Device and method for analyzing analyte in liquid sample

Abstract

A device and a method for analyzing an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The device comprises a detecting chamber included in a detection device for containing a detecting element; a liquid sample transferring chamber; and a film with small pores disposed between the detecting chamber and liquid sample transferring chamber. When the detection device is inserted into a liquid sample collecting chamber, the liquid sample in the collecting chamber enters the liquid sample transferring chamber but cannot enter the detecting chamber via the film with small pores. When a piston is inserted into the liquid sample transferring chamber, the piston forces a part of liquid sample in the liquid sample transferring chamber to enter the detecting chamber via the film with small pores. Using the device and the method can determine an analyte in a sample quantitatively and can complete the detection in one step.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A detection device for analyzing an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising: a detecting chamber for accepting a detecting element, and a film of small pores disposed at one end of the detecting chamber; wherein when the detecting chamber is inserted into a liquid sample collecting chamber, the liquid sample in the collecting chamber cannot enter the detecting chamber via the film of small pores, and when the detecting chamber is inserted into a liquid sample transferring chamber that is located within the collecting chamber, a part of the liquid sample inside the transferring chamber is forced to enter the detecting chamber via the film of small pores. 
     
     
         21 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein said film of small pores is integrated into the detecting chamber, and said transferring chamber is located on the bottom of the collecting chamber and protrudes upwardly. 
     
     
         22 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the transferring chamber opens at one end and a part of the liquid sample in the collecting chamber enters the transferring chamber through the opening; the detecting chamber seals the opening when it is inserted into the transferring chamber. 
     
     
         23 . The device according to  claim 22 , wherein the small pores of the film are so configured that the liquid surface tension at the pores prevents the liquid sample freely enters the detecting chamber; when the detecting chamber seals the opening of the transferring chamber, the pressure difference between the transferring chamber and the detecting chamber is less than or equal to the liquid surface tension at the small pores so that the liquid sample in the transferring chamber cannot enter the detecting chamber via the small pores, and when the detecting chamber moves inside the transferring chamber, the pressure difference between the transferring chamber and the detecting chamber increases and becomes greater than the liquid surface tension at the small pores so that the liquid sample in the transferring chamber is forced to enter the detecting chamber via the small pores. 
     
     
         24 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the film of small pores and the detecting chamber are constructed as one piece through injection molding. 
     
     
         25 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the film contains one or more small pores. 
     
     
         26 . The device according to  claim 25 , wherein the small pores of the film have diameters between 0.1 and 5 millimeters. 
     
     
         27 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the device further comprises a detecting element disposed inside the detecting chamber. 
     
     
         28 . The device according to  claim 27 , wherein the device further comprises a reading device for reading the testing result from the detecting element. 
     
     
         29 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the film of small pores is made of plastic, the pores have diameters between 0.2 and 1 millimeter, and the thickness of the film is between 0.5 and 2.0 millimeters. 
     
     
         30 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the film of small pores is a hydrophobic film. 
     
     
         31 . The device according to  claim 30 , wherein the small pores have diameters between 0.1 and 100 microns. 
     
     
         32 . The device according to  claim 30 , wherein the hydrophobic film of small pores comprises a hydrophilic film whereon hydrophobic reagent is treated. 
     
     
         33 . The device according to  claim 30 , wherein the hydrophobic film of small pores comprises glass fibers, polyester film, or acetic fiber film. 
     
     
         34 . The device according to  claim 30 , wherein the hydrophobic film of small pores has a gas permeating rate of 10-800 cubic inches/minute/square inch. 
     
     
         35 - 53 . (canceled)