Liquid sample assay device

A method of conducting an assay on a liquid comprising the steps of:

• a) collecting a sample of the liquid to be assayed in a container having a removable cap wherein said cap includes a sub-chamber and an assaying device having a means for chemically analyzing a liquid for a specific analyte, and wherein said cap includes a passage for connecting the sub-chamber with said container, said passage including a barrier capable of being expanded upon contact with said liquid;
• b) segregating a portion of said liquid into said sub-chamber;
• c) contacting said barrier with said portion of the liquid for expanding said barrier to hermetically seal said passage;
• and
• d) contacting said portion of the liquid with said assaying device whereby said sample is assayed for said analyte.

An assay device for a liquid contained within a container, said device comprising a removable cap for said container, said cap having:

• a reservoir to receive a sample of said liquid from the container;
• a passage for transferring said sample of liquid from said container to said reservoir;
• a means for closing said passage to separate said sample from the remainder of the liquid;
• a means for assaying said liquid sample;
• a means for transferring said liquid sample from said reservoir to said means for assaying.

An assay device for a liquid contained within a container, said device comprising a removable cap for said container, said cap having:

• a reservoir to receive a sample of said liquid from the container;
• a passage for transferring said sample of liquid from said container to said reservoir;
• a valve for closing said passage to separate said sample from the remainder of the liquid;
• one or more test strips for assaying said liquid sample;
• a wick for transferring said liquid sample from said reservoir to said test strips.