Cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, a corresponding measuring system, and a corresponding method

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, in particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A device for evaluation of hemostasis, comprising:
 a plurality of cavities each configured to receive blood of a test sample, each cavity comprising a reagent or combination of reagents;   a first cavity of the plurality of cavities comprising a first reagent or a first combination of reagents that interact with the blood received therein, wherein the first reagent, or a reagent included in the first combination of reagents, is an activator of coagulation;   a second cavity of the plurality of cavities comprising a second combination of reagents that interact with blood of the test sample received therein, the second combination including an activator of coagulation and one or more reagents configured for suppressing thrombocyte function; and   an interrogation device that measures at least one viscoelastic property of the test sample.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , further including an inlet for receiving the test sample, wherein ductwork is in communication with each of the plurality of cavities, whereby each of the plurality of cavities is configured to receive, via the ductwork, a portion of the test sample. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the activator of coagulation of the first cavity and the activator of coagulation of the second cavity are one or more reagents configured for extrinsic activation of the coagulation cascade. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein a third cavity of the plurality of cavities comprises one or more reagents configured for intrinsic activation of the coagulation cascade, 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the one or more reagents configured for suppressing thrombocyte function include cytochalasin D. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the one or more reagents configured for intrinsic activation of the coagulation cascade include a Hagemann factor. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein a fourth cavity of the plurality of cavities comprises one or more reagents configured for testing platelet aggregometry. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the one or more reagents configured for suppressing thrombocyte function include cytochalasin D. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more reagents configured for suppressing thrombocyte function include cytochalasin D. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the device is a cartridge configured for use in conjunction with a measuring system. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the measuring system is configured to measure over time changes in viscoelastic properties of the portion of the test sample in each of the cavities. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the measuring system is configured to receive the cartridge in a pre-determined orientation whereby the cartridge in the pre-determined orientation is aligned with a plurality of detectors, each of the plurality of detectors associated with a respective cavity. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the measuring system includes control apparatus configured for interacting with the cartridge to move the test sample through the cartridge. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the changes in viscoelastic properties of the portion of the test sample are measured by the measuring system detecting changes in amplitude of an oscillating motion excitation of the portion of the test sample. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the oscillating motion excitation of the portion of the test sample is achieved mechanically via a plurality of probes interfaced with the measuring system. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more reagents within each of the plurality of cavities are in a solid form. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising a housing, wherein each of the plurality of cavities are at least partially defined by the housing. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the device is configured for use with a single test sample. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , further comprising a fluid pathway having an inlet for receiving a test sample, wherein the fluid pathway is in communication with at least one cavity to deliver the test sample, or a portion thereof, to one or more of the cavities. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein the fluid pathway further comprises a channel in communication with a least one cavity, and wherein sample delivered from the channel into the cavity results in mixing of at least a portion of the sample and the reagent within the cavity. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the second cavity comprises a combination of reagents that includes a reagent comprised by the first cavity. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the device is configured for measuring viscoelastic characteristics based on detecting changes in clot firmness. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the interrogation device is configured to measure changing in elastic properties of the test sample. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the device is configured to be interrogated to determine a hemostatic parameter of the test sample.