Screening device for analysis of bodily fluids

Abstract

A screening device for testing bodily fluids for the presence of certain constituents. The device can include a planar front face through which all of the test strips are viewed. The device also includes an inclined surface that directs the fluid under test to test strips with more efficiency, and partitions the fluid that is directed to a given test strip to better assure that the test strip receives an adequate amount of bodily fluid for a valid analysis. In one embodiment, the device includes a three-dimensional gasket that creates a pressurized environment upon insertion of the sampling stem for improved diffusion of the bodily fluid into the test strips.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 725,898, filed Nov. 13, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This application is directed generally to devices and methods for analysis of the presence of constituents in fluids, and more specifically to devices and methods for analysis of the presence of constituents in bodily fluids for drug test screening.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Various drug screening devices are known for testing a sample of bodily fluids for the presence of certain constituents. These devices typically include a container for receiving a bodily fluid from a delivery device, and a plurality of reagent test strips arranged to contact the bodily fluid, with each test strip being sensitive to a particular constituent of interest. The targeted constituents for screening can range from controlled substances such as alcohol and mar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device and method for properly distributing a sample of bodily fluid among multiple test strips, preventing fluid maldistribution that can lead to invalid test results. The device also displays the test results on a single screen. A three-dimensional gasket acts as a sealing and pressurization surface, assisting in the diffusion of bodily fluid into the test strips. The device also prevents unintended migration of bodily fluid upward by providing barriers between the detection ends of adjacent test strips. Additionally, the invention includes a saliva sampling device where saliva is absorbed in a sponge and then directed to multiple sample test reservoirs through a gasket, preventing the saliva from leaking out of the container.

Problems solved by technology

One problem with the prior art arrangement of having a plurality of test strips arrayed on several sides of a test container is that the arrangement is prone to operator error.

While holding the device, there is a tendency to tilt the proximal face of the device backward for easier reading.

Unfortunately, this can cause the bodily fluid under test to pool at the bottom of the distal face of the testing device, thus starving the test strips that are disposed on the proximal face.

The result is an invalid test for the constituents represented by the test strips on the proximal face.

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