초록 ▼

A reference T-sensor system is provided for detecting the presence and/or measuring the concentration of analyte particles in a sample stream. The system includes: a) a laminar flow channel; b) three or more inlet means in fluid connection with the laminar flow channel for respectively conducting in

A reference T-sensor system is provided for detecting the presence and/or measuring the concentration of analyte particles in a sample stream. The system includes: a) a laminar flow channel; b) three or more inlet means in fluid connection with the laminar flow channel for respectively conducting into the laminar flow channel (1) an indicator stream which may include an indicator substance which indicates the presence of the analyte particles, (2) the sample stream, and (3) a reference stream, which can be a control stream and/or internal standard stream; c) wherein the laminar flow channel has a depth and/or width sufficiently small to allow laminar flow of the streams and a length sufficient to allow particles of the analyte to diffuse into the indicator stream to form a detection area; and d) outlet means for conducting the streams out of the laminar flow channel preferably to form a single mixed stream. Also provided are methods of using the device to improve accuracy and increase convenience of measuring the concentration of analytes in a sample. Monitoring reference stream(s) in laminar flow with sample stream(s) allows for calibration or for monitoring or correcting for the effects of experimental conditions which might otherwise degrade accuracy. A reference stream which serves as both a control stream and an internal standard stream is convenient and economical. The device of this invention also needs less frequent calibration than previously-known fluid analysis devices because the devices and methods of this invention provide for continuous and simultaneous quality control and internal standardization.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [9.] A method for detecting the presence or determining the concentration of analyte particles in a sample stream, comprising:a) conducting said sample stream into a laminar flow channel;b) conducting an indicator stream, said indicator stream comprising an indicator substance which ind

[ We claim:] [9.] A method for detecting the presence or determining the concentration of analyte particles in a sample stream, comprising:a) conducting said sample stream into a laminar flow channel;b) conducting an indicator stream, said indicator stream comprising an indicator substance which indicates the presence of said analyte particles by a change in a detectable property when contacted with particles of said analyte, into said laminar flow channel, whereby said sample stream and said indicator stream flow in adjacent laminar flow in said channel;c) conducting a reference stream, comprising a constant concentration of 0 or greater of reference particles into said laminar flow channel, whereby said reference stream flows in a laminar stream adjacent to said indicator stream;d) allowing analyte particles to diffuse into said indicator stream;e) allowing reference particles to diffuse into said indicator stream; andf) detecting the presence or determining the concentration of said analyte and reference particles in said indicator stream.