| 摘要 |
The invention relates to liquid transfer devices for use particularly in chemical diagnostic assays in extra-laboratory situations. The device comprises first and second capillary flow channels (210, 212) in mutual abutment over an interface region (218) the first channel having a capillarity which is higher than that of the second channel. In a particular form, the first channel (210) defines a volume definition zone for a first liquid (223) in fluid connection with both the second channel (212) and means (219) for receiving excess first liquid wherein the second channel is arranged for application of a second liquid (236). The first liquid may be a sample such as blood plasma, and the second liquid may be a liquid diluent. Use of the device allows the application of sample in excess, application of diluent liquid leading to reaction of assay reagents (228, 230) with sample in the volume definition zone only. A third channel (214) may he provided, of lower capillarity than that of the first channel (210), which may provide means by which liquid is introduced to the first channel, and/or means for receiving excess first liquid. The difference in capillarity between the channels may arise from differing pore sizes and/or wetting characteristics. Compression of material may be used to reduce pore size in the first channel and hence increase capillarity.
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