Liquid sample assay device

Abstract

An assay device for determining the presence of specific analytes in a liquid sample comprises a container for collecting the sample liquid and a removable cap for sealing the container. The cap includes one or more test strips, such as chromatography strips, supported thereon for visually displaying the results of the assay. A chamber in the cap, collects, through an inlet, a volume of liquid from the container when it is inverted by depressing and subsequently releasing a piston located in the chamber. The liquid collected in the chamber is transferred to the chromatography strips by a wicking system. The piston frictionally engages a seal pad made of resilient material. The seal pad closes the inlet and forms a hermetic seal between the liquid contained within the container and the outside thereby preventing such liquid from becoming contaminated and any leakage of the contained liquid.

The Embodiment of the ivnention in which an exclusive property or is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for conducting an assay on a liquid located in a container, the apparatus comprising: 
 a removable cap for closing the container;    at least one assaying device located on the cap for visual observation thereof, the assaying device having means for analyzing said liquid and visually displaying the presence of specific analytes in the sample liquid;    a chamber defined by an inner and outer wall, attached to the cap and communicating with the assaying device, the chamber having a piston located therein and an inlet for collecting a volume of sample liquid inside the chamber; said piston contacting the wall of said chamber and moving between a first operating position where said inlet is sealed and a second operating position where said inlet is open and allows for the collection of sample liquid is said chamber upon submergence;    a means for supplying said liquid collected in said chamber to said assaying device;    a resilient seal pad extending at least the diameter of said chamber;    whereby said seal pad, when in the first operating position, prevents fluid from passing through said inlet.    
     
     
         2 . A method of conducting an assay on a liquid comprising the steps of: 
 a) collecting a sample liquid to be assayed in a container having a removable cap wherein said cap includes a chamber and an assaying device having a means for chemically analyzing a liquid for a specific analyte; wherein said cap includes a inlet for connecting the chamber with said container, and a means for sealing said inlet; wherein said means for sealing said inlet includes a piston engaging a seal pad, said piston moving said seal pad between a first closed position and a second open position;    b) segregating a portion of said liquid into said chamber;    c) sealing said inlet so as to provide a hermetic barrier between said chamber and the container;    d) contacting said portion of the liquid with said assaying device whereby said sample is assayed for said analyte.