Abstract: An analyte reading system which includes a reader unit for rapidly detecting and evaluating the outcome of an assay to measure the presence of analytes in a sample. Quantitative and qualitative measurements of analyte concentration in a sample may be rapidly obtained using the reader device with algorithms which ascertain the nature of the assay and perform a comparison against a calibration sample. The reader device scans preset areas of an assay device in order to provide focal points for the reader device and evaluate the volume of the test sample in the assay device. The reading portion of the assay slide has at least one test dot for detecting the presence of the analyte and the signal intensity of the labelled analyte, and processes the detected signal using an algorithm which provides an accurate output measurement indicating the quantity of the analyte in the test sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for rapidly detecting the presence of analytes in a sample. Quantitative and qualitative measurements of analyte concentration in a sample may be rapidly obtained. A sample including the analyte and analyte metabolites produced by the analyte are introduced into a vessel that contains a reagent or reagents that have a detectable marker and rapidly bind to the analyte and to the metabolite. The sample is then introduced to an assay device that has a loading area, a separation and a reading area. The sample is introduced into the loading area of the assay device and moves to the reading area preferably by capillary action. The methodology permits for the detection of analytes and metabolites using means for the detecting the detectable marker. The sample may be subjected to a force application means for the controlled progressive fragmentation of any analyte, which is preferably a pathogen present in the sample, into a plurality of fragments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for rapidly detecting the presence of analytes in a sample. Quantitative and qualitative measurements of analyte concentration in a sample may be rapidly obtained. A sample including the analyte and analyte metabolites produced by the analyte are introduced into a vessel that contains a reagent or reagents that have a detectable marker and rapidly bind to the analyte and to the metabolite. The sample is then introduced to an assay device that has a loading area, a separation and a reading area. The sample is introduced into the loading area of the assay device and moves to the reading area preferably by capillary action. The methodology permits for the detection of analytes and metabolites using means for the detecting the detectable marker. The sample may be subjected to a force application means for the controlled progressive fragmentation of any analyte, which is preferably a pathogen present in the sample, into a plurality of fragments.