internal channel having an entryway, a solute chamber connected to the entryway, a solute-adding mechanism operatively connected to the solute chamber, a window in the body that allows viewing of a portion of the channel, and an aperture in the body that opens to the channel; a bendable tang connected to the body; and a sample collection unit attached to the tang.

Abstract: This invention provides a device and method for preparing a plasma enriched sample for use in an immunoassay strip. All parts that contact blood or a blood fraction remain in a container and prevent contamination from used blood. In one embodiment a sampling device collects blood and enters the container. A plasma enriched sample fills a plasma receptor which in turn is transferred to an immunoassay strip. Plasma is washed out of the strip by an aqueous solution. In another embodiment the sampling device doubles as a plasma separator. The invention allows sensitive and safe immunoassays to be performed on whole blood samples outside of the normal clinical laboratory setting.