Viral diagnostic method and well for use in same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a single flat-based well suitable for use in a viral diagnostic method. More particularly, the well has a planar or flat base, as opposed to a curved base. The invention also relates to a viral diagnostic method that employs such single wells. In an embodiment of this method a specially developed tissue culture medium supplemented with hormones and enzymes is employed.

1 . A method of performing an assay, said method comprising using a single flat-based well comprising:
 i. a main chamber having an opening to receive a liquid sample; side walls which extend from the opening and a chamber base; and   ii. a sub-chamber extending from below the chamber base of the main chamber, the sub-chamber adapted to receive a predetermined amount of the liquid sample, wherein the sub-chamber has a flat base.   
     
     
         2 . A method of detecting a virus according to  claim 1 , said method comprising:
 i. providing one or more single flat-based wells seeded with a preselected cell line   ii. inoculating a specimen to be analysed in the one or more wells; and   iii. examining for one or more preselected viruses in the one or more wells.   
     
     
         3 . A method of detecting a virus according to  claim 2 , said method comprising:
 i. providing a single flat-based well seeded with a cell line suitable for virus inoculation;   ii. specific pre-treatment of a specimen to obtain a sample that potentially contains a virus to be detected;   iii. inoculating the cell line with the sample;   iv. incubating the inoculated cell line;   v. replacing sample media of the inoculated cell line with a virus recovery media comprising a cell culture medium supplemented with at least one hormone and at least one enzyme;   vi. incubating the inoculated cell line from (v); and   vii. analysing the cell line from (vi) for the presence of a virus.   
     
     
         4 . A method of detecting a virus according to  claim 2 , wherein the main chamber of the single flat-based well has a square cross section and the sub-chamber of the single flat-based well has a circular cross section. 
     
     
         5 . A method of detecting a virus according to  claim 2 , wherein the single flat-based well is provided with a means for facilitating engagement with a well plate into which the well is to be inserted. 
     
     
         6 . A method of detecting a virus according to  claim 2 , wherein the single flat-based well is tapered to provide a friction fit in a receptacle of a well plate. 
     
     
         7 . A method of detecting a virus of  claim 2 , wherein the single flat-based well is provided with a rib or an indentation or groove that cooperates with a receptacle of the well plate. 
     
     
         8 . A method of detecting a virus according to  claim 2 , wherein the well includes a form of identification. 
     
     
         9 . A method of detecting a virus according to  claim 2 , wherein the single flat-based well is provided with marked divisions adapted to assist analysis. 
     
     
         10 . A method of detecting a virus according to  claim 2  wherein the single flat-based well is seeded with a preselected cell line in a virus recovery medium, the seeded well being provided either frozen or ready to use. 
     
     
         11 . A method of detecting a virus providing a well unit comprising more than one of the single flat-based wells according to  claim 2 .