Field kit for detecting analytes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a field kit for the detection of analytes and to a method for using such a field kit. The field kit comprises a tray and lid adhered to the surface of the tray. Reaction-reagent compartments are formed by recesses in the tray when the tray is adhered to the lid. Probe compartments may also be included if desired. In operation, the tray and lid are bent at a score line to open the wells containing the reaction reagents. The lid is bent to form an A-shaped structure so that the kit may be placed in an upright position for use. A portion of the lid is peeled back from the tray to release probes and other, non-liquid components, if present.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A field kit for the detection of an analyte comprising: 
 a lid;    a tray adhered to the surface of the lid, wherein the tray comprises: 
 means for grasping the tray in order to peel a portion of the tray from the lid;  
 means for containing probes; and  
 means for containing reaction reagents; and  
   means for bending the lid so that the kit will stand upright in use.    
     
     
         2 . A field kit as recited in  claim 1  further comprising means for containing blotters.  
     
     
         3 . A field kit as recited in  claim 1  wherein the means for containing probes comprises a recess in the tray which, when adhered to the lid, forms compartments in which the probes are held.  
     
     
         4 . A field kit as recited in  claim 1  wherein the means for containing reaction reagents comprises a recess in the tray which, when adhered to the lid, forms compartments in which the reaction reagents are held.  
     
     
         5 . A field kit as recited in  claim 4  wherein the compartments in which the reaction reagents are held comprise material that is impervious to the reaction reagents contained in the compartments.  
     
     
         6 . A field kit as recited in  claim 1  wherein the tray comprises a transparent, moldable material.  
     
     
         7 . A field kit as recited in  claim 1  wherein the compartments in which the reaction reagents are held are sealed to prevent evaporation of the solution contained in the compartments.  
     
     
         8 . A field kit for the detection of an analyte comprising: 
 a lid;    a tray adhered to the surface of the lid;    probe compartments;    reaction reagent compartments; and    means for bending the lid and tray so that the kit will stand upright in use.    
     
     
         9 . A field kit as recited in  claim 8  further comprising blotter compartments.  
     
     
         10 . A field kit as recited in  claim 8  further comprising a recess in the tray which, when adhered to the lid, forms compartments in which probes are held.  
     
     
         11 . A field kit as recited in  claim 8  wherein the reaction reagent compartments comprise a recess in the tray which, when adhered to the lid, forms compartments in which the reaction reagents are held.  
     
     
         12 . A field kit as recited in  claim 11  wherein the compartments in which the reaction reagents are held comprises material that is impervious to the reaction reagents contained in the compartments.  
     
     
         13 . A field kit as recited in  claim 8  wherein the tray comprises a transparent, moldable material.  
     
     
         4 . A field kit as recited in  claim 8  wherein the reagent compartments are sealed to prevent the evaporation of the reagents contained in the compartments.  
     
     
         15 . A method for using a field kit for the detection of an analyte comprising: 
 folding the tray and lid at a score line, thereby opening a plurality of wells, formed between the lid and the tray, containing reaction reagents; and    bending the portion of the lid to form a stand to hold the kit in an upright position while it is in use.    
     
     
         16 . A method as recited in  claim 15  further comprising peeling a portion of a tray from a lid whereby probes contained in recesses formed between the lid and the tray are released.  
     
     
         17 . A method as recited in  claim 16  further comprising: 
 binding an analyte to the probe; and  
 reacting the analyte bound to the probe with the reagents in the reagent wells.  
 
     
     
         18 . A method as recited in  claim 15  further comprising adding analyte to the reagents contained in the reagent wells.  
     
     
         19 . A method as recited in  claim 15  further comprising reconstituting dry reagents with a solvent.