Assay device for testing an analyte in samples

Abstract

This invention provides an assay device for testing an analyte in samples, comprising a chamber with an opening for collecting samples, a test element, and a sound indication structure. The indication structure creates sound by vibrating after the structure deforms and would move back to the original position. The assay device is easy to operate for non-professionals.

1 . An assay device for testing an analyte in samples, comprising: a chamber with an opening for collecting samples; a test element; and an indication structure configured to create sound. 
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the indication structure creates the sound by vibration after the indication structure deforms and would move back to the original position. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the vibration attenuates itself without any obstructor when the indication structure moves back to the original position. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the indication structure does not contact other objects while vibrating. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the indication structure at least comprises two elements which deform each other, detach from each other and create sound through vibration when they move back to the original position. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 5 , wherein the two elements neither contact each other nor other objects. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the device further comprises a cover body for closing the opening of the collecting chamber and the two elements are arranged on the collecting chamber and cover body respectively. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the two elements contact each other when the cover body reaches the first position on the collecting chamber; and wherein they detach from each other when the cover body reaches the second position on the collecting chamber, so the elements are released from the pressure and generates sound through vibration when they move back to the original position. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the device comprises a gap which is arranged near the element on the cover body, wherein a part of the element on the collecting chamber can vibrate within the gap, wherein the size of gap is larger than the amplitude of vibration of the element on the collecting chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the cover body element is arranged on external surface the cover body, which comprises a gradually rising slope; when moving from down to up, the collecting chamber element bends or distorts in the direction far away from the cover body surface, and/or the cover body element bends or distorts towards the inner side of the cover body. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 5 , wherein the indication structure is a resilient element; therefore it creates the sound by vibration when the resilient element recovers from deformation and moves back to its original position. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein the collecting chamber element is better than the cover body element in resilience, therefore the sound is mainly generated by the collecting chamber element. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the collecting chamber element is arranged on the inside wall of the collecting chamber. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 13 , wherein the cover body closes the collecting chamber in a spiral manner and the cover body element is arranged on the external surface near the end of external thread. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the cover body element is better than the collecting chamber element in resilience, therefore the sound is mainly generated by the cover body element. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the time needed to read test results is counted when the indication structure works. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the indication structure can indicate if the cover body seals the collecting chamber opening. 
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the said sample is urine or saliva. 
     
     
         20 . A method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising:
 a) providing a sample from a subject in the chamber of the device according to  claim 1 ;   b) manipulating the device to generate a sound via the indication structure; and   c) analyzing the testing element to determine if the analyte is present.