Blood sample collection and test device

#This invention relates to a test device or test strip sample delivery means. More particularly, the present invention relates to a "semicrater" sample application site for a test device. The "semicrater" comprises a recessed semicircular well open on one or more sides for the application of a fluid sample.

#Reagent test devices or reagent strips designed to measure analytes, such as glucose, protein, ketone and the like, present in body fluids are well known. Typically, such reagent test devices are constructed to have a reagent pad attached to one end of an elongated substrate which also serves as a handle for the test device. After the reagent pad of the test device has come into contact with a body fluid, such as urine or blood, the colorimetric reaction which occurs in the reagent pad is measured either visually or instrumentally. For visual determinations the reagent pad is normally compared to a standardized color chart. If an instrument is used a beam of light from the instrument is directed onto the reagent pad and the light reflected from the pad is measured.

#Typically, a blood sample is applied to the reagent pad of a reagent test device by pricking a finger with a lance or needle and then applying a drop of blood directly to the surface of the reagent pad. Since the reagent pad is normally in an elevated position relative to the substrate of the reagent test device, application of the blood sample can be made with relative ease. However, it is difficult for some individuals to obtain even a small drop of blood to be used as a sample. For this and other reasons there has been a trend toward making the sample application site or reagent area very small. While this means that less sample is required it also means that the application of sample to the sample application site is more difficult.

#Other and further objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating a reagent test device in accordance with the present invention in which a semicrater is formed as part of the substrate to surround the sample application site; FIG. 2 is a side view of the reagent test device of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a partial side view, in cross section, of another embodiment of a test device in accordance with the present invention; and

#Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a reagent test device 10 having an elongated substrate 12 with a semicrater 14 located at one end. The semicrater 14 has a raised portion 16 constituting one side of the semicrater and a lower portion 18 on an opposite side of the semicrater. In practice the semicrater can conveniently be molded or formed at the same time as the substrate using the same material, typically a plastic. The semicrater 14 surrounds a sample application site 20.

#Since the semicrater 14 effectively concentrates the sample inside the well of the semicrater directly at the desired sample application site 20 the resulting test device 10 requires only a very small sample.

#In use the sample, e.g., a drop of blood, is applied to the sample application site 20 of the reagent test device 10 by bringing the sample to the open side of the semicrater 14. The correct placement of the sample is easily determined from contact with the raised portion 16 of the semicrater 14. In addition, the raised portion 16 of the semicrater 14 helps to retain all of the sample inside the well-like semicrater 14 in direct contact with the sample application site 20.