Patent attributes
Device (1) for assaying a particulate analyte, comprising (a) a receptacle (2) for receiving a suspension (5) of particulate analyte, and containing label (3) for the particulate analyte, and (b) a porous detection material (4) that is permeable to label (3) but is impermeable to particulate analyte, the detection material (4) being arranged within receptacle (2) such that introduction of suspension (5) of particulate analyte into receptacle (2) forms liquid communication between label (3) and detection material (4). After liquid sample (5) is introduced into the receptacle (2), capillary flow through the porous detection material (4) begins. Particulate analyte cannot flow through the detection material (4) and is captured at its surface. Addition of liquid sample (5) also releases the label (3) within the receptacle (2), which is then free to flow through the detection material (4). Label (3) encounters the captured analyte and gives a signal (7). Label is prevented from running ahead of the analyte, resulting in high sensitivity.
