| abstract |
A sampling and assay device comprises at least three chamber portions (1, 3, 4) connected together in a row. Each chamber portion (1, 3, 4) defines a chamber (11, 13, 27) and adjacent chambers (11, 13, 27) along the row are separated by respective partitions (14, 15). One end chamber (4) is capable of receiving a sample either on a swab or as a liquid. The other chambers (11, 13) contain reagent for performing the assay. Adjacent chamber portions (1, 3, 4) along the row are relatively movable towards each another. In respect of each pair of adjacent chamber portions (1, 3), one of the adjacent chamber portions (1) has the respective partition (14) fixed thereto and the other of the adjacent chamber portions (3) has a rupture member (17) arranged to rupture the respective partition (14) on relative movement of the adjacent chamber portions (1, 3). As a result, the sampling and assay device is capable of rupturing each partition (14, 15) simultaneously on relative movement of the chamber portions (1, 4) at the ends of the row towards each other. Also, each pair of adjacent chamber portions (1, 3) have respective connection portions (2a, 3a) mated together, the connection portions (2a, 3a) being designed to allow further chamber portions identical to an intermediate chamber portion to be connected into said row. |