Diagnostic test reader with disabling unit
A diagnostic test reader including a test unit and a disabling unit. The test unit is configured to perform one or more tests. Each of the one or more tests employs a diagnostic assay to analyze whether an analyte is present within a sample. The disabling unit is coupled with the test unit and is configured to disable the test unit based on a selected threshold number of tests.
1 . A diagnostic test reader comprising:
a test unit configured to perform one or more tests, wherein each of the one or more tests employs a diagnostic assay to analyze whether an analyte is present within a sample; and
a disabling unit coupled with the test unit, the disabling unit configured to disable the test unit based on a selected threshold number of tests.
2 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 1 , wherein the disabling unit includes:
a counter configured to determine an actual number of tests that have been performed by the test unit,
a memory configured to store the threshold number, and
a processor configured to compare the actual number of tests to the selected threshold number.
3 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 2 , further comprising a trigger coupled to the counter and configured to be activated after a test has been performed by the test unit, wherein the counter increments the actual number each time the trigger is activated.
4 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 2 , wherein the selected threshold number is commensurate with a predetermined sensitivity level range.
5 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 2 , wherein the selected threshold number is based on a probable sensitivity of the diagnostic reader.
6 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 1 , further comprising:
a trigger configured to be activated after a test has been performed by the test unit, wherein the activated trigger is configured to instruct the disabling unit to disable the test unit.
7 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 6 , wherein the trigger is mechanically activated.
8 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 6 , wherein the trigger is electrically activated.
9 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 6 , wherein the trigger includes a timer that begins when the test begins, and wherein the trigger is activated when the timer reaches a predetermined time.
10 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 1 , wherein the test unit includes:
an assay interface configured to receive the diagnostic assay,
a memory configured to store a program for analyzing the diagnostic assay, and
a test processor configured to execute the program and analyze the assay.
11 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 10 , wherein the disabling unit is coupled to the memory and is configured to disable the test unit by deleting at least a portion of the program from the memory.
12 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 1 , wherein the disabling unit is configured to electrically disable the test unit.
13 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 1 , wherein the analyte is human chorionic gonadotropin and the diagnostic assay is a lateral flow assay.
14 . The diagnostic test reader of claim 1 , wherein the analyte indicates drug use by a patient who provided the sample being tested.
15 . A diagnostic test system comprising:
a diagnostic test reader including:
a test unit configured to perform one or more tests, wherein each of the one or more tests employs a diagnostic assay to analyze whether an analyte is present within a sample, and
a disabling unit coupled with the test unit, the disabling unit configured to disable the test unit based on a selected threshold number of tests; and
a number of diagnostic assays equal to the threshold number, wherein the diagnostic test reader and the plurality of diagnostic assays are packaged together.
16 . A diagnostic test reader comprising:
means for performing one or more tests, wherein each of the one or more tests uses a diagnostic assay to analyze whether an analyte is present within a sample received from a patient; and
means for disabling the diagnostic test reader when a threshold number of tests have already been performed, wherein a disabled diagnostic test reader is unable to perform additional tests.
17 . A method of performing one or more tests employing a disposable diagnostic test reader, the method comprising:
performing one or more tests employing the disposable diagnostic test reader including determining with an assay if an analyte is present in a sample introduced to the assay; and
preventing use of the diagnostic test reader based on a selected threshold number of tests performed with the disposable diagnostic test reader.
18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
determining the threshold number of tests that can be performed at a desired sensitivity level.
19 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
determining the number of tests performed with the disposable diagnostic test reader; and
comparing the number of tests performed to the threshold number;
wherein preventing use of the disposable diagnostic test reader occurs based on the comparison of the number of tests performed to the threshold number.
20 . The method of claim 17 , wherein preventing use of the disposable diagnostic test reader includes one of deleting a test program from the disposable diagnostic test reader and electrically disabling the disposable diagnostic test reader.