Sequential lateral flow capillary device for analyte determination

Abstract

Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath capillary flow matrix and a plurality of reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix. The device includes one or more pressure delivery systems configured to urge capillary flow matrix toward a portion of the housing in which it resides, such that a substantially uniform pressure is applied over a portion of the capillary flow matrix.

1 . A lateral flow capillary device comprising:
 a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, said housing comprising and upper portion coupled to a lower portion, said upper and lower portions defining a cavity;   a capillary flow matrix residing in the cavity; and   at least a first pressure delivery system configured to apply a pressure to the capillary flow matrix.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first pressure delivery system is configured to apply a pressure of between about 5 kg to about 50 kg to capillary flow matrix. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first pressure delivery system is configured to apply a pressure of between about 6 kg to about 40 kg to capillary flow matrix. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first pressure delivery system is configured to apply a pressure of between about 7 kg to about 30 kg to capillary flow matrix. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first pressure delivery system is configured to apply a pressure of between about 8 kg to about 25 kg to capillary flow matrix. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first pressure delivery system is configured to apply a pressure of between about 9 kg to about 20 kg to capillary flow matrix. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first pressure delivery system is configured to apply a pressure of about 20 kg to capillary flow matrix. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said upper housing portion and said lower housing portion are reversibly engageable. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the capillary flow matrix comprises a proximal flow portion and a distal absorption portion. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein capillary flow matrix is positioned in the cavity of the housing such that the proximal flow portion is positioned toward the proximal end of the housing and the distal absorption portion of the capillary flow matrix is positioned toward the distal end of the housing. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the first pressure delivery system is positioned at the distal end of the housing and is configured to apply the pressure on the distal absorption portion of the capillary flow matrix. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the capillary flow matrix is constrained within the cavity in the housing. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first pressure delivery system is positioned at the distal end of the housing. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said capillary flow matrix is substantially compressible. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said capillary flow matrix is substantially comprised of glass fibers. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said capillary flow matrix is coupled to a substantially impermeable backing. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure delivery system is a spring system. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the spring system is configured to urge the capillary flow matrix toward the upper portion of the housing.