Method and Apparatus for Reducing Luminescent Test Result Interferences

Abstract

This application involves detecting luminescence. Various methods and devices are described that reduce interference of ambient light, including UV radiation, on test results. Such methods and devices include using UV blocking material and covering test components prior to use.

1 . A method for detecting luminescence comprising:
 a) obtaining a test sample;   b) combining the test sample with reagents that generate luminescence to create a mixture, wherein the combining occurs either within a test vial or prior to adding the mixture to the test vial, the test vial comprising a UV blocking material;   c) detecting the luminescence generated within the test vial.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the test vial comprises a combination of a plastic material and a UV blocking material. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the plastic material is combined with the UV blocking material at a ratio of about 99.5% plastic to about 0.5% UV block. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the plastic material comprises polypropylene. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the UV blocking material comprises CIBA Shelflife Plus. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the luminescence is generated by the combination of luciferin, luciferase and ATP. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the detection of luminescence is used to monitor the hygiene of a surface. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising covering the test vial with a removable cover, the removable cover being capable of blocking light from contacting the test vial. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the covering is retractable. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the test vial is transparent. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the UV blocking material prevents a portion of UV radiation from contacting the mixture of sample and reagents. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the UV blocking material prevents substantially all external UV radiation from contacting the mixture of sample and reagents. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said detecting comprises inserting the test vial into a luminometer and wherein said luminometer is configured to delay detection of luminescence for a period of time, said period of time chosen to allow dissipation of luminescence generated by exposure of a test component to UV radiation. 
     
     
         14 . A test apparatus for monitoring the hygiene of a surface comprising a container through which luminescence can be detected, the container comprising a material for blocking at least a portion of the UV radiation to which the container may be exposed. 
     
     
         15 . The test apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the container comprises a plastic. 
     
     
         16 . The test apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the container comprises an olefin based plastic. 
     
     
         17 . The test apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the container comprises polypropylene. 
     
     
         18 . The test apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the container comprises a plastic and wherein the plastic further comprises MARLEX RLC-350. 
     
     
         19 . The test apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the container comprises a UV blocking material and a plastic, the UV blocking material characterized by the ability to at least partially block UV radiation, and wherein the material can be added to the plastic. 
     
     
         20 . The test apparatus of  claim 19  wherein the UV blocking material comprises CIBA Shelflife Plus UV1100. 
     
     
         21 . The test apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the luminescence generated is detected by an instrument. 
     
     
         22 . The test apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the luminescence is generated by the reaction of luciferin and luciferase with ATP. 
     
     
         23 . The test apparatus of  claim 14  further comprising a luminometer, said luminometer configured to delay luminescence detection for a period of time, said period time chosen to allow luminescence from absorption of UV radiation, by a test component, to dissipate.