Systems and Methods for Detecting a Biological Condition

Abstract

The present invention provides self-contained systems, apparatus and methods for determining a chemical state, the system includes a stationary cartridge for performing the assay therein, the cartridge adapted to house at least one reagent adapted to react with a sample; and at least one reporter functionality adapted to report a reaction of the at least one reagent with the sample to report a result of the assay, a mechanical controller including a first urging means adapted to apply a force externally onto the cartridge to release the at least one reagent; and at least one second urging means adapted to apply a removable force to induce fluidic movement in a first direction in the cartridge and upon removal of the force causing fluidic movement in an opposite direction to the first direction, an optical reader adapted to detect the reaction and a processor adapted to receive data from the optical reader and to process the data to determine said chemical state.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present invention claims priority from US provisional patent application 61 / 737,854, to Kasdan et al, filed on Dec. 17, 2012, US provisional patent application 61 / 737,856, to Kasdan et al., filed on Dec. 17, 2012 and from US Patent Application no. 13 / 716,246 filed on December 17, 2012, incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for detecting a biological condition, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for detecting a biological condition in small fluid samples.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]There are numerous medical conditions which are hard to diagnose. Often diagnosis by a physician is based on the physician's observation of combinations of symptoms in a patient. This sometimes leads to misdiagnosis. Furthermore, the patient's response to a treatment, whether drug or other modality is often followed up by physician's observation.[0004]Man...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about improving the detection and diagnosis of biological conditions in patients. The invention provides faster and more accurate assays using reporter elements that provide a rapid indication of the presence or absence of biological entities. The turnaround times for diagnostic assays are typically between 30 and 120 minutes, and sometimes faster results are needed to save lives or provide proper treatment. The invention provides faster and more reliable results to physicians so they can act quickly and with confidence.

Problems solved by technology

There are numerous medical conditions which are hard to diagnose.

However, these tests are performed off-line in diagnostic laboratories.

Often, the laboratory services are only provided during a single 8-hour shift during the day and tend to be labor intensive.

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