Upon a cartridge for containing a specimen sample for optical analysis

Abstract

An improved cartridge for holding a fluid sample with a small volume is disclosed herein. The cartridge has a test chamber and a vestibule through which the test fluids are inserted into the test chamber. Improved grips are flared-out to aid manipulation. The handle portion is reinforced to prevent flexing, and a prefabricated trough along the edge of the land surface prevents introduction of the adhesive into the region for analysis. The cartridge has a stopper having a dual sealing mechanism, which seals the test chamber inlet between the vestibule and the test chamber, and the mouth of the vestibule so that when the stopper is in place, the test chamber is closed to the admission of air or other contaminants. The vestibule is similarly closed against escape of the overflow from the test chamber. The stopper is composed of a single elastomer. An improved locking mechanism has two flexible walls on either side of the handhold that locks into their respective keepers on the cartridge to provide a secure lock. Additionally, an improved method for loading the cartridge allows for an even distribution of magnetically responsive particles contained within a fluid sample to be viewed in an array through the optically clear land surface portion of the cartridge.

1 . A process for the manufacture of a cartridge having an optically clear land surface affixed to a plastic body, the process comprising:
 (a) molding a plastic edge so as to be in contact with said optically clear land surface such that said plastic edge is shaped as a small shelf for seating outer portion of said land surface,   (b) shaping the entire contact area of said small shelf into a small trough such that said small trough runs along said outer portion of land surface,   (c) filling said small trough with an optically clear adhesive along entire said contact area,   (d) placing said outer portion of land surface on said small trough such that said adhesive is allowed to wick down said small trough and away from all possible optical paths, and   (e) exposing said adhesive to UV light such that said optically clear land surface becomes affixed to said plastic edge.   
     
     
         2 . A process according to  claim 1  wherein said optically clear adhesive is a non-fluorescent compound which binds after exposure to UV light. 
     
     
         3 . A process according to  claim 1  wherein said optically clear adhesive is selected from the group consisting of pressure-sensitive adhesives, heat cured adhesives, and adhesives activated by ultraviolet light. 
     
     
         4 . A process according to  claim 1  wherein said optically clear adhesive is an adhesive activated by ultraviolet light 
     
     
         5 . A process according to  claim 1  wherein said optically clear land surface is glass. 
     
     
         6 . A process according to  claim 5  wherein said glass is cut to tight tolerances at around 0.5 mm thick×31 mm in length and 5 mm in width.