Hygeia Sciences, Inc.

Paul B Foster

Donald J Lennon

Carl M Berke

Gary W Boys

A disposable, pre-packaged device as particularly suitable for conducting diagnostic procedures based on immunological reactions using specimens gathered up in the absorbent tip of a swab. The device is made up of a base component upon which a sample sensitive element is mounted and a guide member that is normally mounted on the base component in covering relationship to the reactive element. The guide member includes structure which defines an elongated passageway extending therethrough. One end of the passageway is positioned in close proximity to the sensitive element when the member is mounted on the base component. The other end of the passageway opens outwardly of the guide member. In using the device, the swab tip is pushed through the passageway and toward the sensitive element using the stick of the swab. A number of ribs are positioned in the passageway adjacent the sensitive element to squeeze the tip and express fluid therefrom as the tip is pushed toward the sensitive element. Thus, the liquid in the swab tip is expressed therefrom and brought into intimate contact with the sensitive element. The results of the test are visually observable by removing the guide member from the base component to uncover the sensitive element.

Assay device for swab borne analytes

A disposable, pre-packaged device is particularly suitable for conducting diagnostic procedures based on immunological reactions using specimens gathered in the absorbent tip of a swab. The device is made up of an elongated holder member which includes structure for supporting and positioning a swab, another holder member hingedly mounted at one end of the swab holder member and which carries a capture media element assemblage suitable for conducting an immunoassay test. The device also includes a cover member hingedly mounted on the opposite end of the swab holder member. The cover member includes structure positioned for pressing the swab tip against the capture element when the device is operated. Thus, the light in the swab tip is squeezed and the test fluid is expressed therefrom and brought into intimate contact with the capture element. The results of the test are visually observable by simply swinging the member which carries the capture element away from the swab holder member.

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Quincy, MA, United States of America

Paul B Foster