Device and method for separating and analyzing blood

Abstract

The invention provides a device for detecting FABP in a blood sample from a patient, methods for analyzing blood on the presence of FABP, as well as methods and kits for the detection of FABP in a blood sample from a patient.

1 . A method for analyzing blood for the presence of FABP, which comprises separating blood into at least plasma and red blood cells, and collecting at least the plasma in a collector,
 wherein the FABP present in the blood is contacted with at least one antibody that specifically binds with FABP, and wherein the binding between the antibody and the FABP can be observed from the outside of said collector.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a predetermined amount of blood is taken from a blood sample and introduced in a device, wherein it is mixed with a predetermined amount of diluent in order to obtain a desired dilution, whereafter the diluted blood is pressed against a filter, such that blood plasma is forced through said filter and into said collector and red blood cells are held back by the filter. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said plasma is contacted with said antibody in said collector. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a detection-antibody is used against a first epitope of FABP, and wherein said detection-antibody is conjugated with a detectable label and contacts the separated plasma. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein a capture-antibody is used against a second epitope of FABP which is different from said first epitope, wherein said capture-antibody is capable of being immobilized in said collector and contacts the separated plasma. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said FABP is selected from the group consisting of H-FABP, L FABP, I-FABP, ILBP, B-FABP, A-FABP, E-FABP, T-FABP and M-FABP. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said FABP is contacted with at least two different types of antibody. 
     
     
         8 . A method for analyzing blood for the presence of FABP, which comprises separating blood into at least plasma and red blood cells, and collecting at least the plasma in a collector,
 wherein the plasma is contacted with at least one antibody that specifically binds with FABP present in said plasma, and wherein the binding between the antibody and the FABP can be observed from the outside of said collector.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein a predetermined amount of blood is taken from a blood sample and introduced in a device, wherein it is mixed with a predetermined amount of diluent in order to obtain a desired dilution, whereafter the diluted blood is pressed against a filter, such that blood plasma is forced through said filter and into said collector and red blood cells are held back by the filter. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said plasma is contacted with said antibody in said collector. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein a detection-antibody is used against a first epitope of FABP, and wherein said detection-antibody is conjugated with a detectable label and contacts the separated plasma. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein a capture-antibody is used against a second epitope of FABP which is different from said first epitope, wherein said capture-antibody is capable of being immobilized in said collector and contacts the separated plasma. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said FABP is selected from the group consisting of H-FABP, L FABP, I-FABP, ILBP, B-FABP, A-FABP, E-FABP, T-FABP and M-FABP. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said FABP is contacted with at least two different types of antibody. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , providing a test result within 3 minutes. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , providing a test result within 2 minutes, from the time of administration of a blood sample. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 8 , providing a test result within 3 minutes. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , providing a test result within 2 minutes, from the time of administration of a blood sample.