Handheld optical diagnostic device having image system array

A self-contained, optical hand-held diagnostic device, the device comprising:

• a body having a pocket-sized form factor sized and shaped for engagement by a user's hand;
• a power supply disposed within said body;
• a display disposed integrally with said body;
• a channel configured for receiving reagent test strip therein, the test strip having a plurality of test pads disposed in spaced relation thereon, each of the test pads configured to react with a sample when disposed in contact with the sample and to change color according to an amount of a constituent or property in the sample;
• the channel sized and shaped for forming an indexed fit with the test strip;
• a micro-array of imagers disposed within said body in fixed superposition with said channel;
• each of said imagers being superposed with a respective one of the test pads when the test strip is indexed within said channel;
• a light source configured to illuminate said test strip;
• the imagers being configured to each capture an image of the test pad respectively superposed therewith;
• a processor coupled to said imagers;
• said processor configured to analyze said images of said test areas;
• said processor configured to derive the amount of said constituent or property in the sample from said analysis, and to generate an output signal corresponding thereto;
• and
• said display configured to receive said output signal and display said amount;
• wherein said device is a unitary, self-contained, pocket-sized diagnostic tool.

A method for reading reagent sample media, the sample media having a plurality of test areas disposed in spaced relation thereon, each of the test areas configured to react with a sample when disposed in contact with the sample and to change color according to an amount of a constituent or property in the sample, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving the sample media into a holder of a unitary, self-contained, optical hand-held diagnostic device having an integral power supply and display, the holder sized and shaped for forming an indexed fit with the sample media;
• (b) with a micro-array of imagers disposed within said body, in which each imager is disposed in fixed superposition with a respective one of the indexed test areas, capturing images of said test areas;
• (c) with an integral processor, analyzing said images of said test areas;
• (d) deriving said amount of said constituent or property in said sample from said analysis;
• (e) generating an output signal corresponding to said amount;
• and
• (f) transmitting said output signal to the integral display.