Apparatus for visually detecting analytes in a liquid sample

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for visually detecting analytes in an analysis sample or liquid sample originating from a human organism or animal organism, comprising a carrier plate (2) made of a cardboard, the carrier plate having at least one test strip receptacle (21), which is formed by an impression or recess introduced into the carrier plate (2) and in which a test strip (4) provided with a sample-receiving portion (42) and with a test portion (44) is disposed, wherein the at least one test strip receptacle (21) is closed at least in parts by means of a cover layer (3) which is non-detachably connected to the carrier plate (2) and which is made of cardboard, the cover layer having at least one sample supply window (32) in the region of the sample-receiving portion (42) of the test strip (4) in the at least one test strip receptacle (21) and having at least one examination window (33) in the region of the test portion (44) of the test strip (4) in the at least one test strip receptacle (21), and wherein the cover layer (3) has, on its side facing the carrier plate (2), at least one protruding rib (34, 35) which extends over the at least one test strip (4) transversely to the at least one test strip. The invention also relates to a method for producing an apparatus of this type.

Description

[0001] Device for the visual detection of analytes in a liquid sample

[0002] The invention relates to a device for the visual detection of analytes in an analysis or liquid sample originating from a human or animal organism according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a device according to patent claim 9.

[0003] Devices for detecting analytes in a liquid sample, for example, drugs, medications, or antibodies as signs of certain diseases in a body fluid or for determining concentrations, are known in various designs. Of particular interest is such devices that can also be used outside of a laboratory. These must be portable, easy to operate, and deliver reliable results in a short time. In particular, for police tests for drug use or drug abuse, a device is required that also enables such a test to be conducted outdoors under varying lighting conditions, weather conditions, and temperatures.DE 20 2014 002 369 U1 proposes a device into which a test cassette can be inserted and which is provided with a light source which shines through the lower wall of the test cassette, which is made of translucent plastic, as well as the test area of ​​the test strip arranged in the test cassette, and illuminates the test result. The test cassette is designed to carry out a lateral flow immunoassay, aptamer-based assay or enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and consists of a lower lid and an upper lid. Enclosed by these two lids, the test cassette contains a test strip which is held in position within a holder. In the upper lid, above the sample holder of the test strip, there is a filler opening through which a liquid sample to be tested can be added.A control window is located above the center of the test strip, through which the test result can be read. Such cassettes have proven successful in mobile use. However, the disadvantages of the existing cassettes are that their production is complex and they require a relatively large amount of space. Furthermore, the existing plastic cassettes generate a significant amount of waste.

[0004] Against this background, EP 3287785 A1 presents a device made essentially of cardboard. At least one test strip is held by a carrier plate to which a cover layer is applied, which has at least one sample application window in the region of the sample receiving section of the at least one test strip and at least one control window in the region of the test section of the at least one test strip. This device, which is characterized by its extremely space-saving design, cost-effective production, and environmentally friendly disposal, has proven itself in practice.

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of further improving the efficiency of the device described in EP 3287785 A1. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features of patent claim 1.

[0006] The invention provides a device of the above type with improved efficiency. Because the cardboard cover layer has at least one protruding rib on its side facing the carrier plate, which rib extends transversely to the at least one test strip and across the test strip, the cross-section of the test strip is partially reduced, thereby increasing the flow rate of an applied sample in the test strip. The at least one rib is preferably arranged between the sample application window and the control window.

[0007] The term "cardboard" refers to a flat material consisting essentially of fibers, usually of plant origin, which also includes solid board and corrugated board. In a further development of the invention, two webs are arranged at a distance from each other. This further improves the flow rate of an applied sample in the test strip.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one web is formed by an indentation introduced into the cover layer. This enables simple and cost-effective production.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least two test strip receptacles are arranged parallel to one another, each accommodating a test strip, which open at one end into a common reservoir in which the sample receptacle sections of the test strips are arranged and above which the at least one sample application window of the cover layer is positioned. This enables simultaneous sample application to all sample receptacle sections of the test strips opening into the reservoir. The design of the reservoir also ensures a sufficient supply of liquid sample, as well as a homogeneous distribution of the liquid on the sample receptacle section of the test strips, which is preferably provided with a separation film (sample fleece).Alternatively, the test strip receptacles can also open at a distance from the reservoir, with the test strips projecting beyond the test strip receptacles and being arranged with their sample receiving sections in the reservoir.

[0010] In a further development of the invention, a sample collection fleece is arranged in the area of ​​the sample application window between the cover layer and the test strip. This ensures that the test strips are evenly exposed to the liquid sample.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the cover layer has a curvature facing outwards, opposite the carrier plate, into which the at least one sample introduction window is introduced. This creates a receiving space which increases the liquid absorption volume. In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier plate and the cover layer are formed from a common cardboard blank folded along a fold line. This enables cost-effective production. The carrier plate with the test strip receptacles, webs and reservoir arranged thereon and the cover layer with the sample introduction and control windows arranged therein can be manufactured together in a punching and embossing process. After the at least one test strip has been inserted into the at least one test strip receptacle, the cover layer can simply be folded over and glued to the carrier plate.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, a perforation line extending across the entire width of the device is provided between the at least one sample application window and the at least one test strip receptacle. This allows the section of the carrier plate extending over the sample receiving section of the at least one test strip, along with the section of the cover layer arranged thereon, to be severed as needed, after which the device can be used for a dip test.

[0013] The present invention is further based on the object of providing a method for the cost-effective production of a device of the known type, the efficiency of which is improved. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 9. Because the device is produced by a single punching and embossing process with subsequent insertion of the test strips and folding and gluing of the cover layer to the carrier plate, a very efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process is achieved.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, a convex area surrounding the at least one sample application window is additionally stamped into the cover layer during the stamping and embossing process, facing outward and opposite the carrier plate. This creates a receiving space that increases the volume for a sample liquid. Other developments and refinements of the invention are specified in the remaining subclaims. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail below. They show:

[0015] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device for the visual detection of analytes in a liquid sample;

[0016] Figure 2 shows the schematic representation of the device from Figure 1 in the unfolded state and

[0017] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a test strip of the device from Figure 1.

[0018] The device chosen as an exemplary embodiment for the visual detection of analytes in a liquid sample comprises a cardboard blank 1 provided with a first, centrally arranged perforation line 11, through which a first section forming a carrier plate 2 and a second section forming a cover layer 3 are formed, which are pivotally connected to one another via the first perforation line 11. Instead of the first perforation line 11, a folding fold can also be arranged. In the exemplary embodiment, the cardboard blank 1 is provided with a waterproof, environmentally friendly varnish, which prevents the penetration of sample liquid.

[0019] Two test strip receptacles 21 are embossed into the carrier plate 2, each for holding a test strip 4. Distanced from the test strip receptacles

[0020] 21 is a substantially rectangular reservoir in the embodiment

[0021] 22 embossed. Between the two test strip receptacles 21 and the reservoir 22, a second perforation line 12 is arranged orthogonally to the first perforation line 11, which extends over the entire cardboard blank 1.

[0022] A substantially rectangular indentation 31 is embossed into the cover layer 3 at a distance from the reservoir 22 of the carrier plate 2, into which two sample application windows 32 are inserted at a distance from one another. The indentation 32 is dimensioned such that, in the folded state of the cardboard blank 1, in which the cover layer 3 rests on the carrier plate 2, it completely spans the reservoir 22.

[0023] Two elongated inspection windows 33 are formed in the cover layer 3 at a distance from the concavity 32 and parallel to one another. The inspection windows 33 are positioned such that, in the folded state of the cardboard blank 1, they are each located above the test section 44 of a test strip 4 arranged in a test strip holder 21.

[0024] Two webs 34, 35 are arranged between the curvature 32 and the inspection window 33, which in the exemplary embodiment are formed by embossings. Alternatively, the webs 34, 35 can also be produced by applying material to the cover layer 3. The two webs 34, 35, which are preferably straight and arranged parallel to one another, are positioned such that, when the cardboard blank 1 is folded together, a first web 34 between the test strip receptacle 21 and the second perforation line 12 and the second web 35 in the area of ​​the test strip receptacles 21 rest on the test strips 4 received thereby, whereby the cross-section of the test strips 4 is partially reduced. Instead of the webs 34, 35, partial bulges can also be arranged, which rest on the test strip 4 in the aforementioned areas to partially taper its cross-section.In this respect, a “bridge” does not necessarily have to have an elongated design.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the two test strip receptacles 21 can also extend into the reservoir 22. In this case, both webs 34, 35 are arranged in the area of ​​the test strip receptacles 21 when the cardboard blank 1 is folded.

[0026] The test strip 4 is shown in Figure 3 in a stepped section. The test strip 4 has a carrier film 41, on which a sample receiving section 42 is arranged at one end. Immediately adjacent to and partially below the sample receiving section 42, an antibody coating 43 is located on the carrier film 41. The antibody coating contains antibodies conjugated with gold particles that match an analyte to be detected or an antigen of this analyte and can enter into an immunological reaction. The antibody coating section 43 is followed by a test section 44, which is in the form of a membrane, on which a test line 45 and a control line 46 are located at a distance from one another. These lines are formed by the antigen contained in a reagent for the detection of a specific analyte and are invisible until a sample is applied.The sample receiving section 42 of the test strip 4 is located below the sample application window 32 and the test section 44 is located below the control window 33 of the cover layer 3.

[0027] When performing a lateral flow assay, the test line 45 indicates the test result; the control line 46 indicates whether a sufficient amount of sample has been applied, i.e., whether the test is valid and was performed correctly. An absorber section 47 is arranged on the test strip 4 at the end opposite the sample collection section 42.

[0028] In the assembled state of the credit card-sized device, a test strip 4 is inserted into each test strip receptacle 21 of the carrier plate 2, with its sample receiving sections 42 positioned in the reservoir 22. In the exemplary embodiment, a sample receiving fleece (not shown) is arranged covering the sample receiving sections 42 of the test strips 4. The cover layer 3 is folded over along the first perforation line 11 and rests on the carrier plate 2, to which it is glued. The curvature 31 forms an enlarged sample receiving space surrounding the reservoir 22.

[0029] Before performing a test, no lines 45, 46 are visible. When performing a test, a sample volume of a sample liquid is applied through a sample application window 32 of the cover layer 3 onto the sample receiving section 42 of each test strip 4. By capillary action, the sample liquid flows towards the test section 44. It first comes into contact with the antibody coating section 43, which contains antibodies conjugated with gold particles to the antigen of an analyte to be detected in a standardized (dosed) amount. The antibodies have different binding activities for different analytes (drugs). The antibodies conjugated with gold particles are entrained by the sample liquid flowing through the test section 44.

[0030] If the sample fluid does not contain the analyte to be detected, the analyte antigens located in the area of ​​the test line 45 are bound by the antibodies carried by the sample fluid as the fluid flows through the test section 44, forming a visible test line 45 that acquires a red or brown color due to the gold particles conjugated to the antibodies. If the sample fluid contains the analyte to be detected, its antigens are already bound by the antibodies in the area of ​​the antibody coating section 43 of the test strip 4, and no further accumulation can occur in the test section 44, which is why no visible test line 45 forms. The control line 46 indicates whether the test is valid.

[0031] In the area between the reservoir 22 or the sample application window 32 and the test strip receptacles 21, there is no adhesive between the carrier plate 2 and the cover layer 3. The section 5, defined by the second perforation line 12 and containing the reservoir 22 or the sample application window 32, can be severed along the second perforation line 12, after which the sample receptacle sections 42 of the test strips 4 are exposed. The device can thus also be used for a dip test.

[0032] To produce the device according to the invention, the carrier plate 2 and the cover layer 3 are punched out of cardboard in a single punching and embossing process, lying side by side, with a crease line being embossed between the carrier plate 2 and the cover layer 3. During the process, the test strip receptacles 21 are also embossed into the carrier plate 2, the webs 34, 35 and the concavity 31 are embossed into the cover layer 3, and the sample application windows 32 and the control windows 33 are punched out. A test strip 4 is then inserted into each of the test strip receptacles 21. The cover layer 3 is then folded over along the first perforation line 11, which acts as a crease line, placed over the test strips 4 on the carrier plate 2, and glued to the carrier plate 2.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A device for the visual detection of analytes in an analysis or liquid sample originating from a human or animal organism, comprising a cardboard carrier plate (2) with at least one test strip receptacle (21) formed by an indentation or recess introduced into the carrier plate (2) and in which a test strip (4) provided with a sample receiving section (42) and a test section (44) is arranged, wherein the at least one test strip receptacle (21) is closed at least in regions by a cardboard cover layer (3) which is non-releasably connected to the carrier plate (2) and which has at least one sample application window (32) in the region of the sample receiving section (42) of the test strip (4) of the at least one test strip receptacle (21) and at least one control window (33) in the region of the test section (44) of the test strip (4) of the at least one test strip receptacle (21).characterized in that the cover layer (3) has on its side facing the carrier plate (2) at least one protruding web (34, 35) which extends transversely to the at least one test strip (4) over the latter.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one web (34, 35) is formed by an impression introduced into the cover layer (3).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one web (34, 35) is arranged between the sample task window (32) and the control window (33).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two test strip receptacles (21) are arranged parallel to one another, each receiving a test strip (4), which are arranged at one end in a common reservoir (22) open into which the sample receiving sections (42) of the test strips (4) are arranged and above which at least one sample application window (33) of the cover layer (3) is positioned.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that a sample receiving fleece is arranged in the region of the sample application window (32) between the cover layer (3) and the test strip (4).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover layer (3) has a curvature (31) directed outwards, opposite the carrier plate (2), in which the at least one sample application window (32) is introduced.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier plate (2) and the cover layer (3) are formed from a common cardboard blank (1) folded along a folding line.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the at least one sample application window (32) and the at least one test strip receptacle (21) there is a perforation line (12) which extends over the entire width of the device.

9. Method for producing a device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a single punching and embossing process the carrier plate (2) and the cover layer (3) are punched out of a cardboard box in one piece, lying side by side, a crease line is embossed between the carrier plate (2) and the cover layer (3), at least one test strip receptacle (21) is embossed into the carrier plate (2), the at least one web (34, 35) is embossed into the cover layer (3) and the sample application and control windows (32, 33) are punched out, after which a Test strips (4) are introduced and subsequently the cover layer (3) is folded along the fold line and placed over the at least one test strip (4) on the carrier plate (2) and glued thereto.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that in the Punching-embossing process in the cover layer (3) which surrounds at least one sample application window (32) an outwardly directed curvature (31) opposite to the carrier plate (2) is embossed.

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