Disposable, pre-packaged device for conducting immunoassay procedures

Abstract

A disposable, pre-packaged device for conducting an immunoassay procedure that results in the production of separable liquid and solid phases. The device includes a cup having an inlet and presenting a liquid phase receiving chamber. An absorbent for liquid phase materials is in the chamber and a series of ribs hold the absorbent away from the walls of the chamber providing a breathing space extending around the absorbent. A porous capture media element for capturing and displaying solid phase products of the procedure is disposed adjacent the inlet of the device in fluid communication with the absorbent so that in operation the absorbent promotes flow of liquid phase through the capture element. A lid element is mounted on the cup adjacent the inlet and the lid and the cup are held together by welding of annular flanges. The lid element includes an elongated cylindrical member extending through the inlet and defining a throat for directing flow of liquid phase onto the capture media. The cylindrical member has an annular surface at its inner end for contacting the porous capture media and holding it in tight fluid communication with the absorbent. A vent hole is provided in the lid flange to facilitate venting of the breathing space. The vent hole and the throat opening are disposed in a single plane so that a single planar coil element may be used to keep out contamination during storage and shipment.