Eluent release system and automated assay device

In a self-contained analyte measuring device, comprising:

• a housing comprising a well, a flow path, two bibulous spaced apart strips wherein said path holds said strips in position and defines a space between said strips, the end of one of said strips extending into said well, and a structure for receiving a slide proximal to one end of said housing;
• an orifice for receiving a sample displaced from and substantially aligned with the space between said two bibulous strips;
• a slide element in said structure comprising:
• a sample receiving element positioned under said orifice when said slide element is in an initial position, and positioned in said space when said slide is in a final position;
• and scoring means for releasing a liquid into said well when said slide is moved from its initial position to its final position;
• and,
• a scorable container enclosing said liquid in a compartment located above said wall, where upon scoring of said container, said liquid can be released into said well;
• the improvement which comprises:
• means for overcoming resistance of said liquid from flowing into said well by initiating flow of said liquid resulting from movement of said slide, said overcoming resistance means operating in connection with said scoring means, said means for overcoming resistance including at least one of shocking means and wicking means.