DISPOSABLE PRE-PACKAGED DEVICE FOR CONDUCTING IMMUNOASSAY PROCEDURES

摘要

DISPOSABLE, PRE-PACKAGED DEVICE FOR CONDUCTING IMMUNOASSAY PROCEDURES A disposable, pre-packaged device for conducting an immunoassay procedure. The device comprises cup means defining a chamber for receiving liquid residues from the procedure and structure defining a liquid inlet communicating with the chamber. Absorbent means are disposed in the chamber for promoting flow of liquid into the chamber. Spacer means are provided in the chamber for holding the absorbent away from the inner walls of the chamber to present a breathing space communicating with the inlet and extending essentially entirely around the absorbent. The device also includes a porous capture media element for capturing and displaying products of the procedure. The capture media is disposed adjacent the inlet of the device and in fluid communication with the absorbent. A lid element is mounted on the cup means adjacent the inlet, the lid element and the cup means being held together by mating, corresponding annular flanges. The lid element includes a centrally disposed cylindrical member which extends through the inlet and defines a throat positioned for directing flow of liquid assay medium through the inlet and onto the capture means. The cylindrical member has an annular surface at its free end disposed for contacting the porous capture media means and pushing the latter toward the absorbent means and into fluid communication therewith. The lid element flange is provided with at least one vent hole disposed in fluid communication with the breathing space to facilitate venting of the device to the atmosphere during operation. The external opening of the vent hole and the external opening of the throat are disposed in a single plane and sealing means comprising a single planar foil element is removably adhered to the lid element in closing relationship to the openings to prevent the introduction of foreign material into the device during storage and shipment prior to use.