Diagnostic detection device and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a diagnostic test kit and method for detecting the presence of certain metabolic by-products in human urine. The kit includes a test strip with an exposed face side containing chemical reagents which react in the presence of selected metabolic by-products. The reverse side of the test strip has an adhesive backing which allows the strip to be mounted in the interior of a commode bowl, initially above the water level. Flushing the commode causes the water level to rise and contact the chemical reagents. The reaction can be visually observed by removing the test strip from within the commode bowl.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A urine diagnostic test strip used in a screening method for detecting select human metabolic by-products in commode effluent, the strip comprising: 
 a base strip having a planar adhesive face and an opposite planar exposed face, the exposed face having applied thereto at least one diagnostic chemical which is activated by flush water containing urine, and which is effective to provide test results which are immediately available by visual observation, the adhesive face containing an adhesive which allows the strip to be mounted within a commode or urinal;    wherein the exposed face of the strip is at least partly encapsulated with a synthetic polymeric cover layer.    
   
   
       22 . The test strip of  claim 21 , wherein the synthetic polymeric cover layer is formed of a polyolefin.  
   
   
       23 . The test strip of  claim 21 , wherein the stip is completely encapsulated except for and end opening, the encapsulation serving to prevent the diagnostic chemicals from being washed over with flush water from the commode or urinal.  
   
   
       24 . The test strip of  claim 21 , further comprising a fabric strip which is mounted over the exposed face of the base strip, the fabric strip serving to wick flush water into contact with the diagnostic chemicals present on the exposed face of the base strip when the commode or urinal is flushed.  
   
   
       25 . The test strip of  claim 21 , wherein the diagnostic chemicals are activated by the presence of the by-products of controlled substances in the flush water, the controlled substances being selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates, amphetamine and methamphetamine.  
   
   
       26 . A urine diagnostic test kit for detecting human metabolic by-products in commode or urinal effluent of a test subject, the diagnostic test kit comprising: 
 a test strip which is mounted within a commode or urinal at a location which is initially out of contact with flush water, the test strip having applied thereto at least one diagnostic chemical which is activated by flush water containing urine of the test subject, which is effective to provide test results that are immediately available by visual observation;    wherein the test strip is initially contained within a pouch which also contains an initially encapsulated foaming agent which provides increased foaming of the urine, thereby improving the concentration of urine in the flush water and consequently providing a more uniform and delayed movement of urine into solution within the flush water in the commode bowl.    
   
   
       27 . The diagnostic test kit of  claim 26 , wherein the test strip has a planar adhesive face and an opposite planar exposed face, the exposed face having applied thereto at least one diagnostic chemical which is activated by flush water containing urine, the adhesive face containing an adhesive which allows the strip to be mounted within a commode or urinal; 
 wherein the exposed face of the strip is at least partly encapsulated with a synthetic polymeric cover layer.    
   
   
       28 . The diagnostic test kit of  claim 27 , wherein the synthetic polymeric cover layer is formed of a polyolefin.  
   
   
       29 . The diagnostic test kit of  claim 28 , wherein the stip is completely encapsulated except for an end opening, the encapsulation serving to prevent the diagnostic chemicals from being washed over with flush water from the commode or urinal.  
   
   
       30 . The diagnostic test kit of  claim 26 , further comprising a fabric strip which is mounted over the exposed face of the test strip, the fabric strip serving to wick flush water into contact with the diagnostic chemicals present on the exposed face of the test strip when the commode or urinal is flushed.  
   
   
       31 . The diagnostic test kit of  claim 26 , wherein the diagnostic chemicals are activated by the presence of the metabolic by-products of controlled substances in the flush water, the controlled substances being selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates, amphetamine and methamphetamine.