Immunoassay apparatus and kit
Biological sampling apparatus have a barrel defining a chamber with a narrow passageway at one end and an absorbent analytical test means in the chamber. In one embodiment, an integral frit is provided with a first portion acting as a splash filter and located in the chamber, and a second portion integral with said first portion acting as a wick. The second portion extends through the narrow passageway. A portion of the splash filter is hydrophobic, and at least a portion of the wick is treated with a wetting agent and is hydrophilic. In another embodiment, a splash filter is located in the chamber and a separate hydrophilic wick is provided having a first portion located in the narrow passageway and a second portion located outside the passageway and barrel. The second portion has a bulbous portion capable of absorbing substantially more fluid sample than the first portion.
1. A biological sampling apparatus, comprising:
a barrel defining a chamber having a first end and a narrow passageway at a second end opposite the first end;
an absorbent analytical test means located in the chamber; and
a frit having a first portion acting as a splash filter and located in said chamber, and a second portion integral with said first portion acting as a wick, said second portion extending through said narrow passageway, at least a portion of said splash filter being hydrophobic, and at least a portion of said wick being treated with a wetting agent to be hydrophilic.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
said first end of said barrel is substantially open.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising:
a sink filter located between said test means and said first end of said barrel.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein:
said sink filter is comprises a desiccant.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
said entire wick and at least a portion of said splash filter are treated with a wetting agent to be hydrophilic.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein:
said entire wick and said portion of said splash filter treated with a wetting agent provide a predetermined quantitative sample absorptivity.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
said frit comprises at least one of polyester and polyethylene.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein:
said frit is a molded frit.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
said wick extends beyond said barrel.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
said chamber has a cross-sectional area at said second end, and said splash filter covers said cross-sectional area.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
said frit is friction fit in said barrel.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
said test means includes a test line sensitive to at least one of HIV1 antibodies, HIV2 antibodies, and tuberculosis antibodies, and a control line.
13. A biological sampling kit, comprising: said biological sampling apparatus of claim 1 , and a separate vial containing buffer solution.
14. A biological sampling apparatus, comprising:
a barrel defining a chamber having a first end and a narrow passageway at a second end opposite the first end;
an absorbent analytical test means located in the chamber; and
a hydrophobic splash filter located in said chamber adjacent said narrow passageway; and
a hydrophilic wick having a first portion located in said narrow passageway and a second portion located outside said passageway and outside said barrel, said second portion having a bulbous portion capable of absorbing substantially more fluid sample than said first portion.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein:
said first end of said barrel is substantially open.
16. An apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein:
said test means includes a test line sensitive to at least one of HIV1 antibodies, HIV2 antibodies, and tuberculosis antibodies, and a control line.
17. An apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein:
said wick comprises at least one of polyester and polyethylene.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein:
said wick is a molded wick.
19. An apparatus according to claim 14 , further comprising:
a sink filter comprising a desiccant located between said test means and said first end of said barrel.
20. A biological sampling kit comprising said biological sampling apparatus of claim 14 , and a separate vial containing buffer solution.
21. A biological sampling apparatus, comprising:
a barrel defining a chamber having a first end and a narrow passageway at a second end opposite the first end;
an absorbent analytical test means located in the chamber;
a hydrophilic wick extending through said narrow passageway; and
an integral splash filter located in said chamber and in contact with said hydrophilic wick, wherein a first portion of said integral splash filter adjacent said wick is hydrophilic, and a second portion of said integral splash filter closest said test means is hydrophobic.
22. A biological sampling apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein:
said wick is made hydrophilic with a wetting agent.