Automated Point-of-Care Devices for Complex Sample Processing and Methods of Use Thereof
AssigneeNovel Microdevices, Inc.
InventorsAndrea Maria Dominic Pais, Rohan Joseph Alexander Pais
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods and devices for simple, low power, automated processing of biological samples through multiple sample preparation and assay steps. The methods and devices described facilitate the point-of-care implementation of complex diagnostic assays in equipment-free, non-laboratory settings.
Claims14
A sample extraction device comprising a sample collection container and a sample processing unit, wherein the sample collection container comprises a swab with a swab head and a swab shaft attached to a screw-top lid, wherein the sample collection container comprises threads that mate with the lid, and wherein the sample collection container is configured such that when the swab is inserted into the container it comes in contact with a scrubbing insert comprising one or more protrusions that make contact with the swab head and scrub the swab head as the lid is closed.
A specimen processing unit comprising:
- a specimen collection container;
- and
- a lid actuator configured for automated sequential reagent delivery to a sample in the container in a predefined timing sequence;
- wherein the lid actuator comprises:
- a reagent dispensing unit comprising a reagent pallet comprising one or more reagent pouches comprising stored reagents;
- one or more rotary actuating elements comprising spatially oriented mechanical elements configured to actuate the reagent pouches so as to dispense their contents into the specimen collection container in a predefined timing sequence as the rotary actuator element rotates in proximity to the reagent pallet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.