System for detection of a component in a fluid

Abstract

The invention provides a system for detection of a component in a fluid, the system comprising a detector configured to detect presence of the component in the fluid, the detector being partially covered by a fluid-protective seal wherein only a specimen sampling region is uncovered by the fluid-protective seal. The system can be fully submerged in water and still retain its functionality.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for detection of at least one component present in a fluid, the system comprising:
 a detector comprising an immunoassay configured to detect presence of the at least one component in the fluid, said detector comprising a specimen sampling region for said fluid; and   a fluid-protective seal partially covering said detector, wherein only said specimen sampling region is uncovered by said fluid-protective seal.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said fluid-protective seal comprises a hydrophobic material. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said hydrophobic material is selected from the group consisting of nylon and polyester. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said immunoassay comprises a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said immunoassay comprises an immunoassay strip. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said immunoassay strip comprises a front tip, a strip body and a back tip, wherein said specimen sampling region comprises said front tip of said strip, wherein said fluid-protective seal is positioned over said strip body and said back tip, such that said fluid comes into contact with said front tip and is carried along said strip body to said back tip. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said immunoassay strip comprises a first antibody for reacting with said at least one component of said fluid, wherein said antibody is positioned at said front tip of said strip. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a fluid identifier comprising a reagent for reacting with said fluid, wherein said reagent is configured to identify said fluid. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said fluid comprises a body fluid released from the body of a subject. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said body fluid is selected from the group consisting of amniotic fluid, urine and blood. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said body fluid is amniotic fluid and wherein said detector comprises a detector for the presence of at least one component of amniotic fluid selected from the group consisting of a carbohydrate and a protein. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said protein is selected from the group consisting of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) and diamine oxidase. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said protein comprises AFP, wherein said detector for presence of AFP is configured to detect an amount of AFP in said absorbed body fluid, and wherein a presence of amniotic fluid is indicated when said detected amount of AFP is above a pre-determined threshold. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said pre-determined threshold is approximately 5 ng/ml. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said protein comprises CEA, wherein said detector for presence of CEA is configured to detect an amount of CEA in said absorbed body fluid, and wherein a presence of amniotic fluid is indicated when said detected amount of CEA is above a pre-determined threshold. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said pre-determined threshold is at least 5 ng/ml. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a collection body for collecting said body fluid. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said collection body is at least one of: a hygienic pad, an underwear, a tampon, or an applicator. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said detector is located externally to said collection body. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein at least a portion of said collection body is detachable, wherein said detector is configured to detect presence of the at least one component in the fluid collected in said detachable portion of said collection body.