Abstract:
A disposable cartridge suitable for performing automated solid-phase diagnostic assays which employs microparticles to complex an analyte and where the microparticle complex becomes retained and immobilized on a fibrous matrix such that the presence of analyte on the microparticles can be detected by optical means. A cartridge is disclosed which comprises a plurality of wells at least one of the wells comprises an entrance port and holding means for receiving and holding a quantity of sample and assay reagents, a fibrous matrix for retaining and immobilizing microparticle/analyte complexes for detection, the fibrous matrix positioned below the holding means, and having an average spatial separation of fibers greater than the average diameter of said microparticles, and an absorbent material positioned below the fibrous matrix to absorb any sample or assay reagents that flow through said fibrous matrix.
Abstract:
A disposable cartridge suitable for performing automated solid-phase diagnostic assays which employs microparticles to complex an analyte and where the microparticle complex becomes retained and immobilized on a fibrous matrix such that the presence of analyte on the microparticles can be detected by optical means. A cartridge is disclosed which comprises a plurality of wells at least one of the wells comprises an entrance port and holding means for receiving and holding a quantity of sample and assay reagents, a fibrous matrix for retaining and immobilizing microparticle/analyte complexes for detection, the fibrous matrix positioned below the holding means, and having an average spatial separation of fibers greater than the average diameter of said microparticles, and an absorbent material positioned below the fibrous matrix to absorb any sample or assay reagents that flow through said fibrous matrix.