Analysis Cartridge and Method for Using Same

Abstract

An analysis cartridge the includes a main body portion and a filter assembly. The main body portion includes an upper portion that defines an upper chamber and a lower portion that defines a fluid chamber. The filter assembly is movable along a filter assembly path between a first position and a second position. The filter assembly has an opening defined therethrough. In the first position, the opening partially defines the upper chamber and in the second position the opening partially defines the fluid chamber.

1 - 100 . (canceled) 
     
     
         101 . A fluorescence analysis cartridge comprising:
 a main body portion that includes an upper portion that defines an upper chamber, and a lower portion that defines a fluid chamber, wherein the upper chamber includes a front opening that is adapted to receive the receiver member of a breath analysis cartridge therein, and   a filter assembly that is movable along a filter assembly path between a first position and a second position, wherein the filter assembly has an opening defined therethrough, and wherein in the first position, the opening partially defines the upper chamber and in the second position the opening partially defines the fluid chamber.   
     
     
         102 . The fluorescence analysis cartridge of  claim 101  wherein the breath chamber is sealed from the fluid chamber when the filter assembly is in the first position. 
     
     
         103 . The fluorescence analysis cartridge of  claim 101  wherein the filter assembly divides the upper chamber into a front chamber and a rear chamber, and wherein the front chamber includes a piercing member disposed therein that is positioned adjacent the front opening. 
     
     
         104 . The fluorescence analysis cartridge of  claim 103  wherein the piercing member is hollow and includes a main body portion having a piercer extending therefrom, and wherein the piercer has a smaller diameter than the main body portion. 
     
     
         105 . The fluorescence analysis cartridge of  claim 103  wherein the rear chamber of the fluorescence analysis cartridge includes an absorption member positioned therein. 
     
     
         106 . The fluorescence analysis cartridge of  claim 101  further comprising opposing light entry and light exit windows positioned on opposite sides of the fluid chamber, and a fluorescence window positioned on the bottom of the main body portion. 
     
     
         107 . The fluorescence analysis cartridge of  claim 106  wherein the light entry and light exit windows each include an outer surface, and wherein the outer surfaces are parallel to one another. 
     
     
         108 . The fluorescence analysis cartridge of  claim 107  wherein the fluorescence window includes an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface of the fluorescence window is perpendicular to the outer surface of the light entry window. 
     
     
         109 . The fluorescence analysis cartridge of  claim 101  further comprising an elution solution disposed in the fluid chamber. 
     
     
         110 . A method of forming a fluorescing solution within an analysis cartridge that includes:
 a main body portion with an upper portion that defines a breath chamber;   a lower portion that defines a fluid chamber having an elution solution disposed therein; and   a filter assembly that is movable along a filter assembly path between a first position and a second position,   wherein the filter assembly has an opening defined therethrough, and   wherein in the first position, the opening partially defines the breath chamber and in the second position the opening partially defines the fluid chamber,   wherein the filter assembly includes a substrate incorporated with an active reactive capture agent disposed therein, the method comprising the steps of:   (a) capturing carbonyl containing moieties on the substrate,   (b) moving the filter assembly from the first position to the second position, and   (c) eluting the carbonyl containing moieties and active reactive capture agent into the elution solution to form the fluorescing solution.   
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 110  wherein the filter assembly includes first and second filters positioned in the opening, and wherein the first and second filters define a substrate space therebetween, and wherein the substrate incorporated with active reactive capture agent is disposed in the substrate space. 
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 110  wherein the analysis cartridge includes a pressure measurement hole defined in a wall of the upper portion, wherein the pressure measurement hole communicates the breath chamber with a pressure tunnel that extends through the main body portion. 
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 112  wherein the analysis cartridge includes a collar extending downwardly from the main body portion, wherein the collar includes a pressure recess for receiving a pressure protrusion, and wherein the pressure tunnel is in communication with the pressure recess. 
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 110  wherein the active reactive capture agent is a fluorescent hydrazine or aminooxy compound.