Test cartridge with actuation member
The methods and systems disclosed herein may relate to a testing cartridge. A system may include, a test cartridge comprising: a body comprising an upper component and a lower component, an inner cavity at least partially enclosed by the body, a sample port disposed in the upper component, a structural member disposed within the upper component relative to the sample port capable of controlling the contact between a sample and the sample pad, an assay coupled to the lower component, wherein the assay comprises a sample pad, and a membrane coupled to a portion of the structural member capable of pretreating the sample.
1 . A test cartridge comprising:
a body comprising an upper component and a lower component;
an inner cavity at least partially enclosed by the body;
a sample port disposed in the upper component;
a structural member disposed on the upper component relative to the sample port, the structural member pivotally connected to the upper component via an articulating joint enabling reciprocating movement of the structural member to provide contact between a sample and the sample pad, wherein the structural member comprises an orifice for delivering the sample to the sample port;
an assay coupled to the lower component, wherein the assay comprises a sample pad; and
a membrane for pretreating the sample, wherein the membrane is configured to be decoupled from the assay by actuation of the structural member.
2 . The test cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the assay is a lateral flow assay.
3 . The test cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the assay comprises a permeable matrix of material.
4 . The test cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the membrane pretreatment is selected from the group consisting of filtration, pH adjustment, viscosity adjustment, buffer exchange, interferent entrapment, addition of biological chemistries including enzymes or antibodies or antigens, and any combination thereof.
5 . The test cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the membrane comprises trapping agents to be added to the sample, wherein the trapping agents are selected from the group consisting of antibodies, enzymes, precipitating agents, polymers, and any combination thereof.
6 . The test cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the articulating joint is selected from the group consisting of a ball and socket joint, a hinge joint, a living hinge joint, a condyloid joint, a pivot joint, a gliding joint, a saddle joint, spring, and any combination thereof.
7 . The test cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the structural member is actuated by manual actuation, electronic actuation, mechanical actuation, or any combination thereof.
8 . The test cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a reagent port.
9 . The test cartridge of claim 8 , further comprising a reagent to be added through the reagent port, wherein the reagent comprises a buffer, a detergent, filtration, pH adjustment, viscosity adjustment, buffer exchange, interferent entrapment, addition of enzymes addition of antibodies, addition of antigens, and any combination thereof.
10 . The test cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the sample is a whole blood sample.