WO2014102501A1

WO2014102501A1 - Analysis bar including means for attaching a cone to said bar

Info

Publication number: WO2014102501A1
Application number: PCT/FR2013/053256
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric FOUCAULT; Pascal Dalbon
Original assignee: bioMérieux
Priority date: 2012-12-26
Filing date: 2013-12-23
Publication date: 2014-07-03
Also published as: FR3000218A1; CN103894245A; CN203886561U

Abstract

The invention relates to an analysis bar (1) for performing an analysis of a sample, said analysis bar (1), suitable for being used in combination with a cone during the analysis, including a plurality of vessels (42) suitable for containing and storing a liquid, said analysis bar including a receptacle (45) for receiving and packaging the cone inside thereof, the receptacle (45) being attached to the analysis bar (1) in a first position by means of a connecting means (39), said first position being a storage position of the analysis bar (1), the connecting means (39) being configured such that the receptacle (45) can be moved into a second position in order to use the cone in combination with the plurality of vessels (42), the dimensions of the analysis bar (1) in the first position being smaller than the dimensions of the analysis bar (1) in the second position.

Description

ANALYSIS BAR WITH MEANS FOR ATTACHING A CONE TO

LADITE BARRETTE Technical Area

The present invention generally relates to the field of analyzing samples to be tested and more particularly to an analysis bar and a receptacle containing a cone adapted for use with the analysis bar for sample analysis. specific.

State of the art

In the field of analyzing samples that may contain analytes of interest, it is known to use methods based on specific measurements such as signal measurements. The analysis of the sample to be tested must therefore include the use of a reagent representative of the analyte to be detected or quantified in the sample. The reagent makes it possible to obtain a reaction product. The medium from the sample to be tested and containing the reaction product is then a reaction medium. Thus, the specific measurements may include, for example, fluorimetric measurements, i.e., measurements for quantizing fluorescence signals emitted during the biological analysis of the sample. In this situation, the reaction product obtained has fluorescence properties. In application of the principle of fluorescence, such a reaction product exposed to a light source, corresponding to a first wavelength called excitation wavelength, in turn emits light rays at a second wavelength called emission wavelength. The detection of the fluorescence signals, in this reaction medium, associated with a signal processing of these fluorescence signals makes it possible, for example, to determine the presence or the concentration of the specific analyte sought within the sample at the end of the reaction. test. Of course, other types of sample analysis implementing an analysis bar and a receptacle containing a suitable cone can be envisaged.

Samples analysis can be performed using an analysis device into which is inserted an analysis bar comprising at least two cuvettes, each filled with a particular liquid. The analysis bar generally comprises a bowl adapted to receive a sample to be tested.

During the analysis of this sample, a cone or a pipette is used to suck up a quantity of said sample and deposit said sample inside the various cuvettes present in the analysis bar. The liquids present inside the different cuvettes can react with the test sample to obtain, at the end of a liquid transfer cycle, for example from one cuvette to another, a liquid, or reaction medium , on which the measurements of a signal can be made.

In order to ensure an optimal progress of such an analysis, for which an analysis bar is used in combination with a cone, it is important to combine, on the one hand, an analysis bar, and on the other hand a cone adapted for this analysis bar. The adapted cone comes, for example, from the same batch as that of the analysis bar. Since the cone and the bar are produced separately and have different expiry dates, it is therefore necessary to ensure that a batch actually contains a cone and an analysis bar having an identical expiry date. The adapted cone may also contain a part of the reagents necessary for the emission of the signal, the analysis bar containing the other part of the reagents. Thus, this correct combination ensures that the analysis device, using the assembly comprising the analysis bar and the cone, will provide an analysis result associated with this combination. Indeed, when using the assembly consisting of an analysis bar and a cone, the user can manipulate by mistake an analysis bar in combination with a cone not intended to be used with said analysis bar. This error can lead to erroneous results regarding the performed analysis, such as false negative results.

In the prior art, several means have been developed making it possible to improve the reliability of the combination of an analysis bar and a cone, and to avoid the erroneous combination of analysis bars and cones. being not intended for the same analyzes or tests.

A first solution developed in the prior art is to use a sticker having a color and an identifier specifically relating to the analysis to be performed. This sticker is placed outside the cone, as well as outside the analysis bar. The user must then verify that the specific cone is used with the corresponding specific analysis bar. Another solution, also developed in the prior art, is to add, on the sticker another identifier, for example a barcode or RFID code (Radio Frequency Identification), can be read by a suitable reading device. This identifier makes it possible to identify the analysis bar and the cone before the beginning of a biological test. After introduction of the analysis bar and the cone inside the analysis device, the respective identifiers of the analysis bar and the cone can be read and the pairing between the analysis bar and the cone can be be checked before authorizing the initiation of a test. However, this solution requires that each element of the analysis and cone assembly contains an appropriate sticker and identifier.

The solutions developed in the prior art are entirely adapted to increase the security when using an analysis bar in combination with a suitable cone. Nevertheless, the need to equip each analysis bar and each cone with an identifier can be relatively complex and expensive. In addition, these solutions do not solve the problem related to the need to use a specific cone with the corresponding specific analysis bar. Indeed, the implementation of a suitable reading device makes it possible to prevent the unfolding of the analysis in case of incorrect pairing of the cone and the analysis bar. However, the introduction into the analysis device of the specific cone to be combined with the specific analysis bar requires the intervention of the user. Thus, a human error can still occur. Finally, the combination of cone and analysis bar also requires that the analysis device contain two introducer devices, one for the cone, and the other for the analysis bar.

US 2006/0120926 discloses an analysis bar comprising a plurality of cuvettes and a receptacle for holding an analysis cone. During storage of the analysis bar, the cuvettes and the receptacle are closed by the same protective film. This solution makes it possible to improve the reliability of the pairing between the analysis bar and the cone for a specific analysis. However, the storage of a large number of such analysis strips represents a large amount of space.

WO 2012/094625 discloses an analysis bar comprising different cuvettes for containing a liquid. The analysis bar also comprises a specific bowl intended to receive an analysis cone and a lid connected to the specific bowl by means of a hinge. The specific bowl does not allow to receive the analysis cone in its entirety. The end of the cone of analysis therefore exceeds the specific bowl. The cover is intended to protect the end of the test cone, which protrudes from the specific bowl, light and any dust particles. During the automatic implementation of an assay within such an analysis bar, the analysis instrument must make displacements in different horizontal planes in order to remove the cover in a first horizontal plane and come into contact with the analysis cone along a second horizontal plane. Thus, the use of such an analysis bar requires complex and precise movements of the instrument. In addition, such a difference in level between the lid and the end of the analysis cone received within the specific bowl implies an additional thickness not negligible for the analysis bar when the cover covers the end of the analysis cone in the storage position of the analysis bar.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome at least partially the problems mentioned above. In addition, the present invention has a relatively inexpensive solution to ensure a correct pairing between the analysis bar and the cone.

A first object of the invention relates to an analysis bar for performing an analysis of a sample, said analysis bar comprising a plurality of cuvettes adapted to contain and store a liquid, the analysis bar being adapted to be used in combination with a cone during the analysis, the cone being adapted to suck a quantity of liquid from a first bowl and discharge the quantity of liquid in a second bowl, said analysis bar comprising a receptacle for receiving and conditioning the cone in its interior, the receptacle being fixed to the analysis bar in a first position by means of a connecting means, said first position being a storage position of the analysis bar, the connecting means being configured so that the receptacle can be moved to a second position to use the cone in combination with the plurality of cuvettes, the bulk of the bar in the first position being less than the size of the analysis bar in the second position.

By receptacle for "receiving and conditioning the cone in its interior" is meant that the cone is conditioned in its entirety, that is to say in its entirety, in the receptacle so that the end of the cone does not exceed receptacle and that the opening of the receptacle, that is to say the open end of the receptacle, and therefore the end of the cone in the receptacle, and therefore the access to the cone, is located in the same plane as that the opening of the cuvettes, that is to say the open end of the cuvettes. According to a particular embodiment, the connecting means comprises a hinge allowing the receptacle to be movable between the first position and the second position. According to a particular embodiment, the plurality of cuvettes of the analysis bar form a longitudinal element, the receptacle being fixed to the analysis bar in the first position in a direction parallel to the longitudinal element and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal element, in the second position.

According to a particular embodiment, the receptacle is fixed to the analysis bar in the first position in the extension of the longitudinal element.

According to a particular embodiment, the connecting means allows the receptacle to be attached, removably, to the analysis bar in the first position and to be released from the analysis bar to be moved in the second position. position.

According to a particular embodiment, the plurality of cuvettes comprises a first cuvette adapted to receive the sample and a last cuvette adapted to allow the reading of a signal emitted by the reaction medium, derived from the sample, during the sampling. 'analysis.

According to a particular embodiment, the plurality of cuvettes comprises more than two cuvettes, a first cuvette being adapted to receive the sample, a last cuvette being adapted to allow the reading of a signal emitted during the analysis by the medium. reaction, from the sample, the cuvettes located between the first and the last cuvette being adapted to contain a quantity of liquid that can be used during a sample analysis. According to a particular embodiment, the hinge comprises a metal part with a bistable system. According to a particular embodiment, the hinge is breakable.

A second object of the invention relates to the use of an analysis strip as described according to the first subject of the invention.

According to a particular embodiment of the use of the analysis bar, the analysis is performed by an immunoassay.

A third object of the invention relates to an analysis device adapted for implementing an analysis bar according to the first objective of the invention, the analysis device containing an analysis bar support, said analysis support comprising a guiding mechanism for imposing displacement of the receptacle from a first position to a second position. Brief description of the drawings

The invention, its functionality, its applications as well as its advantages will be better understood on reading the present description, with reference to the figures, in which: FIG. 1 shows an analysis strip and an associated cone for a biological analysis according to the prior art, by way of example; Figure 2 shows an analysis bar according to a first embodiment of the invention, for example, the analysis bar comprising a receptacle for receiving a cone, the receptacle being in a first position; Figure 3 shows the analysis bar, according to Figure 2 and according to an alternative to the first embodiment of the invention, for example, the receptacle being in a second position; FIG. 4 shows an analysis bar according to a second embodiment of the invention, for example, the analysis bar comprising a receptacle for receiving a cone, the receptacle being in a first position; FIG. 5 shows an analysis bar according to the second embodiment of the invention, for example, the receptacle being in a second position; FIG. 6 shows an analysis bar according to a third embodiment of the invention, for example, the analysis bar comprising a receptacle for receiving a cone, the receptacle being in a first position; Figure 7 shows an analysis bar according to the third embodiment of the invention, for example, the receptacle being in a second position; Figure 8 shows an analysis bar according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, for example, the analysis bar comprising a receptacle for receiving a cone, the receptacle being in a first position; Figure 9 shows an analysis bar according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, for example, the receptacle being in a second position; FIG. 10 shows an analysis bar according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, for example, the analysis bar comprising a receptacle for receiving a cone, the receptacle being in a first position; and Figure 11 shows an analysis bar according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, for example, the receptacle being in a second position. Detailed description of the invention

The purpose of the following detailed description is to explain the invention in a sufficiently clear and complete manner, in particular by means of examples, but should in no way be regarded as limiting the scope of the protection to the modes of particular embodiments and the examples presented below. The examples below will make it possible to better understand the present invention. However, these examples are for illustrative purposes only and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. The present invention relates to the analysis, such as biological analysis, of samples. According to the present invention, the sample may be of various origins, for example of food, environmental, veterinary, clinical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic origin. Examples of food-based samples include, but are not limited to, a sample of dairy products (yogurt, cheese, etc.), meat, fish, egg, fruit, vegetable, water, drink (milk, fruit juice, soda, etc.). Of course, these food-based samples can also come from sauces or more elaborate dishes or unprocessed or partially processed raw materials. A food sample may also be derived from a feed intended for animals, such as cakes, animal meal.

As indicated above, the sample may be of environmental origin and may consist of, for example, surface sampling, water, etc. The sample may also consist of a biological sample, of clinical origin, human or animal, which may correspond to samples of biological fluid (urine, whole blood or derivatives such as serum or plasma, saliva, pus, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.), stool (eg cholera diarrhea), nose, throat, skin, wound, organs, tissue or isolated cells. This list is obviously not exhaustive.

In general, the term "sample" refers to a part or quantity, more specifically a small part or a small quantity, taken from one or more entities for analysis. This sample may possibly have undergone a preliminary treatment, including, for example, mixing, dilution or grinding steps, in particular if the starting entity is in the solid state. The sample analyzed is capable of or suspected of containing at least one analyte representative of the presence of microorganisms or of a disease to be detected, characterized or monitored.

Sample analysis may involve a reaction between the analyte of interest and one or more specific binding partner (s) to the analyte.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reaction is an immunological reaction and the analyte to be determined is a protein, a peptide or a hapten. This reaction involves as binding partner (s) antigens and / or antibodies, receptors to the analyte. As examples of immunological reactions, mention may be made of the so-called "competitive" reactions and the so-called "sandwich" reactions used in ELISA or ELFA type assays.

Of course, the term "immuno" in "immunoassay" is not to be considered in this application as strictly indicating that the binding partner is an immunological partner, such as an antibody. Indeed, the skilled person also uses this term widely when the liaison partner, also called ligand, is not an immunological partner but is, for example, an analyte receptor that is to be assayed. Thus, it is known to speak of the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) assay for assays which use non-immunological binding partners, more broadly called in English "Ligand Binding Assay", which could be translated as "Dosage using ligand binding ", while the very term" immuno "is included in the acronym ELISA. For the sake of clarity, the Applicant will use in the application the term "immuno" for any assay of a protein analyte using a binding partner, even when it is not an immunological partner.

The reaction may also be a hybridization reaction and the analyte to be determined is a DNA or RNA nucleic acid, ie a reaction that involves a nucleotide fragment complementary to the analyte to be determined. FIG. 1 shows an analysis bar 20 according to the prior art and a cone 30, adapted to be used with the analysis bar 20. The analysis bar 20 comprises a support 21 adapted to manipulate the analysis bar 20. The analysis bar 20 comprises a first bowl 22, a plurality of cups 23, that is to say at least two cups 23. The analysis bar 20 also comprises a last bowl 24. Each bowl 23 is adapted to receive and condition liquids or fluids used in biological sample analysis. A protective film (not shown) located on the upper edges of the cuvettes makes it possible to cover in a sealed manner the different contents of the various cuvettes 22, 23 and 24. The protective film can be pierced with the cone 30 when using the bar 20 or the film covering the bowl 22 may be pre-drilled to receive the sample. The first bowl 22, for example of cylindrical shape, is adapted to receive a sample to be analyzed. The cuvettes 23 are closed on all their faces and comprise reagents necessary for the reaction to determine the presence of the analyte to be tested or to quantify the analyte. In particular, one of the cuvettes 23 comprises a reagent which, according to the analysis conditions, for example in the presence of the analyte to be detected or quantify, is capable of generating a reaction product emitting a signal if the analyte is present in said sample. The analysis of the sample is based on this reaction product. The reaction product is the result of the displacement of at least a portion of the sample from the first bowl 22, via the bowls 23, to the last bowl 24.

During an analysis of a sample, the transport of liquid between the various cuvettes, 22, 23 and 24 is carried out using the cone 30 shown in FIG. 1. The cone 30 is used as a solid phase at the reaction since the interior of the cone is covered with at least one analyte binding partner. The cone 30 sucks liquid from the first bowl 22 to discharge the liquid sucked into a bowl 23 to obtain a first mixture. Then the cone 30 sucks the first mixture and forces the first mixture into another bowl 23 to obtain a second mixture and so on until the last bowl 24 in which the reaction medium is discharged. Depending on the type of analysis desired, all or some cuvettes 23 may be necessary for the analysis of the reaction medium from the sample initially taken from the cuvette 22.

As shown in Figure 1, the analysis bar 20 comprises a last bowl 24 located at the second end of the analysis bar 20. The last bowl 24 comprises vertical walls which have a thickness of about one millimeter. The vertical walls are joined by a base comprising two inclined and contiguous walls. The analysis of the sample is carried out using an illumination step and a simultaneous detection step of the signal emitted by the contents of this latter bowl 24.

In order to optimize the progress of a sample analysis and the reliability of the results obtained by analyzing the contents of the last bowl 24, it is important, during the analyzes, that an analysis strip 20 is correctly matched with the cone used for the transfer of the different fluids within the different cuvettes of the analysis bar 20.

When an analysis bar 20 and a cone 30 are manually entered into a sample analysis device (not shown), the operator must be attentive and use the correct combination of an analysis bar and a cone. If the analysis device comprises several bar supports, such as rails, the operator must carefully execute a number of manipulations equal to the number of rails for each test. These various manipulations consist, before the test, in inserting the analysis bar and inserting the corresponding cone, and, after carrying out the test, removing the analysis bar and removing the cone.

In order to assist the operator or the automated analysis device, and in order to guarantee a correct pairing of an analysis bar and a cone, the analysis bar and the cone may be provided with an identifier used to identify the type of analysis bar and cone used, their expiration date, batch number, etc.

The following description relates to an analysis bar, an analysis device and a use of the analysis bar according to the present invention.

The present invention relates to an analysis bar provided with a receptacle adapted to receive and condition a cone in its interior in order to ensure a correct pairing between an analysis bar and a cone to perform an analysis, for example biological, of samples.

In addition, the present invention relates to an analysis bar configured so that the size of the analysis bar comprising the receptacle adapted to the cone can be reduced during storage of the analysis bar. In the following description, the reference to a bowl comprises, for example, any bowl comprising a continuous wall of oblong shape or any bowl comprising vertical walls joined by a base comprising, for example, two inclined and contiguous walls.

In the following description, the reference to the protective film comprises any type of film, for example bilayer or trilayer, made for example of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) / aluminum / polyethylene (PE).

In the following description, the reference to an analysis device comprises a device for setting up and using the analysis bar according to the present invention. Also, the analysis device comprises at least one analysis bar support, such as a rail, in order to introduce an analysis bar within the analysis device to enable the analysis of the analyzer to be performed. sample.

A first embodiment of an analysis bar according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The analysis bar 1, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises a first portion 40 comprising a first bowl 42 for receiving a sample and a last cup 44 to receive the reaction medium. Thus, the last bowl 44 allows the reading of a signal emitted by the reaction medium during the analysis. The first portion 40 also comprises, between the first bowl 42 and the last bowl 44, a series of cuvettes 43. Each cuvette 43 can receive and contain a quantity of liquid that can be used in a biological sample analysis. Each bowl 43 includes an opening for receiving a quantity of liquid. The analysis bar 1 further comprises a receptacle 45 which, in FIG. 2, is shown in a first position called the storage position.

The receptacle 45 is adapted to receive, in its interior, a cone (not shown) adapted to be used in combination with the analysis bar 40. The receptacle 45 is closed on all sides but is provided with an opening 46 allowing to receive the cone and to have access to the cone. When the cone is introduced inside the receptacle 45, it can be packaged inside the receptacle 45 and the opening 46 can be closed by a protective film. This protective film can be of the same type as the protective film with which the cuvettes 43 and 44 of the first part 40 of the analysis bar 1 can be closed.

The receptacle 45 may comprise a compartment (not shown), for example in the lower position, for receiving a desiccant.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the receptacle 45 is fixed to the analysis bar 1, and more particularly to the first part 40 of the analysis bar 1 by virtue of a connecting means 39, 49 comprising a link arm 47, 48 and a hinge 41. The hinge 41 allows the receptacle 45 to be moved from a first position called storage position according to Figure 2, wherein the receptacle 45 is positioned in a substantially parallel direction, preferably parallel, to the direction of the first part 40 of the analysis bar 1, to a second position called the position of use as shown in FIG. 3, in which the receptacle 45 is positioned in a substantially perpendicular direction, preferably perpendicular to the direction of the first part 40 of the analysis bar 1.

In a first embodiment, the connecting means 39 comprises a link arm 47 and a hinge 41 shown in Figure 2. The hinge 41 is made of a plastic material having a degree of elasticity sufficient to be stressed. mechanical in order to be deformed. The hinge 41 allows the displacement of the receptacle 45 to the second position. According to a variant of the first embodiment, the connecting means 49 comprises a link arm 48 and a hinge 41 shown in FIG.

According to one or other of these embodiments, the hinge 41 may also comprise a metallic piece with a bistable system, also called a system with 2 stable positions, making it possible to keep the receptacle 45 in the first position or in the second position stably. This metal part is overmolded within the plastic material of the hinge 41. According to one or other of these embodiments, the hinge 41 can be divisible so that the receptacle 45 can be separated from the analysis bar 1.

Insofar as the receptacle 45 is fixed to the analysis bar 1 by the connecting means 39, 49 and can thus move according to the positions as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second position of the receptacle 45 according to FIG. 3 makes it possible to make the contents of the receptacle 45 accessible, in a manner similar to the various cuvettes 42, 43 and 44 of the first part 40. In fact, in the second position, the opening of the receptacle 45, and therefore the access to the cone in the receptacle 45, is situated in the same plane as that of the opening of the cuvettes 42, 43, 44. In other words, in the second position as shown in FIG. 3 and in an automated method, a device for The "pipettor" type can manipulate a cone located within the receptacle 45 and move said cone to a specific location above a predetermined cup to begin the analysis of the sample.

In this first embodiment, the analysis device comprises a guiding mechanism such as a guide stop or a guiding slide located near the end of the bar support, inside the analysis device. . Thus, the analysis bar 1 can be inserted on the bar support until the receptacle 45 comes into contact with the guide mechanism. This guiding mechanism can then exert a mechanical stress on the receptacle 45 in order to impose the displacement of the receptacle 45 from the first position to the second position. The volume of the assembly composed of the first part 40 of the analysis bar 1 and the receptacle 45 is relatively large. In order to avoid this assembly being too bulky, the hinge 41 of the connecting arm 47, 48, between the first part 40 and the receptacle 45, allows the receptacle 45 to move from a second position shown in FIG. a first position as shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the receptacle 45 is in the extension of the analysis bar 1, on the same plane as that of the first part 40 of the analysis bar 1 Thus, in this first position, the set comprising the first portion 40 and the receptacle 45 occupies a small footprint in the direction of the thickness of the analysis bar 1 relative to the size of the analysis bar 1 in the second position. The assembly can be packaged in a "packaging" of the bag type, in the position as shown in FIG. 2. When the analysis is to begin, the assembly composed of the first part 40 of the analysis bar 1 and of the receptacle 45, can be removed from this packaging to be placed in the analysis device so that the contents of the receptacle 45 is made accessible, for example in the context of an automated process. A second embodiment of an analysis bar according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The analysis bar 2, as shown in FIG. 4, comprises a first portion 50 comprising a first bowl 52 for receiving a sample and a last cup 54 to receive the reaction medium. Thus, the last bowl 54 makes it possible to read a signal emitted by the reaction medium during the analysis. The first portion 50 also includes, between the first bowl 52 and the last bowl 54, a series of cuvettes 53. Each cuvette 53 can receive and contain a quantity of liquid that can be used in a sample analysis. Each bowl 53 includes an opening for receiving a quantity of liquid. The analysis bar 2 further comprises a receptacle 55 which, in FIG. 4, is shown in a first position called the storage position.

The receptacle 55 is adapted to receive, in its interior, a cone (not shown) adapted to be used in combination with the analysis bar 50. The receptacle 55 is closed on all sides but is provided with an opening 56 allowing to receive the cone and to have access to the cone. When the cone is introduced inside the receptacle 55, it can be packaged inside the receptacle 55 and the opening 56 can be closed by means of a protective film. This protective film may be of the same type as the protective film with which the cuvettes 53 and 54 of the first part 50 of the analysis bar 2 can be closed. The receptacle 55 may comprise a compartment (not shown), for example in the lower position, for receiving a desiccant.

As shown in FIG. 4, the receptacle 55 is held or removably attached to the analysis bar 2, and more particularly to the first part 50 of the analysis bar 2 by means of a connection means 59 such that a slidable housing 59. The connecting means 59 allows the receptacle 55 to be released and then moved from a first position, said storage position according to FIG. 2, in which the receptacle 55 is positioned in a substantially parallel direction, preferentially parallel to the direction of the first portion 50 of the analysis bar 2, to a second position called position of use as shown in Figure 5, wherein the receptacle 55 is positioned in a substantially perpendicular direction, preferably perpendicular, to the direction of the analysis bar 50.

In this second embodiment, the end of the opening 56 of the receptacle 55 can slide in the slot in the form of slideway 59. The receptacle 55 is then in a substantially parallel position, preferably parallel to the direction of the bar. 2. When using the analysis bar 2, the user can remove the receptacle 55 from the connecting means 59 to remove the cone from the receptacle 55 for analysis.

Insofar as the receptacle 55 can be released from the connecting means 59 and be moved according to the positions as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second position of the receptacle 55 according to FIG. 5 enables the contents of the receptacle 55 to be made accessible, similarly to the different cuvettes 52, 53 and 54 of the first part 50. In other words, in the second position as shown in FIG. 5 and in an automated process, a "pipettor" type device can manipulate a cone located inside the receptacle 55 and move said cone to a specific location above a predetermined bowl to begin the analysis of the sample. When using the analysis bar 2, the user manipulates on the one hand the first part 50 of the analysis bar 2 and on the other hand the receptacle 55. The bulk of these two separate elements is therefore greater than the size of the analysis bar 2 comprising the receptacle 55. The connecting means 59 between the first part 50 and the receptacle 55 allows the receptacle 55 to be released and then moved from a first position shown in FIG. 4 to a second position as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 4, the receptacle 55 is in the extension of the analysis bar 2, on the same plane as that of the first part 50 of the bar. analysis 2. Thus, in this first position, the assembly comprising the first portion 50 and the receptacle 55 occupies a small footprint in the direction of the thickness of the analysis bar 2 with respect to the size of the bar of FIG. analysis 2 in the second position. The assembly can be packaged in a "packaging" of the bag type, in the position as shown in FIG. 4. When the analysis is to begin, the assembly composed of the first part 50 of the analysis bar 2 and of the receptacle 55, can be removed from this packaging so that the contents of the receptacle 55 is made accessible, for example in the context of an automated process. A third embodiment of an analysis bar according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The analysis bar 3, as shown in FIG. 6, comprises a first portion 60 comprising a first bowl 62 for receiving a sample and a last bowl 64 to receive the reaction medium. Thus, the last cuvette 64 allows the reading of a signal emitted by the reaction medium during the analysis. The first portion 60 also includes, between the first bowl 62 and the last bowl 64, a series of cuvettes 63. Each cuvette 63 can receive and contain a quantity of liquid that can be used in a sample analysis. Each bowl 63 includes an opening for receiving a quantity of liquid. The analysis bar 3 further comprises a receptacle 65 which, in FIG. 6, is shown in a first position called storage position. The receptacle 65 is adapted to receive, in its interior, a cone (not shown) adapted to be used in combination with the analysis bar 3. The receptacle 65 is closed on all sides but is provided with an opening 66 allowing to receive the cone and to have access to the cone. When the cone is introduced inside the receptacle 65, it can be packaged inside the receptacle 65 and the opening 66 can be closed by means of a protective film. This protective film may be of the same type as the protective film with which the cuvettes 63 and 64 of the first part 60 of the analysis bar 3 can be closed. This protective film may also be an extension of the protective film with which the cuvettes 63 and 64 of the first part 60 of the analysis bar 3 may be closed.

The receptacle 65 may comprise a compartment (not shown), for example in the lower position, for receiving a desiccant.

As shown in FIG. 6, the receptacle 65 is fixed to the analysis bar 3, and more particularly to the first part 60 of the analysis bar 3 by virtue of a connecting means 69 comprising a hinge 61. The hinge 61 is made of a plastic material having a degree of elasticity sufficient to be subjected to mechanical stress in order to be deformed. The hinge 61 allows the receptacle 65 to be displaced from a first position, said storage position according to FIG. 6, in which the receptacle 65 is positioned in a substantially parallel direction, preferably parallel to the direction of the first portion 60 of the analysis bar 3, to a second position called use position as shown in Figure 7, wherein the receptacle 65 is positioned in a substantially perpendicular direction, preferably perpendicular to the direction of the first portion 60 of the bar analysis 3.

In this third embodiment, the connecting means 69 form a connecting piece in order to maintain the receptacle 65. The connecting means 69 is in a substantially perpendicular direction, preferably perpendicular to the direction of the first portion 60 of the bar analysis 3 in the first position. The connecting means 69 is in a substantially parallel direction, preferably parallel to the direction of the first portion 60 of the analysis bar 3 in the second position. The hinge 61 may also comprise a metal part with a bistable system, also called a system with 2 stable positions, for maintaining the receptacle 65 in the first position or in the second position stably. This metal part is overmolded within the plastic material of the hinge 61.

The hinge 61 can be divisible so that the receptacle 65 can be separated from the analysis bar 3.

Insofar as the receptacle 65 is fixed to the analysis bar 3 by the connecting means 69 and can move in the positions as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second position of the receptacle 65 according to FIG. make accessible the contents of the receptacle 65, similarly to the different cuvettes 62, 63 and 64 of the first part 60. Indeed, in the second position, the opening of the receptacle 65, and thus the access to the cone in the receptacle 65, is located in the same plane as that of the opening of the cuvettes 62, 63, 64. In other words, in the second position as shown in FIG. 7 and in an automated process, a device of "pipettor" type Can manipulate a cone located within the receptacle 65 and move said cone to a specific location above a predetermined cup to begin the analysis of the sample.

In this third embodiment, the analysis device comprises a guiding mechanism such as a guide stop or a guiding slide located near the end of the bar support, inside the analysis device. . Thus, the analysis bar 3 can be inserted on the bar support until the receptacle 65 comes into contact with the guide mechanism. This guiding mechanism can then exert a mechanical stress on the receptacle 65 to impose the displacement of the receptacle 65 from the first position to the second position.

The volume of the assembly composed of the first part 60 of the analysis bar 3 and the receptacle 65 is relatively large. In order to avoid this assembly being too bulky, the hinge 61 between the first part 60 and the receptacle 65 allows the receptacle 65 to move from a first position shown in FIG. 6 to a second position as shown in FIG. , and vice versa. As shown in FIG. 6, the receptacle 65 is in the extension of the analysis bar 3, on the plane situated above the plane of the first part 60 of the analysis bar 3. Thus, in this first position , the assembly comprising the first portion 60 and the receptacle 65 occupies a small footprint in the direction of the thickness of the analysis bar 3 relative to the size of the analysis bar 3 in the second position. The assembly can be packaged in a "packaging" of the bag type, in the position as shown in FIG. 6. When the analysis is to begin, the assembly composed of the first part 60 of the analysis bar 3 and of the receptacle 65, can be removed from this packaging to be put in the analysis device so that the contents of the receptacle 65 is made accessible, for example as part of an automated process.

A fourth embodiment of an analysis bar according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The analysis bar 4, as shown in FIG. 8, comprises a first portion 70 comprising a first bowl 72 for receiving a sample and a last bowl 74 to receive the reaction medium. Thus, the last bowl 74 makes it possible to read a signal emitted by the reaction medium during the analysis. The first portion 70 also comprises, between the first bowl 72 and the last bowl 74, a series of cuvettes 73. Each cuvette 73 can receive and contain a quantity of liquid that can be used in a sample analysis. Each bowl 73 includes an opening for receiving a quantity of liquid. The analysis bar 4 comprises, in addition, a receptacle 75 which, in Figure 8, is shown in a first position called storage position.

The receptacle 75 is adapted to receive, in its interior, a cone (not shown) adapted to be used in combination with the analysis bar 4. The receptacle 75 is closed on all sides but is provided with an opening 76 allowing to receive the cone and to have access to the cone. When the cone is introduced inside the receptacle 75, it can be packaged inside the receptacle 75 and the opening 76 can be closed by means of a protective film. This protective film may be of the same type as the protective film with which the cuvettes 73 and 74 of the first part 70 of the analysis bar 4 can be closed. This protective film may also be an extension of the protective film with which the cuvettes 73 and 74 of the first part 70 of the analysis bar 4 may be closed.

The receptacle 75 may comprise a compartment (not shown), for example in the lower position, for receiving a desiccant.

As shown in FIG. 8, the receptacle 75 is fixed to the analysis bar 4, and more particularly to the first part 70 of the analysis bar 4 by virtue of a U-shaped connection means 79. The connecting means 79 comprises a hinge 71, a plurality of pins 77, pins receiving means 78. The hinge 71 is made of a plastic material having a degree of elasticity sufficient to be subjected to mechanical stress to be deformed. The hinge 71 allows the receptacle 75 to be moved from a first position called storage position according to Figure 8, wherein the receptacle 75 is in a substantially parallel direction, preferably parallel to the direction of the first portion 70 of the analysis bar 4, to a second position called position of use as shown in Figure 9, wherein the receptacle 75 is positioned in a substantially perpendicular direction, preferably perpendicular to the direction of the first portion 70 of the bar analysis 4. In this fourth embodiment, the lugs 77 of the connecting means 79 are positioned on a first surface of the U-shape and the lug receiving means 78 are located on a second surface of the U-shape as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, when the receptacle 75 is moved from the second position to the first position, the lugs 77 come into contact with the receiving means 78 so as to be inserted within the receiving means 78. pins 77 within the receiving means 78, the receptacle 75 is maintained in the first position in a substantially parallel direction, preferably parallel to the direction of the analysis bar 4. In this embodiment, the receptacle 75 in the first position is located in the same plane as the bowls 72, 73, 74.

The hinge 71 can be divisible so that the receptacle 75 can be separated from the analysis bar 4.

Insofar as the receptacle 75 is fixed to the analysis bar 4 by the connecting means 79 and can thus move according to the positions as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second position of the receptacle 75 according to FIG. to make accessible the contents of the receptacle 75, similarly to the various cuvettes 72, 73 and 74 of the first part 70. In fact, in the second position, the opening of the receptacle 75, and therefore the access to the cone in the 75, is located in the same plane as that of the opening of the cuvettes 72, 73, 74. In other words, in the second position as shown in FIG. 9 and in an automated method, a device of the type " pipettor "may manipulate a cone located within the receptacle 75 and move said cone to a specific location above a predetermined cup to begin sample analysis.

In this fourth embodiment, the analysis device comprises a guiding mechanism such as a guide stop or a guiding slide located near the end of the bar support, inside the analysis device. . Thus, the analysis bar 4 can be inserted on the bar support until the receptacle 75 comes into contact with the guide mechanism. This Guiding mechanism can then exert a mechanical stress on the receptacle 75 in order to impose the displacement of the receptacle 75 from the first position to the second position. The volume of the assembly composed of the first portion 70 of the analysis bar 4 and the receptacle 75 is relatively large. In order to prevent this assembly from being too bulky, the hinge 71 between the first part 70 and the receptacle 75 allows the receptacle 75 to move from a second position shown in FIG. 9 to a first position as shown in FIG. .

As shown in FIG. 8, the receptacle 75 is in the extension of the analysis bar 4, on the same plane as that of the first part 70 of the analysis bar 4. Thus, in this first position, the assembly comprising the first portion 70 and the receptacle 75 occupies a small footprint in the direction of the thickness of the analysis bar 4 relative to the size of the analysis bar 4 in the second position. When the analysis is to begin, the assembly composed of the first part 70 of the analysis bar 4 and the receptacle 75 can be removed from this packaging to be put in the analysis device so that the contents of the receptacle 75 is made accessible, for example as part of an automated process.

A fifth embodiment of an analysis bar according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The analysis bar 5, as shown in FIG. 10, comprises a first portion 80 comprising a first bowl 82 for receiving a sample and a last bowl 84 for receiving the reaction medium. Thus, the last bowl 84 allows the reading of a signal emitted by the reaction medium during the analysis. The first portion 80 also includes, between the first bowl 82 and the last bowl 84, a series of cuvettes 83. Each cuvette 83 can receive and contain a quantity of liquid that can be used in a sample analysis. Each bowl 83 includes an opening for receiving a quantity of liquid. The analysis bar 5 comprises, in addition, a receptacle 85 which, in Figure 10, is shown in a first position called storage position.

The receptacle 85 is adapted to receive, in its interior, a cone (not shown) adapted to be used in combination with the analysis bar 80. The receptacle 85 is closed on all sides but is provided with an opening 86 allowing to receive the cone and to have access to the cone. When the cone is introduced inside the receptacle 85, it can be packaged inside the receptacle 85 and the opening 86 can be closed by means of a protective film. This protective film may be of the same type as the protective film with which the cuvettes 83 and 84 of the first portion 80 of the analysis bar 5 can be closed. This protective film may also be an extension of the protective film with which the cuvettes 83 and 84 of the first portion 80 of the analysis bar 5 can be closed.

The receptacle 85 may comprise a compartment (not shown), for example in the lower position, for receiving a desiccant.

As shown in FIG. 10, the receptacle 85 is fixed to the analysis bar 5, and more particularly to the first part 80 of the analysis bar 5 by means of a connecting means 89 comprising a hinge 81, pins 87 and The hinge 81 is made of a plastic material having a degree of elasticity sufficient to be subjected to mechanical stress in order to be deformed. The hinge 81 allows the receptacle 85 to be moved from a first position, said storage position according to FIG. 10, in which the receptacle 85 is positioned in a substantially parallel direction, preferably parallel to the direction of the first portion 80 of the analysis bar 5, towards a second position called the use position as shown in FIG. 11, in which the receptacle 85 is positioned in a substantially perpendicular direction, preferably perpendicular to the direction of the first portion 80 of the bar analysis 5. In this fifth embodiment, when the receptacle 85 is moved from the second position to the first position, the lugs 87 come into contact with the lug receiving means 88 so as to be inserted into the receiving means 88. at this mechanical connection of the lugs 87 in the receiving means 88, the receptacle 85 is maintained, in the first position, in a substantially parallel direction, preferably parallel to the direction of the analysis bar 5. In this mode of realization, in the first position, the receptacle 85 is located in a plane located below the plane of the bowls 82, 83 and 84.

The hinge 81 can be divisible so that the receptacle 85 can be separated from the analysis bar 5.

Insofar as the receptacle 85 is fixed to the analysis bar 5 by the connecting means 89 and can thus move according to the positions as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second position of the receptacle 85 according to FIG. to make accessible the contents of the receptacle 85, similarly to the various bowls 82, 83 and 84 of the first part 80. In fact, in the second position, the opening of the receptacle 85, and therefore the access to the cone in the 85, is located in the same plane as that of the opening of the bowls 82, 83, 84. In other words, in the second position as shown in FIG. 11 and in an automated method, a device of the type " pipettor "may manipulate a cone located within the receptacle 85 and move said cone to a specific location above a predetermined cup to begin the analysis of the sample.

The volume of the assembly composed of the first portion 80 of the analysis bar 5 and the receptacle 85 is relatively large. In order to prevent this assembly from being too bulky, the hinge 81 between the first part 80 and the receptacle 85 allows the receptacle 85 to move from a second position shown in FIG. 11 to a first position as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the receptacle 85 is in the extension of the analysis bar 5, on the same plane as that of the first part 80 of the analysis bar 5. Thus, in this first position, the assembly comprising the first part 80 and the receptacle 85 occupies a small space in the direction of the thickness of the analysis bar 5 with respect to the bulk of the analysis bar 5 in the second position. The assembly can be packaged in a "packaging" of bag type, in the position as shown in FIG. 10. When the analysis is to begin, the assembly composed of the first part 80 of the analysis bar 5 and of the receptacle 85, can be removed from this packaging to be put in the analysis device so that the contents of the receptacle 85 is made accessible, for example as part of an automated process.

The analysis bar as described above is particularly suitable for the analysis of a sample, which constitutes another object of the invention.

Claims

An analysis bar (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for performing a sample analysis, said analysis bar (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) comprising a plurality of cuvettes (42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84) adapted to contain and store a liquid, the analysis bar (1,

2, 3, 4, 5) being adapted to be used in combination with a cone during the analysis, the cone being adapted to suck up a quantity of liquid from a first bowl (42, 52, 62, 72, 82) and discharging the quantity of liquid into a second bowl (43, 53, 63, 73, 83), said analysis bar (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) comprising a receptacle (45, 55, 65, 75, 85) for receiving and conditioning the cone in its interior, characterized in that the receptacle (45, 55, 65, 75, 85) is attached to the analysis bar (1, 2,

3, 4, 5) in a first position by means of connecting means (39, 49, 59, 69, 79, 89) said first position being a storage position of the analysis bar (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), the connecting means (39, 49, 59, 69, 79, 89) being configured so that the receptacle (45, 55, 65, 75, 85) can be moved to a second position for using the cone in combination with the plurality of cuvettes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), the size of the analysis bar (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in the first position being lower than the size of the analysis bar (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in the second position.

An analysis strip (1, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means (39, 49, 69, 79, 89) comprises a hinge (41, 61, 71, 81) enabling the receptacle to be mobile between the first position and the second position.

An assay strip (1, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of cuvettes (42, 62, 72, 82, 43, 63, 73, 83, 44, 64, 74, 84 ) of the analysis bar (1, 3, 4, 5) forms a longitudinal element, the receptacle (45, 65, 75, 85) being attached to the analysis bar (1, 3, 4, 5) in the first position in a direction parallel to the longitudinal member and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal member. the longitudinal element, in the second position.

Test bar (1, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 3, wherein the receptacle (45, 55, 65, 75, 85) is attached to the analysis bar (1, 3, 4, 5) in the first position in the extension of the longitudinal element.

An analysis strip (2) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means (59) allows the receptacle (55) to be removably attached to the analysis bar (2) in the first position and to be released from the analysis bar (2) to be moved to the second position.

Analysis strip (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of cups (42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84) comprises a first bowl (42, 52, 62, 72, 82) adapted to receive the sample and a last bowl (44, 54, 64, 74, 84) adapted to allow the reading a signal emitted by the reaction medium from the sample during the analysis.

Analysis strip (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of cups (42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84) comprises more than two cuvettes, a first cuvette (42, 52, 62, 72, 82) being adapted to receive the sample, a last cuvette (44, 54, 64, 74, 84) being adapted to allow the reading of a signal emitted by the reaction medium, coming from the sample, during the analysis, the cuvettes (43, 53, 63, 73, 83) located between the first and the last cuvettes being adapted to contain a quantity of liquid that can be used in a sample analysis.

8. Test strip (1, 3) according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 7, wherein the hinge (41, 61) comprises a metal part with bistable system.

9. Test bar (1, 3, 4, 5) according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the hinge (41, 61, 71, 81) is breakable .

10. Use of an analysis strip (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 for the analysis of a sample.

11. Use of a test strip (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 10, wherein the analysis is performed by an immunoassay.

12. Analysis device for an analysis strip according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 or 8, said analysis bar comprising a receptacle (45, 65, 75), said device assay device comprising an assay bar holder, said assay holder comprising a guiding mechanism for imposing displacement of the receptacle (45, 65, 75) from a first position to a second position.