Integrated hinged cartridge housings for sample analysis

摘要

The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

主权项

1. A method of making a test cartridge for measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) molding a housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone and a second substantially flexible zone, wherein said housing has a top portion and a bottom portion separated by a hinge region wherein the top portion forms a top portion of a conduit and the bottom portion forms a bottom portion of said conduit, and said substantially rigid zone has at least one sensor recess; (b) inserting a sensor into the at least one sensor recess; (c) folding said housing at said hinge region; and (d) sealing said housing in a closed position, wherein said sealing forms the cartridge, and the cartridge comprises said conduit over at least a portion of said sensor.