Sample testing apparatus and method

A method of performing an assay to detect the presence of an analyte or analytes in a test sample, the method comprising:

• 1) inserting a sample collector comprising a swab with a sample into a receiving slot of a cartridge, the cartridge containing one or more test elements, such that insertion of the collector opens a lid of a capsule containing buffer liquid and causes said liquid to be expelled from the capsule under pressure to communicate the buffer liquid and at least a portion of the sample via the slot into an incubation chamber of the cartridge;
• 2) mixing the buffer liquid and sample portion with a reagent contained within or introduced into the chamber;
• and
• 3) causing at least a part of the or each test element to come into contact with the fluid in the chamber, resulting in the lateral flow immunoassay being initiated.

A method of performing a lateral flow immunoassay using one or more lateral flow test strips, the method comprising:

• mixing an analyte with a buffer liquid by inserting a swab with the analyte into the buffer liquid causing the buffer liquid to flow under pressure and communicate at least a portion of the analyte into an incubation chamber containing or receiving a reagent;
• mixing the reagent, analyte and buffer liquid in the incubation chamber;
• and
• causing at least a part of the or each test strip to come into contact with the fluid in the chamber, resulting in the lateral flow immunoassay being initiated.

A method of performing a lateral flow immunoassay using one or more lateral flow test strips, the method comprising:

• preheating the or each test strip;
• mixing an analyte with a buffer liquid by inserting a swab with the analyte into the buffer liquid causing the buffer liquid to flow under pressure and communicate at least a portion of the analyte into an incubation chamber containing or receiving a reagent;
• and
• causing at least a part of the or each test strip to come into contact with the fluid in the chamber, resulting in the lateral flow immunoassay being initiated.