| abstract |
A machine-readable assay system is provided that includes a test card (10) that provides a machine-readable assay component. At least one analytical strip (32a / 32b) is provided that detects the presence or absence of at least one substance present in the physiological fluid and can include an optically displayable antibody and / or reagent. The assay strip (32a / 32b) at least partially comprises an assay mechanism in the form of a pattern of elements (32a / 32b), comprising at least one immobilization strip (33a) and at least one blank area (33b). Generally additionally included. Each of the assay strips, upon contact with the physiological fluid of the donor at an appropriate time, changes from a first state having a first reflectance level to a second state having a second substantially different reflectance level. Effect a change, thereby altering the pattern formed by the assay mechanism. Certain patterns resulting from exposure to physiological fluids produce separate, mechanically readable indicia. The assay system optically scans the mechanically readable indicia, reads and sends the read information to a remote location (12) for processing by a communication link (86) to a scanner (54a) and a decoder (54b). ) May be further included. |