Integrated point-of-care cartridge assay system

An electronic reader for performing an assay test and measuring test results, wherein the electronic reader comprises:

• a slot for receiving a test cartridge that allows for an automated assay of various analytes in a sample, wherein the test cartridge comprises:
• a capillary assembly to receive, store and release the sample;
• a buffer capsule for storing and releasing a buffer liquid;
• a buffer membrane to receive the buffer liquid during the assay;
• a test strip that is coupled to the buffer membrane and adapted to perform the assay after receiving the sample and the buffer liquid;
• a test strip holder adapted to hold the test strip and the buffer membrane and move towards the capillary assembly and the buffer membrane to provide the sample to the test strip and the buffer liquid to the buffer membrane when the assay is performed;
• and
• an enclosure for providing a housing for the test cartridge;
• an optical system for obtaining optical measurements from the test cartridge;
• and
• a microprocessor that is coupled to the optical system, the microprocessor being adapted to control the electronic reader, receive the optical measurements and determine assay results from the optical measurements.

A kit for performing an assay for point of care testing, wherein the kit comprises:

• at least one test cartridge that allows for an automated assay of various analytes in a sample, wherein the test cartridge comprises:
• a capillary assembly to receive, store and release the sample;
• a buffer capsule for storing and releasing a buffer liquid;
• a buffer membrane to receive the buffer liquid during the assay;
• a test strip that is coupled to the buffer membrane and adapted to perform the assay after receiving the sample and the buffer liquid;
• a test strip holder adapted to hold the test strip and the buffer membrane and move towards the capillary assembly and the buffer membrane to provide the sample to the test strip and the buffer liquid to the buffer membrane when the assay is performed;
• an enclosure for providing a housing for the test cartridge;
• and
• an electronic reader for performing an assay test and measuring test results, wherein the electronic reader comprises:
• a slot for receiving the at least one test cartridge;
• an optical system for obtaining optical measurements from the at least one test cartridge;
• and
• a microprocessor that is coupled to the optical system, the microprocessor being adapted to control the electronic reader, receive the optical measurements and determine assay results from the optical measurements.

A method of measuring a sample with at least one analyte of interest, wherein the method comprises:

• providing a sample to a test cartridge having a test strip and a buffer membrane for performing an assay on the sample to detect the at least one analyte of interest;
• inserting the test cartridge into an electronic reader which provides an actuation force to initiate the assay in the test cartridge;
• measuring assay results using the electronic reader;
• and
• displaying, storing and/or sending the assay results using the electronic reader.