OPTICAL ASSAY APPARATUS AND METHODS

摘要

Optical assay apparatus (11) and methods having an optical assay cup (10) for detecting analytes (52) in a sample fluid. The cup's sidewall (14) may include an optical waveguide (28) having a detection coating (50) on its inner surface (32). During use, the waveguide (28) receives evanescent or darkfield interrogation light (24a, 24b), interrogates the cup's interior volume (68) with it, and emits signal light (58) as a function of the analytes. The detection coating may have fluid or non-fluid detection layers (51a-c), at least part of which may form at least part of a waveguide (29) for the interrogation light. The cup may be spun during use, such as to centrifugal ly-concentrate any high-density analytes towards cup's sidewall. The assay apparatus may further include an interrogation light source (26), a cover (16) or spinning apparatus (25) for the cup, and an optical detector (60) for the signal light.