OPPOSABLE-ELEMENT CHROMATOGRAPHIC ASSAY DEVICE

摘要

A chromatographic assay device for use with immunoassays allows rapid and convenient assays of analytes of biological interest, and permits extractions to be carried out in situ, avoiding the use of separate extraction vessels. The device has a wide dynamic range and avoids interference from particulates or colored components. In one form, the device comprises: (1) a first opposable component (11) comprising a sample preparation zone adapted to receive a sample to be assayed; and (2) a second opposable component (12) comprising a chromatographic medium (14). The first and second opposable components can be brought into opposition so as to cause the sample preparation zone (13) to apply the sample to be tested to the chromatographic medium. Preferably, the analyte is detected with a visually detectable label. Other variations of the device vary the arrangement of components to provide optimal chromatography for a variety of analytes, as well as to permit bidirectional chromatography; still other variations are suitable for competitive immunoassays. The devices can be incorporated in test kits, and assay methods, both sandwich and competitive, using the devices are also disclosed.