Multi-well sample testing apparatus and methods of sample testing using the same

Abstract

A sample testing apparatus includes a sample tray defining a planar surface and a plurality of wells recessed relative to the planar surface, and a lid member configured to be sealed about the planar surface of the sample tray. The lid member includes an adhesive layer configured to be sealed to the planar surface of the sample tray, a breathable film layer disposed about the adhesive layer, and a backing layer disposed about the breathable film layer. Methods of using the sample testing apparatus for testing a sample and kits to facilitate such testing are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sample testing apparatus, comprising:
 a sample tray defining a planar surface and a plurality of wells recessed relative to the planar surface; and   a lid member, including:
 an adhesive layer configured to be sealed to the planar surface of the sample tray; 
 a breathable film layer disposed about the adhesive layer; and 
 a backing layer disposed about the breathable film layer. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the sample tray is formed from a permeable, transparent, non-toxic material. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the sample tray is formed from a blend of a styrene butadiene copolymer and general purpose polystyrene. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer is formed from a material that is permeable and capable of being heat sealed to the planar surface of the sample tray. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the adhesive layer is formed from a material that is transparent. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the adhesive layer is formed from ethylene vinyl acetate or modified ethylene vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer includes a plurality of perforations, each perforation corresponding to and aligned with one of the wells defined within the sample tray. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the breathable film layer is formed from a material that is permeable. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the breathable film layer is formed from a material that is transparent. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the breathable film layer is formed from a thermoplastic copolyester based elastomer. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the backing layer is a paper backing layer including a paper that is permeable, insulating, and capable of adhesive-less bonding to the breathable film layer. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the backing layer includes one of a kraft paper, a clay-coated paper, or an offset paper. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the backing layer is configured as a release liner that is removable from the breathable film layer. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the release liner includes a paper layer and a silicone layer. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the release liner further includes a polyester layer. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein a perforation extending through the sample tray and partially through the lid member is provided to facilitate removal of the release liner. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein at least one connector interconnects portions of the sample tray on either side of the perforation. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the at least one connector is breakable to permit removal of the release liner. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wells include at least a first set of wells and a second set of wells, the first and second sets of wells defining different configurations. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the lid member is initially sealed to the sample tray about a first peripheral side, a second peripheral side, and a bottom end of the sample tray to define a pouch, and wherein an open top end of the sample tray is configured to permit introduction of a liquid sample into the pouch. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the lid member is sealed about the sample tray by heat sealing the adhesive layer to the planar surface, thereby sealing each of the wells with a portion of the liquid sample therein. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the lid member is initially sealed to the sample tray entirely about an outer perimeter of the planar surface of the sample tray to define a pouch therebetween, and wherein the sample tray defines a slit extending therethrough that is configured to permit introduction of a liquid sample into the pouch. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further including at least one reinforcement member coupled to the sample tray, the at least one reinforcement member configured to provide structural support to the sample tray. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the sample tray defines at least one bridge fluidly connecting adjacent wells to facilitate the capture of an air bubble within at least one of the adjacent wells upon sealing of the lid member with the sample tray. 
     
     
         25 . A method of testing a sample, comprising:
 providing a sample testing apparatus, including:
 a sample tray defining a plurality of wells including at least a first set of wells having a first configuration and a second set of wells having a second configuration, wherein the first and second configurations are different from one another; and 
 a lid member sealed to the sample tray about both sides and at least one end of the sample tray to define a pouch; 
   introducing a predetermined volume of a liquid sample into the pouch of the sample testing apparatus; and   sealing the lid member to the sample tray to seal each of the plurality of wells such that each of the wells of the first set of wells is filled to capacity with a first portion of the liquid sample and such that a reminder of the liquid sample is evenly distributed into the wells of the second set of wells, wherein a volume of liquid sample in each of the wells of the second set of wells is less than a volume capacity of each of the wells in the second set of wells.   
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein sealing the lid member to the sample tray is performed via heat sealing. 
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 26 , further including positioning the sample tray in a receptacle prior to heat sealing. 
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 27 , further including enclosing the sample tray within the receptacle using a cover flap of the sample tray. 
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 25 , further comprising incubating the sealed sample testing apparatus. 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 25 , further comprising peeling off a backing layer of the lid member prior to incubating the sealed sample testing apparatus. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein peeling off the backing layer includes grasping a perforated portion of the sample testing apparatus and moving the perforated portion relative to the sample testing apparatus to peel off the backing layer. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 30 , further comprising counting a number of positive wells and determining a result based upon the number of positive wells. 
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein the lid member is sealed to a bottom of the sample tray and unsealed at a top of the sample tray, and wherein introducing the predetermined volume of the liquid sample into the pouch includes introducing the predetermined volume through the unsealed top. 
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein the lid member is sealed about a perimeter edge of the sample tray, and wherein introducing the predetermined volume of the liquid sample into the pouch includes introducing the predetermined volume through a slit defined within the sample tray.