Detection of contaminants using self-contained devices employing target material binding dyes

A method for detecting the presence of a target material or contaminant, comprising the steps of:

• a) obtaining on a sampler of a self-contained sampling/testing device a sample which may contain a target material that is capable of being bound by a dye to signal the presence of the target material;
• and
• b) contacting said sample with said dye;
• c) determining whether a color development or color change occurs following said contacting,
• wherein said color development or color change is indicative of the presence of said target material in said sample.

A method of making a self-contained sampling/testing device comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a device comprising at least one reservoir, a sampler, and a housing;
• b) depositing a dye within a said reservoir;
• and
• c) depositing a wash solution with a said reservoir.

A method for detecting a target material in a sample, comprising the steps of:

• immobilizing target material/dye complexes from a liquefied sample in or on a solid matrix , wherein said dye is a precipitating dye;
• and
• washing unbound dye from said solid matrix with a wash solution,
• wherein the presence of a greater amount of dye retained in said porous matrix following said washing as compared to the amount of dye retained in said porous matrix in the absence of a sample is indicative of the presence of target material in said sample.

A method for detecting protein on a solid surface, comprising the step of:

• contacting said surface with a Ponceau S dye solution;
• and
• determining whether said dye is retained on said surface,
• wherein if dye from said solution is retained on said surface it is indicative of the presence of protein on said surface.