Biomerieux, Inc.

Biomerieux Vitek, Inc.

Vitek Systems, Inc.

Raymond E O'Bear

John L Staples

Brian Livingston

Bruno Colin

Stanley Michael Philipak

Patrick Alan Yerbic

David Hertlein

Garry R Tegeler

G R Tegeler

Cecile Paris

Patrick K Chen

Richard Scott Remes

Noah Monroe

Michael S Matta

Ross Mulder

James Clement Bishop

Craig Drager

Donald L Meyer

Colin Bruno

The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprise one or more fluid over-flow reservoirs, wherein the over-flow reservoirs are operatively connected to a distribution channel by a fluid over-flow channel. In another embodiment, the sample test cards may comprise a plurality of flow reservoirs operable to trap air thereby reducing and/or preventing well-to-well contamination. The test card of this invention may comprise from 80 to 140 individual sample wells, for example, in a test card sample test cards of the present invention have a generally rectangular shape sample test card having dimensions of from about 90 to about 95 mm in width, from about 55 to about 60 mm in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness.

Sample test cards

The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprises a fluid channel network disposed in both the first surface and the second surface and connecting the fluid intake port to the sample wells, the fluid channel network comprising at least one distribution channels, a plurality of fill channels operatively connected to the at least one distribution channel, a plurality of through-channels operatively connected to one or more of the fill channels and a plurality of horizontally orientated fill ports operatively connecting the fill channels to the sample wells. In another embodiment, the sample test cards may comprise a fluid channel network comprising a first distribution channel disposed on a first surface, the first distribution channel comprising a fluid flow path from an fluid intake port to a plurality of second distribution channels or diffusion channels, wherein the second distribution channel or diffusion channels further comprise a plurality of diffusion barriers or 'islands' operable to interrupt fluid flow between opposing sample wells, and wherein the second distribution channels or diffusion channels are operatively connected to the sample wells by a plurality of fill channels. The test card of this invention may comprise from 80 to 140 individual sample wells, for example, in a test card sample test cards of the present invention have a generally rectangular shape sample test card having dimensions of from about 90 to about 95 mm in width, from about 55 to about 60 mm in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness.

Test card

Provided herein are a test card, method of manufacturing the same, and mold for manufacturing the same. The test card may include a body and a well. The body may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The well may define an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface and configured to receive a sample therein. The well may further include a shelf extending into the opening, such that the opening is narrower between the shelf and the second surface than between the shelf and the first surface.

Test card with well shelf

The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprise one or more fluid over-flow reservoirs, wherein the over-flow reservoirs are operatively connected to a distribution channel by a fluid over-flow channel. In another embodiment, the sample test cards may comprise a plurality of flow reservoirs operable to trap air thereby reducing and/or preventing well-to-well contamination. The test card of this invention may comprise from 80 to 140 individual sample wells, for example, in a test card sample test cards of the present invention have a generally rectangular shape sample test card having dimensions of from about 90 to about 95 mm in width, from about 55 to about 60 in height and from about 4 to about 5 mm in thickness.

The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprises a fluid channel network disposed in both the first surface and the second surface and connecting the fluid intake port to the sample wells, the fluid channel network comprising at least one distribution channels, a plurality of fill channels operatively connected to the at least one distribution channel, a plurality of through-channels operatively connected to one or more of the fill channels and a plurality of horizontally orientated fill ports operatively connecting the fill channels to the sample wells.

Biochemical test card for use in automated microbial testing systems

Biochemical test card

Biochemical test card for use in automated microbial testing system

A test sample card has a well formed in the card body for receiving a fluid sample containing a microbiological agent or microorganism and a reagent. The test sample card has a membrane in the form of a tape covering the sample well to form a closed reaction chamber of the fluid sample and reagent and provide a barrier between the fluid sample and the atmosphere. The tape is made from polymethylpentene. The high oxygen permeable and transmissible characteristics of the tape promotes a reaction between the reagent and the microorganism. The increased growth rate exhibited by the microorganism, as compared to prior art tapes, substantially reduces the time needed to complete the test detection such as using transmittance optical analysis, for example confirm of the identity of the microbiological agent or the susceptibility of the microorganism to antibiotic agents.

Sample testing apparatus with high oxygen permeable tape providing barrier for closed reaction chamber

A test sample card has a fluid passage network provided on both sides of the card to provide for maximum separation distance between adjacent growth wells. The card also has cored sections along its periphery adjacent the wells, which improve the flow of plastic during the molding of the cards. The cored sections control the formation of knit lines in the surface of the card and eliminate knit lines from forming that could potentially bridge adjacent wells. These features, singly and together, combine to produce a card that is essentially immune to cross-talk between adjacent wells, yet permit a greater number of wells in a card of given dimensions. Improved bubble trap features are also provided for the card, including a bubble trap passage having a restriction formed therein. The restriction prevents air bubbles in the bubble trap from migrating back to the growth wells.

Test sample card with cored features

Growing community of inventors

Granite City, IL, United States of America

Raymond E O'Bear