Inverness Medical Switzerland Gmbh

Unipath Limited

Stewart Wilson

Carole R Cunningham

Michael Evans Prior

Michael Catt

Zhi G Zhang

Paul H C Mundill

Paul Hc Mundill

A fertility determining system employing hormone level measuring apparatus on selected days in a menstrual cycle to determine the levels of analytes, i.e., estrone-3-glucuronide ('E3G') and luteinizing hormone ('LH'), in early morning urine. The fertility/infertility signalling algorithm relies upon data characterizing the user earlier in that menstrual cycle, and also upon her analyte pattern in past recent cycles. At a point in a menstrual cycle which is user-dependent, the early morning E3G urine level is compared against the lower E3G level earlier in the cycle. The beginning of the fertile period is signalled when a sufficient E3G increase occurs. The end of the fertile period (and, correspondingly, the reestablishment of a period requiring no contraception) is signalled a period after the LH surge. In the absence of an LH surge in any subject, the end of the fertile phase is signalled a period of time following the peak of the E3G urinary metabolite of estradiol.

Fertility computing system and method

Fertility computing method

Methods, devices and test kits for monitoring the ovulation cycle, involve testing the body fluid, e.g. urinary, concentration of one or more analytes. Preferably estrone-3-glucuronide and luteinizing hormone are both measured, and a reference concentration for E3G is established at about day 6 of the current cycle. Preferably, disposable testing devices are used, in conjunction with a relatively permanent electronic reader/monitor. The number of &ldquo;daily&rdquo; tests required per month can be minimized.

Monitoring methods and devices for use therein

An assay device comprises a sample-collecting wick made from non-woven fabric material laminated to plastics sheet. Preferably, the fabric is a 30:70 blend of viscose and polyester, and has a fibrous structure in which more than two thirds of the fibers run substantially parallel to the intended direction of liquid flow in the wick.

Assay device

Growing community of inventors

Irthlingborough, United Kingdom

Stewart Wilson