Detection of analytes in bodily fluid to determine the initiation of parturition
AssigneeXpecting Diagnostics, Inc.
InventorR. Tanner Hagelstrom
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices and kits for detecting molecular targets involved in the onset of parturition are presented, as are methods of using the same. The devices and kits include one or more associators specific for molecular targets, such as microRNAs and proteins and peptide fragments thereof. The associators, such as aptamers or antibodies, bind their targets, when such targets are present in a fluid sample from a pregnant woman, to produce a detectable signal. The signal may be produced in a lateral flow device.
Claims16
A lateral flow device for predicting the initiation of parturition comprising:
- a sample pad;
- a conjugate pad to which a plurality of first associators are releasably bound, the plurality of first associators capable of binding a microRNA;
- and
- a capture pad to which a plurality of second associators are fixedly bound,
- wherein at least one of the first associator and second associator is an aptamer and the other of the first associator and second associator is selected from an aptamer and an antibody.
A kit for predicting the initiation of parturition comprising:
- a lateral flow device comprising:
- a sample pad;
- a conjugate pad to which a plurality of first associators are releasably bound, the plurality of first associators capable of binding a microRNA;
- and
- a capture pad to which a plurality of second associators are fixedly bound,
- wherein at least one of the first associator and second associator is an aptamer and the other of the first associator and second associator is selected from an aptamer and an antibody;
- a sample vessel;
- a detergent solution;
- and
- instructions for using the device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.