Test device incorporating a liquid reservoir

Abstract

A test device (101, 201, 901) for measuring an analyte, the test device (101, 201, 901) comprising a body (203, 903) and a liquid release mechanism, the body (203, 903) comprising a reaction chamber (207, 907) and a capsule receiving aperture (219, 913) for receiving a liquid capsule (227, 925) containing a liquid, the reaction chamber (207, 907) and the capsule receiving aperture (219, 913) being in fluid communication with each other, the body (203, 903) further comprising at least one gas inlet (107, 223, 915) and at least one gas outlet (109, 225, 917A, 917B), the gas inlet (107, 223, 915) being positioned to receive a gas to be tested, and the reaction chamber (207, 907) 907) is arranged to receive a first transparent plate (235, 921) and a second transparent plate (237, 923) with a test paper (233, 919) positioned between the first transparent plate (235, 921) and the second transparent plate (237, 923) during testing of a gas to be tested, the liquid release mechanism is arranged to release liquid in the liquid capsule (227, 925) into the reaction chamber (207, 907) during testing, and the body (203, 903) further comprises at least one liquid reservoir in communication with the reaction chamber (207, 907), the liquid reservoir being arranged to receive excess liquid from the liquid in the liquid capsule (227, 925) during testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a test device incorporating a liquid reservoir, and more particularly to a test device for analyte measurement.

Background Art

[0002] In test devices for analyte measurement, test papers (e.g., pieces of paper impregnated with reagents) have been used for a long time in analytical chemistry for the detection and measurement of inorganic ions, organic substances, and biological agents in liquids and gases. These test papers need to be kept in a dry state during storage and then moistened with a liquid such as water, buffer, or test solution before use.

[0003] It is important to prevent the test paper from becoming saturated with liquid during the test. This is because the liquid impregnated in the test paper (e.g., the test solution) may be diluted too much to obtain accurate measurement values. That is, it is important to apply the correct amount of liquid to the test paper in these test devices.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to substantially overcome or at least improve one or more drawbacks of existing configurations.

[0005] A configuration is disclosed that attempts to address the above problems by providing a test device having an improved design for storing liquid, discharging liquid from a liquid capsule, and collecting excess liquid.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a test device for analyte measurement, the test device comprising a main body and a liquid discharge mechanism, the main body comprising a reaction chamber and a capsule receiving aperture for receiving a liquid capsule containing liquid, the reaction chamber and the capsule receiving aperture being in fluid communication with each other, the main body further comprising at least one gas inlet and at least one gas outlet, the gas inlet being arranged to receive a test gas, the reaction chamber being arranged to receive a first transparent plate and a second transparent plate with a test paper positioned therebetween during testing of the test gas, the liquid discharge mechanism being arranged to discharge the liquid in the liquid capsule into the reaction chamber during testing, the main body further comprising at least one liquid reservoir in communication with the reaction chamber, the liquid reservoir being arranged to receive excess liquid from the liquid in the liquid capsule during testing.

[0007] Other aspects are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Next, at least one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the appended claims.

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

Figure 8D

Figure 8E

Figure 8F

Figure 8G

Figure 8H

Figure 8I

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 13C

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Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] When referring to steps and / or features having the same reference numerals in any one or more of the accompanying drawings, those steps and / or features have the same function or operation for the purposes of this specification, unless a contrary intention appears.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a test device 101 together with a light source 103 and a light sensor 105. The test device 101 has a gas inlet 107 and a gas outlet 109. The gas path is indicated by arrow 111. The light path is indicated by arrow 113.

[0012] The light source 103 can be an LED (light-emitting device) or any other suitable light source. The light source may be a monochromatic light source. The light source may be a full-spectrum light source.

[0013] The light sensor 105 senses both the color and the intensity of the light.

[0014] The test device is for analyte measurement and incorporates a liquid discharge, storage, and collection mechanism for use with a test paper (e.g., a reagent test paper). The test device allows gas to enter and exit, enabling a chemical reaction between the gas located inside the reaction chamber of the test device and the test paper. The test paper is placed on top of a transparent plate or sheet, and both the transparent plate or sheet and the test paper are placed at the bottom of the reaction chamber of the test device. Another transparent plate or sheet is installed above the test paper at the top of the reaction chamber. For example, a liquid such as water from a liquid capsule passes over the test paper in the reaction chamber. The liquid in the capsule can also be, for example, a buffer solution or a test solution. The test device can, for example, draw gas into the reaction chamber via an external pump and allow externally generated light to pass through the reaction chamber of the test device. Alternatively, the external pump may not be used, and the gas may be provided to the reaction chamber by alternative means such as the user blowing air into the input tube.

[0015] In this example, the transparent plate or sheet is made of PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)). The PMMA sheet has advantages such as high transparency, low cost, and ease of machining, thereby reducing the production cost of the test device. Alternatively, the transparent plate (or sheet) may be made of organic glass.

[0016] Figure 2 shows a test device 201 comprising a liquid capsule 227 and a test paper 233.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the test device 201 has a body 203 with a base 205. A reaction chamber 207 is formed within the body 203. The upper surface 209 of the reaction chamber 207 is arranged to be removably connected to an upper transparent plate 235. The lower surface 211 of the reaction chamber 207 is arranged to be removably connected to a lower transparent plate 237.

[0018] The test device has a hinged element 213 in the form of a top or lid. The hinged element 213 is hingedly connected to the body 203 by a hinge 215. In this example, the body 203 and the hinged element 213 can be formed as a single piece where the connecting material between the body 203 and the hinged element 213 functions as the hinge 215 and is thin and flexible enough to allow the body 203 and the hinged element 213 to move hingedly relative to each other.

[0019] Instead, it will be understood that a separate hinge connected to both the body and the hinged element may be used.

[0020] On the hinged element 213, there is a protrusion 217. The protrusion 217 is arranged on the hinged element at a position such that when the body 203 and the hinged element 213 move relative to each other, that is, when the hinged element 213 rotates upward covering the base 205, the protrusion is located within the capsule receiving aperture 219. The hinged element 213 and the protrusion 217 form a liquid discharge mechanism for discharging liquid from the liquid capsule 227 into the reaction chamber 207.

[0021] The capsule receiving aperture 219 is arranged to receive the liquid capsule 227 and has a corresponding shape of the liquid capsule 227. There is a capsule fluid channel 221 between the reaction chamber 207 and the capsule receiving aperture that enables liquid to be transferred from the liquid capsule 227 to the reaction chamber 207.

[0022] In this embodiment, the hinged element 213, the body 203, and the base 205 are made of plastic.

[0023] On the side surface of the body 203 of the test device 201, a gas inlet 223 and a gas outlet 225 are located. An inlet pipe (not shown) and an outlet pipe (not shown) can be connected to the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

[0024] In this embodiment, the test papers 233 and the two transparent PMMA sheets are circular or disc-shaped so as to correspond to the shapes of the upper and lower surfaces (209, 211), and the upper and lower openings of the reaction chamber 207. However, it will be understood that alternative shapes such as, for example, rectangular and elliptical can be used.

[0025] Also, in this embodiment, the liquid capsule 227 is a compressible liquid capsule and is arranged to store a liquid therein. When the liquid capsule 227 is compressed or squeezed by the protrusion 217, the liquid inside the liquid capsule 227 comes out and enters the reaction chamber 207 through the capsule fluid channel 221. In this embodiment, the liquid capsule 227 is made of polyethylene (PE) and has a nozzle 229 covered by a seal 231 to prevent the liquid from leaking from the liquid capsule until the test is started. In this example, the seal 231 is a flexible metal-plastic laminate. The liquid capsule 227, the test paper 233, and the two transparent plates or sheets (235, 237) are assembled in the reaction chamber 207 within the main body 203 of the test device 201.

[0026] The liquid capsule 227 in this example is made of polyethylene (PE) which has good chemical stability. It is insoluble in common solvents at room temperature, has low water absorption, and excellent electrical insulation. The material does not react with the liquid stored therein. It will be understood that alternative materials such as, for example, polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be used for the liquid capsule.

[0027] It will be understood that alternative materials such as, for example, metal (e.g., flexible metal), silicon, rubber, and plastic film may be used for the seal.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the test device 201 with the liquid capsule 227 inserted into the capsule receiving aperture 219. The hinged element 213 (e.g., the upper part or lid) is shown in the open position. The arrow 301 indicates the movement (e.g., rotation) of the hinged element 213 to move the protrusion 217 to a position where the protrusion 217 engages with the liquid capsule 227 and squeezes or compresses the liquid capsule 227 within the capsule receiving aperture 219 to release the liquid inside the liquid capsule 227.

[0029] Figure 4 shows test device 201 with a liquid capsule (not shown) inserted therein, with hinged element 213 (e.g., top or lid) in the closed position.

[0030] Figure 5 shows liquid capsule 227 being squeezed or compressed by the force indicated by arrow 501, which is applied when projection 217 engages liquid capsule 227 as hinged element 213 is moved relative to body 203 (and base 205) of test device 201. Squeezing or compressing liquid capsule 227 increases the pressure of the liquid stored therein, subsequently breaking seal 231 of liquid capsule 227. After seal 231 is broken, the liquid is released from liquid capsule 227 as indicated by liquid flow arrow 503.

[0031] Figure 6 shows an example of the flow of liquid from liquid capsule 227 within test device 201, shown in cross - section. Test paper 233 is shown at the top of a lower transparent plate (not shown) resting on the bottom surface (not shown) of reaction chamber 207. The liquid within liquid capsule 227 flows from liquid capsule 227 through capsule fluid channel 221 into reaction chamber 207 and across the surface of test paper 233 as indicated by flow arrows 601A - 601D. There is a liquid channel 603 around the edge of reaction chamber 207 . In this example, liquid channel 603 is a circumferentially - arranged ring cavity around the edge of reaction chamber 207, and thus around the edge of test paper 233, when test device 201 is in use. During use, liquid channel 603 is below the upper surface of test paper 233 to allow excess liquid to enter liquid channel 603 past the edge of test paper 233.

[0032] Liquid channel 603 is fluidly connected to two liquid chambers 605A and 605B. Liquid chambers (605A, 605B) are located on either side of capsule fluid channel 221.

[0033] It will be appreciated that alternatively, one or more liquid chambers fluidly connected to one or more liquid channels may be present. It will also be appreciated that the configuration and positioning of the liquid channels and / or liquid chambers may be varied.

[0034] The described liquid discharge and collection mechanism can prevent or reduce the risk of diluting the liquid (e.g., test liquid) in the test strip 233 by allowing excess liquid to enter into two liquid chambers (605A, 605B) via the liquid channel 603 and be stored therein.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows the test device 201 in use. The light source 103 emits light 701 into the reaction chamber of the test device 201. The light passes through the reaction chamber and light (703) is emitted from the opposite side of the reaction chamber. The light 701 passes through the upper plate 235, the test strip 233 (moistened by the liquid from the liquid capsule), and the lower plate 237 and is emitted onto the light sensor 105 for detection purposes.

[0036] An external pump (not shown) pumps the gas under test (GUT) into the reaction chamber 207 through the gas inlet 107 via a gas inlet pipe (not shown). The GUT exits the test device 201 through the gas outlet 109 and a gas outlet pipe (not shown).

[0037] In summary, the test device stores liquid in a liquid capsule inside the test device. Thereby, the storage of liquid becomes simple and convenient. When the liquid capsule is squeezed or compressed by a protrusion on the hinged element, the liquid is discharged. Excess liquid is collected by a liquid storage chamber so that the excess liquid does not affect the test result of the test strip.

[0038] FIGS. 8A - 8I show cross-sectional views of the test device.

[0039] FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view of the test device showing cross-sections A - A, B - B, and C - C.

[0040] Figure 8B shows a cross-sectional image of a test device having a second cross-section A-A.

[0041] Figure 8C shows a cross-sectional image of a test device having a second cross-section B-B.

[0042] Figure 8D shows a cross-sectional image of a test device having a second cross-section C-C.

[0043] Figure 8E shows a cross-sectional image of a test device showing cross-sections D-D, E-E, F-F, and G-G. The base 205, the hinged element 213, and the protrusion 217 are shown.

[0044] Figure 8F shows a cross-sectional image of a test device across cross-section D-D. In Figure 8F, the lower plate 237, the test paper 233, the capsule fluid channel 221, the base 205, the liquid channe l 603, the reaction chamber 207, the liquid chambers (605A, 605B), and the liquid capsule 227 are shown.

[0045] Figure 8G shows a cross-sectional image of a test device across cross-section E-E. In Figure 8G, the gas outlet 225, the base 205, the hinged element 213, the gas inlet 223, the lower plate 237, the test paper 233, the air inlet channel 801, the liquid capsule 227, and the protrusion 217 are shown.

[0046] Figure 8H shows a cross-sectional image of a test device across cross-section F-F. In Figure 8H, the gas outlet 225, the lower plate 237, the gas inlet 223, the base 205, the hinged element 213, the liquid channel 603, the reaction chamber 207, the liquid capsule 227, and the protrusion 217 are shown.

[0047] Figure 8I shows a cross-sectional image of a test device across cross-section G-G. In Figure 8I, the gas outlet 225, the lower plate 237, the test paper 233, the base 205, the hinged element 213, the liquid channel 603, the reaction chamber 207, the liquid capsule 227, and the protrusion 217 are shown.

[0048] Figure 9 shows a test device 901 including a liquid capsule 925 and a test strip 919.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the test device 901 has a main body 203 having a base 205. A reaction chamber 907 is formed within the main body 903. The upper surface 909 of the reaction chamber 907 is arranged to be removably connected to an upper transparent plate 921. The lower surface 911 of the reaction chamber 907 is arranged to be removably connected to a lower transparent plate 923.

[0050] The test device of this example does not have a hinged element as described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0051] Instead, the test device 901 has a capsule receiving aperture 913 formed on the side surface of the base 205. The capsule receiving aperture 913 is a circular aperture having an inner capsule thread 929. The capsule thread 929 corresponds to the capsule thread 929 on the nozzle of the liquid capsule 925. In this example, a liquid discharge mechanism (not shown) for discharging liquid from the liquid capsule 925 into the reaction chamber 907 is located inside the capsule receiving aperture 913 (as will be described in more detail below).

[0052] The capsule receiving aperture 913 is arranged to receive the nozzle of the liquid capsule 925 when the liquid capsule is screwed into the capsule receiving aperture 913. The capsule thread 929 engages with an aperture thread (see FIGS. 12, 13A, and 14) inside the capsule receiving aperture 913. There is a capsule fluid channel (see FIGS. 12, 13A, and 14) between the reaction chamber 907 and the capsule receiving aperture 913 that enables liquid to be transferred from the liquid capsule 925 to the reaction chamber 907.

[0053] The liquid discharge mechanism in this example is shown in detail by FIGS. 12 and 13A - 13C. The liquid discharge mechanism has a piercing element arranged to pierce the seal 927 of the liquid capsule 925 when the liquid capsule is screwed into the capsule receiving aperture 913.

[0054] The gas inlet 915 is located on the side surface of the main body 903 of the test device 901. The two gas outlets (917A, 917B) are located inside the reaction chamber 907, allowing gas to flow out of the reaction chamber 907, through the gas channel outlet in the main body 903, and into an outlet pipe (not shown). The inlet pipe (not shown) can be connected to the gas inlet. In this embodiment, the test paper 919 and the lower transparent plate 923 are circular or disc - shaped to correspond to the shape of the lower surface 911 and the lower opening of the reaction chamber 907. The upper transparent plate 921 is rectangular to correspond to the shape of the upper surface 909 and the upper opening of the reaction chamber 907. However, it will be understood that alternative shapes such as, for example, rectangular and elliptical shapes for the lower surface and circular and elliptical shapes for the upper surface can be used.

[0055]

[0056] Also, in this embodiment, the liquid capsule 925 is a compressible liquid capsule and is arranged to store liquid therein.

[0057] When the liquid capsule 925 is positioned within the capsule receiving aperture 913, the piercing element breaks the seal 927. When the liquid capsule 925 is compressed or squeezed by the user, the liquid inside the liquid capsule 925 comes out through the torn seal 927 and enters the reaction chamber 907 via the capsule fluid channel (see FIGS. 12, 13A, and 14) and the two piercing element fluid channels (see FIGS. 13A - 13C).

[0058] ​In this embodiment, the liquid capsule 925 is made of polyethylene (PE) and has a nozzle covered by a seal 927 to prevent liquid from leaking out of the liquid capsule until the test is started. In this example, the seal 927 is a flexible metal-plastic laminate. The liquid capsule 925, the test paper 919, and the two transparent plates or sheets (921, 923) are assembled in a reaction chamber 907 in the base 905 of the main body 903 of the test device 901.

[0059] The liquid capsule 925 in this example is made of polyethylene (PE) which has good chemical stability. It is insoluble in common solvents at room temperature, has low water absorption, and excellent electrical insulation. The material does not react with the liquid stored therein. It will be understood that alternative materials such as, for example, polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be used for the liquid capsule.

[0060] It will be understood that alternative materials such as, for example, metal (e.g., flexible metal), silicon, rubber, and plastic film may be used for the seal.

[0061] Figure 10 shows the test device 901 with the liquid capsule 925 inserted.

[0062] Figure 11 shows the test device 901 in use.

[0063] The light source 1103 emits light 1101 into the reaction chamber of the test device 901. The light passes through the reaction chamber, and light (1109) is emitted from the opposite side of the reaction chamber. The light 1101 passes through the upper plate 921, the test paper 919 moistened by the liquid (e.g., test solution) from the liquid capsule, and the lower plate 923, and is emitted onto the light sensor 1105 for detection purposes.

[0064] An external pump (not shown) pumps the gas under test (GUT) into the reaction chamber 907 through the gas inlet 1107 via a gas inlet pipe (not shown). The GUT exits the test device 901 through the gas outlets (917A, 917B) and a gas outlet pipe (not shown).

[0065] Figure 12 shows a cross-section of the liquid capsule 925 engaged with the test device 901.

[0066] The liquid capsule 925 has a housing 1201 for storing the liquid. The capsule thread 929 on the nozzle 1203 engages with the aperture thread 1205 when the user rotates the liquid capsule 925 and the test device 901 relative to each other. When the liquid capsule 925 is positioned within the capsule receiving aperture 913, the piercing element 1209 pierces and breaks (or tears) the seal 927. When the liquid capsule 925 is compressed or squeezed by the user, the liquid inside the liquid capsule 925 exits through the torn seal 927 and enters the reaction chamber 907 via the capsule fluid channel 1207 and two piercing element fluid channels (see Figure 13B).

[0067] Figures 13A - 13C show the piercing element that pierces the seal within the liquid capsule.

[0068] Figure 13A shows the flow of liquid (1301) along the capsule fluid channel 1207. The piercing element 1209 is in the form of a needle and has two piercing element fluid channels (1301A, 1301B) formed therethrough to allow fluid to flow from the liquid capsule 925 into the reaction chamber 907.

[0069] Alternatively, it will be understood that the piercing element may have one or more piercing element fluid channels formed therein to allow fluid to flow from the liquid capsule into the reaction chamber.

[0070] Figure 13B shows a front view of two piercing element fluid channels (1301A, 1301B) formed through the piercing element.

[0071] Figure 13C shows a front side view of one of the two piercing element fluid channels (1301A) formed through the piercing element.

[0072] Figure 14 shows an example of the flow of liquid from liquid capsule 925 within test device 901, shown in cross-section, after the liquid capsule has been inserted into the test device by rotating the liquid capsule in the direction of arrow 1400. Test paper 919 is shown at the top of a lower transparent plate (not shown) resting on the lower surface (not shown) of reaction chamber 907. The liquid within liquid capsule 925 flows from liquid capsule 925 through capsule fluid channel 1207 into reaction chamber 907, as indicated by flow arrows 1401A - 1401D, and across the surface of test paper 919 (1401). There is a liquid channel 1403 around the edge of reaction chamber 907. In this example, liquid channel 1403 is a circumferentially arranged ring cavity around the edge of reaction chamber 907, and thus around the edge of test paper 919, when test device 901 is in use. During use, liquid channel 1403 is below the upper surface of test paper 919 to allow excess liquid to enter liquid channel 1403 past the edge of test paper 919.

[0073] Liquid channel 1403 is fluidly connected to liquid chamber 1405. Liquid chamber 1405 is located at a position vertically away from liquid channel 1403.

[0074] It will be appreciated that alternatively, there may be one or more liquid chambers fluidly connected to one or more liquid channels. It will also be appreciated that the configuration and positioning of the liquid channels and / or liquid chambers can be changed.

[0075] The described liquid discharge and collection mechanism allows excess liquid to flow through liquid channel 1403 into the liquid By entering into chamber 1405 and being capable of being stored within liquid chamber 1405, the risk of diluting the liquid (e.g., the test liquid) within test strip 919 can be prevented or reduced.

[0076] Figure 15 shows the flow of gas 1501 within test device 1201 via gas inlet 915. The gas passes over test strip 919 and exits via gas outlets (917A, 917B).

[0077] In summary, the test device stores liquid within a liquid capsule outside of the test device. Thereby, the storage of the liquid becomes simple and convenient. The liquid capsule is installed within a capsule receiving aperture and when squeezed or compressed by the user, the liquid is discharged. Excess liquid is collected by a liquid storage chamber so that the excess liquid does not affect the test result of the test strip.

[0078] Figure 16 shows cross-sectional views of test device 901 across cross-sections A-A, B-B, and C-C.

[0079] It will be understood that the liquid capsule can engage with the test device in any other suitable manner such that the piercing element can pierce the seal. For example, a push-in type connection can be provided that enables the user to push the nozzle of the liquid capsule into the capsule receiving aperture. As a result, the push-in type connection holds the liquid capsule in place and the piercing element pierces the seal.

[0080] A test device used for analyte measurement is described. The test device has a main body and a liquid discharge mechanism. The main body has a reaction chamber and a capsule receiving aperture that receives a liquid capsule containing liquid. The reaction chamber and the capsule receiving aperture are in fluid communication with each other. The main body also has at least one gas inlet and at least one gas outlet, and the gas inlet is arranged to receive the gas under test (GUT). The reaction chamber is arranged to receive a first transparent plate and a second transparent plate with a test paper positioned between the first transparent plate and the second transparent plate during the test of the gas under test. The liquid discharge mechanism is arranged to discharge the liquid in the liquid capsule into the reaction chamber during the test. The main body also has at least one liquid reservoir in communication with the reaction chamber. The liquid reservoir is arranged to receive excess liquid from the liquid in the liquid capsule during the test.

[0081] According to one example, the liquid discharge mechanism has a hinged element hingedly connected to the main body and a protrusion positioned on the hinged element. The protrusion is arranged to enter the capsule receiving aperture when the hinged element is hingedly moved relative to the main body to engage with the liquid capsule and squeeze the liquid into the reaction chamber.

[0082] According to one example, the capsule receiving aperture has a capsule chamber located within the main body. The capsule chamber is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber via a capsule fluid channel.

[0083] According to one example, the reaction chamber is arranged to be removably connected to the first transparent plate on the upper surface of the reaction chamber and removably connected to the second transparent plate on the lower surface of the reaction chamber. During the test of the gas under test, the second transparent plate can be arranged to receive the test paper positioned on the second transparent plate and between the first transparent plate and the second transparent plate.

[0084] According to one example, the liquid dispensing mechanism comprises a piercing element arranged to dispense the liquid within the liquid capsule when the liquid capsule is provided in the capsule receiving aperture.

[0085] According to one example, the piercing element comprises at least one hollow channel passing through the piercing element to provide fluid communication between the liquid capsules.

[0086] According to one example, the capsule receiving aperture is an aperture within a side of the body in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, and the capsule receiving aperture comprises an aperture thread corresponding to the capsule thread on the liquid capsule.

[0087] According to one example, the liquid reservoir comprises at least one liquid channel and at least one liquid chamber, the liquid channel being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and being arranged to receive excess liquid from the liquid within the liquid capsule during testing;

[0088] According to one example, the liquid chamber is in fluid communication with the liquid channel to receive and store the excess liquid. The liquid channel may be arranged around the circumference of the reaction chamber and may be positioned below the surface of the test paper during use. The liquid channel may have one of an annular, rectangular, circular, or elliptical shape.

[0089] Also described is a liquid capsule for use with the test device described herein. The liquid capsule has a body forming a housing for containing the liquid. The liquid capsule has a nozzle having an opening in fluid communication with the housing. The liquid capsule has a seal installed across the opening to retain the liquid within the housing. The seal is arranged to release the liquid when either i) the body is deformed and / or ii) the seal is penetrated by a piercing element of the test device. The liquid may be water, a buffer solution, or a test solution.

[0090] Also described is a test kit having the test device described herein and further having at least one of a test strip, at least two transparent sheets, and a liquid capsule. The at least two transparent sheets can be polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheets. The liquid capsule can be made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The seal can be one of a flexible metal layer, a metal layer, a plastic laminate layer, a rubber seal, and a plastic film. The seal can be a silicone valve that functions as a one-way valve.

Industrial Applicability

[0091] The described configuration is applicable to the industry of analyte measurement.

[0092] The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and / or changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting.

[0093] It will be understood that equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. Further, it should be noted that the various components of the present invention are not limited to the overall use described above. The described technical features can be selected individually or used in combination according to actual needs. Accordingly, other combinations and specific uses related to the invention of this case are covered.

[0094] In the context of this specification, the term "comprising" means "mainly including but not necessarily alone" or "having" or "including", and "consisting of only" does not mean "only of". Variations of the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises", have various meanings accordingly.

Claims

Claim 1 A test device for analyte measurement, the test device comprising a main body and a liquid discharge mechanism, the main body comprising a reaction chamber and a capsule receiving aperture for receiving a liquid capsule containing liquid, the reaction chamber and the capsule receiving aperture being in fluid communication with each other, the main body further comprising at least one gas inlet and at least one gas outlet, the gas inlet being arranged to receive a test gas, the reaction chamber being arranged to receive a first transparent plate and a second transparent plate with a test paper positioned therebetween during testing of the test gas, the liquid discharge mechanism being arranged to discharge the liquid in the liquid capsule into the reaction chamber during the test, the main body being, further comprising at least one liquid reservoir in communication with the reaction chamber, the liquid reservoir being arranged to receive excess liquid from the liquid in the liquid capsule during the test, the liquid discharge mechanism comprising a hinged element hingedly connected to the main body and a protrusion positioned on the hinged element and arranged to enter the capsule receiving aperture when the hinged element is hingedly moved relative to the main body to engage the liquid capsule and squeeze the liquid into the reaction chamber. A test device. Claim 2 The reaction chamber is arranged to be removably connected to a first transparent plate on the upper surface of the reaction chamber and removably connected to a second transparent plate on the lower surface of the reaction chamber, and during testing of the test gas, the second transparent plate is arranged to receive a test paper positioned on the second transparent plate and between the first transparent plate and the second transparent plate. The test device according to claim 1. Claim 3 The capsule receiving aperture comprises a capsule chamber located within the main body, the capsule chamber being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber via a capsule fluid channel. The test device according to claim 1. Claim 4 The test device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid discharging mechanism includes a piercing element arranged to discharge the liquid in the liquid capsule when the liquid capsule is provided in the capsule receiving aperture.

5. The test device according to claim 4, wherein the piercing element includes at least one hollow channel passing through the piercing element to provide fluid communication between the liquid capsules.

6. The test device according to claim 1, wherein the capsule receiving aperture is an aperture in a side surface of the main body that is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, and the capsule receiving aperture includes an aperture thread corresponding to a capsule thread on the liquid capsule.

7. The test device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage includes at least one liquid channel and at least one liquid chamber, the liquid channel is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, the liquid channel is arranged to receive excess liquid from the liquid in the liquid capsule during the test, and the liquid chamber is in fluid communication with the liquid channel to receive and store the excess liquid.

8. The test device according to claim 7, wherein the liquid channel is arranged around the circumference of the reaction chamber and is positioned below the surface of the test paper during use.

9. The test device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the liquid channel has one of an annular, rectangular, circular, or elliptical shape.

10. A liquid capsule for use with the test device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the liquid capsule comprising a main body forming a housing for containing a liquid, a nozzle having an opening in fluid communication with the housing, and a seal installed across the opening to retain the liquid inside the housing, the seal being arranged to discharge the liquid when either i) the main body is deformed and / or ii) the seal is penetrated by the piercing element of the test device.

11. The liquid capsule according to claim 10, wherein the seal is one of a flexible metal layer, a metal layer, a plastic laminate layer, a rubber seal, a plastic film, and a one-way silicone valve.

12. The liquid capsule according to claim 10 or 11, which is made of polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

13. A test kit comprising the test device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and further comprising a test paper, at least two transparent sheets, and at least one of the liquid capsules according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The test kit according to claim 13, wherein the at least two transparent sheets are polymethyl methacrylate sheets.

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