U.S. patent application number 16/382593 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for systems and methods for detecting infectious diseases.
The applicant listed for this patent is Theranos IP Company, LLC. Invention is credited to Zahra Kamila Belhocine, Elizabeth A. Holmes, Josephine Lee, Clarissa Lui, Pranav Patel, Aaron Richardson, Scott Tabakman.
Application Number | 20200013488 16/382593 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52625971 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200013488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lui; Clarissa ; et
al. |
January 9, 2020 |
SYSTEMS and METHODS for DETECTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices for detecting infections in a
clinical sample are provided. Small-volume clinical samples
obtained at a point-of-service (POS) location and may be tested at
the POS location for multiple markers for multiple diseases,
including upper and lower respiratory diseases. Samples may be
tested for cytokines, or for inflammation indicators. Dilution of
samples, or levels of detection, may be determined by the condition
or past history of a subject. Test results may be obtained within a
short amount of time after sample placement in a testing device, or
within a short amount of time after being obtained from the
subject. A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be
provided, and may be filled, at the POS location. A bill may be
automatically generated for the testing, or for the prescription,
may be automatically sent to an insurance provider, and payment may
be automatically obtained.
Inventors: |
Lui; Clarissa; (Menlo Park,
CA) ; Holmes; Elizabeth A.; (San Francisco, CA)
; Patel; Pranav; (Fremont, CA) ; Tabakman;
Scott; (Palo Alto, CA) ; Belhocine; Zahra Kamila;
(Fremont, CA) ; Richardson; Aaron; (Palo Alto,
CA) ; Lee; Josephine; (Hayward, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Theranos IP Company, LLC |
Healdsburg |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52625971 |
Appl. No.: |
16/382593 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14789904 |
Jul 1, 2015 |
10283217 |
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16382593 |
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14479241 |
Sep 5, 2014 |
9529976 |
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14789904 |
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62010382 |
Jun 10, 2014 |
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62001053 |
May 21, 2014 |
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62001039 |
May 20, 2014 |
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61885462 |
Oct 1, 2013 |
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61874976 |
Sep 6, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12Q 1/70 20130101; G01N
35/10 20130101; G01N 33/56916 20130101; G01N 33/56994 20130101;
C12Q 1/6806 20130101; C12Q 2521/501 20130101; G01N 2333/11
20130101; C12Q 1/68 20130101; C12Q 1/6895 20130101; G01N 2469/10
20130101; Y02A 50/58 20180101; C12Q 1/6844 20130101; G01N
2035/00237 20130101; Y02A 90/10 20180101; Y02A 90/24 20180101; C12Q
1/703 20130101; C12Q 1/705 20130101; C12Q 1/707 20130101; G01N
33/56983 20130101; C12Q 1/689 20130101; G01N 33/56944 20130101;
G16H 50/20 20180101; C12Q 2600/16 20130101; Y10T 436/11 20150115;
C12Q 2600/158 20130101; Y02A 90/26 20180101; C12Q 1/701 20130101;
G16H 20/10 20180101; G01N 33/56938 20130101; G16H 10/40 20180101;
Y02A 50/30 20180101; C12Q 1/706 20130101; G01N 33/56911 20130101;
G01N 2469/20 20130101; G01N 33/56988 20130101; C12Q 1/6893
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G16H 10/40 20060101
G16H010/40; G01N 35/10 20060101 G01N035/10; C12Q 1/70 20060101
C12Q001/70; G01N 33/569 20060101 G01N033/569; C12Q 1/6895 20060101
C12Q001/6895; C12Q 1/6893 20060101 C12Q001/6893; C12Q 1/689
20060101 C12Q001/689 |
Claims
1. A system for detecting the presence of one or more of a
plurality of markers indicative of an infectious disease in a
small-volume clinical sample, comprising: a) a sample handling
system; b) a detection station comprising an optical sensor; c) a
fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured to retain a
clinical sample; d) an assay station comprising at least a first,
second, and third fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the
first unit comprises a first reagent comprising an antibody, the
second unit comprises a second reagent comprising an
oligonucleotide, and the third unit comprises a third reagent
comprising a chromogen, dye, or other label; and e) a controller,
wherein the controller comprises a local memory and is operatively
coupled to the sample handling system and the detection station;
wherein the system is configured to perform assays with any one or
more of the first, second, and third assay units; wherein the local
memory of the controller comprises a protocol comprising
instructions for: i) directing the sample handling system to
transfer a portion of the clinical sample to the first assay unit
for performance of an immunoassay, the second assay unit for
performance of a nucleic acid assay, and the third assay unit for
performance of a general chemistry assay comprising a chromogen,
dye, or other label; and ii) directing the sample handling system
to transfer the first unit, the second unit, and the third assay
unit to the detection station.
2. A system for detecting the presence of one or more of a
plurality of markers indicative of an infectious disease in a
small-volume clinical sample, comprising: a) a sample handling
system; b) a detection station comprising an optical sensor; c) a
fluid handling system configured to transport fluids between
components of said system, wherein said transport of fluids
comprises transport of isolated aliquots of fluid; d) a fluidically
isolated sample collection unit configured to retain a clinical
sample; e) an assay station comprising at least a first, second,
and third fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the first unit
comprises a first reagent comprising an antibody, the second unit
comprises a second reagent comprising a nucleic acid, and the third
unit comprises a third reagent comprising a chromogen, dye, or
other label; and f) a controller, wherein the controller comprises
a local memory and is operatively coupled to the sample handling
system and the detection station; wherein the system is configured
to perform assays with any one or more of the first, second, and
third assay units; wherein the local memory of the controller
comprises a protocol comprising instructions for: i) directing the
sample handling system to transfer a portion of the clinical sample
to the first assay unit for performance of an immunoassay, the
second assay unit for performance of a nucleic acid assay. and the
third assay unit for the performance of a general chemistry assay;
and ii) directing the sample handling system to transfer the first
unit, the second unit, and the third assay unit to the detection
station.
3. A clinical sample processing device, comprising: a) a sample
handling system; b) a detection station comprising an optical
sensor; c) a fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured
to retain a clinical sample; d) an assay station comprising at
least a first, second, and third fluidically isolated assay unit,
wherein the first unit comprises an antibody, the second unit
comprises an oligonucleotide, and the third unit comprises a
chromogen, dye or other label; and e) a controller, wherein the
controller is operatively coupled to the sample handling system,
wherein the sample handling system is configured to transfer a
portion of the clinical sample from the sample collection unit to
each of the first assay unit, the second assay unit, and the third
assay unit, and the device is configured to perform an immunoassay,
a nucleic acid assay, and a general chemistry assay comprising a
chromogen, dye, or other label.
4. The system of any of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the system
comprises a point-of service system.
5. The system of any of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the system is
located at a point-of-service location, and is configured for use
in analyzing a sample at said point-of-service location.
6. The system of any of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the system is a
point-of service system configured to perform a plurality of assays
on a single small volume sample, or on aliquots thereof.
7. The point-of-service (POS) system of claim 6, wherein a small
volume comprises a volume selected from volumes less than about 500
.mu.L, less than about 250 .mu.L, less than 150 .mu.L, less than
about 100 .mu.L, less than about 50 .mu.L, less than about 25
.mu.L, less than about 10 .mu.L, less than about 5 .mu.L, and less
than about 1 .mu.L.
8. The point-of-service (POS) system of any of claims 4 to 7,
wherein the POS location is selected from a retail pharmacy, a
supermarket, a clinic, a hospital, and a doctor's office.
9. The system of any of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the system is
contained within a housing.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the fluid handling system is
configured to transport fluid within said housing.
11. A clinical sample processing device, comprising: a) a sample
handling system; b) a detection station comprising an optical
sensor; c) a fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured
to retain a clinical sample; d) an assay station comprising at
least a first, second, and third fluidically isolated assay unit,
wherein the first unit comprises an antibody, the second unit
comprises an oligonucleotide, and the third unit comprises a
chromogen or a dye or other label; and e) a controller, wherein the
controller is operatively coupled to the sample handling system,
wherein the sample handling system is configured to transfer a
portion of the clinical sample from the sample collection unit to
each of the first assay unit, the second assay unit, and the third
assay unit, and the device is configured to perform an immunoassay,
a nucleic acid assay, and a general chemistry assay comprising a
chromogen, dye, or other label.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the device comprises a point-of
service device.
13. The device of claim 11, wherein the device is located at a
point-of-service location, and is configured for use in analyzing a
sample at said point-of-service location.
14. The device of claim 11, wherein the device is a point-of
service device configured to perform a plurality of assays on a
single small volume sample, or on aliquots thereof.
15. The point-of-service (POS) device of claim 14, wherein a small
volume comprises a volume selected from volumes less than about 500
.mu.L, less than about 250 .mu.L, less than 150 .mu.L, less than
about 100 .mu.L, less than about 50 .mu.L, less than about 25
.mu.L, less than about 10 .mu.L, less than about 5 .mu.L, and less
than about 1 .mu.L.
16. The point-of-service (POS) device of any of claims 12 to 15,
wherein the POS location is selected from a retail pharmacy, a
supermarket, a clinic, a hospital, and a doctor's office.
17. The device of claim 11, wherein the device comprises a
housing.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the fluid handling system is
configured to transport fluid within said housing.
19. A method of testing for the presence of a plurality of
different disease markers in a small-volume clinical sample,
comprising: a) introducing a clinical sample having a volume of no
greater than 500 microliters into a sample processing device,
wherein the device comprises: i) a sample handling system; ii) a
detection station; iii) a cytometry station comprising an imaging
device and a stage for receiving a microscopy cuvette; and iv) an
assay station comprising at least a first, a second, a third, and a
fourth independently movable assay unit; b) with the aid of the
sample handling system, transferring a portion of the clinical
sample to each of the first, second, third, and fourth assay units,
wherein an assay for the detection of a first, second, third, and
fourth disease marker is performed in each of the first, second,
third, and fourth assay units; c) with the aid of the sample
handling system, transferring the first, second, third, and fourth
assay units to the detection station or cytometry station, wherein
assay units comprising immunoassays or general chemistry assays are
transferred to the detection station and assay units comprising
cytometric assays are transferred to the cytometry station; and d)
with the aid of the detection station or cytometry station,
obtaining data measurements of the assay performed in each of the
first, second, third, and fourth assay units.
20. A method of detecting the presence of at least one disease
marker that is one of a plurality of different disease markers
tested in a small-volume clinical sample, comprising: a)
introducing a clinical sample having a volume of no greater than
500 microliters into a sample processing device, wherein the device
comprises: i) a sample handling system; ii) a detection station;
iii) a cytometry station comprising an imaging device and a stage
for receiving a microscopy cuvette; and iv) an assay station
comprising at least a first, a second, a third, and a fourth
independently movable assay unit; b) with the aid of the sample
handling system, transferring a portion of the clinical sample to
each of the first, second, third, and fourth assay units, wherein
an assay for the detection of a first, second, third, and fourth
disease marker is performed in each of the first, second, third,
and fourth assay units; c) with the aid of the sample handling
system, transferring the first, second, third, and fourth assay
units to the detection station or cytometry station, wherein assay
units comprising immunoassays or general chemistry assays are
transferred to the detection station and assay units comprising
cytometric assays are transferred to the cytometry station; d) with
the aid of the detection station or cytometry station, obtaining
data measurements of the assay performed in each of the first,
second, third, and fourth assay units, and e) detecting the
presence of a disease marker.
21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the method is a
point-of service method performed at a point-of-service
location.
22. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, the method is a point-of
service method performed at a point-of-service location, and
wherein the clinical sample is obtained at the point of service
location.
23. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, the method is a point-of
service method performed at a point-of-service location, and
wherein the methods are used in analyzing a clinical sample at said
point-of-service location.
24. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, comprising point-of service
methods performed at a point-of-service location, wherein the
methods are for performing a plurality of assays on a single small
volume clinical sample, or on aliquots thereof.
25. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, comprising point-of service
methods performed at a point-of-service location, wherein the
methods may be performed in a short period of time.
26. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, comprising point-of service
methods performed at a point-of-service location, wherein the
methods are for performing a plurality of assays on a single small
volume clinical sample, or on aliquots thereof, and may be
performed in a short period of time.
27. The method of any of claims 19 to 26, wherein the methods are
performed on a small volume clinical sample, wherein said small
volume comprises a volume selected from volumes less than about 500
less than about 250 less than 150 less than about 100 less than
about 50 less than about 25 less than about 10 less than about 5
and less than about 1 .mu.L.
28. The method of any of claims 19 to 27, wherein the methods are
performed in a short period of time, wherein a short time period
comprises a period of time of less than about three hours, or less
than about 2 hours, or less than about 1 hour, or less than about
50 minutes, or less than about 45 minutes, or less than about 40
minutes, or less than about 30 minutes, or less than about 20
minutes, or less than about 15 minutes, or less than about 10
minutes, or less than about 5 minutes, or less than about 4
minutes, or less than about 3 minutes, or less than about 2
minutes, or less than about 1 minute.
29. The method of any of claims 19 to 28, wherein the method is
performed at a point-of-service (POS) location, wherein a POS
location is selected from a retail pharmacy, a supermarket, a
clinic, a hospital, and a doctor's office.
30. The method of any of claims 19 to 29, wherein the method
comprises an automatic method.
31. The method of any of claims 19 to 30, comprising testing for,
or detecting, a disease marker, wherein the disease marker is
selected from a nucleic disease marker, a protein disease marker, a
saccharide, a prostaglandin, a cytokine, histamine, a steroid, and
a marker for inflammation.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the disease marker is a marker
for inflammation selected from prostaglandins, tumor necrosis
factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8
(IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (IF-.gamma.),
bradykinin, complement system molecules, blood-clotting factors,
C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white
blood cell count, and morphological changes in blood and other
cells.
33. The method of any of claims 19 to 30, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, is caused by a disease-causing
agent selected from the group of disease-causing organisms
consisting of a virus, a bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast,
and other micro-organisms.
34. The method of any of claims 19 to 30, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises a respiratory
disease selected from upper respiratory diseases and lower
respiratory diseases.
35. The method of any of claims 19 to 30, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises a disease selected
from influenza, a respiratory disease, a sexually transmitted
disease, and other infectious diseases.
36. The method of any of claims 19 to 30, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises an influenza
selected from H1N1 (seasonal), H1N1 (novel), H3N2, H7N9, and
H5N1.
37. The method of any of claims 19 to 30, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises a respiratory
disease selected from a disease caused by adenovirus B, adenovirus
C, adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB), Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), Group A streptococcus, and Group B
streptococcus.
38. The method of any of claims 19 to 30, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises a sexually
transmitted disease selected from a disease caused by herpes
simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
streptococcus B, and Treponema pallidum.
39. The method of any of claims 19 to 30, wherein the method is
performed at a point-of-service (POS) location, wherein a POS
location is selected from a retail pharmacy, a supermarket, a
clinic, a hospital, and a doctor's office.
40. A method for providing a prescription for treatment of an
infectious disease in a subject, comprising: Providing a clinical
sample obtained from a subject; Analyzing said clinical sample at a
point-of-service (POS) location, wherein analyzing comprises
testing for, or detecting the presence of, a plurality of disease
markers, in the clinical sample; Determining a suitable treatment
for a disease indicated by the presence of a marker detected by
said analysis; and Providing a prescription for said suitable
treatment.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein said clinical sample is
obtained from said subject at said point-of-service (POS)
location.
42. The method of claim 40 or claim 41, wherein said
point-of-service (POS) location is selected from a retail pharmacy,
a supermarket, a clinic, a hospital, and a doctor's office.
43. The method of any of claims 40 to 42, wherein said method is an
automatic method.
44. The method of any of claims 40 to 43, wherein said prescription
is filled at the point-of-service (POS) location.
45. The method of any of claims 40 to 44, wherein a bill for said
analysis performed at the point-of-service (POS) location is issued
at the POS location.
46. The method of any of claims 40 to 44, wherein a bill for said
prescription is issued at the point-of-service (POS) location.
47. The method of claim 45 or claim 46, wherein said bill is issued
automatically.
48. The method of any of claims 45 to 48, wherein the subject
carries insurance, and a bill for said testing or for said
prescription is issued to the subject's insurance carrier.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein said bill is issued to the
subject's insurance carrier automatically.
50. The method of any of claims 45 to 49, wherein an automatic
payment is made for a bill for said testing or for said
prescription.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein said bill for said testing or
for said prescription is an automatic bill.
52. A method for determining the stage of an infection in a subject
suffering from an infection, comprising: Subjecting a sample from
said subject to a test for the presence of a nucleic acid
indicative of the infection, and to a test for the presence of an
antibody indicative of the infection, and Determining whether the
relative amounts of the results of the nucleic acid test and the
antibody test indicate that the infection is a recent infection, or
not, wherein a) a greater relative amounts of the results of the
nucleic acid test as compared to the relative amounts of the
antibody test indicate the infection is a recent infection, and b)
significant amounts of antibody to the infectious agent in the
antibody test indicate the infection is not a recent infection.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein said sample is selected from a
sample taken from a throat swab, a cheek swab, saliva, blood, or
other sample.
54. The method of claim 52, wherein said sample is divided into at
least two portions.
55. The method of claim 52, wherein significant amounts of antibody
to the infectious agent are detected, and further wherein nucleic
acid markers indicative of the infectious agent are relatively
sparse, wherein the infection is in a late stage.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein the infection is waning.
57. The method of any of claims 40 to 51, wherein the analysis of
the sample comprises analysis to determine whether the subject
suffers from a bacterial infection, a viral infection, a yeast
infection, a mycoplasma infection, a fungal infection, other
infection, or combination thereof.
58. The method of any of claims 40 to 51, wherein the analysis of
the sample comprises analysis to determine whether the subject
suffers from a bacterial infection or a viral infection.
59. The method of any of claims 40 to 51, wherein providing a
prescription for said suitable treatment comprises prescription of
an antibiotic when the analysis of the sample determines that the
subject suffers from a bacterial infection.
60. The method of any of claims 40 to 51, wherein providing a
prescription for said suitable treatment comprises the prescription
of an anti-mycoplasmal drug when the analysis of the sample
determines that the subject suffers from a mycoplasmal
infection.
61. The method of any of claims 40 to 51, wherein providing a
prescription for said suitable treatment comprises the prescription
of an anti-viral drug when the analysis of the sample determines
that the subject suffers from a viral infection.
62. The method of any of claims 40 to 51, wherein providing a
prescription for said suitable treatment comprises avoiding the
prescription of an antibiotic, when the analysis of the sample
determines that the subject suffers from a viral infection.
63. The method of any of claims 40 to 51, wherein providing a
prescription for said suitable treatment comprises avoiding the
prescription of an antibiotic, and providing the prescription of an
anti-viral drug, when the analysis of the sample determines that
the subject suffers from a viral infection.
64. The method of any of claims 40 to 51, wherein providing a
prescription for said suitable treatment comprises the prescription
of an anti-fungal drug when the analysis of the sample determines
that the subject suffers from a fungal infection.
65. The method of any of claims 40 to 51, wherein providing a
prescription for said suitable treatment comprises the prescription
of an anti-yeast drug when the analysis of the sample determines
that the subject suffers from a yeast infection.
66. The method of any of claims 19 to 30, wherein the disease
detected is caused by a disease-causing agent selected from the
group of disease-causing organisms consisting of a virus, a
bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other
micro-organisms, and further comprising providing a prescription
for the suitable treatment of said virus, bacterium, mycoplasm,
fungus, yeast, or other micro-organism.
67. The method of claim 66, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises prescription of an antibiotic
when the analysis of the sample determines that the subject suffers
from a bacterial infection.
68. The method of claim 66, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an
anti-mycoplasmal drug when the analysis of the sample determines
that the subject suffers from a mycoplasmal infection.
69. The method of claim 66, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an anti-viral
drug when the analysis of the sample determines that the subject
suffers from a viral infection.
70. The method of claim 66 wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises avoiding the prescription of an
antibiotic when the analysis of the sample determines that the
subject suffers from a viral infection.
71. The method of claim 66, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises avoiding the prescription of an
antibiotic, and providing the prescription of an anti-viral drug,
when the analysis of the sample determines that the subject suffers
from a viral infection.
72. The method of claim 66, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an
anti-fungal drug when the analysis of the sample determines that
the subject suffers from a fungal infection.
73. The method of claim 66, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an anti-yeast
drug when the analysis of the sample determines that the subject
suffers from a yeast infection.
74. A method of determining the state of response to a disease in a
subject, comprising: a) introducing a clinical sample into a sample
processing device, said sample having been obtained from a subject
suspected of suffering from a disease caused by a disease-causing
organism, said clinical sample having a volume of no greater than
500 microliters, wherein the device comprises: i) a sample handling
system; ii) a detection station; and iii) an assay station
comprising at least a first and a second independently movable
assay unit; b) with the aid of the sample handling system,
transferring a portion of the clinical sample to each of the first
and second assay units, wherein an assay for the detection of a
nucleic acid indicative of the disease-causing organism is
performed in said first assay unit, and an assay for the detection
of antibodies to the disease-causing organism is performed in the
second assay unit; c) transferring the first and second assay units
to the detection station with the aid of the sample handling
system; d) obtaining data measurements with the aid of the
detection station, said data measurements comprising determining
the level of nucleic acid indicative of a disease organism in the
sample, and determining the level of antibodies directed to that
disease organism in the sample; and e) i) determining that the
infection is a recent infection, and in an early stage of the
disease, where the level of nucleic acid indicative of a disease
organism is high and the level of antibodies directed to that
disease organism is low or normal; ii) determining that the
infection is not a recent infection, and not in an early stage of
the disease, where the level of nucleic acid indicative of a
disease organism is high and the level of antibodies directed to
that disease organism is high; and iii) determining that the
infection is a waning infection, and in a late stage of the
disease, where the level of nucleic acid indicative of a disease
organism is low or normal, and the level of antibodies directed to
that disease organism is high, where a normal level of a marker is
the level of that marker determined in a healthy population of
normal subjects, where a high level is one that significantly
exceeds a normal level as determined in a healthy population of
normal subjects, and a low level is one that is below the normal
level as determined in a healthy population of normal subjects.
75. The method of determining the state of response to a disease in
a subject of claim 74, further comprising detecting the level of
inflammatory cytokines.
76. The method of determining the state of response to a disease in
a subject of claim 74, wherein said device further comprises a
cytometry station comprising an imaging device and a stage for
receiving a microscopy cuvette, the method further comprising
imaging a white blood cell in a blood sample obtained from the
subject.
77. The method of claim 76, wherein imaging a white blood cell in a
blood sample obtained from the subject comprises detecting the
level of a white blood cell type in a blood sample obtained from
the subject, and determining whether said detected level of said
type of white blood cell is above, at, or below a normal level for
that type of blood cell, wherein the normal level for that type of
white blood cell is determined by the level of that type of white
blood cell in blood samples from a healthy population.
78. The method of any of claims 74 to 77, wherein the method is a
point-of service method performed at a point-of-service
location.
79. The method of any of claims 74 to 77, wherein the method is a
point-of service method performed at a point-of-service location,
and wherein the clinical sample is obtained at the point of service
location.
80. The method of any of claims 74 to 77, wherein the method is a
point-of service method performed at a point-of-service location,
and wherein the methods are used in analyzing a clinical sample at
said point-of-service location.
81. The method of any of claims 74 to 77, comprising point-of
service methods performed at a point-of-service location, wherein
the methods are for performing a plurality of assays on a single
small volume clinical sample, or on aliquots thereof.
82. The method of any of claims 74 to 77, comprising point-of
service methods performed at a point-of-service location, wherein
the methods may be performed in a short period of time.
83. The method of any of claims 74 to 77, comprising point-of
service methods performed at a point-of-service location, wherein
the methods are for performing a plurality of assays on a single
small volume clinical sample, or on aliquots thereof, and may be
performed in a short period of time.
84. The method of any of claims 74 to 83, wherein the methods are
performed on a small volume clinical sample, wherein said small
volume comprises a volume selected from volumes less than about 500
less than about 250 less than 150 less than about 100 less than
about 50 less than about 25 less than about 10 less than about 5
and less than about 1 .mu.L.
85. The method of any of claims 74 to 84, wherein the methods are
performed in a short period of time, wherein a short time period
comprises a period of time of less than about three hours, or less
than about 2 hours, or less than about 1 hour, or less than about
50 minutes, or less than about 45 minutes, or less than about 40
minutes, or less than about 30 minutes, or less than about 20
minutes, or less than about 15 minutes, or less than about 10
minutes, or less than about 5 minutes, or less than about 4
minutes, or less than about 3 minutes, or less than about 2
minutes, or less than about 1 minute.
86. The method of any of claims 74 to 85, wherein the method is
performed at a point-of-service (POS) location, wherein a POS
location is selected from a retail pharmacy, a supermarket, a
clinic, a hospital, and a doctor's office.
87. The method of any of claims 74 to 86, wherein the method
comprises an automatic method.
88. The method of any of claims 74 to 87, comprising testing for,
or detecting, a disease marker selected from a saccharide, a
prostaglandin, a cytokine, histamine, a steroid, and a marker for
inflammation.
89. The method of claim 88, wherein the disease marker is a marker
for inflammation selected from a prostaglandin, tumor necrosis
factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8
(IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (IF-.gamma.),
bradykinin, complement system molecules, blood-clotting factors,
C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white
blood cell count, and morphological changes in blood and other
cells.
90. The method of any of claims 74 to 89, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, is caused by a disease-causing
agent selected from the group of disease-causing organisms
consisting of a virus, a bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast,
and other micro-organisms.
91. The method of any of claims 74 to 90, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises a respiratory
disease selected from upper respiratory diseases and lower
respiratory diseases.
92. The method of any of claims 74 to 90, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises a disease selected
from influenza, a respiratory disease, a sexually transmitted
disease, and other infectious diseases.
93. The method of any of claims 74 to 90, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises an influenza
selected from H1N1 (seasonal), H1N1 (novel), H3N2, H7N9, and
H5N1.
94. The method of any of claims 74 to 90, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises a respiratory
disease selected from a disease caused by adenovirus B, adenovirus
C, adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB), Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), Group A streptococcus, and Group B
streptococcus.
95. The method of any of claims 74 to 90, wherein the disease
tested for, or the disease detected, comprises a sexually
transmitted disease selected from a disease caused by herpes
simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
streptococcus B, and Treponema pallidum.
96. The method of any of claims 74 to 90, wherein the method is
performed at a point-of-service (POS) location, wherein a POS
location is selected from a retail pharmacy, a supermarket, a
clinic, a hospital, and a doctor's office.
97. A method of detecting at least one nucleic acid disease marker
in a clinical sample, comprising: a) introducing a sample into an
automatic sample processing device configured for performing
immunoassays and nucleic acid amplification assays, wherein said
automatic sample processing device comprises: i) a sample handling
system configured to transport at least a portion of a sample; ii)
a reagent for use in a nucleic acid amplification assay that does
not require thermal cycling; and iii) a detector; b) performing a
nucleic acid amplification reaction for the detection of a nucleic
acid disease marker in said sample, or an aliquot thereof, wherein
said performing comprises contacting at least a portion of said
sample, or aliquot thereof, with a nucleic acid amplification
reagent and amplifying said nucleic acid disease marker without
thermal cycling, wherein said nucleic acid disease marker comprises
a template region, and wherein said nucleic acid amplification
reagent comprises a nucleic acid polymerase, a first primer and a
second primer, said primers having template-binding regions and
having tail regions, wherein said primer template-binding regions
are complementary to at least a portion of said template region of
the nucleic acid disease marker, and wherein said tail region of
said first primer is complementary to said tail region of said
second primer; c) obtaining data measurements with the aid of said
detection station; and e) detecting at least one nucleic acid
disease marker.
98. The method of claim 97, comprising detecting two or more
nucleic acid disease markers in said sample, or in one or more
aliquots thereof, wherein said detecting comprises amplification of
two or more nucleic acid disease markers without thermal
cycling.
99. The method of claim 97, further comprising performing an
immunoassay for the detection of a further disease marker in said
sample, or in one or more aliquots thereof, wherein said further
disease marker is other than a nucleic acid disease marker.
100. The method of claim 97, wherein said measurements are obtained
over a period of time, and wherein these measurements are
indicative of the progress of the nucleic acid amplification
reaction over said period of time.
101. The method of claim 97, wherein said nucleic acid
amplification is performed within a moveable assay unit.
102. The method of claim 99, wherein said immunoassay is performed
within a moveable assay unit.
103. The method of claim 99, wherein both said nucleic acid assay
and said immunoassay are performed within a moveable assay
unit.
104. The method of claim 97, wherein said sample handling system is
configured to transport a moveable assay unit.
105. The method of claim 97, wherein said clinical sample is a
small-volume clinical sample having a volume of less than about 500
microliters.
106. The method of claim 97, wherein the method is a point-of
service (POS) method performed at a POS location.
107. The method of claim 106, comprising point-of-service (POS)
methods performed at a POS location, wherein the detection of the
disease marker is performed in less than about 40 minutes.
108. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a nucleic acid marker selected from the group
consisting of an inflammatory marker for infectious disease, an
influenza marker, a marker for an upper respiratory disease, a
marker for a lower respiratory disease, and a marker for a sexually
transmitted disease.
109. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a nucleic acid marker for a respiratory disease
selected from the group consisting of adenovirus B, adenovirus C,
adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB), Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus,
Moraxella catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus
parainfluenzae, Metapneumo Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia,
Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus
3, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS,
Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus 229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE,
Klebsiella pneumonia KPC, Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type
1,3.
110. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a nucleic acid marker for a disease caused by a
disease-causing agent selected from adenovirus B, adenovirus C,
adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB), Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), Group A streptococcus, and Group B
streptococcus.
111. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises an influenza marker.
112. The method of claim 111, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises an influenza marker selected from a marker for
H1N1 (seasonal) influenza, H1N1 (novel) influenza, a marker for
H3N2 influenza, a marker for H7N9 influenza, a marker for H5N1
influenza, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding an influenza matrix
protein or portion thereof.
113. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a marker for a sexually transmitted disease.
114. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a marker for a sexually transmitted disease,
wherein the disease is caused by an agent selected from the group
consisting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV-2 Group A,
HIV-2, Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis Delta, herpes
simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and Treponema pallidum.
115. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a marker for a disease-causing agent selected from
the group of disease-causing agents consisting of a virus, a
bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, and a yeast.
116. The method of claim 99, comprising detecting two or more
markers for disease-causing agents, wherein said markers are
indicative of two or more disease-causing agents selected from a
virus, a bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, and a yeast.
117. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
marker.
118. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a marker for a Staphylococcus bacterium.
119. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a marker for a Staphylococcus bacterium selected
from a Staphylococcus aureus and Methycillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus.
120. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a marker for a Streptococcus bacterium.
121. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a marker for a Corona virus.
122. The method of claim 99, comprising detecting two or more
markers for Corona viruses.
123. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a nucleic acid disease marker for a
disease-causing agent selected from the group consisting of West
Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and
a Dengue Virus.
124. The method of claim 99, comprising detecting two or more
markers for disease-causing agents selected from the group
consisting of West Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, plasmodium,
Trypanosoma cruzi, and a Dengue Virus.
125. The method of claim 97, wherein the nucleic acid disease
marker comprises a nucleic acid disease marker for a
disease-causing agent selected from the group consisting of
Influenza A Matrix protein, Influenza H3N2, Influenza H1N1
seasonal, Influenza H1N1 novel, Influenza B, Streptococcus pyogenes
(A), Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus (MR),
Staphylococcus aureus (RS), Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough),
Streptococcus agalactiae (B), Influenza H5N1, Influenza H7N9,
Adenovirus B, Adenovirus C, Adenovirus E, Hepatitis b, Hepatitis c,
Hepatitis delta, Treponema pallidum, HSV-1, HSV-2, HIV-1, HIV-2,
Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue 3, Dengue 4, Malaria, West Nile Virus,
Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), Klebsiella pneumoniae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase
(KPC), Epstein Barr Virus (mono), Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza virus
(1), Parainfluenza virus (2), Parainfluenza virus (3),
Parainfluenza virus (4a), Parainfluenza virus (4b), Respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) A, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) B,
Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus
NL63, Novel Coronavirus, Bocavirus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV),
Streptococcus pneumoniae (penic R), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S),
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Bordetella
parpertussis, Haemophilus influenzae (ampic R), Haemophilus
influenzae (ampic S), Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas spp
(aeruginosa), Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Enterobacter cloacae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Enterobacter aerogenes
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Serratia marcescens (Enterobacteriaceae
spp), Acinetobacter baumanii, Legionella spp, Escherichia coli,
Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papilloma Virus, Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, plasmodium, and Trichomonas (vagin).
126. The method of claim 99, comprising detecting two or more
markers for disease-causing agents, wherein the two or more disease
markers are selected from the group of markers for disease-causing
agents consisting of Influenza A Matrix protein, Influenza H3N2,
Influenza H1N1 seasonal, Influenza H1N1 novel, Influenza B,
Streptococcus pyogenes (A), Mycobacterium Tuberculosis,
Staphylococcus aureus (MR), Staphylococcus aureus (RS), Bordetella
pertussis (whooping cough), Streptococcus agalactiae (B), Influenza
H5N1, Influenza H7N9, Adenovirus B, Adenovirus C, Adenovirus E,
Hepatitis b, Hepatitis c, Hepatitis delta, Treponema pallidum,
HSV-1, HSV-2, HIV-1, HIV-2, Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue 3, Dengue 4,
Malaria, West Nile Virus, Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), Klebsiella
pneumoniae (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC), Epstein Barr Virus (mono), Rhinovirus,
Parainfluenza virus (1), Parainfluenza virus (2), Parainfluenza
virus (3), Parainfluenza virus (4a), Parainfluenza virus (4b),
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A, Respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) B, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Novel Coronavirus, Bocavirus, human
metapneumovirus (HMPV), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penic R),
Streptococcus pneumoniae (S), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia
pneumoniae, Bordetella parpertussis, Haemophilus influenzae (ampic
R), Haemophilus influenzae (ampic S), Moraxella catarrhalis,
Pseudomonas spp (aeruginosa), Haemophilus parainfluenzae,
Enterobacter cloacae (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Enterobacter
aerogenes (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Serratia marcescens
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Acinetobacter baumanii, Legionella spp,
Escherichia coli, Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papilloma
Virus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, plasmodium, and Trichomonas
(vagin).
127. A method of detecting a disease marker, comprising: a)
introducing a cartridge into an automatic sample processing device,
said cartridge comprising a sample and a swab, wherein said
automatic sample processing device comprises: i) a sample handling
system configured to transport said sample and for use with one or
more independently movable assay units; and ii) an optical
detector; b) transferring said sample, or an aliquot thereof, to an
assay unit for the performance of an assay for the detection of a
disease marker, said transferring being performed with the aid of
said sample handling system; c) transferring said assay unit to a
position suitable for detection of an optical signal from the assay
unit by said optical detector; d) performing an assay for the
detection of a disease marker; and e) detecting the presence of a
disease marker.
128. The method of claim 127, comprising performing two or more
assays for the detection of disease markers, and detecting two or
more disease markers in said sample, or in one or more aliquots
thereof.
129. The method of claim 127, wherein said sample has a volume of
less than about 500 microliters.
130. The method of claim 127, wherein said sample was obtained
using said swab.
131. The method of claim 130, wherein said sample comprises a
sample obtained from the throat or mouth of a subject.
132. The method of claim 130, wherein said sample comprises a
sample obtained from a nasal passage of a subject.
133. The method of claim 127, wherein said sample comprises a blood
sample.
134. The method of claim 128, comprising detecting the presence of
a nucleic acid disease marker and a protein disease marker.
135. The method of claim 127, comprising a first sample and a
second sample, wherein said first sample comprises a sample
obtained using said swab, and said second sample comprises a blood
sample.
136. The method of claim 135, comprising performing two or more
assays, and detecting the presence of a nucleic acid disease marker
and a protein disease marker.
137. The method of claim 127, wherein detecting the presence of a
disease marker comprises detecting a disease marker selected from a
nucleic acid disease marker, a protein disease marker, a
saccharide, a prostaglandin, a cytokine, histamine, a steroid, and
a marker for inflammation.
138. The method of claim 127, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for inflammation selected from prostaglandins, tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1),
interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma
(IF-.gamma.), bradykinin, complement system molecules,
blood-clotting factors, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count, and morphological
changes in blood and other cells.
139. The method of claim 127, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a disease-causing agent selected from the group of
disease-causing organisms consisting of a virus, a bacterium, a
mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other micro-organisms.
140. The method of claim 127, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a disease-causing agent selected from the group
consisting of Influenza A Matrix protein, Influenza H3N2, Influenza
H1N1 seasonal, Influenza H1N1 novel, Influenza B, Streptococcus
pyogenes (A), Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus
(MR), Staphylococcus aureus (RS), Bordetella pertussis (whooping
cough), Streptococcus agalactiae (B), Influenza H5N1, Influenza
H7N9, Adenovirus B, Adenovirus C, Adenovirus E, Hepatitis b,
Hepatitis c, Hepatitis delta, Treponema pallidum, HSV-1, HSV-2,
HIV-1, HIV-2, Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue 3, Dengue 4, Malaria, West
Nile Virus, Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), Klebsiella pneumoniae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase
(KPC), Epstein Barr Virus (mono), Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza virus
(1), Parainfluenza virus (2), Parainfluenza virus (3),
Parainfluenza virus (4a), Parainfluenza virus (4b), Respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) A, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) B,
Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus
NL63, Novel Coronavirus, Bocavirus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV),
Streptococcus pneumoniae (penic R), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S),
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Bordetella
parpertussis, Haemophilus influenzae (ampic R), Haemophilus
influenzae (ampic S), Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas spp
(aeruginosa), Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Enterobacter cloacae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Enterobacter aerogenes
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Serratia marcescens (Enterobacteriaceae
spp), Acinetobacter baumanii, Legionella spp, Escherichia coli,
Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papilloma Virus, Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, plasmodium, and Trichomonas (vagin).
141. The method of claim 128, comprising detecting two or more
disease markers, wherein one of said disease markers is a marker
for inflammation, and one of said disease markers a marker for a
disease-causing agent.
142. The method of claim 141, wherein said disease marker for
inflammation is selected from prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor
alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8),
interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (IF-.gamma.), bradykinin,
complement system molecules, blood-clotting factors, C-reactive
protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell
count, and morphological changes in blood and other cells, and said
disease marker for a disease-causing agent is selected from the
group of disease-causing organisms consisting of a virus, a
bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other
micro-organisms.
143. The method of claim 127, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a disease selected from influenza, a respiratory
disease, a sexually transmitted disease, and another infectious
disease.
144. The method of claim 127, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for an influenza selected from H1N1 (seasonal), H1N1
(novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1.
145. The method of claim 127, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a respiratory disease selected from an upper respiratory
disease and a lower respiratory disease.
146. The method of claim 127, wherein the disease marker is a
respiratory disease marker for a disease-causing organism selected
from the group consisting of adenovirus B, adenovirus C, adenovirus
E, Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB),
Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella
catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae,
Metapneumo Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC,
Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
147. The method of claim 128, comprising detecting two or more
disease markers indicative of respiratory diseases, wherein said
disease markers are markers for disease-causing organisms selected
from two or more of the group consisting of adenovirus B,
adenovirus C, adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (MTB), Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B
streptococcus, Moraxella catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes,
Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Metapneumo Virus, Streptococcus
pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2,
Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus NL63,
Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus 229E, Klibsiella
pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC, Bocavirus type 2,4, and
Bocavirus type 1,3.
148. The method of claim 127, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a sexually transmitted disease selected from a disease
caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV), HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and
Treponema pallidum.
149. The method of claim 128, comprising detecting two or more
disease markers indicative of sexually transmitted diseases caused
by herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis
Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and Treponema
pallidum.
150. The method of claim 127, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for an infectious disease-causing agent selected from the
group consisting of West Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus,
plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and a Dengue Virus.
151. The method of claim 127, wherein the method is a point-of
service method performed at a point-of-service location.
152. The method of claim 127, wherein the method may be performed
in less than about 40 minutes.
153. The method of claim 135, wherein the method may be performed
in less than about 40 minutes.
154. The method of claim 128, comprising performing a plurality of
assays on a single small-volume sample, or on aliquots thereof, in
less than about 40 minutes.
155. The method of claim 127, wherein detecting the presence of a
disease marker comprises amplification of a nucleic acid disease
marker without thermal cycling.
156. The method of claim 135, wherein detecting the presence of a
disease marker comprises amplification of a nucleic acid disease
marker without thermal cycling in said first sample, or in said
second sample, or in both said first and said second sample.
157. A method of detecting the presence of at least one disease
marker in a sample, or an aliquot thereof, comprising: a)
introducing a sample into an automatic sample processing device,
wherein said automatic sample processing device is configured to
perform nucleic acid assays, immunoassays, general chemistry
assays, and cytometric assays, wherein said automatic sample
processing device comprises: i) a sample handling system; ii) at
least one detector; and iii) a cytometry station comprising an
imaging device and a stage for receiving a microscopy cuvette; b)
transferring a portion of the sample to each of a plurality of
assay units with the aid of the sample handling system; c)
performing an assay for the detection of at least one disease
markers in the sample, or an aliquot thereof; d) detecting a signal
from at least one assay selected from a nucleic acid assay, an
immunoassay, and a general chemistry assay, said assay being
performed on the sample, or on an aliquot thereof; e) obtaining an
image of the sample, or an aliquot thereof, with said cytometric
station; and f) detecting the presence of at least one disease
marker in the sample, or in an aliquot thereof.
158. The method of claim 157, comprising detecting the presence of
at least two disease markers in the sample, or in an aliquot or
aliquots thereof.
159. The method of claim 157, comprising detecting the presence of
at least three disease markers in the sample, or in an aliquot or
aliquots thereof.
160. The method of claim 157, comprising detecting the presence of
at least two disease markers in the sample, or in an aliquot or
aliquots thereof, wherein said detecting comprises detecting at
least one disease marker using the cytometry station, and detecting
at least one disease marker using a detector.
161. The method of claim 157, comprising detecting the presence of
at least three disease markers in the sample, or an aliquot or
aliquots thereof, wherein said detecting comprises detecting at
least one disease marker using a cytometry station, and detecting
at least two disease markers using a detector.
162. The method of claim 157, comprising detecting the presence of
a nucleic acid disease marker, a protein disease marker, and a cell
morphology disease marker in the sample, or in an aliquot or
aliquots thereof.
163. The method of claim 157, wherein detecting the presence of a
disease marker comprises detecting a disease marker selected from a
nucleic acid disease marker, a protein disease marker, a
saccharide, a prostaglandin, a cytokine, histamine, a steroid, and
a marker for inflammation.
164. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for inflammation selected from a prostaglandin, tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1),
interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma
(IF-.gamma.), bradykinin, a complement system molecule, a
blood-clotting factor, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count, and a
morphological change in a blood or other cell.
165. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for inflammation selected from a lymphokine, a chemokine, an
interleukin, and an interferon.
166. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a disease-causing agent selected from the group of
disease-causing organisms consisting of a virus, a bacterium, a
mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other micro-organisms.
167. The method of claim 157, comprising detecting two or more
disease markers, wherein one of said disease markers is a marker
for inflammation, and one of said disease markers a marker for a
disease-causing agent.
168. The method of claim 167, wherein said disease marker for
inflammation is selected from a prostaglandin, tumor necrosis
factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), an interleukin, an interferon,
bradykinin, a lymphokine, a chemokine, a complement system
molecule, a blood-clotting factor, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count, and a
morphological change in a blood or other cell; and said disease
marker for a disease-causing agent is selected from the group of
disease-causing organisms consisting of a virus, a bacterium, a
mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other micro-organisms.
169. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a disease selected from influenza, a respiratory
disease, a sexually transmitted disease, and another infectious
disease.
170. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for an influenza selected from H1N1 (seasonal), H1N1
(novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1.
171. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a respiratory disease selected from an upper respiratory
disease and a lower respiratory disease.
172. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a respiratory disease selected from the group consisting
of adenovirus B, adenovirus C, adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), Staphylococcus aureus,
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Group A
streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella catarrhalis,
Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Metapneumo
Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC,
Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
173. The method of claim 158, comprising detecting two or more
disease markers indicative of respiratory diseases, wherein said
disease markers are selected from two or more of the group
consisting of adenovirus B, adenovirus C, adenovirus E, Bordetella
pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), Staphylococcus aureus,
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Group A
streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella catarrhais,
Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Metapneumo
Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC,
Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
164. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a sexually transmitted disease selected from a disease
caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV), HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and
Treponema pallidum.
165. The method of claim 158, comprising detecting two or more
disease markers indicative of sexually transmitted diseases caused
by herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis
Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and Treponema
pallidum.
166. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a disease-causing agent selected from Influenza A Matrix
protein, Influenza H3N2, Influenza H1N1 seasonal, Influenza H1N1
novel, Influenza B, Streptococcus pyogenes (A), Mycobacterium
Tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus (MR), Staphylococcus aureus
(RS), Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough), Streptococcus
agalactiae (B), Influenza H5N1, Influenza H7N9, Adenovirus B,
Adenovirus C, Adenovirus E, Hepatitis b, Hepatitis c, Hepatitis
delta, Treponema pallidum, HSV-1, HSV-2, HIV-1, HIV-2, Dengue 1,
Dengue 2, Dengue 3, Dengue 4, Malaria, West Nile Virus, Trypanosoma
cruzi (Chagas), Klebsiella pneumoniae (Enterobacteriaceae spp),
Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), Epstein Barr Virus
(mono), Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza virus (1), Parainfluenza virus
(2), Parainfluenza virus (3), Parainfluenza virus (4a),
Parainfluenza virus (4b), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A,
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) B, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus
HKU1, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus NL63, Novel Coronavirus,
Bocavirus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), Streptococcus pneumoniae
(penic R), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S), Mycoplasma pneumoniae,
Chlamydia pneumoniae, Bordetella parpertussis, Haemophilus
influenzae (ampic R), Haemophilus influenzae (ampic S), Moraxella
catarrhalis, Pseudomonas spp (aeruginosa), Haemophilus
parainfluenzae, Enterobacter cloacae (Enterobacteriaceae spp),
Enterobacter aerogenes (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Serratia
marcescens (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Acinetobacter baumanii,
Legionella spp, Escherichia coli, Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis,
Human Papilloma Virus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, plasmodium, and
Trichomonas (vagin).
177. The method of claim 157, wherein the method is a point-of
service (POS) method performed at a POS location.
178. The method of claim 158, comprising performing a plurality of
assays on a single sample, or on an aliquot or aliquots thereof,
wherein said assays are performed in less than about 40
minutes.
179. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) marker.
180. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a Staphylococcus bacterium.
181. The method of claim 180, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a Staphylococcus bacterium selected from a
Staphylococcus aureus and Methycillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus.
182. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a Streptococcus bacterium.
183. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a Corona virus.
184. The method of claim 183, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a Corona virus selected from Coronavirus 229E,
Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus NL63, and
Coronavirus OC43.
185. The method of claim 157, wherein the disease marker is
selected from the group of disease markers for disease-causing
organisms consisting of West Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus,
plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and a Dengue Virus.
186. The method of claim 157, comprising detecting the presence of
two disease markers elected from a nucleic acid disease marker, a
protein disease marker, a saccharide, a prostaglandin, a cytokine,
histamine, a steroid, and a marker for inflammation.
187. A method for determining the stage of an infection in a
subject suffering from an infection, comprising: Testing at least
one sample, or an aliquot or aliquots thereof, obtained from said
subject 1) for the presence of a nucleic acid indicative of the
infection, and 2) for the presence of an antibody indicative of the
infection, and Determining whether the relative amounts of the
results of the nucleic acid test and the antibody test indicate
that the infection is a recent infection, or not, wherein a) a
greater relative amount of the results of the nucleic acid test as
compared to the relative amount of the antibody test indicate that
the infection is a recent infection, and b) a significant amount of
antibody to the infectious agent in the antibody test indicate the
infection is not a recent infection.
188. The method of claim 187, wherein the at least one sample is
selected from a throat swab sample, a cheek swab sample, nasal swab
sample, a saliva sample, and a blood sample.
189. The method of claim 187, wherein a sample is divided into at
least two portions.
190. The method of claim 187, wherein a significant amount of
antibody to the infectious agent is detected, and further wherein
nucleic acid markers indicative of the infectious agent are
relatively sparse, wherein the infection is in a late stage.
191. The method of claim 190, wherein the infection is waning.
192. The method of claim 187, comprising testing said sample for a
marker for inflammation.
193. The method of claim 192, wherein the marker for inflammation
is selected from a prostaglandin, tumor necrosis factor alpha
(TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8),
interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (IF-.gamma.), bradykinin,
a complement system molecule, a blood-clotting factor, C-reactive
protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell
count, and a morphological change in a blood or other cell.
194. The method of claim 192, wherein the marker for inflammation
is a cytokine selected from a lymphokine, a chemokine, an
interleukin, and an interferon.
195. The method of claim 187, wherein said testing comprises
testing to determine whether the subject suffers from a bacterial
infection, a viral infection, a yeast infection, a mycoplasma
infection, a fungal infection, other infection, or combination
thereof.
196. The method of claim 187, wherein said testing comprises
analysis to determine whether the subject suffers from a bacterial
infection or a viral infection.
197. The method of claim 187, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises prescription of an antibiotic
when the testing determines that the subject suffers from a
bacterial infection.
198. The method of claim 187, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an
anti-mycoplasmal drug when the testing determines that the subject
suffers from a mycoplasmal infection.
199. The method of claim 187, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an anti-viral
drug when the testing determines that the subject suffers from a
viral infection.
200. The method of claim 187, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises avoiding the prescription of an
antibiotic, when the testing determines that the subject suffers
from a viral infection.
201. The method of claim 187, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises avoiding the prescription of an
antibiotic, and providing the prescription of an anti-viral drug,
when the testing determines that the subject suffers from a viral
infection.
202. The method of claim 187, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an
anti-fungal drug when the testing determines that the subject
suffers from a fungal infection.
203. The method of claim 187, wherein providing a prescription for
said suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an anti-yeast
drug when the testing determines that the subject suffers from a
yeast infection.
204. The method of claim 187, wherein the disease detected is
caused by a disease-causing agent selected from the group of
disease-causing organisms consisting of a virus, a bacterium, a
mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other micro-organisms, and
further comprising providing a prescription for the suitable
treatment of said virus, bacterium, mycoplasm, fungus, yeast, or
other micro-organism.
205. The method of claim 187, wherein the method is a point-of
service method performed at a point-of-service location.
206. The method of claim 205, wherein the methods are for
performing a plurality of assays on a single small-volume clinical
sample, or on aliquots thereof, and may be performed in less than
about 40 minutes.
207. The method of claim 187, wherein the infection is caused by a
disease selected from influenza, a respiratory disease, a sexually
transmitted disease, and another infectious disease.
208. The method of claim 207, wherein the infection comprises
influenza, wherein said influenza is selected from H1N1 (seasonal),
H1N1 (novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1.
209. The method of claim 207, wherein the infection comprises a
respiratory disease selected from an upper respiratory disease and
a lower respiratory disease.
210. The method of claim 209, wherein the respiratory disease is
selected from the group consisting of adenovirus B, adenovirus C,
adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB), Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus,
Moraxella catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus
parainfluenzae, Metapneumo Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia,
Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus
3, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS,
Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus 229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE,
Klebsiella pneumonia KPC, Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type
1,3.
211. The method of claim 207, wherein the infection comprises a
sexually transmitted disease selected from a disease caused by
herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis
Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and Treponema
pallidum.
212. The method of claim 187, wherein the infection comprises a
disease caused by an infectious disease-causing agent selected from
the group consisting of Influenza A Matrix protein, Influenza H3N2,
Influenza H1N1 seasonal, Influenza H1N1 novel, Influenza B,
Streptococcus pyogenes (A), Mycobacterium Tuberculosis,
Staphylococcus aureus (MR), Staphylococcus aureus (RS), Bordetella
pertussis (whooping cough), Streptococcus agalactiae (B), Influenza
H5N1, Influenza H7N9, Adenovirus B, Adenovirus C, Adenovirus E,
Hepatitis b, Hepatitis c, Hepatitis delta, Treponema pallidum,
HSV-1, HSV-2, HIV-1, HIV-2, Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue 3, Dengue 4,
Malaria, West Nile Virus, Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), Klebsiella
pneumoniae (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC), Epstein Barr Virus (mono), Rhinovirus,
Parainfluenza virus (1), Parainfluenza virus (2), Parainfluenza
virus (3), Parainfluenza virus (4a), Parainfluenza virus (4b),
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A, Respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) B, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Novel Coronavirus, Bocavirus, human
metapneumovirus (HMPV), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penic R),
Streptococcus pneumoniae (S), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia
pneumoniae, Bordetella parpertussis, Haemophilus influenzae (ampic
R), Haemophilus influenzae (ampic S), Moraxella catarrhalis,
Pseudomonas spp (aeruginosa), Haemophilus parainfluenzae,
Enterobacter cloacae (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Enterobacter
aerogenes (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Serratia marcescens
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Acinetobacter baumanii, Legionella spp,
Escherichia coli, Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papilloma
Virus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, plasmodium, and Trichomonas
(vagin).
213. The method of claim 197, wherein the bacterial infection
comprises an infection caused by bacteria selected from the group
consisting of Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB), Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus,
Moraxella catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus
parainfluenzae, Streptococcus pneumonia, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE,
Klebsiella pneumonia KPC, and Treponema pallidum.
214. The method of claim 199, wherein the viral infection comprises
an infection caused by a virus selected from the group consisting
of an influenza virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1
Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV),
West Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, a Dengue Virus, adenovirus B,
adenovirus C, adenovirus E, Metapneumo Virus, Parainfluenza Virus
1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
215. The method of claim 214, wherein the viral infection comprises
influenza, wherein said influenza is selected from H1N1 (seasonal),
H1N1 (novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1.
216. The method of claim 214, wherein the viral infection comprises
a Dengue virus, wherein said Dengue virus is selected from Dengue
virus type 1, Dengue virus type 2, Dengue virus type 3, and Dengue
virus type 4.
217. A method of detecting a disease marker, comprising: a)
introducing a cartridge comprising one or more samples into an
automatic sample processing device, said cartridge being configured
to hold at least one sample and being configured to hold a swab,
wherein said automatic sample processing device comprises: i) a
sample handling system configured to transport at least a portion
of a sample and being configured to transport an independently
movable assay unit; and ii) an optical detector; b) contacting a
sample, or a portion thereof, with a movable assay unit, or a
reagent, or both, for the performance of an assay for the detection
of a disease marker, said contacting comprising transporting, with
the aid of said sample handling system, at least a portion of said
sample, or a movable assay unit, or a reagent, or combinations
thereof; c) positioning said sample, or portion thereof, at a
location suitable for detection of an optical signal from the
sample or portion thereof by said optical detector; and d)
detecting the presence of a disease marker.
218. The method of claim 217, comprising performing two or more
assays for the detection of disease markers, and detecting two or
more disease markers in said one or more samples, or in one or more
portions thereof.
219. The method of claim 217, wherein said one or more samples
comprises a blood sample.
220. The method of claim 217, wherein said one or more samples
comprises a sample obtained using said swab.
221. The method of claim 220, wherein said sample obtained using
said swab was obtained by swabbing a mouth, a throat, a nasal
passage, a vaginal area, or other body cavity of a subject.
222. The method of claim 217, comprising a first sample and a
second sample, wherein said first sample comprises a sample
obtained using said swab, and said second sample comprises a blood
sample.
223. The method of claim 217, comprising detecting the presence of
a nucleic acid disease marker and a protein disease marker.
224. The method of claim 217, wherein said sample has a volume of
less than about 500 microliters.
225. The method of claim 222, comprising performing two or more
assays for the detection of disease markers, and detecting two or
more disease markers in said samples, or in one or more portions
thereof.
226. The method of claim 225, comprising detecting the presence of
a nucleic acid disease marker and a protein disease marker.
227. The method of claim 217, wherein said disease marker is
selected from a nucleic acid disease marker, a protein disease
marker, a saccharide, a prostaglandin, a cytokine, histamine, a
steroid, and a marker for inflammation.
228. The method of claim 225, wherein said two or more disease
markers are selected from a nucleic acid disease marker, a protein
disease marker, a saccharide, a prostaglandin, a cytokine,
histamine, a steroid, and a marker for inflammation.
229. The method of claim 217, wherein said disease marker is a
marker for inflammation selected from prostaglandins, tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1),
interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma
(IF-.gamma.), bradykinin, complement system molecules,
blood-clotting factors, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count, and morphological
changes in blood and other cells.
230. The method of claim 217, wherein said disease marker is a
marker for a disease-causing agent, wherein said disease-causing
agent is selected from the group of disease-causing organisms
consisting of a virus, a bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast,
and other micro-organisms.
231. The method of claim 217, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a disease-causing agent selected from the group
consisting of Influenza A Matrix protein, Influenza H3N2, Influenza
H1N1 seasonal, Influenza H1N1 novel, Influenza B, Streptococcus
pyogenes (A), Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus
(MR), Staphylococcus aureus (RS), Bordetella pertussis (whooping
cough), Streptococcus agalactiae (B), Influenza H5N1, Influenza
H7N9, Adenovirus B, Adenovirus C, Adenovirus E, Hepatitis b,
Hepatitis c, Hepatitis delta, Treponema pallidum, HSV-1, HSV-2,
HIV-1, HIV-2, Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue 3, Dengue 4, Malaria, West
Nile Virus, Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), Klebsiella pneumoniae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase
(KPC), Epstein Barr Virus (mono), Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza virus
(1), Parainfluenza virus (2), Parainfluenza virus (3),
Parainfluenza virus (4a), Parainfluenza virus (4b), Respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) A, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) B,
Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus
NL63, Novel Coronavirus, Bocavirus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV),
Streptococcus pneumoniae (penic R), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S),
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Bordetella
parpertussis, Haemophilus influenzae (ampic R), Haemophilus
influenzae (ampic S), Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas spp
(aeruginosa), Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Enterobacter cloacae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Enterobacter aerogenes
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Serratia marcescens (Enterobacteriaceae
spp), Acinetobacter baumanii, Legionella spp, Escherichia coli,
Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papilloma Virus, Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, plasmodium, and Trichomonas (vagin).
232. The method of claim 225, comprising detecting a disease marker
in a blood sample and detecting a disease marker in a sample
obtained from a swab, wherein one of said disease markers is a
marker for inflammation, and one of said disease markers a marker
for a disease-causing agent.
233. The method of claim 232, wherein said disease marker for
inflammation is selected from prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor
alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8),
interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (IF-.gamma.), bradykinin,
complement system molecules, blood-clotting factors, C-reactive
protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell
count, and morphological changes in blood and other cells, and said
disease marker for a disease-causing agent is selected from the
group of disease-causing organisms consisting of a virus, a
bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other
micro-organisms.
234. The method of claim 227, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a disease selected from influenza, a respiratory
disease, a sexually transmitted disease, and another infectious
disease.
235. The method of claim 217, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for an influenza selected from H1N1 (seasonal), H1N1
(novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1.
236. The method of claim 217, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a respiratory disease selected from an upper respiratory
disease and a lower respiratory disease.
237. The method of claim 217, wherein the disease marker is a
respiratory disease marker for a disease-causing organism selected
from the group consisting of adenovirus B, adenovirus C, adenovirus
E, Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB),
Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella
catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae,
Metapneumo Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC,
Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
238. The method of claim 225, comprising detecting a disease marker
in a blood sample and detecting a disease marker in a sample
obtained from a swab, wherein at least one of said disease markers
is a marker for a disease-causing organism indicative of a
respiratory disease selected from the group consisting of
adenovirus B, adenovirus C, adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), Staphylococcus aureus,
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Group A
streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella catarrhalis,
Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Metapneumo
Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC,
Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
239. The method of claim 217, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for a disease-causing organism indicative of a sexually
transmitted disease selected from herpes simplex virus (HSV), human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1
Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV),
streptococcus B, and Treponema pallidum.
240. The method of claim 225, comprising detecting a disease marker
in a blood sample and detecting a disease marker in a sample
obtained from a swab, wherein at least one of said disease markers
is a marker for a disease-causing organism indicative of a sexually
transmitted disease selected from herpes simplex virus (HSV), human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1
Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV),
streptococcus B, and Treponema pallidum.
241. The method of claim 217, wherein the disease marker is a
marker for an infectious disease-causing agent selected from the
group consisting of West Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus,
plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and a Dengue Virus.
242. The method of claim 225, comprising detecting a disease marker
in a blood sample and detecting a disease marker in a sample
obtained from a swab, wherein at least one of said disease markers
is a marker for a disease-causing agent selected from the group
consisting of West Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, plasmodium,
Trypanosoma cruzi, and a Dengue Virus.
243. The method of claim 217, wherein the method is a point-of
service method performed at a point-of-service location.
244. The method of claim 222, wherein the method is a point-of
service method performed at a point-of-service location.
245. The method of claim 217, wherein the method may be performed
in less than about 40 minutes.
246. The method of claim 222, wherein the method may be performed
in less than about 40 minutes.
247. A method of determining the stage of an infection in a subject
suffering from an infection, comprising: Testing at least one
sample, or an aliquot or aliquots thereof, obtained from said
subject 1) for the presence of a nucleic acid indicative of the
infection, and 2) for the presence of an antibody indicative of the
infection, and Determining whether the relative amounts of a)
nucleic acids indicative of the infection and b) antibodies
indicative of the infection indicate that the infection is a recent
infection, wherein i) a greater relative amount of the nucleic
acids indicative of the infection as compared to the relative
amount of the antibodies indicative of the infection indicate that
the infection is a recent infection, and ii) a significant amount
of antibodies to the infectious agent indicate the infection is not
a recent infection.
248. The method of claim 247, wherein the at least one sample
comprises a blood sample.
249. The method of claim 247, wherein the at least one sample
comprises a sample selected from a throat swab sample, a cheek swab
sample, nasal swab sample, a saliva sample, and a blood sample.
250. The method of claim 247, wherein a significant amount of
antibody to the infectious agent is detected, and further wherein
nucleic acid markers indicative of the infectious agent are
relatively sparse, wherein the infection is in a late stage.
251. The method of claim 247, comprising testing said sample for a
marker for inflammation.
252. The method of claim 251, wherein the marker for inflammation
is selected from a prostaglandin, tumor necrosis factor alpha
(TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8),
interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (IF-.gamma.), bradykinin,
a complement system molecule, a blood-clotting factor, C-reactive
protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell
count, and a morphological change in a blood or other cell.
253. The method of claim 251, wherein the marker for inflammation
is a cytokine selected from a lymphokine, a chemokine, an
interleukin, and an interferon.
254. The method of claim 247, wherein said testing comprises
testing to determine whether the subject suffers from a bacterial
infection, a viral infection, a yeast infection, a mycoplasma
infection, a fungal infection, other infection, or combination
thereof.
255. The method of claim 247, wherein said testing comprises
determining whether markers indicative of viral infection or
markers indicative of bacterial infection are detected, effective
to determine whether the subject suffers from a bacterial infection
or a viral infection.
256. The method of claim 247, further comprising providing a
prescription suitable for treatment of said infection.
257. The method of claim 256, wherein providing a prescription
suitable for treatment of said infection comprises prescription of
an antibiotic when the testing determines that the subject suffers
from a bacterial infection.
258. The method of claim 256, wherein providing a prescription
suitable for treatment of said infection comprises the prescription
of an anti-mycoplasmal drug when the testing determines that the
subject suffers from a mycoplasmal infection.
259. The method of claim 256, wherein providing a prescription
suitable for treatment of said infection comprises the prescription
of an anti-viral drug when the testing determines that the subject
suffers from a viral infection.
260. The method of claim 256, wherein providing a prescription
suitable for treatment of said infection comprises avoiding the
prescription of an antibiotic, when the testing determines that the
subject suffers from a viral infection.
261. The method of claim 256, wherein providing a prescription
suitable for treatment of said infection comprises avoiding the
prescription of an antibiotic, and providing the prescription of an
anti-viral drug, when the testing determines that the subject
suffers from a viral infection.
262. The method of claim 256, wherein providing a prescription
suitable for treatment of said infection comprises the prescription
of an anti-fungal drug when the testing determines that the subject
suffers from a fungal infection.
263. The method of claim 256, wherein providing a prescription
suitable for treatment of said infection comprises the prescription
of an anti-yeast drug when the testing determines that the subject
suffers from a yeast infection.
264. The method of claim 247, wherein the disease detected is
caused by a disease-causing agent selected from the group of
disease-causing organisms consisting of a virus, a bacterium, a
mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other micro-organisms, and
further comprising providing a prescription for the suitable
treatment of said virus, bacterium, mycoplasm, fungus, yeast, or
other micro-organism.
265. The method of claim 247, wherein the method is a point-of
service method performed at a point-of-service location.
266. The method of claim 265, wherein the methods are for
performing a plurality of assays on a single small-volume clinical
sample, or on aliquots thereof, and may be performed in less than
about 40 minutes.
267. The method of claim 247, wherein the infection is caused by a
disease selected from influenza, a respiratory disease, a sexually
transmitted disease, and another infectious disease.
268. The method of claim 267, wherein the infection comprises
influenza, wherein said influenza is selected from H1N1 (seasonal),
H1N1 (novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1.
269. The method of claim 267, wherein the infection comprises a
respiratory disease selected from an upper respiratory disease and
a lower respiratory disease.
270. The method of claim 269, wherein the respiratory disease is
selected from the group consisting of adenovirus B, adenovirus C,
adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB), Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus,
Moraxella catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus
parainfluenzae, Metapneumo Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia,
Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus
3, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS,
Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus 229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE,
Klebsiella pneumonia KPC, Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type
1,3.
271. The method of claim 267, wherein the infection comprises a
sexually transmitted disease selected from a disease caused by
herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis
Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and Treponema
pallidum.
272. The method of claim 247, wherein the infection comprises a
disease caused by an infectious disease-causing agent selected from
the group consisting of Influenza A Matrix protein, Influenza H3N2,
Influenza H1N1 seasonal, Influenza H1N1 novel, Influenza B,
Streptococcus pyogenes (A), Mycobacterium Tuberculosis,
Staphylococcus aureus (MR), Staphylococcus aureus (RS), Bordetella
pertussis (whooping cough), Streptococcus agalactiae (B), Influenza
H5N1, Influenza H7N9, Adenovirus B, Adenovirus C, Adenovirus E,
Hepatitis b, Hepatitis c, Hepatitis delta, Treponema pallidum,
HSV-1, HSV-2, HIV-1, HIV-2, Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue 3, Dengue 4,
Malaria, West Nile Virus, Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), Klebsiella
pneumoniae (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC), Epstein Barr Virus (mono), Rhinovirus,
Parainfluenza virus (1), Parainfluenza virus (2), Parainfluenza
virus (3), Parainfluenza virus (4a), Parainfluenza virus (4b),
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A, Respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) B, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Novel Coronavirus, Bocavirus, human
metapneumovirus (HMPV), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penic R),
Streptococcus pneumoniae (S), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia
pneumoniae, Bordetella parpertussis, Haemophilus influenzae (ampic
R), Haemophilus influenzae (ampic S), Moraxella catarrhalis,
Pseudomonas spp (aeruginosa), Haemophilus parainfluenzae,
Enterobacter cloacae (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Enterobacter
aerogenes (Enterobacteriaceae spp), Serratia marcescens
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Acinetobacter baumanii, Legionella spp,
Escherichia coli, Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papilloma
Virus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, plasmodium, and Trichomonas
(vagin).
273. The method of claim 257, wherein the bacterial infection
comprises an infection caused by bacteria selected from the group
consisting of Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB), Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus,
Moraxella catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus
parainfluenzae, Streptococcus pneumonia, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE,
Klebsiella pneumonia KPC, and Treponema pallidum.
274. The method of claim 259, wherein the viral infection comprises
an infection caused by a virus selected from the group consisting
of an influenza virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1
Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV),
West Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, a Dengue Virus, adenovirus B,
adenovirus C, adenovirus E, Metapneumo Virus, Parainfluenza Virus
1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
275. The method of claim 274, wherein the viral infection comprises
influenza, wherein said influenza is selected from H1N1 (seasonal),
H1N1 (novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1.
276. The method of claim 274, wherein the viral infection comprises
a Dengue virus, wherein said Dengue virus is selected from Dengue
virus type 1, Dengue virus type 2, Dengue virus type 3, and Dengue
virus type 4.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Infectious diseases, whether or bacterial, viral, or other
origin, present acute and chronic challenges to human health. Many
common infections affect the respiratory tract. Respiratory tract
diseases, particularly infectious respiratory diseases of viral and
bacterial origin, are prevalent in patients of all ages, although
often are more serious in the very young and the very old. Viruses
include DNA viruses and RNA viruses. Bacteria include Gram positive
and Gram negative bacteria, and may include mycoplasma (bacteria
lacking cell walls). In addition to disease-causing bacteria, some
diseases, such as, e.g., respiratory diseases, may be caused by
other microorganisms such as yeasts, fungi, and other small,
disease-causing organisms.
[0002] An example of a common viral cause of respiratory (and
other) disorders in patients is the influenza ("flu") virus.
Influenza ("flu") refers to disease caused by one of several
related RNA viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family, typified by
fever, headache, fatigue, and other symptoms. There are different
types of influenza; influenza A and influenza B are both about
equally prevalent in humans. Identification of the strain of flu in
a sample can help suggest treatments, can help suggest preventive
measures to be taken, and can help to track such infections in a
population.
[0003] Examples of common bacterial causes of respiratory (and
other) disorders in patients include whooping cough, pneumonia, and
tuberculosis. Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis and
is typified by fits of violent coughing, which may persist for
weeks. Pneumonia is the name given to respiratory disorders
characterized by fluid in the lungs, coughing, fever, vomiting,
fatigue, and other symptoms. Pneumonia may be caused by bacterial
or viral infection; determination of the cause of a particular case
is critical in determining the course of treatment of the patient.
Causes of pneumonia include Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus
aureus, adenovirus, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus,
Pneumocystis, jirovecii (a fungus), and other agents. Tuberculosis
is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is typified by cough
including spitting up blood, chest pain, chills, fever, night
sweats, and other symptoms, and may be fatal.
[0004] Agents that cause infectious respiratory diseases typically
differ between upper respiratory tract diseases and lower
respiratory tract disorders; thus, the variety or range of
bacterial or viral agents found in patients suffering from upper
respiratory disorders may be different than those bacterial or
viral agents found in patients suffering from lower respiratory
disorders. However, successful diagnosis and treatment of
respiratory diseases often requires identification of
disease-causing organisms present in a clinical sample obtained
from a subject suffering, or suspected of suffering, from an
infectious respiratory disorder. Differentiating between organisms
typical of upper respiratory and those typical of lower respiratory
disorders may also be critical in the successful diagnosis and
treatment of respiratory diseases. In addition, identification of
other symptoms and sequelae of respiratory disorders may aid the
successful diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases.
[0005] Sexually transmitted diseases, whether viral or bacterial,
or otherwise, present particular public health problems since some
patients are reluctant to acknowledge the risks of, or possible
exposure to, such diseases, and may be reluctant to be tested for
these diseases. However, lack of testing and resulting lack of
information regarding disease status may lead to increased spread
of such diseases, and delays treatment for those affected.
[0006] Some diseases may be detected by blood tests (e.g., dengue
virus, Epstein-Barr virus, trypanosomal diseases, plasmodium
diseases, and others). Some diseases may be detected by analysis of
swabs, or fluid obtained from swabs, such as throat swabs, nasal
swabs, cheek swabs, or other swabs. Diseases may also be detected
by analysis of urine samples, and other clinical samples.
[0007] In order to be effective in treating such infectious
disorders, testing must be timely. However, present methods and
systems for testing are often time-consuming, inconvenient for
patients, may require sample collection methods or amounts that are
painful or uncomfortable for patients, and may be expensive.
Methods that require large amounts of sample, or that require
incubation of a sample for a day or days, are often ineffective at
timely detection or identification of the cause of a respiratory
disorder, and thus may not be helpful in the diagnosis or treatment
of infectious respiratory disorders.
[0008] In addition, many infectious respiratory disorders present
many of the same, or similar symptoms, so that useful and effective
testing requires testing for the presence of multiple agents, and
of multiple kinds of agents (e.g., viral, bacterial, and fungal).
However, present methods are often limited to testing for a single
agent or kind of agent, or only a small number of possible agents,
limiting the utility of the results and raising the likelihood that
the causal agent may not be identified.
[0009] Thus, improved methods, systems, and assays for the
detection and identification of agents that cause diseases, such as
influenza, respiratory diseases, sexually transmitted diseases,
blood diseases, viral diseases, bacterial diseases, and other
diseases, are desired.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0010] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned
in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the
same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent
application was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY
[0011] Systems, methods, and devices for detecting the presence of
markers indicative of one or more of a plurality of infectious
agents in a single clinical sample, or in a plurality of aliquots
of a single clinical sample, are provided. The systems, methods,
and devices disclosed herein may be point-of-service systems,
methods, and devices, configured for use at a point-of-service
location, where a point-of-service location may be a location at
which a sample is obtained from a subject.
[0012] In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems, methods, and
devices for testing for presence of one or more of a plurality of
markers indicative of an infectious disease in a single
small-volume clinical sample, or aliquots thereof. In embodiments,
the system, method, or device is a point-of service (POS) system,
method or device. In embodiments, the sample is collected at the
POS location, and is analyzed in a device at the POS location. In
embodiments, the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample is
completed in a short period of time. In embodiments, the infectious
disease comprises a respiratory disease. In embodiments, the
infectious disease comprises a respiratory disease selected from an
upper respiratory disease and a lower respiratory disease. In
embodiments, the infectious disease comprises a sexually
transmitted disease.
[0013] In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems, methods, and
devices for detecting the presence of one or more of a plurality of
markers indicative of an infectious disease in a single
small-volume clinical sample, or aliquots thereof. In embodiments,
the system, method or device is a POS system, method or device. In
embodiments, the sample is collected at the POS location, and is
analyzed in a device at the POS location. In embodiments, the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample is completed in a
short period of time.
[0014] In embodiments, the infectious disease is a bacterial
disease, or a viral disease, or another type of disease, and the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines whether the
infectious disease is a bacterial disease, a viral disease, or
another type of disease. The determination of the type of
infectious disease aids in determining the type of treatment to
provide to the subject, e.g., where the determination indicates the
infectious disease is a fungal disease, the subject should be
treated with anti-fungal drugs; where the determination indicates
the infectious disease is a yeast infection, the subject should be
treated with anti-yeast drugs; and so forth.
[0015] In embodiments, the infectious disease is a bacterial
disease. In embodiments, the analysis of the small-volume clinical
sample determines whether the infectious disease is a bacterial
disease. In embodiments where the analysis of the small-volume
clinical sample determines that the infectious disease is a
bacterial disease, said determination indicates the use of
antibiotics in the treatment of that disease. In embodiments, the
infectious disease is a viral disease. In embodiments, the analysis
of the small-volume clinical sample determines whether the
infectious disease is a viral disease. In embodiments where the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines that the
infectious disease is a viral disease, said determination indicates
the use of antiviral drugs in the treatment of that disease. In
embodiments where the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample
determines that the infectious disease is a viral disease, said
determination indicates that antibiotics should not be used in the
treatment of that disease. In embodiments, the infectious disease
is a bacterial disease, or a viral disease. In embodiments, the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines whether the
infectious disease is a bacterial disease or a viral disease.
Similarly, where the analysis of the small volume clinical sample
determines the infectious disease is a fungal disease, the subject
should be treated with anti-fungal drugs; where the determination
indicates the infectious disease is a yeast infection, the subject
should be treated with anti-yeast drugs; and so forth.
[0016] In embodiments, the infectious disease comprises a
respiratory disease. In embodiments, the infectious disease
comprises a respiratory disease selected from an upper respiratory
disease and a lower respiratory disease. In embodiments, the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines whether the
infectious disease is an upper respiratory disease or a lower
respiratory disease. In embodiments, the analysis of the
small-volume clinical sample determines the type of upper
respiratory disease or a lower respiratory disease present in the
small volume clinical sample. For example, in embodiments, the
upper or lower respiratory disease is a bacterial disease, or a
viral disease, or another type of disease, and the analysis of the
small-volume clinical sample determines whether the upper or lower
respiratory disease is a bacterial disease, a viral disease, or
another type of disease. In embodiments where the analysis of the
small-volume clinical sample determines that the upper or lower
respiratory disease is a bacterial disease, said determination
indicates the use of antibiotics in the treatment of that disease.
In embodiments where the analysis of the small-volume clinical
sample determines that the upper or lower respiratory disease is a
viral disease, said determination indicates the use of antiviral
drugs in the treatment of that disease. In embodiments where the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines that the
upper or lower respiratory disease is a viral disease, said
determination indicates that antibiotics should not be used in the
treatment of that disease. Similarly, where the analysis of the
small volume clinical sample determines the upper or lower
respiratory disease is a fungal disease, the subject should be
treated with anti-fungal drugs; where the determination indicates
the infectious disease is a yeast infection, the subject should be
treated with anti-yeast drugs; and so forth.
[0017] In embodiments, the infectious disease comprises a sexually
transmitted disease. In embodiments, the analysis of the
small-volume clinical sample determines the type of sexually
transmitted disease present in the small volume clinical sample.
For example, in embodiments, the sexually transmitted disease is a
bacterial disease, or a viral disease, or another type of disease,
and the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines
whether the sexually transmitted disease is a bacterial disease, a
viral disease, or another type of disease. In embodiments where the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines that the
sexually transmitted disease is a bacterial disease, said
determination indicates the use of antibiotics in the treatment of
that disease. In embodiments where the analysis of the small-volume
clinical sample determines that the sexually transmitted disease is
a viral disease, said determination indicates the use of antiviral
drugs in the treatment of that disease. In embodiments where the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines that the
sexually transmitted disease is a viral disease, said determination
indicates that antibiotics should not be used in the treatment of
that disease. Similarly, where the analysis of the small volume
clinical sample determines the sexually transmitted disease is a
fungal disease, the subject should be treated with anti-fungal
drugs; where the determination indicates the infectious disease is
a yeast infection, the subject should be treated with anti-yeast
drugs; and so forth.
[0018] In embodiments of the systems, methods, and devices
configured for testing for a plurality of markers, and in systems,
methods or devices configured for detecting a plurality of markers,
the markers may be indicative of respiratory diseases; in
embodiments, the markers may be indicative of upper respiratory
diseases; in embodiments, the markers may be indicative of lower
respiratory diseases. In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems,
methods and devices configured for testing for a plurality of
markers, wherein the respiratory disease markers are indicative of
two or more of the group of respiratory disease markers consisting
of adenovirus B, adenovirus C, adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), Staphylococcus aureus,
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Group A
streptococcus, and Group B streptococcus. In embodiments,
Applicants disclose systems, methods and devices configured for
testing for a plurality of markers, wherein the respiratory disease
markers are indicative of two or more of the group of respiratory
disease markers consisting of adenovirus B, adenovirus C,
adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), Staphylococcus aureus,
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Group A
streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella catarrhais,
Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Metapneumo
Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC,
Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3. In embodiments, the
respiratory disease markers are indicative of three or more, or of
four or more, or of five or more, or of six or more, or of seven or
more, or of eight of that group of respiratory disease markers.
[0019] In embodiments of the systems, methods, and devices
configured for testing for a plurality of markers, and in systems,
methods, and devices configured for detecting a plurality of
markers, the markers may be indicative of sexually transmitted
diseases. In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems, methods, and
devices configured for testing for a plurality of markers, wherein
the sexually transmitted disease markers are indicative of two or
more of the group of markers consisting of herpes simplex virus
(HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), streptococcus B, and
Treponema pallidum. In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems,
methods, and devices configured for testing for a plurality of
markers, wherein the sexually transmitted disease markers are
indicative of two or more of the group of markers consisting of
HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2, Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and
Treponema pallidum. In embodiments, the sexually transmitted
disease markers are indicative of three or more, or four of that
group of sexually transmitted disease markers.
[0020] In embodiments of the systems, methods, and devices
configured for testing for a plurality of markers, and in systems,
methods, and devices configured for detecting a plurality of
markers, the markers may be indicative of influenza. In
embodiments, Applicants disclose systems, methods, and devices
configured for testing for a plurality of markers, wherein the
influenza markers are indicative of influenza A and of influenza B.
In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems, methods, and devices
configured for testing for a plurality of markers, wherein the
influenza markers are indicative of two or more of the group of
markers consisting of the following forms of influenza: H1N1
(seasonal), H1N1 (novel), H3N2, H7N9 (hemagglutinin gene marker
(HA) and neuraminidase gene (NA)), and H5N1. In embodiments, the
influenza markers are indicative of three or more, or four or more,
or five of that group of influenza markers. In embodiments, the
influenza markers may be influenza Matrix Protein markers, or may
be influenza neuraminidase protein markers, or may be influenza
hemagglutinin markers, or other influenza markers. In embodiments,
the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines whether
the infectious disease is an influenza. In embodiments, the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines the type of
influenza present in the small volume clinical sample. In
embodiments where the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample
determines that the infectious disease is an influenza (which is a
viral disease), said determination indicates that antibiotics
should not be used in the treatment of that disease. In embodiments
where the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines
that the infectious disease is an influenza, said determination
indicates that antiviral drugs should be used in the treatment of
that disease.
[0021] In embodiments of the systems, methods, and devices
configured for testing for a plurality of markers, and in systems,
methods, and devices configured for detecting a plurality of
markers, the markers may be indicative of diseases and disease
markers which may be detected by analysis of a blood sample. In
embodiments, such diseases and disease markers which may be
detected by analysis of a blood sample include West Nile Virus,
Epstein-Barr Virus, plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Dengue Virus
(including types 1, 2, 3, and 4).
[0022] Samples from the throat of a subject may be obtained, e.g.,
by a throat swab; samples obtained from the nose of a subject may
be obtained, e.g., by a nasal swab. In embodiments, samples
obtained from the throat and from the nose of a subject may be
tested together. In embodiments, testing of samples obtained from
the throat, or from the nose, or from both the nose and from the
throat, may be tested by nucleic acid analysis; or by amino acid
analysis (e.g., ELISA or other antibody-based or binding
protein-based analysis); or by general chemistry analysis; or by
cytometric analysis; or by combinations thereof. For example,
samples may be tested by nucleic acid analysis and by amino acid
analysis. Such tests may be used to determine how long a subject
has had an infection, for example, by noting the delay in rise of
levels of antibodies indicative of a particular disease in the
sample; or by tracking the rise in the levels of antibodies
indicative of a particular disease in the sample over time (e.g.,
by repeated testing over time). Similarly, such testing may be used
to detect, or to determine, the effect of treatment, by noting the
delay in rise of levels of antibodies indicative of a particular
disease in the sample; or by tracking the rise in the levels of
antibodies indicative of a particular disease in the sample over
time (e.g., by repeated testing over time). In embodiments, samples
from throat and from nose may be included in a single solution, and
tested together. In embodiments, samples from throat and from nose
may be in separate vessels (e.g., sample containers), but both
included in a single cartridge, and the separate vessels tested at
the same time. Such testing at the same time may comprise testing
the vessels separately, or may include mixing the contents of the
vessels and testing the mixture.
[0023] In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems, methods, and
devices configured for identifying, or estimating, or otherwise
determining the stage of an infection in a subject by detecting, or
determining the amounts of, or both, both nucleic acid markers
indicative of a particular infection and antibody markers
indicative of the same infection. Such systems, methods, and
devices may be used to detect, measure, and track such markers over
time, effective to provide an estimate or determination of how
recently an infection occurred. Such systems, methods, and devices
may be used to detect, measure, and track such markers over time,
effective to aid in evaluating the present status of a subject
suffering from an infection. Such systems, methods, and devices may
be used to detect, measure, and track such markers over time,
effective to aid in determining the likely prognosis of a subject
suffering from an infection. For example, where nucleic acid
markers indicative of a particular infection are relatively
numerous, while antibody or other protein markers indicative of
that particular infection are relatively sparse, then it can be
estimated or determined that the infection is a recent infection;
however, where nucleic acid markers indicative of a particular
infection are relatively numerous, and antibody or other protein
markers indicative of that particular infection are also relatively
numerous, then it can be estimated or determined that the infection
is not a recent infection, since the subject has had the time to
produce infection-specific antibodies. Where nucleic acid markers
indicative of a particular infection are relatively sparse, and
antibody or other protein markers indicative of that particular
infection are also relatively numerous, then it can be estimated or
determined that the infection in a late stage, and indicates that
the infection is waning, since such observations indicate that the
subject is overcoming the infection.
[0024] In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems, methods, and
devices configured for testing for a plurality of markers, and
disclose systems configured for detecting a plurality of markers,
where the markers are indicative of a plurality of infectious
diseases in a single small-volume clinical sample, or aliquots
thereof. In embodiments, the systems, methods, and devices may be
configured for testing for, or for detecting, markers indicative of
more than about 8 different diseases, or more than about 8
different diseases, or more than about 12 different diseases, or
more than about 16 different diseases, or more than about 20
different diseases, or more than about 25 different diseases, or
more than about 35 different diseases, or more than about 45
different diseases, or more than about 60 different diseases. In
embodiments, the systems, methods, and devices may be configured to
test for, or to detect a plurality of nucleic acid markers and
protein markers, each marker being indicative of at least one of a
plurality of diseases or conditions. In embodiments, the systems,
methods, and devices may be configured to test for, or to detect a
plurality of nucleic acid markers, protein markers, and cytometric
markers, each marker being indicative of at least one of a
plurality of diseases or conditions. In embodiments, the systems,
methods, and devices may be configured to test for, or to detect a
plurality of nucleic acid markers, protein markers, cytometric
markers, cytokines, and markers of inflammation, each marker or
cytokine being indicative of at least one of a plurality of
diseases or conditions. In embodiments, the systems, methods, and
devices comprise a point-of service system. In embodiments, the
sample may be collected at the point of service, and may be
analyzed in a device at the POS location. In embodiments, the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample may be completed in a
short period of time.
[0025] In embodiments, the infectious disease comprises a
respiratory disease. In embodiments, the infectious disease
comprises a respiratory disease selected from an upper respiratory
disease and a lower respiratory disease. In embodiments, the
analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines whether the
infectious disease is an upper respiratory disease or a lower
respiratory disease. In embodiments, the analysis of the
small-volume clinical sample determines the type of upper
respiratory disease or a lower respiratory disease present in the
small volume clinical sample. In embodiments, the respiratory
disease comprises a respiratory disease caused by a disease-causing
agent selected from a virus, a bacterium, a yeast, a fungus, a
mycoplasma, and other micro-organisms. In embodiments, the analysis
of the small-volume clinical sample determines the type of upper
respiratory disease or a lower respiratory disease present in the
small volume clinical sample. In embodiments, the analysis of the
small-volume clinical sample determines whether the upper
respiratory disease or a lower respiratory disease is a viral
disease, or a bacterial disease, or some other type of disease. In
embodiments in which the analysis of the small-volume clinical
sample determines that the disease is a viral disease, said
determination indicates that antibiotics should not be used in the
treatment of that disease. In embodiments where the analysis of the
small-volume clinical sample determines that the disease is a viral
disease, said determination indicates that antiviral drugs should
be used in the treatment of that disease. In embodiments in which
the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines that
the disease is a bacterial disease, said determination indicates
that antibiotics should be used in the treatment of that
disease.
[0026] In embodiments, the infectious disease comprises a sexually
transmitted disease. In embodiments, the sexually transmitted
disease comprises a sexually transmitted disease caused by a
disease-causing agent selected from a virus, a bacterium, a yeast,
a fungus, a mycoplasma, and other micro-organisms. In embodiments,
the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines the
type of sexually transmitted disease present in the small volume
clinical sample. In embodiments, the analysis of the small-volume
clinical sample determines whether the sexually transmitted disease
is a viral disease, or a bacterial disease, or some other type of
disease. In embodiments in which the analysis of the small-volume
clinical sample determines that the disease is a viral disease,
said determination indicates that antibiotics should not be used in
the treatment of that disease. In embodiments where the analysis of
the small-volume clinical sample determines that the disease is a
viral disease, said determination indicates that antiviral drugs
should be used in the treatment of that disease. In embodiments in
which the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample determines
that the disease is a bacterial disease, said determination
indicates that antibiotics should be used in the treatment of that
disease.
[0027] Applicant further discloses a method of determining the
state of response to a disease in a subject, the method comprising:
a) introducing a clinical sample into a sample processing device,
said sample having been obtained from a subject suspected of
suffering from a disease caused by a disease-causing organism, said
clinical sample having a volume of no greater than 500 microliters,
wherein the device comprises: i) a sample handling system; ii) a
detection station; and iii) an assay station comprising at least a
first and a second independently movable assay unit; b) with the
aid of the sample handling system, transferring a portion of the
clinical sample to each of the first and second assay units,
wherein an assay for the detection of a nucleic acid indicative of
the disease-causing organism is performed in said first assay unit,
and an assay for the detection of antibodies to the disease-causing
organism is performed in the second assay unit; c) transferring the
first and second assay units to the detection station with the aid
of the sample handling system; d) obtaining data measurements with
the aid of the detection station, said data measurements comprising
determining the level of nucleic acid indicative of a disease
organism in the sample, and determining the level of antibodies
directed to that disease organism in the sample; and e) i)
determining that the infection is a recent infection, and in an
early stage of the disease, where the level of nucleic acid
indicative of a disease organism is high and the level of
antibodies directed to that disease organism is low or normal; ii)
determining that the infection is not a recent infection, and not
in an early stage of the disease, where the level of nucleic acid
indicative of a disease organism is high and the level of
antibodies directed to that disease organism is high; and iii)
determining that the infection is a waning infection, and in a late
stage of the disease, where the level of nucleic acid indicative of
a disease organism is low or normal and the level of antibodies
directed to that disease organism is high, where a normal level of
a marker is the level of that marker determined in a healthy
population of normal subjects, where a high level is one that
significantly exceeds a normal level as determined in a healthy
population, and a low level is one that is at or below the normal
level as determined in a healthy population.
[0028] In embodiments, the method of determining the state of
response to a disease in a subject further comprises detecting the
level of inflammatory cytokines. In embodiments of the method of
determining the state of response to a disease in a subject, the
device further comprises a cytometry station comprises an imaging
device and a stage for receiving a microscopy cuvette, and the
method further comprises imaging a white blood cell in a blood
sample obtained from the subject. In embodiments, imaging a white
blood cell in a blood sample obtained from the subject comprises
detecting the level of a white blood cell type in a blood sample
obtained from the subject, and determining whether said detected
level of said type of white blood cell is above, at, or below a
normal level for that type of blood cell, wherein the normal level
for that type of white blood cell is determined by the level of
that type of white blood cell in blood samples from a healthy
population.
[0029] Tests may be for the detection of markers indicative of any
infectious disease. For example, diseases that may be tested for
include respiratory diseases, and include upper respiratory
diseases and lower respiratory diseases. Markers may include
nucleic acid markers, protein markers, polysaccharide markers,
cellular markers (including cells and cellular organelles or
fragments), and other markers. Markers may include markers for
viral infections, bacterial infections, fungal infections, yeast
infections, mycoplasma infections, and for other infections.
Samples may be tested for markers indicative of inflammation.
Samples may be tested for cytokines. Samples may be tested for
inflammatory cytokines. Samples may be tested for anti-inflammatory
cytokines. The amount of dilution of a sample, or a level of
detection of a marker, may be determined by the condition or past
history of a subject.
[0030] Test results may be obtained within three hours, or two
hours, or one hour, or 1/2 hour, or less from the time a sample is
placed in a testing device for analysis. A sample may be placed in
a testing device for analysis within five hours, or four hours, or
three hours, or two hours, or one hour, or 1/2 hour, or less from
the time a sample was obtained from a subject. Test results may be
obtained within eight hours, seven hours, or six hours, or five
hours, or three hours, or two hours, or one hour, or 1/2 hour, or
less from the time a sample was obtained from a subject.
[0031] In embodiments, Applicant discloses a method of detecting a
disease marker, comprising: a) introducing a cartridge comprising
one or more samples into an automatic sample processing device,
said cartridge being configured to hold at least one sample and
being configured to hold a swab, wherein said automatic sample
processing device comprises: i) a sample handling system configured
to transport at least a portion of a sample and being configured to
transport an independently movable assay unit; and ii) an optical
detector; b) contacting a sample, or a portion thereof, with a
movable assay unit, or a reagent, or both, for the performance of
an assay for the detection of a disease marker, said contacting
comprising transporting, with the aid of said sample handling
system, at least a portion of said sample, or a movable assay unit,
or a reagent, or combinations thereof; c) positioning said sample,
or portion thereof, at a location suitable for detection of an
optical signal from the sample or portion thereof by said optical
detector; and d) detecting the presence of a disease marker. In
embodiments, such a method may comprise performing two or more
assays for the detection of disease markers, and detecting two or
more disease markers in said one or more samples, or in one or more
portions thereof. In embodiments, the sample has a volume of less
than about 500 microliters (.mu.L). In embodiments, the one or more
samples comprises a blood sample; or comprises a sample obtained
using a swab; or comprises both a blood sample and a sample
obtained using a swab. In embodiments, a sample obtained using said
swab may be obtained by swabbing a mouth, a throat, a nasal
passage, a vaginal area, or other body cavity of a subject. In
embodiments, the method comprises detecting the presence of a
nucleic acid disease marker and a protein disease marker.
[0032] The methods disclosed herein include performing two or more
assays for the detection of disease markers, and detecting two or
more disease markers in said samples, or in one or more portions
thereof. In embodiments, the methods comprise detecting the
presence of a nucleic acid disease marker and a protein disease
marker. In embodiments, the disease marker is selected from a
nucleic acid disease marker, a protein disease marker, a
saccharide, a prostaglandin, a cytokine, histamine, a steroid, and
a marker for inflammation. In embodiments, two or more disease
markers are detected, wherein the disease markers are selected from
a nucleic acid disease marker, a protein disease marker, a
saccharide, a prostaglandin, a cytokine, histamine, a steroid, and
a marker for inflammation. In embodiments, a disease marker is a
marker for inflammation selected from prostaglandins, tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1),
interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma
(IF-.gamma.), bradykinin, complement system molecules,
blood-clotting factors, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count, and morphological
changes in blood and other cells.
[0033] In embodiments, a disease marker is a marker for a
disease-causing agent, wherein said disease-causing agent is
selected from the group of disease-causing organisms consisting of
a virus, a bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other
micro-organisms. In embodiments, a disease marker for a
disease-causing agent is selected from the group consisting of
Influenza A Matrix protein, Influenza H3N2, Influenza H1N1
seasonal, Influenza H1N1 novel, Influenza B, Streptococcus pyogenes
(A), Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus (MR),
Staphylococcus aureus (RS), Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough),
Streptococcus agalactiae (B), Influenza H5N1, Influenza H7N9,
Adenovirus B, Adenovirus C, Adenovirus E, Hepatitis b, Hepatitis c,
Hepatitis delta, Treponema pallidum, HSV-1, HSV-2, HIV-1, HIV-2,
Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue 3, Dengue 4, Malaria, West Nile Virus,
Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), Klebsiella pneumoniae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase
(KPC), Epstein Barr Virus (mono), Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza virus
(1), Parainfluenza virus (2), Parainfluenza virus (3),
Parainfluenza virus (4a), Parainfluenza virus (4b), Respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) A, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) B,
Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus
NL63, Novel Coronavirus, Bocavirus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV),
Streptococcus pneumoniae (penic R), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S),
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Bordetella
parpertussis, Haemophilus influenzae (ampic R), Haemophilus
influenzae (ampic S), Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas spp
(aeruginosa), Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Enterobacter cloacae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Enterobacter aerogenes
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Serratia marcescens (Enterobacteriaceae
spp), Acinetobacter baumanii, Legionella spp, Escherichia coli,
Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papilloma Virus, Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, plasmodium, and Trichomonas (vagin).
[0034] In embodiments, the methods comprise detecting a disease
marker in a blood sample and detecting a disease marker in a sample
obtained from a swab, wherein one of said disease markers is a
marker for inflammation, and one of said disease markers a marker
for a disease-causing agent. In embodiments, such a disease marker
for inflammation is selected from prostaglandins, tumor necrosis
factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8
(IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (IF-.gamma.),
bradykinin, complement system molecules, blood-clotting factors,
C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white
blood cell count, and morphological changes in blood and other
cells, and such a disease marker for a disease-causing agent is
selected from the group of disease-causing organisms consisting of
a virus, a bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other
micro-organisms.
[0035] In embodiments, a disease marker is a marker for a disease
selected from influenza, a respiratory disease, a sexually
transmitted disease, and another infectious disease. In embodiments
where the disease is influenza, the disease marker is selected from
H1N1 (seasonal), H1N1 (novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1. In
embodiments, the disease is respiratory disease selected from an
upper respiratory disease and a lower respiratory disease. In
embodiments where the disease is a respiratory disease, the marker
may be a marker for a disease-causing organism selected from the
group consisting of adenovirus B, adenovirus C, adenovirus E,
Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB),
Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella
catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae,
Metapneumo Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC,
Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
[0036] In embodiments where the disease is a sexually transmitted
disease, the marker may comprise a marker for a disease-causing
organism indicative of a sexually transmitted disease selected from
herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis
Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and Treponema
pallidum.
[0037] In embodiments, the method comprises detecting a disease
marker in a blood sample and detecting a disease marker in a sample
obtained from a swab, wherein at least one of said disease markers
is a marker for a disease-causing organism indicative of a
respiratory disease selected from the group consisting of
adenovirus B, adenovirus C, adenovirus E, Bordetella pertussis,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), Staphylococcus aureus,
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Group A
streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella catarrhalis,
Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Metapneumo
Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC,
Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
[0038] In embodiments where the disease is an infectious disease,
the disease marker may comprise a marker for an infectious
disease-causing agent selected from the group consisting of West
Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and
a Dengue Virus.
[0039] In embodiments comprising detecting a disease marker in a
blood sample and detecting a disease marker in a sample obtained
from a swab, wherein at least one of said disease markers is a
marker for a disease-causing organism indicative of a sexually
transmitted disease selected from herpes simplex virus (HSV), human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1
Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV),
streptococcus B, and Treponema pallidum.
[0040] In embodiments comprising detecting a disease marker in a
blood sample and detecting a disease marker in a sample obtained
from a swab, wherein at least one of said disease markers is a
marker for a disease-causing agent selected from the group
consisting of West Nile Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, plasmodium,
Trypanosoma cruzi, and a Dengue Virus.
[0041] In embodiments of the methods of detecting a disease marker,
the method is a point-of service method performed at a
point-of-service location. In embodiments of methods of detecting a
disease marker, the method may be performed in less than about 40
minutes. In embodiments comprising detecting a disease marker in a
blood sample and detecting a disease marker in a sample obtained
from a swab, the method is a point-of service method performed at a
point-of-service location. In embodiments comprising detecting a
disease marker in a blood sample and detecting a disease marker in
a sample obtained from a swab, the method may be performed in less
than about 40 minutes.
[0042] For example, Applicant discloses herein a method of
determining the stage of an infection in a subject suffering from
an infection, comprising: Testing at least one sample, or an
aliquot or aliquots thereof, obtained from said subject 1) for the
presence of a nucleic acid indicative of the infection, and 2) for
the presence of an antibody indicative of the infection, and
Determining whether the relative amounts of a) nucleic acids
indicative of the infection and b) antibodies indicative of the
infection indicate that the infection is a recent infection,
wherein i) a greater relative amount of the nucleic acids
indicative of the infection as compared to the relative amount of
the antibodies indicative of the infection indicate that the
infection is a recent infection, and ii) a significant amount of
antibodies to the infectious agent indicate the infection is not a
recent infection. In embodiments of such a method, the at least one
sample comprises a blood sample. In embodiments of such a method,
the at least one sample comprises a sample selected from a throat
swab sample, a cheek swab sample, nasal swab sample, a saliva
sample, and a blood sample. In embodiments of such a method, where
a significant amount of antibody to the infectious agent is
detected, and where nucleic acid markers indicative of the
infectious agent are relatively sparse, then the method indicates
that the infection is in a late stage and that the infection is
waning.
[0043] In embodiments, such a method may further include testing a
sample or samples for a marker for inflammation. In embodiments,
the marker for inflammation may be selected from a prostaglandin,
tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1),
interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma
(IF-.gamma.), bradykinin, a complement system molecule, a
blood-clotting factor, and a morphological change in a blood or
other cell. In embodiments, the marker for inflammation is a
cytokine selected from a lymphokine, a chemokine, an interleukin,
and an interferon.
[0044] In embodiments, a method disclosed herein comprises testing
to determine whether the subject suffers from a bacterial
infection, a viral infection, a yeast infection, a mycoplasma
infection, a fungal infection, other infection, or combination
thereof. In embodiments, such testing comprises determining whether
markers indicative of viral infection or markers indicative of
bacterial infection are detected, effective to determine whether
the subject suffers from a bacterial infection or a viral
infection.
[0045] In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the methods
further comprise prescribing a prescription suitable for treatment
of the infection. In embodiments, methods disclosed herein comprise
providing a prescription suitable for treatment of said infection
comprises prescription of an antibiotic when the testing determines
that the subject suffers from a bacterial infection. In
embodiments, methods disclosed herein comprise providing a
prescription suitable for treatment of said infection comprises the
prescription of an anti-mycoplasmal drug when the testing
determines that the subject suffers from a mycoplasmal infection.
In embodiments, methods disclosed herein comprise providing a
prescription suitable for treatment of said infection comprises the
prescription of an anti-viral drug when the testing determines that
the subject suffers from a viral infection. In embodiments, methods
disclosed herein comprise providing a prescription suitable for
treatment of said infection comprises avoiding the prescription of
an antibiotic, when the testing determines that the subject suffers
from a viral infection. In embodiments, methods disclosed herein
comprise providing a prescription suitable for treatment of said
infection comprises avoiding the prescription of an antibiotic, and
providing the prescription of an anti-viral drug, when the testing
determines that the subject suffers from a viral infection. In
embodiments, methods disclosed herein comprise providing a
prescription suitable for treatment of said infection comprises the
prescription of an anti-fungal drug when the testing determines
that the subject suffers from a fungal infection. In embodiments,
methods disclosed herein comprise providing a prescription suitable
for treatment of said infection comprises the prescription of an
anti-yeast drug when the testing determines that the subject
suffers from a yeast infection.
[0046] In embodiments, the methods comprise detecting a disease,
wherein the disease detected is caused by a disease-causing agent
selected from the group of disease-causing organisms consisting of
a virus, a bacterium, a mycoplasm, a fungus, a yeast, and other
micro-organisms, and further comprising providing a prescription
for the suitable treatment of said virus, bacterium, mycoplasm,
fungus, yeast, or other micro-organism.
[0047] In embodiments, the methods are point-of service methods
performed at a point-of-service location. In embodiments, the
methods comprise performing a plurality of assays on a single
small-volume clinical sample, or on aliquots thereof, and may be
performed in less than about 40 minutes. In embodiments, the
infection is caused by a disease selected from influenza, a
respiratory disease, a sexually transmitted disease, and another
infectious disease. In embodiments where the infection comprises
influenza, the influenza may be selected from H1N1 (seasonal), H1N1
(novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1. In embodiments where the infection
comprises a respiratory disease, the infection may be selected from
an upper respiratory disease and a lower respiratory disease. In
embodiments, the respiratory disease is selected from the group
consisting of adenovirus B, adenovirus C, adenovirus E, Bordetella
pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), Staphylococcus aureus,
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Group A
streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella catarrhalis,
Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Metapneumo
Virus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella pneumonia KPC,
Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3.
[0048] In embodiments, the infection comprises a sexually
transmitted disease selected from a disease caused by herpes
simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV-2
Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis
Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), streptococcus B, and Treponema
pallidum. In embodiments, the infection comprises a disease caused
by an infectious disease-causing agent selected from the group
consisting of Influenza A Matrix protein, Influenza H3N2, Influenza
H1N1 seasonal, Influenza H1N1 novel, Influenza B, Streptococcus
pyogenes (A), Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus
(MR), Staphylococcus aureus (RS), Bordetella pertussis (whooping
cough), Streptococcus agalactiae (B), Influenza H5N1, Influenza
H7N9, Adenovirus B, Adenovirus C, Adenovirus E, Hepatitis b,
Hepatitis c, Hepatitis delta, Treponema pallidum, HSV-1, HSV-2,
HIV-1, HIV-2, Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue 3, Dengue 4, Malaria, West
Nile Virus, Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), Klebsiella pneumoniae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase
(KPC), Epstein Barr Virus (mono), Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza virus
(1), Parainfluenza virus (2), Parainfluenza virus (3),
Parainfluenza virus (4a), Parainfluenza virus (4b), Respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) A, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) B,
Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus OC43, Coronavirus
NL63, Novel Coronavirus, Bocavirus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV),
Streptococcus pneumoniae (penic R), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S),
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Bordetella
parpertussis, Haemophilus influenzae (ampic R), Haemophilus
influenzae (ampic S), Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas spp
(aeruginosa), Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Enterobacter cloacae
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Enterobacter aerogenes
(Enterobacteriaceae spp), Serratia marcescens (Enterobacteriaceae
spp), Acinetobacter baumanii, Legionella spp, Escherichia coli,
Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papilloma Virus, Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, plasmodium, and Trichomonas (vagin).
[0049] In embodiments, the infection comprises a bacterial
infection caused by bacteria selected from the group consisting of
Bordetella pertussis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB),
Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Moraxella
catarrhalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Haemophilus parainfluenzae,
Streptococcus pneumonia, Klibsiella pneumonia phoE, Klebsiella
pneumonia KPC, and Treponema pallidum.
[0050] In embodiments, the infection comprises a viral infection
caused by a virus selected from the group consisting of an
influenza virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV), HIV-2 Group A, HIV-2 Group B, HIV-1 Group M, Hepatitis
B, Hepatitis Delta, herpes simplex virus (HSV), West Nile Virus,
Epstein-Barr Virus, a Dengue Virus, adenovirus B, adenovirus C,
adenovirus E, Metapneumo Virus, Parainfluenza Virus 1,
Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Coronavirus OC43,
Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus MERS, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus
229E, Bocavirus type 2,4, and Bocavirus type 1,3. In embodiments of
influenza infections, the influenza may be selected from H1N1
(seasonal), H1N1 (novel), H3N2, H7N9, and H5N1 influenza viruses.
In embodiments, a viral infection comprises infection by a Dengue
virus, wherein said Dengue virus is selected from Dengue virus type
1, Dengue virus type 2, Dengue virus type 3, and Dengue virus type
4.
[0051] A bill for the testing may be automatically generated at the
POS. The amount of the bill may be calculated per the tests
performed, or pursuant to the results of the testing. A bill for
the testing may be automatically sent to the subject's insurance
provider. Payment for the testing may be automatically obtained
from the subject, or from the subject's insurance carrier, or from
another source.
[0052] A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be
provided at the POS location. A prescription for treatment of a
detected disorder may be filled at the POS location. A bill for the
filled prescription may be automatically generated. A bill for the
prescription may be automatically sent to the subject's insurance
provider. Payment for the filled prescription may be automatically
obtained from the subject, or from the subject's insurance carrier,
or from another source.
[0053] Accordingly, Applicants provide systems, methods, and
devices for rapid analysis of a small-volume clinical sample in a
short period of time. Such rapid analysis includes testing for the
presence of markers indicative of a plurality of disease-causing
agents in a short period of time. In embodiments, such
disease-causing agents include agents which cause upper respiratory
disorders, and include agents which cause lower respiratory
disorders. In embodiments, such systems, methods, and devices are
configured to detect one or more indicators of inflammation. In
embodiments, such systems, methods, and devices are configured to
detect one or more cytokines. In embodiments, such systems,
methods, and devices are configured to detect one or more
inflammatory cytokines. In embodiments, such systems, methods, and
devices are configured to detect one or more anti-inflammatory
cytokines.
[0054] In embodiments, Applicants provide systems, methods, and
devices for detecting a plurality of disease-causing agents in a
single clinical sample, or in a plurality of aliquots of a single
clinical sample. In embodiments, a single clinical sample may be a
small volume clinical sample of blood, sputum, tears, nasal swabs,
throat swabs, mouth swabs (e.g., cheek swabs), vaginal swabs, or
other bodily fluid, tissue, secretion, or excretion taken from a
subject. In embodiments, a single clinical sample has a volume of
less than about 500 .mu.L, or less than about 250 .mu.L, or less
than 150 .mu.L, or less than about 100 .mu.L, or less than about 50
.mu.L, or less than about 25 .mu.L, or less than about 10 .mu.L, or
less than about 5 .mu.L, or less than about 1 .mu.L, or less.
[0055] In embodiments, clinical samples may be obtained at a
point-of-service (POS) location. A POS location may be, for
example, a retail pharmacy, a supermarket, a hospital, a clinic, a
physician's office, or other location. Clinical samples may be
tested at the POS location for multiple markers indicative of
agents which may cause one or more of a plurality of diseases
(e.g., at least 8, or at least 10, or at least 12, or at least 20,
or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, or at least 60, or
more markers, indicative of the same or similar numbers of
different diseases). The testing may be completed in a short period
of time. In embodiments, the short period of time may be measured
from the time the sample is inserted into a device or system for
performing an analysis. In embodiments, the short period of time
may be measured from the time the sample is obtained from the
subject.
[0056] In embodiments, clinical samples may be analyzed at a POS
location. In embodiments, clinical samples obtained at a POS
location may be analyzed at the same POS location. In embodiments,
clinical samples may be obtained at a point-of-service (POS)
location and may be analyzed at a different location. In
embodiments, clinical samples may be analyzed in a short period of
time, e.g., in a period of time that is less than about 5 hours, or
less than about 4 hours, or less than about 3 hours, or less than
about 2 hours, or less than about 1 hour, or less than about half
an hour.
[0057] In embodiments, Applicants provide devices (e.g.,
cartridges) for use in performing assays for detecting a plurality
of disease-causing agents in a single clinical sample, or in a
plurality of aliquots of a single clinical sample. In embodiments,
such a device may comprise a plurality of vessels containing
reagents for use in an assay for the detection of a plurality of
markers indicative of an infectious agent, e.g., an upper
respiratory infectious agent; a lower respiratory infectious agent;
a sexually transmitted disease-causing agent; an agent detectable
from a sample obtained from a swab (e.g., a throat swab, a nasal
swab, or other swab); an agent detectable from a blood sample; or
combinations thereof. In embodiments, a device may be a cartridge
configured to contain a plurality of reagent vessels. In
embodiments, a device may be a cartridge configured to contain a
reagent vessel containing a reagent for detecting a marker
indicative of a disease-causing agent. In embodiments, a device may
be a cartridge configured to contain a plurality of reagent vessels
containing reagents for detecting a marker indicative of a
disease-causing agent. In embodiments, such a disease-causing
agent, or such a plurality of disease-causing agents, includes
disease-causing agents which cause upper respiratory disorders. In
embodiments, such a disease-causing agent, or such a plurality of
disease-causing agents, includes disease-causing agents which cause
lower respiratory disorders. In embodiments, such a disease-causing
agent, or such a plurality of disease-causing agents, includes
disease-causing agents which cause sexually transmitted diseases.
In embodiments, such a disease-causing agent, or such a plurality
of disease-causing agents, includes disease-causing agents which
may be detected in a blood sample. In embodiments, such a
disease-causing agent, or such a plurality of disease-causing
agents, includes disease-causing agents which may be detected in a
sample obtained with a swab, such as a throat swab, or a nasal
swab, or a cheek swab, or other sample, or combinations
thereof.
[0058] In embodiments, devices for use in performing assays for
detecting a plurality of disease-causing agents as disclosed herein
may further include a space, or a vessel, for holding a swab; or
may further include a space, or a vessel, for holding two swabs, or
a plurality of swabs. In embodiments, such devices may further
include two spaces, or two vessels, for holding two swabs; or may
include a plurality of spaces, or of vessels, for holding a
plurality of swabs. In embodiments, a single swab may be placed in
a single space, or vessel; in embodiments, two swabs may be placed
in a single space, or vessel; and in embodiments, a plurality of
swabs may be placed in a single space, or vessel. Thus, in
embodiments, a swab may be placed in a vessel, and, in embodiments,
a swab, or a plurality of swabs, may be placed in a single vessel.
In embodiments, a plurality of swabs may be placed in a plurality
of vessels. Such a vessel for holding a swab, or such vessels for
holding swabs, may contain a reagent, or a diluent, or other
solution for use with a swab or swabs. In embodiments, a vessel for
holding a swab may be used to provide a clean swab for use in
obtaining a sample. In embodiments, a vessel for holding a swab may
be used to i) provide a clean swab for use in obtaining a sample
and also to ii) receive the swab after its use in obtaining a
sample from a subject. In embodiments, a vessel for holding a
plurality of swabs may be used to provide a plurality of clean
swabs for use in obtaining a sample. In embodiments, a vessel for
holding a plurality of swabs may be used to i) provide a plurality
of clean swabs for use in obtaining a sample and also to ii)
receive one or more of the plurality of swabs after its use in
obtaining a sample from a subject.
[0059] For example, a throat swab and a nasal swab may be obtained
from a subject. A nasal swab may be useful for testing for upper
respiratory diseases, and a throat swab may be useful for testing
lower respiratory diseases. In embodiments, the throat swab may be
placed in one vessel in a device (e.g., a cartridge), and the nasal
swab may be placed in a different vessel in the device. These
vessels may contain a reagent, or a diluent, or other solution for
use with the swabs; such reagents may be different for the throat
swab and the nasal swab. In embodiments, the throat swab and the
nasal may be placed in the same vessel in a device. The vessel may
contain a reagent, or a diluent, or other solution for use with
these swabs. The device may be placed in an analysis device, or
within an analysis system, for analysis. Such analysis devices and
analysis systems may be placed at the same location as that where
the sample was obtained; or such analysis devices and analysis
systems may be at a different location or locations than the
location where the sample was obtained.
[0060] In embodiments, a device may be or comprise a cartridge
configured to contain a reaction vessel or a plurality of reagent
vessels. In embodiments, a device may be or comprise a cartridge
configured to contain a reaction vessel or a plurality of reaction
vessels. In embodiments, a device may be a cartridge configured to
contain a cytometry cuvette, or a plurality of cytometry cuvettes.
In embodiments, a device may be or comprise a cartridge configured
to contain a waste container, or a plurality of waste containers.
In embodiments, a device may be or comprise a cartridge configured
to contain a sample; in embodiments, a sample may be contained in a
sample collection device. In embodiments, a device may be or
comprise a cartridge configured to contain a sample collection
vessel.
[0061] In embodiments, a device may be or comprise a cartridge
configured to contain a reagent vessel, or a plurality of reagent
vessels, and a reaction vessel or a plurality of reaction vessels.
In embodiments, such a device may include reagents for use in
nucleic acid assays; for immunoassays (e.g., ELISA assays); general
chemistry assays (e.g., for clinical electrolytes, vitamin levels,
blood component levels, and other targets); cytometric assays; and
for combinations thereof. In embodiments, such a device may include
reagents and reaction vessels for use in nucleic acid assays; for
immunoassays (e.g., ELISA assays); general chemistry assays (e.g.,
for clinical electrolytes, vitamin levels, blood component levels,
and other targets); cytometric assays; and for combinations
thereof. In embodiments, such a device may include reagents,
reaction vessels, and tools, cuvettes, and other implements for use
in nucleic acid assays; for immunoassays (e.g., ELISA assays);
general chemistry assays (e.g., for clinical electrolytes, vitamin
levels, blood component levels, and other targets); cytometric
assays; and for combinations thereof.
[0062] Accordingly, Applicants disclose systems for detecting the
presence of one or more of a plurality of markers indicative of an
infectious disease in a small-volume clinical sample,
comprising:
[0063] a) a sample handling system;
[0064] b) a detection station comprising an optical sensor;
[0065] c) a fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured
to retain a clinical sample;
[0066] d) an assay station comprising at least a first and a second
fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the first unit comprises a
first reagent and the second unit comprises a second reagent;
and
[0067] e) a controller, wherein the controller comprises a local
memory and is operatively coupled to the sample handling system and
the detection station;
[0068] wherein the system is configured to perform assays with one
or both of the first and second assay units; wherein the local
memory of the controller comprises a protocol comprising
instructions for: i) directing the sample handling system to
transfer a portion of the clinical sample to the first assay unit
and to the second assay unit; and ii) directing the sample handling
system to transfer the first assay unit and the second unit assay
unit to the detection station.
[0069] Accordingly, Applicants disclose systems for detecting the
presence of one or more of a plurality of markers indicative of an
infectious disease in a small-volume clinical sample,
comprising:
[0070] a) a sample handling system;
[0071] b) a detection station comprising an optical sensor;
[0072] c) a fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured
to retain a clinical sample;
[0073] d) an assay station comprising at least a first, second, and
third fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the first unit
comprises a first reagent, the second unit comprises a second
reagent, and the third unit comprises a third reagent; and
[0074] e) a controller, wherein the controller comprises a local
memory and is operatively coupled to the sample handling system and
the detection station;
[0075] wherein the system is configured to perform assays with any
one or more of the first, second, and third assay units; wherein
the local memory of the controller comprises a protocol comprising
instructions for: i) directing the sample handling system to
transfer a portion of the clinical sample to the first assay unit,
the second assay unit and the third assay unit; and ii) directing
the sample handling system to transfer the first assay unit, the
second assay unit, and the third assay unit to the detection
station. In embodiments, the system may include only two assay
units; or may include four assay units; or may include more than
four assay units.
[0076] In embodiments, the system is a point-of service system. In
embodiments, the system is contained within a housing. In
embodiments, the system is located at a point-of-service location,
and is configured for use in analyzing a sample at said
point-of-service location. In embodiments, the system is a point-of
service system configured to perform a plurality of assays on a
single small volume sample, or on aliquots thereof.
[0077] Applicants further disclose systems for detecting the
presence of one or more of a plurality of markers indicative of an
infectious disease in a small-volume clinical sample,
comprising:
[0078] a) a sample handling system;
[0079] b) a detection station comprising an optical sensor;
[0080] c) a fluid handling system configured to transport fluids
between components of said system, wherein said transport of fluids
comprises transport of isolated aliquots of fluid;
[0081] d) a fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured
to retain a clinical sample;
[0082] e) an assay station comprising at least a first, second, and
third fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the first unit
comprises a first reagent, the second unit comprises a second
reagent, and the third unit comprises a third reagent; and
[0083] f) a controller, wherein the controller comprises a local
memory and is operatively coupled to the sample handling system and
the detection station; [0084] wherein the system is configured to
perform assays with any one or more of the first, second, and third
assay units; wherein the local memory of the controller comprises a
protocol comprising instructions for: i) directing the sample
handling system to transfer a portion of the clinical sample to the
first assay unit, the second assay unit and the third assay unit;
and ii) directing the sample handling system to transfer the first
assay unit, the second assay unit, and the third assay unit to the
detection station.
[0085] In embodiments, the system is a point-of service system. In
embodiments, the system is contained within a housing. In
embodiments, the fluid handling system is configured to transport
fluid within said housing. In embodiments, the system is located at
a point-of-service location, and is configured for use in analyzing
a sample at said point-of-service location. In embodiments, the
system is a point-of service system configured to perform a
plurality of assays on a single small volume sample, or on aliquots
thereof.
[0086] In embodiments, Applicants disclose a clinical sample
processing system, comprising:
[0087] a) a sample handling system;
[0088] b) a detection station comprising an optical sensor;
[0089] c) a fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured
to retain a clinical sample;
[0090] d) an assay station comprising at least a first, second, and
third fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the first unit
comprises an antibody, the second unit comprises an
oligonucleotide, and the third unit comprises a chromogen or a dye
or other label; and
[0091] e) a controller, wherein the controller is operatively
coupled to the sample handling system, wherein the sample handling
system is configured to transfer a portion of the clinical sample
from the sample collection unit to each of the first assay unit,
the second assay unit, and the third assay unit, and the device is
configured to perform an immunoassay, a nucleic acid assay, and a
general chemistry assay comprising a chromogen. In embodiments, the
system is a point-of service system. In embodiments, the system is
contained within a housing. In embodiments, the system is located
at a point-of-service location, and is configured for use in
analyzing a sample at said point-of-service location. In
embodiments, the system is a point-of service system configured to
perform a plurality of assays on a single small volume sample, or
on aliquots thereof.
[0092] In embodiments, Applicants disclose methods of performing at
least 4 different assays selected from immunoassays, nucleic acid
assays, cytometric assays, and general chemistry assays on a
small-volume clinical sample, comprising:
[0093] a) introducing a clinical sample having a volume of no
greater than 500 microliters into a sample processing device,
wherein the device comprises: [0094] i) a sample handling system;
[0095] ii) a detection station; [0096] iii) a cytometry station
comprising an imaging device and a stage for receiving a microscopy
cuvette; and [0097] iv) an assay station comprising at least a
first, a second, a third, and a fourth independently movable assay
unit;
[0098] b) with the aid of the sample handling system, transferring
a portion of the clinical sample to each of the first, second,
third, and fourth assay units, wherein a different assay is
performed in each of the first, second, third, and fourth assay
units;
[0099] c) with the aid of the sample handling system, transferring
the first, second, third, and fourth assay units to the detection
station or cytometry station, wherein assay units comprising
immunoassays or general chemistry assays are transferred to the
detection station and assay units comprising cytometric assays are
transferred to the cytometry station;
[0100] d) with the aid of the detection station or cytometry
station, obtaining data measurements of the assay performed in each
of the first, second, third, and fourth assay units.
[0101] In embodiments, the methods are point-of service methods. In
embodiments, the system used in performing the methods is contained
within a housing. In embodiments, the methods are performed at a
point-of-service location, and may be used in analyzing a sample at
said point-of-service location. In embodiments, the methods
comprise point-of service methods for performing a plurality of
assays on a single small volume sample, or on aliquots thereof.
[0102] In embodiments, the methods include methods of determining
the type of infection suffered by a subject. Methods of determining
the type of infection as disclosed herein include, without
limitation, methods as disclosed herein comprising determining
whether a subject suffers from a bacterial, viral, yeast, fungus,
and other infection. For example, methods of determining the type
of infection as disclosed herein include methods of determining
whether a subject suffers from a bacterial infection or from a
viral infection. In embodiments, the methods include methods of
detecting, identifying, quantifying, and combinations thereof,
markers in a sample indicative of the type of infection suffered by
a subject. Methods of detecting, identifying, quantifying, and
combinations thereof, markers in a sample indicative of the type of
infection as disclosed herein include, without limitation, methods
as disclosed herein comprising detecting, identifying, quantifying,
and combinations thereof, markers in a sample indicative of a
bacterial, viral, yeast, fungus, and other infection. For example,
methods as disclosed herein include methods of detecting,
identifying, quantifying, and combinations thereof, markers in a
sample indicative of a bacterial infection or a viral
infection.
[0103] Methods disclosed herein may be used to determine whether a
subject suffers from, e.g., a bacterial, viral, yeast, fungus, and
other infection. Determination of the type of infection as
disclosed herein may be used to guide therapy of the subject
suffering from the infection. Determination of the type of
infection as disclosed herein may be used to guide selection of
pharmaceuticals for treatment of the subject suffering from the
infection. Determination of the type of infection as disclosed
herein may be used to guide selection of the dosage, or the dosing
regimen, of pharmaceuticals used for the treatment of the subject
suffering from the infection. For example, methods disclosed herein
may be used to determine whether a subject suffers from a bacterial
infection or a viral infection. Determination of whether a subject
suffers from a bacterial infection or a viral infection as
disclosed herein may be used to guide therapy of the subject
suffering from the infection. Determination of whether a subject
suffers from a bacterial infection or a viral infection as
disclosed herein may be used to guide selection of pharmaceuticals
for treatment of the subject suffering from the infection.
Determination of whether a subject suffers from a bacterial
infection or a viral infection as disclosed herein may be used to
guide the selection of a pharmaceutical, selection of the dosage,
the dosing regimen, or a combination thereof, used in the treatment
of the subject suffering from the infection. For example, where an
infection is determined to be a bacterial infection, antibiotics
may be prescribed; however, where an infection is determined to be
a viral infection, antibiotics are not indicated, and, in
embodiments, will not be prescribed. Determination that a subject
suffers from a viral infection may enable the subject to avoid
unnecessary treatment and expense (e.g., where antibiotic therapy
is avoided when the infection is identified as being a viral
infection). Determination that a subject suffers from a viral
infection may enable the subject to obtain more appropriate therapy
directed to viral infections, as opposed to antibiotic therapy that
is directed to bacterial infections.
[0104] Similarly, determination of whether a subject suffers from a
yeast, fungus, and other infection, as opposed to a bacterial or
viral infection, may guide or determine the therapy provided to a
subject suffering from an infectious disease, including guiding or
determining the selection of a pharmaceutical, the selection of the
dosage, the dosing regimen, or a combination thereof, used in the
treatment of the subject suffering from the infection.
Determination of the type of infection may enable the subject to
obtain more appropriate therapy directed to the particular type of
infection suffered by the subject, as opposed to inappropriate, or
less specific, therapy that may not be as effective for that type
of infection.
[0105] Accordingly, Applicants disclose herein methods for
providing a prescription for treatment of an infectious disease in
a subject, comprising: providing a clinical sample obtained from a
subject; analyzing said clinical sample, wherein analyzing
comprises testing for, or detecting the presence of, a plurality of
disease markers, in the clinical sample; determining a suitable
treatment for a disease indicated by the presence of a marker
detected by said analysis; and providing a prescription for said
suitable treatment. Applicants further disclose herein methods for
providing a prescription for treatment of an infectious disease in
a subject, comprising: providing a clinical sample obtained from a
subject; analyzing said clinical sample at a point-of-service (POS)
location, wherein analyzing comprises testing for, or detecting the
presence of, a plurality of disease markers, in the clinical
sample; determining a suitable treatment for a disease indicated by
the presence of a marker detected by said analysis; and providing a
prescription for said suitable treatment.
[0106] In embodiments of methods for providing a prescription for
treatment of an infectious disease in a subject, the analysis of
the sample comprises analysis to determine whether the subject
suffers from a bacterial infection, a viral infection, a yeast
infection, a fungal infection, other infection, or combination
thereof. In embodiments of methods for providing a prescription for
treatment of an infectious disease in a subject, the analysis of
the sample comprises analysis to determine whether the subject
suffers from a bacterial infection or a viral infection. In
embodiments of methods for providing a prescription for treatment
of an infectious disease in a subject, where the analysis of the
sample determines that the subject suffers from a bacterial
infection, providing a prescription for said suitable treatment
comprises prescription of an antibiotic. In embodiments of methods
for providing a prescription for treatment of an infectious disease
in a subject, where the analysis of the sample determines that the
subject suffers from a viral infection, providing a prescription
for said suitable treatment comprises avoiding the prescription of
an antibiotic, and may include the prescription of an anti-viral
drug. In embodiments of methods for providing a prescription for
treatment of an infectious disease in a subject, where the analysis
of the sample determines that the subject suffers from a fungal
infection, providing a prescription for said suitable treatment
comprises the prescription of an anti-fungal drug. In embodiments
of methods for providing a prescription for treatment of an
infectious disease in a subject, where the analysis of the sample
determines that the subject suffers from a bacterial infection that
is a mycoplasma infection, providing a prescription for said
suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an
anti-mycoplasmal drug. In embodiments of methods for providing a
prescription for treatment of an infectious disease in a subject,
where the analysis of the sample determines that the subject
suffers from a yeast infection, providing a prescription for said
suitable treatment comprises the prescription of an anti-yeast
drug.
[0107] Accordingly, the systems, devices, and methods disclosed
herein are point-of service methods. In embodiments, the systems
disclosed herein, including the systems used in performing the
methods disclosed herein, may be contained and the methods
performed within a housing. In embodiments, the devices disclosed
herein may be placed or used within a housing, e.g., a housing
containing a system disclosed herein. In embodiments, the systems
disclosed herein may be located at a POS location, and the methods
may be performed at a point-of-service location. The systems and
methods disclosed herein may be used in analyzing a sample at said
point-of-service location. In embodiments, the systems and methods
comprise point-of service methods for performing a plurality of
assays on a single small volume sample, or on aliquots thereof.
[0108] In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems, methods, and
devices for detecting one or more of a plurality of markers
indicative of a disease in a clinical sample obtained at a
point-of-service (POS) location. In embodiments, such a clinical
sample is a small volume clinical sample. In embodiments, the one
or more markers are detected in a short period of time. In
embodiments, the sample is obtained at a POS location. In
embodiments, the systems and devices are located at a POS location.
In embodiments, the detection of the one or more markers is
performed at a POS location. In embodiments, the diseases are
infectious diseases. In embodiments, the diseases are caused by a
disease-causing agent selected from the group of disease-causing
organisms consisting of a virus, a bacterium (including a
mycoplasma), a fungus, a yeast, and other micro-organisms. In
embodiments, the diseases are infectious respiratory diseases, and
may be upper respiratory diseases, and may be lower respiratory
diseases.
[0109] Accordingly, in embodiments, Applicants disclose POS
systems, methods, and devices. In embodiments, such POS systems,
methods, and devices comprise automated POS systems, methods, and
devices. In embodiments, for example, Applicants disclose an
automated POS system, automated methods, and devices thereof, for
detecting one or more of a plurality of markers indicative of a
disorder in a clinical sample obtained at a POS location; such a
disorder may be a respiratory disorder, and may be a disorder
caused by a disease-causing agent selected from the group of
disease-causing organisms consisting of a virus, a
bacterium(including a mycoplasma), a fungus, a yeast, and other
micro-organisms. In embodiments, such automated POS systems,
automated methods, and devices thereof, are configured for use at
POS locations, and for use with samples obtained at POS locations.
In embodiments, such automated POS systems, automated methods, and
devices thereof, are configured for use on a single small-volume
clinical sample. In embodiments, such automated POS systems,
automated methods, and devices thereof, are configured to detect,
if present, one or more of a plurality of markers indicative of a
disorder in a clinical sample in a short period of time.
[0110] In embodiments, such automated POS systems, methods, and
devices are located at a POS location selected from a retail
pharmacy, a supermarket, a clinic, a hospital, and a doctor's
office. In embodiments, a prescription for a treatment is issued at
said POS location. In embodiments, a prescription for a treatment
is issued at said POS location pursuant to the results of such
testing performed by an automated POS systems, methods, and devices
located at the POS location. In embodiments, a prescription for a
treatment is filled at said POS location, wherein the prescription
was issued for a treatment is pursuant to the results of such
testing performed by an automated POS systems, methods, and devices
located at the POS location. In embodiments, a bill for testing is
issued at the POS location; such a bill may be issued
automatically. In embodiments, a bill for a prescription is issued
at the POS location, wherein the prescription was issued for a
treatment is pursuant to the results of such testing performed by
an automated POS systems, methods, and devices located at the POS
location; such a bill may be issued automatically. In embodiments,
a bill for a test or a prescription may be issued from the POS
location to a subject's insurance carrier; such a bill may be
issued automatically. In embodiments, an automatic payment may be
made for a test performed or a prescription filled at from the POS
location to a subject's insurance carrier, pursuant to a bill
issued automatically from the POS location.
[0111] Accordingly, Applicants disclose devices configured to
measure or detect a disease-causing agent or marker indicative of a
disease-causing agent in a sample according to a method disclosed
herein. Such a sample may be a small-volume clinical sample. Such
devices may be configured to measure or detect a particular
disease-causing agent or marker indicative of a particular
disease-causing agent in a sample in less than about three hours,
or less than about two hours, or in less than about one hour, or,
in embodiments, in less than about 40 minutes, or in less than
about 30 minutes.
[0112] Devices disclosed herein may be configured to perform an
assay for the detection or measurement of a plurality of
disease-causing agents or markers indicative thereof. Devices
disclosed herein may be configured to perform an assay for the
detection or measurement of a particular disease-causing agent or
marker indicative thereof and also to perform an assay comprising
the measurement of a morphological characteristic of a cell in the
sample. Devices disclosed herein may be configured to perform an
assay for the measurement of a disease-causing agent or marker
indicative thereof and also to perform an assay comprising the
measurement of another analyte, e.g., a cytokine, a prostaglandin,
histamine, a steroid (e.g., a glucocorticoid, or other steroid), a
vitamin, a hormone, a drug or metabolite of a drug, or other
analyte. Such devices may be configured wherein the assays, or the
order of performance of assays, that are performed by said device
may be altered by communication with another device.
[0113] Methods and compositions disclosed herein provide rapid
assays which require only small amounts of sample, such as only
small amounts of saliva, urine, blood, or fluid in which a throat
swab, cheek swab, or nasal swab has been immersed. In embodiments,
a plurality of samples, including a plurality of small samples, may
comprise a plurality of sample types, such as saliva, urine, blood,
or fluid samples, may be provided to, and analyzed by, systems,
devices, and methods disclosed herein. Methods, devices and systems
disclosed herein are configured to perform such rapid assays which
require only small amounts of sample. Methods, devices and systems
disclosed herein are configured to perform such rapid assays on a
plurality of sample types, and may require only small amounts of
each sample type. Methods, devices and systems disclosed herein are
configured to perform multiple assays on a sample, or on a
plurality of sample types, and may be used to screen for one or
more of a plurality of diseases. Methods, devices and systems
disclosed herein are configured to perform multiple assays on a
sample, or on a plurality of sample types, and may be used to
screen for diseases caused by one or more of viruses, bacteria,
yeast, fungus, mycoplasma, archea, fungus, yeast, parasites, and
other micro-organisms. Accordingly, the methods, devices, and
systems disclosed herein provide rapid tests, which require only
small clinical samples, and thus provide advantages over other
methods, devices, and systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0114] FIG. 1A provides a graphic summary of the durations of time
from the initiation of nucleic acid assay until detection of the
presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample for a range of
markers and for two different concentration ranges of the markers
(10 c/.mu.l and 100 c/.mu.l, where "c/.mu.l" means copies per
microliter (.mu.L)). The times are labeled "LOD" ("length of
delay"). The vertical axis is shown in units of relative
fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU), in thousands.
[0115] FIG. 1B provides a bar chart showing the durations of time
from the initiation of nucleic acid assay until detection of the
presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample for the indicated
markers for various diseases (at 100 c/.mu.l).
[0116] FIG. 1C provides a bar chart showing the durations of time
from the initiation of nucleic acid assay until detection of the
presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample for the indicated
markers for several influenza strains and identifying targets (at
100 c/.mu.l).
[0117] FIG. 1D provides a bar chart showing the durations of time
from the initiation of nucleic acid assay until detection of the
presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample for the indicated
markers of several respiratory diseases (at 100 c/.mu.l).
[0118] FIG. 1E provides a bar chart showing the durations of time
from the initiation of nucleic acid assay until detection of the
presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample for the indicated
markers for several sexually transmitted diseases (at 100
c/.mu.l).
[0119] FIG. 1F provides a bar chart showing the durations of time
from the initiation of nucleic acid assay until detection of the
presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample for the indicated
markers for several diseases that can be detected in blood (at 100
c/.mu.l).
[0120] FIG. 2A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
influenza A (seasonal H1N1 strain) marker at times well before any
significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles"
although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles"
is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0121] FIG. 2B shows the limit of detection of influenza A
(seasonal H1N1 strain) in a sample. The height of the bars
indicates the time until the copy number shows an inflection (rises
significantly above the background level), with the horizontal axis
indicating the initial numbers of copies of influenza A (seasonal
H1N1 strain) message; "NTC" indicates "no template control" (no
added copies of the target marker). FIG. 2B shows detection of
influenza A (seasonal H1N1 strain) marker at times well before any
significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred.
[0122] FIG. 3A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
influenza A (novel H1N1 strain) marker at times well before any
significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles"
although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles"
is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0123] FIG. 3B shows the limit of detection of influenza A (novel
H1N1 strain) in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the time
until the copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly
above the background level), with the horizontal axis indicating
the initial numbers of copies of influenza A (novel H1N1 strain)
message; "NTC" indicates "no template control" (no added copies of
the target marker). FIG. 3B shows detection of influenza A (novel
H1N1 strain) marker at times well before any significant amounts of
amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred.
[0124] FIG. 4A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
influenza A (H3N2 strain) marker at times well before any
significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles"
although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles"
is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0125] FIG. 4B shows the limit of detection of influenza A (H3N2
strain) in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the time
until the copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly
above the background level), with the horizontal axis indicating
the initial numbers of copies of influenza A (H3N2 strain) message;
"NTC" indicates "no template control" (no added copies of the
target marker). FIG. 4B shows detection of influenza A (H3N2
strain) marker at times well before any significant amounts of
amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred.
[0126] FIG. 5A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
influenza A (H7N9 strain) marker at times well before any
significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles"
although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles"
is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0127] FIG. 5B shows the limit of detection of influenza A (H7N9
strain) in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the time
until the copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly
above the background level), with the horizontal axis indicating
the initial numbers of copies of influenza A (H7N9 strain) message;
"NTC" indicates "no template control" (no added copies of the
target marker). FIG. 5B shows detection of influenza A (H7N9
strain) marker at times well before any significant amounts of
amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred.
[0128] FIG. 6A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
influenza A (H5N1 strain) marker at times well before any
significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles"
although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles"
is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0129] FIG. 6B shows the limit of detection of influenza A (H5N1
strain) in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the time
until the copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly
above the background level), with the horizontal axis indicating
the initial numbers of copies of influenza A (H5N1 strain) message;
"NTC" indicates "no template control" (no added copies of the
target marker). FIG. 6B shows detection of influenza A (H5N1
strain) marker at times well before any significant amounts of
amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred.
[0130] FIG. 7A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
influenza B marker at times well before any significant amounts of
amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred. The
horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles" although no cycling of
temperature was used; each unit of "cycles" is approximately one
minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal axis may be read in
terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in units of relative
fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU), in thousands.
[0131] FIG. 7B shows the limit of detection of influenza B in a
sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until the copy
number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the horizontal axis indicating the initial
numbers of copies of influenza B message; "NTC" indicates "no
template control" (no added copies of the target marker). FIG. 7B
shows detection of influenza B marker at times well before any
significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred.
[0132] FIG. 8A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
influenza Matrix Protein marker at times well before any
significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles"
although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles"
is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0133] FIG. 8B shows the limit of detection of influenza Matrix
Protein marker in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the
time until the copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly
above the background level), with the horizontal axis indicating
the initial numbers of copies of influenza Matrix Protein message;
"NTC" indicates "no template control" (no added copies of the
target marker). FIG. 8B shows detection of influenza Matrix Protein
marker at times well before any significant amounts of
amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred.
[0134] FIG. 9A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
a tuberculosis marker (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) at times well
before any significant amounts of amplification of non-target
nucleic acid message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated
in "cycles" although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit
of "cycles" is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the
horizontal axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis
is shown in units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence
units, RFU), in thousands.
[0135] FIG. 9B shows the limit of detection of tuberculosis in a
sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until the copy
number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the numbers "TB 1000" indicating 1000
copies of tuberculosis marker message, "TB 100" indicating 100
copies of tuberculosis marker message, and "TB 10" indicating 10
copies of tuberculosis marker message; "NTCs" indicates "no
template controls" (no added copies of the target marker).
[0136] FIG. 10A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
a staphylococcus marker (Staphylococcus aureus) at times well
before any significant amounts of amplification of non-target
nucleic acid message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated
in "cycles" although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit
of "cycles" is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the
horizontal axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis
is shown in units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence
units, RFU), in thousands.
[0137] FIG. 10B shows the limit of detection of Staphylococcus
aureus in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until
the copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the horizontal axis indicating numbers of
copies of Staphylococcus aureus message; "NTC" indicates "no
template control" (no added copies of the target marker).
[0138] FIG. 11A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
a staphylococcus marker (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus--MRSA) at times well before any significant amounts of
amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred. The
horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles" although no cycling of
temperature was used; each unit of "cycles" is approximately one
minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal axis may be read in
terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in units of relative
fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU), in thousands.
[0139] FIG. 11B shows the limit of detection of MRSA Staphylococcus
aureus in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until
the copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the horizontal axis indicating numbers of
copies of MRSA Staphylococcus aureus message; "NTC" indicates "no
template control" (no added copies of the target marker).
[0140] FIG. 12A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
a streptococcus marker (Streptococcus Group A) at times well before
any significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles"
although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles"
is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0141] FIG. 12B shows the limit of detection of Streptococcus Group
A in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until the
copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the horizontal axis indicating numbers of
copies of Streptococcus Group A message; "NTC" indicates "no
template control" (no added copies of the target marker).
[0142] FIG. 13A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
a Bordetella pertussis marker at times well before any significant
amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid message
occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles" although
no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles" is
approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0143] FIG. 13B shows detection of Bordetella pertussis in a
sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until the copy
number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the horizontal axis indicating numbers of
copies of Bordetella pertussis message (as final DNA copy per
.mu.L); "NTC" indicates "no template control" (no added copies of
the target marker).
[0144] FIG. 14A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
an adenovirus B marker at times well before any significant amounts
of amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred. The
horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles" although no cycling of
temperature was used; each unit of "cycles" is approximately one
minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal axis may be read in
terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in units of relative
fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU), in thousands.
[0145] FIG. 14B shows the limit of detection of Adenovirus B in a
sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until the copy
number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the horizontal axis indicating numbers of
copies of Adenovirus B message; "NTC" indicates "no template
control" (no added copies of the target marker).
[0146] FIG. 15A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
an adenovirus C marker at times well before any significant amounts
of amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred. The
horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles" although no cycling of
temperature was used; each unit of "cycles" is approximately one
minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal axis may be read in
terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in units of relative
fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU), in thousands.
[0147] FIG. 15B shows the limit of detection of Adenovirus C in a
sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until the copy
number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the horizontal axis indicating numbers of
copies of Adenovirus C message; "NTC" indicates "no template
control" (no added copies of the target marker).
[0148] FIG. 16A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
an adenovirus E marker at times well before any significant amounts
of amplification of non-target nucleic acid message occurred. The
horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles" although no cycling of
temperature was used; each unit of "cycles" is approximately one
minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal axis may be read in
terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in units of relative
fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU), in thousands.
[0149] FIG. 16B shows the limit of detection of Adenovirus E in a
sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until the copy
number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the horizontal axis indicating numbers of
copies of Adenovirus E message; "NTC" indicates "no template
control" (no added copies of the target marker).
[0150] FIG. 17A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
a Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) marker at times well before any
significant amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid
message occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles"
although no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles"
is approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0151] FIG. 17B shows the limit of detection of Herpes Simplex
Virus (HSV) in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the time
until the copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly
above the background level), with the horizontal axis indicating
numbers of copies of HSV message; "NTC" indicates "no template
control" (no added copies of the target marker).
[0152] FIG. 18A shows amplification over time, showing detection of
a Treponema pallidum marker at times well before any significant
amounts of amplification of non-target nucleic acid message
occurred. The horizontal axis is denominated in "cycles" although
no cycling of temperature was used; each unit of "cycles" is
approximately one minute, so that the numbers of the horizontal
axis may be read in terms of minutes. The vertical axis is shown in
units of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU),
in thousands.
[0153] FIG. 18B shows the limit of detection of Treponema pallidum
in a sample. The height of the bars indicates the time until the
copy number shows an inflection (rises significantly above the
background level), with the horizontal axis indicating numbers of
copies of Treponema pallidum message; "NTC" indicates "no template
control" (no added copies of the target marker).
[0154] FIG. 19A shows amplification over time, the rise in relative
fluorescence at about 15 to 20 minutes indicating the presence of
an Influenza H1N1 seasonal marker. The horizontal axis is in
"minutes; the vertical axis is shown in units of relative
fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU).
[0155] FIG. 19B shows amplification of "no template control" (no
added copies of the target marker; NTC). Note that most experiments
showed no amplification; the three runs that show late increases in
relative fluorescence did so at about 25 minutes or later. The
horizontal axis is in "minutes; the vertical axis is shown in units
of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU).
[0156] FIG. 20A shows an exemplary vessel for holding a swab (a
swab vessel) and an exemplary cartridge (which includes cavities
and wells for reagents and vessels, and is configured to hold
reagent vessels, reaction vessels, and other vessels and
implements). Arrows leading away from the swab vessel indicate how
the swab vessel may be placed into a receptacle in the
cartridge.
[0157] FIG. 20B shows an exemplary swab vessel (configured for
holding a swab) and an exemplary cartridge (which includes cavities
and wells for reagents and vessels, and is configured to hold
reagent vessels, reaction vessels, and other vessels and
implements). In addition to the cavities and wells configured to
hold reagent vessels, reaction vessels, and other vessels and
implements as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 20A, the exemplary
cartridge shown in FIG. 20B includes cavities and wells suitable
for holding other sample vessels, e.g., blood or urine sample
vessels, in addition to swab vessels. Arrows leading away from the
swab vessel indicate how the swab vessel may be placed into a
receptacle in the cartridge.
[0158] FIG. 20C shows an exemplary swab vessel, and an exemplary
cartridge which includes cavities and wells for holding a swab and
a swab vessel, as well as cavities and wells configured to hold
reagent vessels, reaction vessels, and other vessels and implements
(which may optionally include other sample vessels, e.g., blood or
urine sample vessels). Arrows leading away from the swab indicate
how the swab may be placed into a swab receptacle in the cartridge.
Arrows leading away from the swab vessel indicate how the swab
vessel may be placed into a swab vessel receptacle in the
cartridge.
[0159] FIG. 21 shows examples of swabs which may be used to obtain
samples from the throat, nasal passages, cheeks, or other body
locations of subjects.
[0160] FIG. 22 shows various panels naming disorders which may be
identified by the methods and devices discussed herein.
[0161] FIG. 23A shows various influenza panels naming influenza
types which may be identified by the methods and devices discussed
herein.
[0162] FIG. 23B shows inflection times for several influenza types
which may be identified by the methods and devices discussed
herein.
[0163] FIG. 24A shows various respiratory disease panels naming
respiratory disease types which may be identified by the methods
and devices discussed herein.
[0164] FIG. 24B shows inflection times for upper and lower
respiratory tract disease types which may be identified by the
methods and devices discussed herein.
[0165] FIG. 25A shows various hospital acquired infectious disease
panels naming respiratory disease types which may be identified by
the methods and devices discussed herein.
[0166] FIG. 25B shows inflection times for various hospital
acquired infectious disease panels naming respiratory disease types
which may be identified by the methods and devices discussed
herein.
[0167] FIG. 26 shows results of an assay for influenza A that is
designed to be inclusive for all Influenza A subtypes. The results
are specific.
[0168] FIG. 27 shows the specificity of the nucleic acid assays for
the target H2N2 influenza type.
[0169] FIG. 28 shows the specificity of the nucleic acid assays for
the target H1N1 seasonal influenza type.
[0170] FIG. 29 lists potential interfering substances for the
sexually transmitted disease (STD) panel that were found not to
interfere with the nucleic acid assays.
[0171] FIG. 30 lists potential interfering substances for the
sexually transmitted disease (STD) urine panel that were found not
to interfere with the nucleic acid assays.
[0172] FIG. 31 lists potential interfering substances for the blood
panel that were found not to interfere with the nucleic acid
assays.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0173] Description and disclosure of examples of reagents, assays,
methods, kits, devices, and systems which may be used with the
methods, assays, reagents, devices and systems disclosed herein may
be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,088,593; 8,380,541; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/769,798, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/769,779, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/769,820, filed Feb. 18, 2013;
PCT/US2012/57155, filed Sep. 25, 2012; U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/244,949, filed Sep. 26, 2011; U.S. Application Ser. No.
61/766,095, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S. Application Ser. No.
61/673,245, filed Sep. 26, 2011; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
61/874,976, filed Sep. 6, 2013; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
61/885,462, filed Oct. 1, 2013; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
62/001,039, filed May 20, 2014; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
62/001,053, filed May 21, 2014; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
62/010,382, filed Jun. 10, 2014; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
61/885,467, filed Oct. 1, 2013; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
61/879,664, filed Sep. 18, 2013; and U.S. Patent Application
61/805,923, filed Mar. 27, 2013, the disclosures of which patents
and patent applications are all hereby incorporated by reference in
their entireties.
[0174] Disclosure of methods of detecting nucleic acid targets
include, for example, methods, assays, reagents, and devices as
disclosed in U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/800,606, filed Mar. 15,
2013; U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/908,027, filed Nov. 22, 2013;
U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/001,050, filed May 20, 2014; U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/214,850, filed Mar. 15, 2014;
PCT/US2014/030034, filed Mar. 15, 2014; U.S. Application Ser. No.
61/800,241, filed Mar. 15, 2013; and U.S. Application Ser. No.
61/800,340, filed Mar. 15, 2013; the disclosures of which patent
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties. Further methods for the detection of nucleic acid
targets include, for example, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
methods described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195; and
generally in Mullis et al., Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol.
51:263 (1987); Erlich, ed., PCR Technology (Stockton Press, N Y,
1989).
[0175] Disclosure of methods for detecting protein targets,
including antibody methods, may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,376,110; 4,816,567; 7,429,652; European Patent EP 404,097;
and International Patent Application Publication WO 93/11161, the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties. Further methods for the detection of protein targets
(generically termed "immunoassays" herein) include, for example,
direct or competitive binding assays using techniques such as
western blots, radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme linked
immunosorbent assay), "sandwich" immunoassays, immunoprecipitation
assays, fluorescent immunoassays, and protein A immunoassays.
[0176] Disclosure regarding systems, devices, and methods for
analyzing clinical samples, including clinical samples such as
small-volume clinical samples, and including systems, devices, and
methods for analyzing small-volume clinical samples in short
periods of time, may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.
8,380,541; 8,088,593; 8,380,541; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/769,798, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/769,820, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/769,779, filed Feb. 18, 2013; PCT/US2012/57155, filed Sep. 25,
2012; U.S. Patent Application 61/805,923, filed Mar. 27, 2013; and
incorporated by reference herein (supra).
[0177] Before the present novel target-binding molecules,
compositions, assays, methods, and kits are disclosed and
described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is
not intended to be limiting. It is also to be understood that the
present disclosure provides explanatory and exemplary descriptions
and examples, so that, unless otherwise indicated, the molecules,
compositions, assays, methods, and kits disclosed herein are not
limited to the specific embodiments described herein.
[0178] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to "a salt" refers to a single salt or
mixtures of different salts, and the like.
[0179] In this specification and in the claims that follow,
reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined
to have the following meanings:
[0180] Acronyms and abbreviations, such as "rpm" (revolutions per
minute), "min" (minute), "sec" (second), and so forth, have their
customary meanings.
[0181] As used herein, the terms "normal" and "normal level" refer
to the levels of a marker as found in a healthy population of
normal subjects. For example, the normal level for a particular
type of white blood cell found is the level of that type of white
blood cell found in blood samples from a healthy population of
normal subjects.
[0182] As used herein, the terms "high" and "high level" and the
like refer to levels that significantly exceed normal levels, that
is, a high level of a marker is one that significantly exceeds the
levels of that marker that is found in a healthy population of
normal subjects.
[0183] As used herein, the terms "low" and "low level" and the like
refer to levels that are below normal levels, that is, a low level
of a marker is one that is below the levels of that marker that is
found in a healthy population of normal subjects.
[0184] It will be understood that, where a marker is typically
absent, or scarce, in normal subjects, a normal level of a marker
may be very low in absolute numbers (e.g., as measured by numbers
of markers per unit volume, or weight of marker per unit volume),
and still be the normal level for that marker. Thus, for example,
where the marker is an antibody to a particular infectious disease,
and most healthy normal subjects have not been recently exposed to
that particular disease, the normal levels of antibodies to that
disease may be low in absolute terms, and levels in a subject that
exceed the normal level would indicate that the subject has
recently been exposed to, or is suffering an infection by, that
disease.
[0185] The term "isolated" as used herein when used to describe the
various nucleic acids and proteins disclosed herein, means the
nucleic acid or protein (or other molecule) has been separated
and/or recovered from at least one contaminant with which it is
ordinarily associated. Ordinarily, however, isolated nucleic acids
and proteins will be prepared by at least one purification
step.
[0186] The term "moiety" as used herein refers to any particular
composition of matter, e.g., a molecular fragment, an intact
molecule, or a mixture of materials.
[0187] As used herein, the terms "disease-causing agent",
"disease-causing organism" and plurals and grammatical equivalents
are used interchangeably to refer to viruses, bacteria, yeast, and
other micro-organisms which may cause disease in a subject. Thus,
when referring to diseases and their causes, the terms "agent",
"organism" and plurals and grammatical equivalents are used
interchangeably herein.
[0188] As used herein, the term "virus" refers to organisms which
include nucleic acid message (either RNA or DNA) which allows their
replication in infected host cells. The term virus includes both
DNA viruses or RNA viruses. Viruses may cause diseases.
[0189] As used herein, the term "micro-organism" refers to small
unicellular or multicellular organisms which may infect cells,
organs, tissues, or surfaces of plants or animals, including
humans. The term microorganism includes bacteria (including
mycoplasma), archea, fungus, yeast, parasites, and other small
organisms. Micro-organisms may cause diseases.
[0190] As used herein, the term "bacteria" refers to small
unicellular, prokaryotic organisms which may infect cells, organs,
tissues, or surfaces of plants or animals, including humans. The
term bacteria includes Gram negative bacteria and Gram positive
bacteria. Bacteria may cause diseases. Mycoplasma are a form of
bacteria that lack cell walls.
[0191] As used herein, the term "drug" is used broadly to refer to
any agent which may be administered to a subject for the purpose of
treating a disease or condition suffered by the subject; such
treating may include prevention, amelioration of symptoms,
hastening recovery, strengthening the patient in the face of a
disease or condition, as well as directly combating the disease or
condition. Where the disease or condition results from an
infection, e.g., is due to an infectious disease, the drug may be,
without limitation, an antibiotic, an anti-viral drug, an
anti-fungal drug, an anti-mycoplasmal drug, an anti-yeast drug, or
combinations thereof.
[0192] As used herein, the term "antibiotic" is used broadly to
refer to drugs which act to reduce or eliminate bacterial
infections. Antibiotics include, without limitation, penicillin,
ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline,
doxycycline, minocycline, a sulfonamide sulfa-drug (such as, e.g.,
sulfanilamide, sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine), erythromycin,
ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, oligomycin, azithromycin,
clarithromycin, a cephalosporin, e.g., cefaclor, cefprozil,
cefuroxime axetil, loracarbef, cefdinir, cefixime, cefpodoxime
proxetil, ceftibuten, or ceftriaxone, gramicidin, valinomycin,
nonactin, alamethicin, and other antibiotics.
[0193] As used herein, the term "anti-mycoplasma" is used broadly
to refer to drugs which act to reduce or eliminate bacterial
infections where the bacteria are mycoplasma. Antibiotics that
target the cell wall are typically ineffective against mycoplasma,
which lack cell walls. Antibiotics such as, e.g., plasmocin,
doxocycline, minocycline, gramicidin, valinomycin, nonactin,
alamethicin, macrolide antibiotics, and others may be used to treat
mycoplasmal infections.
[0194] As used herein, the term "anti-viral" is used broadly to
refer to drugs which act to reduce or eliminate viral infections.
Ant-viral drugs include, for example, zanamivir, oseltamivir,
acyclovir, adefovir, darunivir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, nexavir,
rifampicin, pieconaril, amantadine, rimantadine, and others.
[0195] As used herein, the term "anti-fungal" is used broadly to
refer to drugs which act to reduce or eliminate fungus infections.
Ant-fungal drugs include, for example, amphotericin, nystatin,
candicin, filipin, hamycin, netamycin, rimocydin, bifonazole,
clotrimazole, other imidazole, triazole, and thiazoles, and others.
Some drugs which may be used to treat fungal infections may also be
suitable for treating yeast infections.
[0196] As used herein, the term "anti-yeast" is used broadly to
refer to drugs which act to reduce or eliminate yeast infections.
Anti-yeast drugs include, for example, antimycotics such as, e.g.,
clotrimazole, nystatin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, amphotericin,
gentian violet, and other drugs. Some drugs which may be used to
treat yeast infections may also be suitable for treating fungal
infections.
[0197] As used herein, the phrase "nucleic acid markers indicative
of" a particular infection refers to nucleic acid molecules
(including single-stranded and double-stranded DNA and RNA
molecules) and fragments thereof, which are derived from
disease-causing organisms, or are copies of, or are substantially
similar to, or are complementary to, nucleic acid molecules derived
from the organism which causes that particular infectious disease.
Detection of nucleic acid markers indicative of a particular
infection in a sample indicates that the disease-causing organism
is, or was, present in the sample and thus that the subject has
been exposed to the disease-causing organism, and likely suffers or
suffered from the particular infection caused by that particular
disease-causing organism.
[0198] As used herein, the phrase "antibody markers indicative of"
a particular infection refers to antibodies (or portions or
fragments thereof) which are directed to an antigen or antigens
found on the organisms that cause that particular infectious
disease. Detection of antibody markers indicative of a particular
infection in a sample indicates that the disease-causing organism
is, or was, present in the sample and thus that the subject has
been exposed to the disease-causing organism, and likely suffers or
suffered from the particular infection caused by that particular
disease-causing organism.
[0199] As used herein, a nucleic acid comprises a molecule made up
of nucleotides, and refers to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and to
ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules.
[0200] As used herein, "nucleic acid" includes both DNA and RNA,
including DNA and RNA containing non-standard nucleotides. A
"nucleic acid" contains at least one polynucleotide (a "nucleic
acid strand"). A "nucleic acid" may be single-stranded or
double-stranded. The term "nucleic acid" refers to nucleotides and
nucleosides which make up, for example, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
macromolecules and ribonucleic acid (RNA) macromolecules. Nucleic
acids may be identified by the base attached to the sugar (e.g.,
deoxyribose or ribose); as used herein, the following abbreviations
for these bases are used to represent nucleic acids in sequence
listings identifying and describing their structures (either
upper-case or lower-case may be used).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1A Base (in Nucleic Acid) Letter Code Adenine
A Thymine T Guanine G Cytosine C Uracil U
[0201] As used herein, a "polynucleotide" refers to a polymeric
chain containing two or more nucleotides. "Polynucleotides"
includes primers, oligonucleotides, nucleic acid strands, etc. A
polynucleotide may contain standard or non-standard nucleotides.
Typically, a polynucleotide contains a 5' phosphate at one terminus
("5' terminus") and a 3' hydroxyl group at the other terminus ("3'
terminus) of the chain. The most 5' nucleotide of a polynucleotide
may be referred to herein as the "5' terminal nucleotide" of the
polynucleotide. The most 3' nucleotide of a polynucleotide may be
referred to herein as the "3' terminal nucleotide" of the
polynucleotide.
[0202] As used herein, a "target" nucleic acid or molecule refers
to a nucleic acid of interest. A target nucleic acid/molecule may
be of any type, including single-stranded or double stranded DNA or
RNA (e.g. mRNA).
[0203] As used herein, a nucleic acid molecule which is described
as containing the "sequence" of a template or other nucleic acid
may also be considered to contain the template or other nucleic
acid itself (e.g. a molecule which is described as containing the
sequence of a template may also be described as containing the
template), unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0204] As used herein, "complementary" sequences refer to two
nucleotide sequences which, when aligned anti-parallel to each
other, contain multiple individual nucleotide bases which pair with
each other. It is not necessary for every nucleotide base in two
sequences to pair with each other for sequences to be considered
"complementary". Sequences may be considered complementary, for
example, if at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%,
85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the nucleotide bases in two
sequences pair with each other. In addition, sequences may still be
considered "complementary" when the total lengths of the two
sequences are significantly different from each other. For example,
a primer of 15 nucleotides may be considered "complementary" to a
longer polynucleotide containing hundreds of nucleotides if
multiple individual nucleotide bases of the primer pair with
nucleotide bases in the longer polynucleotide when the primer is
aligned anti-parallel to a particular region of the longer
polynucleotide.
[0205] As used herein, a "concatemer" refers to a nucleic acid
molecule which contains within it two or more copies of a
particular nucleic acid, wherein the copies are linked in series.
Within the concatemer, the copies of the particular nucleic acid
may be linked directly to each other, or they may be indirectly
linked (e.g. there may be nucleotides between the copies of the
particular nucleic acid). In an example, the particular nucleic
acid may be that of a double-stranded nucleic acid template, such
that a concatemer may contain two or more copies of the
double-stranded nucleic acid template. In another example, the
particular nucleic acid may be that of a polynucleotide template,
such that a concatemer may contain two or more copies of the
polynucleotide template.
[0206] As used herein, a "saccharide" is a molecule comprising one,
a few, or multiple sugar moieties, and includes monosaccharides,
oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.
[0207] As used herein, a protein comprises a molecule made up of
amino acids, the amino acids covalently linked by amide bonds. The
terms "peptide", "polypeptide" and "protein" may be used
interchangeably to refer to molecules comprised of amino acids
linked by peptide bonds. Individual amino acids may be termed
"residues" of a polypeptide or protein. The amino acid sequences of
polypeptides disclosed herein may be identified by SEQ ID NO:
presented as a string of letters, where the letters have the
following meanings:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1B AminoAcid 3-Letter Code 1-Letter Code
Alanine Ala A Arginine Arg R Asparagine Asn N Aspartic acid Asp D
Cysteine Cys C Glutamic acid Glu E Glutamine Gln Q Glycine Gly G
Histidine His H Isoleucine Ile I Leucine Leu L Lysine Lys K
Methionine Met M Phenylalanine Phe F Proline Pro P Serine Ser S
Threonine Thr T Tryptophan Trp W Tyrosine Tyr Y Valine Val V
[0208] As used herein, a "cytokine" is a naturally occurring
protein molecules often released in mammals in response to injury,
infection, inflammation, or other stressor. Cytokines include
lymphokines, interleukins, chemokines, interferons, and other
cytokines. Cytokines may be inflammatory cytokines (tending to
cause inflammation; also termed pro-inflammatory cytokines) or may
be anti-inflammatory cytokines (tending to suppress inflammation).
Inflammatory cytokines include, for example, interleukin-1 (IL-1),
interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18
(IL-18), gamma interferon (IFN-.gamma.), and tumor necrosis factor
alpha (TNF-.alpha.). Anti-inflammatory cytokines include, for
example, interleukin-10 (IL-10). Some cytokines may have multiple
actions or effects (e.g., interleukin-6 (IL-6) has both
inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects).
[0209] As used herein, the terms "marker of inflammation",
"inflammatory marker", and plurals and grammatical equivalents
thereof refer to markers which may be detected in a sample, and
which may be identified in a sample, which indicate the presence
of, or level of, inflammation in the subject from which the sample
was obtained. Markers of inflammation include both peptide and
non-peptide markers; for example, markers of inflammation include,
without limitation, prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor alpha
(TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8),
interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (IF-.gamma.), bradykinin,
complement system molecules, blood-clotting factors, C-reactive
protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell
count, and morphological changes in blood and other cells.
[0210] The term "antibody" is used in the broadest sense and
specifically covers single monoclonal antibodies (including agonist
and antagonist antibodies), antibody compositions with polyepitopic
specificity, and antibody fragments, and includes human an
humanized antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are obtained from a
population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the
individual antibodies comprising the population are identical
except for possible naturally-occurring mutations that may be
present in minor amounts. The most abundant class of antibodies is
the IgG class, characterized by having molecular weights of about
150 kD.
[0211] The term "monoclonal antibody" (mAb) as used herein refers
to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially
homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising
the population are identical except for possible naturally
occurring mutations that may be present in minor amounts. For
example, monoclonal antibodies may be made by the hybridoma method
first described by Kohler et al., Nature, 256:495 (1975), or may be
made by recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567
to Cabilly et al.).
[0212] The term "intact antibody" refers to the complete antibody,
or the amino acid sequence of the complete antibody, of which an
antibody fragment is a part. It will be understood that an antibody
fragment may be produced by partial digestion (e.g., by papain or
pepsin) of an intact antibody, or may be produced by recombinant or
other means.
[0213] "Antibody fragment", and all grammatical variants thereof,
as used herein is defined as a (1) portion of an intact antibody
comprising the antigen binding site or variable region of the
intact antibody, wherein the portion is free of the constant heavy
chain domains of the Fc region of the intact antibody, and (2)
constructs comprising a portion of an intact antibody (as defined
by the amino acid sequence of the intact antibody) comprising the
antigen binding site or variable region of the intact antibody.
[0214] An antibody fragment is, or comprises, a polypeptide having
a primary structure consisting of one uninterrupted sequence of
contiguous amino acid residues having the amino acid sequence of an
intact antibody. Examples of antibody fragments include Fab, Fab',
Fab'-SH, F(ab')2, Fd, Fc, Fv, diabodies, and any other
"Non-single-chain antigen-binding unit" as described, e.g., in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,429,652.
[0215] The term "diabodies" refers to small antibody fragments with
two antigen-binding sites, which fragments comprise a heavy chain
variable domain connected to a light chain variable domain in the
same polypeptide chain. By using a linker that is too short to
allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain, the
domains are forced to pair with the complementary domains of
another chain and create two antigen-binding sites. Diabodies are
described more fully in, for example, EP 404,097; WO 93/11161; and
Hollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:6444-6448
(1993).
[0216] As used herein, an "antigen-binding antibody fragment" is
any antibody fragment that retains the ability to bind to the
specific target to which the intact antibody specifically binds. An
antigen-binding antibody fragment may have different (e.g., lesser)
binding affinity for the target antigen than the intact antibody.
As used herein, unless otherwise stated, an antibody fragment is an
antigen-binding antibody fragment.
[0217] An antibody that "specifically binds to" or is "specific
for" a particular polypeptide or, an epitope on a particular
polypeptide is one that binds to that particular polypeptide or
epitope on a particular polypeptide without substantially binding
to any other polypeptide or polypeptide epitope.
[0218] The terms "antigen", "target molecule", "target
polypeptide", "target epitope", and the like are used herein to
denote the molecule specifically bound by an antibody or antibody
fragment.
[0219] As used herein, a "marker", a "label", a "marker moiety" and
a "label moiety" refer to a detectable compound or composition
which is conjugated directly or indirectly to the antibody so as to
generate a "labeled" antibody. A label or marker provides a
detectable signal for at least the time period during which a
signal is to be observed. The label or marker may be detectable by
itself (e.g. radioisotope labels or fluorescent labels) or, in the
case of an enzymatic label, may catalyze chemical alteration of a
substrate compound or composition which is detectable.
[0220] A label or marker moiety may be, for example, a dye, an
epitope tag, a fluorescent moiety, a luminescent moiety, a
chemiluminescent moiety, an enzymatic label, a magnetic label, a
paramagnetic label, a contrast agent, a nanoparticle, a
radioisotope, biotin, streptavidin, and a quencher. A nanoparticle
may be a particle of an element, such as a gold nanoparticle, or of
an alloy or compound, such as a quantum dot (a particle of a
semiconductor material), or other particle having a size typically
in a range between about 1 nm to about 100 nm.
[0221] A label or marker moiety may provide a signal by reflecting,
or modulating, energy impinging on the label or marker moiety. A
label or marker moiety may provide a signal by emitting, or by
increasing, a detectable signal. Similarly, a label or marker
moiety may provide a signal by diminishing, or extinguishing, a
signal (e.g., the quenching of a signal). It will be understood
that a label or marker moiety may be directly detectable (e.g., may
provide a detectable signal without further action or input of
energy), or may use or require energy, a substrate, a binding
partner, or other action in order to provide a detectable signal.
An enzymatic label may be suitable for use with a binding partner
or substrate; for example, a peroxidase such as horseradish
peroxidase may serve as a label as it may be used to detect the
presence of a target, or to measure the amount of target, when used
with, e.g., diaminobenzidine or other molecule suitable for use
with a peroxidase; for another, non-limiting example, luciferase
may serve as a label as it may be used to detect the presence of a
target, or to measure the amount of target, when used with
luciferin.
[0222] As used herein, the term "chromogen" refers to a compound
which may be readily converted into a dye or other colored
compound.
[0223] As used herein, "BSA" means bovine serum albumin; "PEG"
means polyethylene glycol; "ELISA" means enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay; and other terms, abbreviations, and acronyms
have the standard meanings understood in the chemical and
biological arts.
[0224] A composition may include a buffer. Buffers include, without
limitation, phosphate, citrate, ammonium, acetate, carbonate,
tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS), 3-(N-morpholino)
propanesulfonic acid (MOPS), 3-morpholino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic
acid (MOPSO), 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES),
N-(2-Acetamido)-iminodiacetic acid (ADA),
piperazine-N,N'-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) (PIPES),
N-(2-Acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (ACES), cholamine
chloride, N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (BES),
2-[[1,3-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)propan-2-yl]amino]ethanesulfonic
acid (TES), 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazine ethanesulfonic acid
(HEPES), acetamidoglycine, tricine
(N-(2-Hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl)glycine), glycinamide,
and bicine (2-(Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)acetic acid) buffers.
Buffers include other organic acid buffers in addition to the
phosphate, citrate, ammonium, acetate, and carbonate buffers
explicitly mentioned herein.
[0225] A composition may include a physiologically acceptable
carrier. For example, a physiologically acceptable carrier may be
an aqueous pH buffered solution. Examples of physiologically
acceptable carriers include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and
other organic acids as discussed above; antioxidants including
ascorbic acid; low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues)
polypeptides; proteins, such as, e.g., serum albumin, gelatin,
cytochromes, and immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as
polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine,
asparagine, arginine or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides,
polysaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose,
mannose, and dextrins; chelating agents such as ethylene diamine
tetraacetic acid (EDTA); sugar alcohols such as mannitol or
sorbitol; salt-forming counterions such as sodium, potassium,
calcium, magnesium and others; nonionic surfactants such as
TWEEN.TM., polyethylene glycol (PEG), and PLURONICS.TM.; and/or
other compounds known in the art.
[0226] For example, a composition may include albumin, gelatin,
cytochrome C, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, agar, glycerol,
ethylene glycol, a protease inhibitor, an antimicrobial agent, a
metal chelating agent, a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, a
polysaccharide, a reducing agent, a chelating agent, or
combinations thereof.
[0227] As used herein, a "sample", or "biological sample", or
"clinical sample" refers to a sample of fluid, tissue, secretion,
or excretion obtained from a subject. A sample, biological sample,
or clinical sample may be a sample of blood, serum, plasma, saliva,
sputum, urine, gastric fluid, digestive fluid, tears, sweat, stool,
semen, vaginal fluid, interstitial fluid, fluid derived from
tumorous tissue, ocular fluids, mucus, earwax, oil, glandular
secretions, spinal fluid, skin, cerebrospinal fluid from within the
skull, tissue, fluid or material from a nasal swab, a throat swab,
a mouth swab (e.g., a cheek swab), a vaginal swab, or
nasopharyngeal wash, biopsy fluid or material, placental fluid,
amniotic fluid, cord blood, lymphatic fluids, cavity fluids, pus,
microbiota obtained from a subject, meconium, breast milk, or other
secretion or excretion. A sample may be a breath sample, a hair
sample, a fingernail sample, or other sample.
[0228] Biological and clinical samples may include nasopharyngeal
wash, or other fluid obtained by washing a body cavity or surface
of a subject, or by washing a swab following application of the
swab to a body cavity or surface of a subject. Nasal swabs, mouth
swabs (including cheek swabs), throat swabs, vaginal swabs, stool
samples, hair, finger nail, ear wax, breath, and other solid,
semi-solid, or gaseous samples may be processed in an extraction
buffer, e.g., for a fixed or variable amount of time, prior to
their analysis. The extraction buffer or an aliquot thereof may
then be processed similarly to other fluid samples if desired.
Examples of tissue samples of the subject may include but are not
limited to, connective tissue, muscle tissue, nervous tissue,
epithelial tissue, cartilage, cancerous sample, or bone. The sample
may be obtained from a human or animal. The sample may be obtained
from a vertebrate, e.g., a bird, fish, or mammal, such as a rat, a
mouse, a pig, an ape, another primate (including humans), a farm
animal, a sport animal, or a pet. The sample may be obtained from a
living or dead subject. The sample may be obtained fresh from a
subject or may have undergone some form of pre-processing, storage,
or transport.
[0229] As used herein, a "small volume" refers to a volume of less
than about 1 mL, or less than about 500 .mu.L, or less than about
250 .mu.L, or less than 150 .mu.L, or less than about 100 .mu.L, or
less than about 50 .mu.L, or less than about 25 .mu.L, or less. In
particular embodiments, a small volume, such as a "finger-stick"
volume, may comprise less than about 250 .mu.L, and typically
comprises less than 150 .mu.L, or less than about 100 .mu.L, or
less than about 50 .mu.L, or less than about 25 .mu.L, or less.
[0230] A sample may be divided into two or more portions. As used
herein, when referring to a sample or samples, the terms "portion"
and "aliquot" and their plurals and grammatical equivalents are
used interchangeably to refer to a fractional amount of sample
taken from an original complete sample. Such a fraction may be any
fraction or amount, so that a portion or aliquot may comprise most
of the original sample, a large fraction of the original sample, a
small fraction of the original sample, or a relatively small
fraction of the original sample. The phrases "at least a portion",
"at least an aliquot", and the like, may refer both to a fractional
part of an original sample and to the entire original sample.
[0231] Detection of markers, and detection of disease-causing (or
other) organisms may include detection of nucleic acid markers;
detection of protein (peptide) markers, including detection of
antibodies; detection of markers of inflammation (including both
peptide and non-peptide markers); and detection of other markers.
Identification of markers, and of disease-causing (or other)
organisms may include identification of nucleic acid markers;
identification of protein (peptide) markers, including
identification of antibodies; identification of markers of
inflammation (including both peptide and non-peptide markers); and
identification of other markers. Detection and identification of
markers and organisms may include quantitative detection and
identification of such markers and such organisms.
[0232] A method may be performed in a short period of time. A
device may be capable of performing all steps of a method in a
short period of time. A device may be capable of performing all
steps of a method on a single sample in a short amount of time. A
device may be capable of performing all steps of a method on two
samples, such as a blood sample and a sample obtained from a swab,
in a short amount of time. A device may be capable of performing
all steps of a method on more than two samples in a short amount of
time. For example, from sample collection from a subject to
detecting a disease marker, or to detecting multiple disease
markers, may take about 3 hours or less, 2 hours or less, 1 hour or
less, 50 minutes or less, 45 minutes or less, 40 minutes or less,
30 minutes or less, 20 minutes or less, 15 minutes or less, 10
minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 4 minutes or less, 3 minutes or
less, 2 minutes or less, or 1 minute or less. For example, from
sample collection from a subject to transmitting data regarding,
and/or to analysis of, a sample or samples may take about 3 hours
or less, 2 hours or less, 1 hour or less, 50 minutes or less, 45
minutes or less, 40 minutes or less, 30 minutes or less, 20 minutes
or less, 15 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less,
4 minutes or less, 3 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less, or 1
minute or less.
[0233] For example, the period of time from initiating a method of
detecting a disease marker to detecting a disease marker, or to
detecting multiple disease markers, may be about 3 hours or less, 2
hours or less, 1 hour or less, 50 minutes or less, 45 minutes or
less, 40 minutes or less, 30 minutes or less, 20 minutes or less,
15 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 4
minutes or less, 3 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less, or 1 minute
or less. For example, the period of time from initiating a method
of detecting a disease marker to transmitting data regarding such
detection may be about 3 hours or less, 2 hours or less, 1 hour or
less, 50 minutes or less, 45 minutes or less, 40 minutes or less,
30 minutes or less, 20 minutes or less, 15 minutes or less, 10
minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 4 minutes or less, 3 minutes or
less, 2 minutes or less, or 1 minute or less.
[0234] The period of time from accepting a sample within the device
to detecting a disease marker, or to detecting a plurality of
disease markers, or to transmitting data regarding, and/or to
analysis of, a sample or samples may depend on the type or number
of steps, tests, or assays performed on the sample or samples. The
amount of time from accepting a sample, or samples, within the
device to detecting a disease marker or markers, or to transmitting
data and/or to analysis from the device regarding such a sample or
samples may take about 3 hours or less, 2 hours or less, 1 hour or
less, 50 minutes or less, 45 minutes or less, 40 minutes or less,
30 minutes or less, 20 minutes or less, 15 minutes or less, 10
minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 4 minutes or less, 3 minutes or
less, 2 minutes or less, or 1 minute or less.
[0235] Thus, as used herein, a "short period of time" refers to a
period of time of about 5 hours or less, or about 4 hours or less,
or about 3 hours or less, or about 2 hours or less, or about 1 hour
or less, or about 50 minutes or less, or about 40 minutes or less,
or about 30 minutes or less, or about 20 minutes or less, or about
10 minutes or less, or about 5 minutes or less. A short period of
time may be determined with respect to an initial time; the initial
time may be the time at which a sample analysis began; the initial
time may be the time at which a sample is inserted into a device
for the analysis of the sample; the initial time may be the time at
which a sample was obtained from a subject.
[0236] The terms "point of service" (abbreviated POS) and "point of
service system," as used herein, refer to a location, and a system
at that location, that is capable of providing a service (e.g.
testing, monitoring, treatment, diagnosis, guidance, sample
collection, verification of identity (ID verification), and other
services) at or near the site or location of the subject. A service
may be a medical service, and may be a non-medical service. In some
situations, a POS system provides a service at a predetermined
location, such as a subject's home, school, or work, or at a
grocery store, a drug store, a community center, a clinic, a
doctor's office, a hospital, etc. A POS system can include one or
more point of service devices. In some embodiments, a POS system is
a point of care system.
[0237] A "point of care" (abbreviated POC) is a location at which
medical-related care (e.g. treatment, testing, monitoring,
diagnosis, counseling, etc.) is provided. A POC may be, e.g. at a
subject's home, work, or school, or at a grocery store, a community
center, a drug store, a doctor's office, a clinic, a hospital, etc.
A POC system is a system which may aid in, or may be used in,
providing such medical-related care, and may be located at or near
the site or location of the subject or the subject's health care
provider (e.g. subject's home, work, or school, or at a grocery
store, a community center, a drug store, a doctor's office, a
clinic, a hospital, etc.).
[0238] As used herein, the term "immunoassay" refers to any assay
which detects, identifies, characterizes, quantifies, or otherwise
measures an amino acid target in a sample (where an amino acid
target may be a small peptide, a polypeptide, a protein, or
proteinaceous macromolecule). Immunoassays include, for example,
direct or competitive binding assays using techniques such as
western blots, radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme linked
immunosorbent assay), "sandwich" immunoassays, immunoprecipitation
assays, fluorescent immunoassays, and protein A immunoassays.
Immunoassays typically use antibodies or antibody fragments, but
may also use binding proteins or carrier proteins which bind target
molecules with high specificity.
[0239] As used herein, the term "nucleic acid assay" is used to
refer to any assay which detects, identifies, characterizes,
quantifies, or otherwise measures a nucleic acid target in a sample
(where a nucleic acid target may be a single stranded, double
stranded, or other nucleic acid molecule of any size. Nucleic acid
assays include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays (see, e.g.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,202), loop-mediated isothermal amplification
("LAMP") (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,410,278), and other methods,
including methods discussed below for detecting nucleic acid
targets in a sample. Nucleic acid markers may be detected by any
suitable means, including means that include nucleic acid
amplification (e.g., thermal cycling amplification methods
including PCR, and other nucleic acid amplification methods;
isothermal amplification methods, including LAMP, etc.) and any
other method that can be used to detect the presence of nucleic
acid markers indicative of a disease-causing organism in a
sample.
[0240] As used herein, the term "general chemistry assay" refers to
any assay which detects, identifies, characterizes, quantifies, or
otherwise measures a target in a sample, other than a target which
is a nucleic acid or other than by use of an antibody or other
specifically binding protein. General chemistry assays include,
e.g., assays for electrolytes; for vitamin levels; for blood
component levels; for trace metals; for lipids; and other targets).
General chemistry assays may include, for example, assays of a
Basic Metabolic Panel [glucose, calcium, sodium (Na), potassium
(K), chloride (Cl), CO.sub.2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate),
creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], assays of an Electrolyte
Panel [sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), CO.sub.2 (carbon
dioxide, bicarbonate)], assays of a Chem 14 Panel/Comprehensive
Metabolic Panel [glucose, calcium, albumin, total protein, sodium
(Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), CO.sub.2 (carbon dioxide,
bicarbonate), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alkaline
phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT), aspartate
aminotransferase (AST/GOT), total bilirubin] assays of a Lipid
Profile/Lipid Panel [LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, total
cholesterol, and triglycerides], assays of a Liver Panel/Liver
Function [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase
(ALT/GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT), total bilirubin,
albumin, total protein, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate
dehydrogenase (LDH), prothrombin time (PT)], alkaline phosphatase
(APase), hemoglobin, VLDL cholesterol, ethanol, lipase, pH, zinc
protoporphyrin, direct bilirubin, blood typing (ABO, RHD), lead,
phosphate, hemagglutination inhibition, magnesium, iron, iron
uptake, fecal occult blood, and others, individually or in any
combination.
[0241] As used herein the term "cytometric assay" refers to any
which detects, identifies, characterizes, quantifies, or otherwise
measures a cell or large particle (e.g., a crystal) in a sample.
Cytometric assays typically utilize imaging of other light-based
techniques to detect, measure, characterize, and quantify cells and
particles in a sample.
[0242] Systems, Devices, and Methods
[0243] In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems, including such
systems discussed above, for detecting one or more of a plurality
of disease-causing agents in a clinical sample. In embodiments,
Applicants disclose systems, including such systems discussed
above, for detecting one or more of a plurality of disease-causing
agents in a clinical sample, wherein said diseases comprise
respiratory diseases. In embodiments, Applicants disclose systems,
including such systems discussed above, for detecting one or more
of a plurality of disease-causing agents in a clinical sample,
wherein said disease-causing agents cause respiratory diseases
selected from viral diseases, bacterial diseases, fungal diseases,
mycoplasma diseases, and other diseases.
[0244] In embodiments, the plurality of disease-causing agents
causes a number of diseases, wherein said number of diseases
comprises 8 or more diseases, or 10 or more diseases, or 12 or more
diseases, or 14 or more diseases, or 16 or more diseases, or 18 or
more diseases, or 20 or more diseases, or 30 or more diseases, or
40 or more diseases, or 50 or more diseases, or 60 or more
diseases, or more. In embodiments, the plurality of disease-causing
agents causes a number of diseases, wherein said diseases are
selected from viral diseases, bacterial diseases, fungal diseases,
mycoplasma diseases, and other diseases.
[0245] In embodiments, the systems disclosed herein, and the
methods disclosed herein, may be used to perform all of a plurality
of assays on a single small volume sample, or an aliquot or
aliquots thereof. In embodiments, a small volume sample has a
volume selected from no more than about 1 mL, or no more than about
500 .mu.L, or no more than about 250 .mu.L, or no more than about
150 .mu.L, or no more than about 100 .mu.L, or no more than about
75 .mu.L, or no more than about 50 .mu.L, or no more than about 25
.mu.L, or no more than about 15 .mu.L, or no more than about 10
.mu.L, or no more than about 5 .mu.L, or no more than about 4
.mu.L, or no more than about 3 .mu.L, or no more than about 2
.mu.L, or no more than about 1 .mu.L, or less than about 1
.mu.L.
[0246] In embodiments, the systems disclosed herein, and the
methods disclosed herein, may be used to perform all of a plurality
of assays in a short time period. In embodiments, such a short time
period comprises less than about three hours, or less than about 2
hours, or less than about 1 hour, or less than about 50 minutes, or
less than about 45 minutes, or less than about 40 minutes, or less
than about 30 minutes, or less than about 20 minutes, or less than
about 15 minutes, or less than about 10 minutes, or less than about
5 minutes, or less than about 4 minutes, or less than about 3
minutes, or less than about 2 minutes, or less than about 1
minute.
[0247] In embodiments, the plurality of disease-causing agents may
cause a number of diseases, wherein said disease-causing agents are
selected from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus
(including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus),
streptococcus (including streptococcus Group A and streptococcus
Group B), Bordetella pertussis, adenovirus (including adenovirus B,
adenovirus C, and adenovirus E), influenza, parainfluenza,
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, corona virus,
bocavirus, haemophilus parainfluenzae, human papilloma virus (HPV),
hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus
(HSV), West Nile, Epstein Barr, Rhinovirus, and other viruses. In
embodiments, the plurality of disease-causing agents causes a
number of diseases, wherein said disease-causing agents are
selected from streptococcus, staphylococcus, Bordetella pertussis,
tuberculosis, enterobacteria, pseudomonas, dengue, malaria,
trypanosome cruzi, Treponema pallidum, mycoplasma, chlamydia,
Moraxella catarrhalis, acinetobacter, legionella, Escherichia coli,
candida, chlamydia, Neisseria, trichomonas, and other
micro-organismal disease-causing agents, including but not limited
to disease-causing agents named elsewhere herein.
[0248] In embodiments, the plurality of disease-causing agents may
cause a number of respiratory diseases, wherein said number of
respiratory diseases comprises 8 or more respiratory diseases, or
10 or more respiratory diseases, or 12 or more respiratory
diseases, or 14 or more respiratory diseases, or 16 or more
respiratory diseases, or 18 or more respiratory diseases, or 20 or
more respiratory diseases, or 30 or more respiratory diseases, or
40 or more respiratory diseases, or 50 or more respiratory
diseases, or 60 or more respiratory diseases, or more.
[0249] In embodiments, the plurality of disease-causing agents may
cause a number of respiratory diseases, wherein said respiratory
diseases are selected from viral diseases, bacterial diseases,
fungal diseases, mycoplasma diseases, and other diseases.
[0250] In embodiments, the plurality of disease-causing agents may
cause a number of respiratory diseases, wherein said respiratory
disease-causing agents are selected from Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus (including
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), streptococcus
(including streptococcus Group A), Bordetella pertussis, adenovirus
(including adenovirus B, adenovirus C, and adenovirus E). In
embodiments, respiratory disease-causing agents may further include
one or more of influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV), adenovirus, corona virus, bocavirus, haemophilus
parainfluenzae, human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis, human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), West
Nile, Epstein Barr, Rhinovirus, and other viruses.
[0251] In embodiments, the plurality of disease-causing agents may
cause influenza. In embodiments, the influenza may be selected from
influenza A, influenza B, H1N1 influenza (including seasonal and
novel forms of influenza H1N1), H3N2 influenza, H7N9 influenza,
H5N1 influenza, and other influenzas.
[0252] In embodiments, the plurality of disease-causing agents may
cause a sexually transmitted disease. In embodiments, the sexually
transmitted disease is selected from herpes simplex virus (HSV),
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, including HIV-1, HIV-2,
including HIV-2 Group A), gonorrhea, syphilis, human papilloma
virus (PPV), streptococcus (including streptococcus B), Treponema
pallidum, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
[0253] Further targets include drug-resistant micro-organisms,
including those exhibiting multi-drug resistance. Drug resistance
(also termed antibiotic resistance) is found where a population (or
subpopulation) of a micro-organism, such as a bacterium, acquires
or exhibits resistance to one or more drugs (e.g., to one or more
antibiotic). Micro-organisms that are resistant to treatment by
multiple drugs are termed to be "multi-drug resistant" and those
micro-organisms are termed to have or to exhibit "multi-drug
resistance"; either term may be abbreviated by "MDR". Resistance to
one or more drugs is observed, or exhibited, when a population of
micro-organisms survives (and typically continues to grow and
multiply in number) despite the presence of a drug, or (in the case
of MDR) despite the presence of multiple drugs. Drug-resistant
organisms of particular interest include, but are not limited to,
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),
vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA), vancomycin-resistant S.
aureus (VRSA), bacteria (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae) having extended
spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus
(VRE), and Multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (MRAB). Drug-resistant
target organisms, including MDR target organisms, may be identified
by nucleic acid markers, protein (or peptide) markers, other
markers, or combinations thereof, as well as by observing their
growth in the presence of drugs.
[0254] Many antibiotic compounds include a .beta.-lactam ring (a
ring of four carbons); for example, penicillin is an antibiotic
having a .beta.-lactam ring. Many bacteria have .beta.-lactamase
enzymes which can cleave a .beta.-lactam ring, and thus protect the
bacteria against such antibiotics. Enzymes that can cleave a
.beta.-lactam ring, which are often found in Gram-negative
bacteria, include the TEM and ROB .beta.-lactamase enzymes.
Drug-resistant Haemophilus influenzae bacteria may have the blaTEM
or blaROB resistance gene (typically blaTEM-1, although blaTEM-2
and blaROB-1 and others are also found); other drug-resistance
markers found in disease-causing organisms include the KPC
resistance gene (found in Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenemas (KPC));
mecA and mecC resistance genes (responsible for resistance to
.beta.-lactam-containing antibiotics such as methicillin);
vancomycin resistance genes A and B (vanA and vanB) may be found in
disease-causing bacteria, such as, e.g., vancomycin resistant
Enterococci; and others drug-resistance markers.
[0255] Disease-causing organisms of interest include viruses of the
filoviridae family of viruses (filo viruses), which includes Ebola
viruses, Marburg viruses, and Cueva viruses. Ebola viruses cause
ebola virus disease (also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever);
Marburg viruses also cause a hemorrhagic fever, the Marburg
hemorrhagic fever; and Cueva viruses such as lloviu virus (LLOV),
may be endemic in France, Spain, or Portugal. Such viruses may be
detected and may be identified in a sample from nucleic acid
markers specific to these viruses, from protein (peptide) markers
specific to these viruses, and from other markers specific to these
viruses.
[0256] Filo viruses typically cause hemorrhagic fevers and related
disorders. These and other diseases may be detected, and may be
identified, by identifying nucleic acid markers, peptide markers,
and other markers, alone or in combination, as disclosed herein.
Filo viral diseases, other hemorrhagic fevers, and other diseases
including many tropical diseases, e.g. Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue
3, Dengue 4, malaria, typhoid, and other diseases, have many
detrimental effects, including hemorrhage and internal bleeding,
and may cause disruptions in electrolytes, may cause anemia, and
may cause other symptoms and effects. Integrated electrolyte assays
(e.g., for sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes, including
sodium and potassium together, and including sodium and potassium
together with other electrolytes) may identify subjects suffering
from electrolyte imbalances, and may thus identify subjects
suffering from a hemorrhagic fever, from anemia, or both. Assays
for hemoglobin, for iron, and other assays may identify subjects
suffering from anemia, from a hemorrhagic fever, or both. Anemia
may be due to hemorrhage, parasitic infection (e.g., hookworm),
both hemorrhage and parasitic infection, and other causes. Thus, in
addition to testing for nucleic acid, peptide, and other markers,
these hemorrhagic and other diseases may be detected, and may be
identified, with integrated electrolyte measurements; with
hemoglobin measurements; with iron measurements; and with other
general chemistry assays, alone or in combination. In embodiments,
integrated electrolyte measurements, hemoglobin, iron, or other
general chemistry assays may provide indications that a subject
suffers from anemia, a hemorrhagic fever such as Ebola, Marburg, or
other disease such as malaria or typhoid fever; such indication may
be used to suggest further testing for markers of such diseases.
Thus, in embodiments, electrolyte testing including sodium and
potassium, or other general chemistry assays, may be performed
simultaneously when testing for Ebola, Marburg, or other
hemorrhagic disease (e.g., when testing for nucleic acid, peptide,
or other markers for such diseases).
[0257] In embodiments, such indications derived from general
chemistry test results (e.g., from the results of integrated
electrolyte measurements, hemoglobin, iron, or other general
chemistry assays) may automatically trigger reflex testing for one
or more hemorrhagic fever disease markers, or malaria, typhoid
fever, or other disease marker, and may automatically trigger
reflex testing for combinations or for all of such markers. In
embodiments, a subject may be tested for other diseases and not
(initially) for Ebola, Marburg, or other hemorrhagic disease (e.g.,
a patient that is weak, or feverish, may not initially be tested
for Ebola, Marburg, or other hemorrhagic disease); based on the
results of integrated electrolyte measurements, hemoglobin, iron,
or other general chemistry assays, a reflex test for Ebola,
Marburg, or other hemorrhagic disease may be automatically
performed, or may be ordered by a health care professional. In
embodiments, a patient or subject may not wish to be tested for
Ebola, Marburg, or other hemorrhagic disease, or other disease of
concern (e.g., a patient may fear quarantine, or may fear that the
cost of the test might be prohibitive) and thus may not initially
be tested for Ebola, Marburg, or other hemorrhagic disease; based
on the results of integrated electrolyte measurements, hemoglobin,
iron, or other general chemistry assays, a reflex test for Ebola,
Marburg, or other hemorrhagic disease may be automatically
performed, or may be ordered by a health care professional. In
embodiments, such a reflex test for Ebola, Marburg, or other
hemorrhagic disease, or other disease of concern may be performed
if the patient is first tested for one or more infectious disease
other than Ebola, Marburg, or other hemorrhagic disease, and the
initial test panel does not show infection of any known disease
(and thus further testing would be required in order to identify
other possible sources of the subject's disease or condition).
[0258] Methods, devices, and systems disclosed herein may be used
to detect, and may be used to identify, disease-causing organisms
in normal or healthy individuals and populations. Methods, devices,
and systems disclosed herein may be used to detect, and may be used
to identify, benign organisms in normal or healthy individuals and
populations. Such disease-causing organisms and such benign
organisms may be detected, and may be identified, in samples
obtained from a normal individual, e.g., once or on an on-going
basis, in order to determine a baseline or normal level for that
individual when that individual is healthy. Such detection of
disease-causing and benign organisms may include detection of
nucleic acid markers; detection of protein (peptide) markers,
including detection of antibodies; detection of markers of
inflammation (including both peptide and non-peptide markers); and
detection of other markers. Such identification of disease-causing
and benign organisms may include identification of nucleic acid
markers; identification of protein (peptide) markers, including
identification of antibodies; identification of markers of
inflammation (including both peptide and non-peptide markers); and
identification of other markers. Detection and identification of
markers may include quantitative detection and identification of
such markers. Differences between the results from a sample and
normal or baseline results may be used to improve the likelihood of
detecting whether or not an individual suffers from a disease or
condition. For example, determination of a baseline or normal level
for an individual aids in detecting, in identifying, and in
diagnosing disease conditions, or progression towards a disease or
a detrimental condition, by comparison of results from
later-obtained samples to baseline or normal levels determined when
the individual as healthy. Such comparisons between an individual
subject's results and baseline or normal levels found in prior
results obtained from the individual when healthy can be used to
determine if it is likely that the individual subject suffers from
an infection. Such comparisons may include consideration of
symptoms, if any, of that individual subject in comparison to
symptoms (or the lack thereof) previously found for that individual
when healthy.
[0259] Such disease-causing organisms and such benign organisms may
be may be detected, and may be identified, in samples obtained from
multiple individuals, e.g., once or on an on-going basis, in order
to determine a baseline or normal level found in a normal (healthy)
population. Such detection of disease-causing and benign organisms
may include detection of nucleic acid markers; detection of protein
(peptide) markers, including detection of antibodies; detection of
markers of inflammation (including both peptide and non-peptide
markers); and detection of other markers. Such identification of
disease-causing and benign organisms may include identification of
nucleic acid markers; identification of protein (peptide) markers,
including identification of antibodies; identification of markers
of inflammation (including both peptide and non-peptide markers);
and identification of other markers. Detection and identification
of markers may include quantitative detection and identification of
such marker. Differences between the results obtained from a sample
from an individual subject and normal or baseline results obtained
from a population of comparable healthy individuals may be used to
improve the likelihood of detecting whether or not an individual
subject suffers from a disease or condition. For example,
determination of a baseline or normal level for an individual
subject aids in detecting, in identifying, and in diagnosing
disease conditions, or progression towards a disease or a
detrimental condition, by comparison of results for the individual
subject to baseline or normal levels found in a population of
comparable healthy individuals. Such comparisons between an
individual subject's results and baseline or normal levels found in
a healthy population can be used to determine if it is likely that
the individual subject suffers from an infection. Such comparisons
may include consideration of symptoms, if any, of that individual
subject in comparison to symptoms (or the lack thereof) found in a
healthy population.
[0260] In embodiments, such a system is a point-of-service system
(POS system), wherein a POS system is located at a point of service
location. In embodiments, a POS system is located at a point of
service location and is configured to accept a clinical sample
obtained from a subject at the POS location. In embodiments, a POS
system is located at a point of service location and is configured
to accept a clinical sample obtained from a subject at the POS
location, and is further configured to analyze the clinical sample
at the POS location. In embodiments, the clinical sample is a small
volume clinical sample. In embodiments, the clinical sample is
analyzed in a short period of time. In embodiments, the short
period of time is determined with respect to the time at which
sample analysis began. In embodiments, the short period of time is
determined with respect to the time at which the sample was
inserted into a device for the analysis of the sample. In
embodiments, the short period of time is determined with respect to
the time at which the sample was obtained from the subject.
[0261] Applicants disclose herein methods for detecting the
presence of a target disease-causing agent, or marker indicative of
the presence of a target disease-causing agent, in a single
small-volume sample or aliquot thereof. In embodiments, methods for
detecting the presence of a plurality of target disease-causing
agents, or markers indicative thereof, from a single sample, or
aliquot thereof, within a short period of time are disclosed. In
embodiments, the plurality of target disease-causing agents, or
markers indicative thereof, termed "targets", comprises at least 5
targets, or at least 10 targets, or at least 15 targets, or at
least 20 targets, or at least 25 targets, or at least 30 targets,
or at least 35 targets, or at least 40 targets, or at least 45
targets, or at least 50 targets, or at least 55 targets, or at
least 60 targets, or at least 65 targets, or more. In embodiments,
a short period of time is a period of time that is five hours or
less, or is four hours or less, or is three hours or less, or is
two hours or less, or is one hour or less, or is 50 minutes or
less, or is 40 minutes or less, or is 30 minutes or less, or is 20
minutes or less, or is 10 minutes or less, or is 5 minutes or
less.
[0262] Applicants disclose herein methods for detecting the
presence of a target flu virus molecule in a sample are disclosed
herein, wherein the presence of a plurality of possible target flu
viruses are tested from a single sample within a short period of
time. In embodiments, the plurality of possible target flu viruses
comprise at least 5 possible target flu viruses, or at least 10
possible target flu viruses, or at least 15 possible target flu
viruses, or at least 20 possible target flu viruses, or at least 25
possible target flu viruses, or at least 30 possible target flu
viruses, or at least 35 possible target flu viruses, or at least 40
possible target flu viruses, or at least 45 possible target flu
viruses, or at least 50 possible target flu viruses, or at least 55
possible target flu viruses, or at least 60 possible target flu
viruses, or at least 64 possible target flu viruses, or at least 65
possible target flu viruses, or more.
[0263] Applicants further disclose herein methods for detecting the
presence of a plurality of target molecules in a single sample
within a short period of time, wherein the plurality of target
molecules comprises nucleic acid molecules, or protein molecules,
or saccharides, or cytokines, or steroids, or histamine, or other
molecules. Applicants further disclose herein methods for detecting
the presence of a plurality of target molecules in a single sample
within a short period of time, wherein the plurality of target
molecules comprises nucleic acid molecules and protein molecules.
Applicants further disclose herein methods for detecting the
presence of a plurality of target molecules in a single sample
within a short period of time, wherein the plurality of target
molecules comprises nucleic acid molecules, protein molecules,
markers of inflammation, and cytokines. Applicants further disclose
herein methods for detecting the presence of a plurality of target
molecules in a single sample within a short period of time, wherein
the plurality of target molecules comprises nucleic acid molecules,
protein molecules, and saccharides.
[0264] Applicants disclose herein devices for use in systems and
methods as disclosed herein, Such devices include, for example,
devices comprising a holder configured to accept and retain a
clinical sample (e.g., a clinical sample contained within a sample
collection device); a reagent vessel or a plurality of reagent
vessels; and a reaction vessel, or a plurality of reaction vessels.
In embodiments, such devices may further configured to accept and
retain one or more of a cytometry cuvette or cuvettes; a waste
container or containers; a tip, or tips, configured to aspirate or
release fluid; and other tools.
[0265] Applicants further disclose herein assays for the detection
of one or more of a plurality of target molecules in a single
sample within a short period of time, wherein the plurality of
target molecules comprises one or more of nucleic acid molecules,
protein molecules, saccharides, markers of inflammation, and
cytokines. In embodiments, such assays may be configured for use
with systems and devices as disclosed herein.
[0266] Accordingly, Applicants disclose herein systems, devices,
and methods, including the following exemplary integrated
systems.
[0267] 1) An integrated system for providing testing and diagnosis
of a subject suspected of suffering from a disease, said system
comprising a means for obtaining a sample (which may include, e.g.,
a sample collection device comprising a lancet, a syringe, a needle
and tube, or other blood collection device; or a nasal swab, a
mouth swab (e.g., a cheek swab), a throat swab, a vaginal swab, or
other swab, and fluid in which to immerse the swab following
contacting the swab with a subject); a cartridge comprising
reagents for assays for the disease; a device for running a
plurality of assays for detecting a plurality of diseases; a
device/means for displaying/communicating the detection of one or
more of said diseases. Such integrated systems may be configured
for uses wherein the sample is a small volume sample; for uses
wherein detection is performed in a short period of time; or for
uses both wherein the sample is a small volume sample and wherein
detection is performed in a short period of time.
[0268] 2) An integrated system for providing testing and diagnosis
of a subject suspected of suffering from a respiratory disorder,
said system comprising a means for obtaining a sample (which may
include, e.g., a nasal swab, a throat swab, a mouth swab (e.g., a
cheek swab), a vaginal swab, or other swab, and fluid in which to
immerse the swab following contacting the swab with a subject); a
cartridge comprising reagents for assays for respiratory disorders;
a device for running a plurality of assays for detecting a
plurality of respiratory disorders; a device/means for
displaying/communicating the detection of one or more of said
respiratory disorders. Such integrated systems may be configured
for uses wherein the sample is a small volume sample; for uses
wherein detection is performed in a short period of time; or for
uses both wherein the sample is a small volume sample and wherein
detection is performed in a short period of time.
[0269] 3) An integrated system for providing testing, diagnosis,
and prescription of a subject suspected of suffering from a
respiratory disorder, said system comprising a means for obtaining
a sample (which may include, e.g., a nasal swab, a throat swab, a
mouth swab (e.g., a cheek swab), a vaginal swab, or other swab, and
fluid in which to immerse the swab following contacting the swab
with a subject); a cartridge comprising reagents for assays for
respiratory disorders; a device for running a plurality of assays
for detecting a plurality of respiratory disorders; a device/means
for displaying/communicating the detection of one or more of said
respiratory disorders; and means for providing a prescription for
the treatment of a respiratory disorder detected in said sample.
Such integrated systems may be configured for uses wherein the
sample is a small volume sample; for uses wherein detection is
performed in a short period of time; or for uses both wherein the
sample is a small volume sample and wherein detection is performed
in a short period of time.
[0270] 4) An integrated system for providing testing, diagnosis,
prescription, and treatment of a subject suspected of suffering
from a respiratory disorder, said system comprising a means for
obtaining a sample (which may include, e.g., a nasal swab, a throat
swab, a mouth swab (e.g., a cheek swab), a vaginal swab, or other
swab, and fluid in which to immerse the swab following contacting
the swab with a subject); a cartridge comprising reagents for
assays for respiratory disorders; a device for running a plurality
of assays for detecting a plurality of respiratory disorders; a
device/means for displaying/communicating the detection of one or
more of said respiratory disorders; means for providing a
prescription for the treatment of a respiratory disorder detected
in said sample; and means for providing/selling/delivering a
treatment (drug/pill/shot) to said subject pursuant to said
prescription. Such integrated systems may be configured for uses
wherein the sample is a small volume sample; for uses wherein
detection is performed in a short period of time; or for uses both
wherein the sample is a small volume sample and wherein detection
is performed in a short period of time.
[0271] Methods of detecting the presence of a target flu virus
molecule in a sample are disclosed herein, wherein the presence of
a plurality of possible target flu viruses are tested from a single
sample within a short period of time. In embodiments, the plurality
of possible target flu viruses comprise at least 5 possible target
flu viruses, or at least 10 possible target flu viruses, or at
least 15 possible target flu viruses, or at least 20 possible
target flu viruses, or at least 25 possible target flu viruses, or
at least 30 possible target flu viruses, or at least 35 possible
target flu viruses, or at least 40 possible target flu viruses, or
at least 45 possible target flu viruses, or at least 50 possible
target flu viruses, or at least 55 possible target flu viruses, or
at least 60 possible target flu viruses, or at least 64 possible
target flu viruses, or at least 65 possible target flu viruses, or
more. In embodiments, a short period of time is a period of time
that is five hours or less, or is four hours or less, or is three
hours or less, or is two hours or less, or is one hour or less, or
is 50 minutes or less, or is 40 minutes or less, or is 30 minutes
or less, or is 20 minutes or less, or is 10 minutes or less, or is
5 minutes or less.
[0272] Methods of detecting the presence of a respiratory
disease-causing agent in a subject suspected of having a
respiratory disorder, wherein the presence of a plurality of
possible respiratory disease-causing agents are tested from a
single sample using both nucleic acid testing and protein testing,
wherein nucleic acid testing comprises detection of the presence of
target nucleic acid sequences, and wherein protein testing
comprises detection of the presence of target proteins having
target amino acid sequences. In embodiments, target nucleic acid
sequences may comprise sequences having at least 8 nucleotides, or
at least 10 nucleotides, or at least 15 nucleotides, or at least 20
nucleotides, or at least 30 nucleotides, or at least 40
nucleotides, or at least 50 nucleotides, or more, that are
identical, or closely similar, to target nucleotide sequences. In
embodiments, target amino acid sequences may comprise sequences
having at least 8 amino acids, or at least 10 amino acids, or at
least 15 amino acids, or at least 20 amino acids, or at least 30
amino acids, or at least 40 amino acids, or at least 50 amino
acids, or more, that are identical, or closely similar, to target
amino acids sequences.
[0273] In embodiments, a respiratory disease-causing agent is
detected if more than a minimum level of such respiratory
disease-causing agents is detected in a small-volume sample
obtained from a subject, wherein the small-volume sample is tested
for the presence of a plurality of respiratory disease-causing
agents. In embodiments, the small-volume sample is 150 .mu.L or
less in volume, or is 75 .mu.L or less in volume, or is 50 .mu.L or
less in volume, or is 25 .mu.L or less in volume, or is 15 .mu.L or
less in volume, or is 10 .mu.L or less in volume, or is 5 .mu.L or
less in volume.
[0274] Embodiments of methods disclosed herein include methods in
which a disease-causing agent is detected if more than a minimum
level of such disease-causing agents is detected in a small-volume
sample obtained from a subject. For example, such methods include
methods wherein a small-volume sample is tested for the presence of
a plurality of disease-causing agents. In embodiments of such
methods, that minimum level may be set at a level that is
determined by the condition of the subject. The minimum level may
be set at a higher level for subjects who exhibit symptoms of
active infection. The minimum level may be set at a lower level for
subjects who are receiving treatment for an infection at the time
the sample was obtained. The minimum level may be set at a lower
level for subjects who have received treatment for an infection
prior to the time the sample was obtained, e.g., who have recently
received treatment for an infection prior to the time the sample
was obtained.
[0275] In embodiments, the sample may be diluted prior to testing
for the presence of a plurality of disease-causing agents. In
embodiments, such dilution of a sample is greater for subjects who
have a condition which indicates they may have higher levels of
disease-causing agents than subject who do not have that condition,
or than subjects who have a different condition.
[0276] Embodiments of methods disclosed herein include methods in
which a respiratory disease-causing agent is detected if more than
a minimum level of such respiratory disease-causing agents is
detected in a small-volume sample obtained from a subject. For
example, such methods include methods wherein a small-volume sample
is tested for the presence of a plurality of respiratory
disease-causing agents. In embodiments of such methods, that
minimum level may be set at a level that is determined by the
condition of the subject. The minimum level may be set at a higher
level for subjects who exhibit symptoms of active infection. The
minimum level may be set at a lower level for subjects who are
receiving treatment for an infection at the time the sample was
obtained. The minimum level may be set at a lower level for
subjects who have received treatment for an infection prior to the
time the sample was obtained, e.g., who have recently received
treatment for an infection prior to the time the sample was
obtained.
[0277] In embodiments, the sample may be diluted prior to testing
for the presence of a plurality of disease-causing agents, such as
respiratory disease-causing agents. In embodiments, such dilution
of a sample is greater for subjects who have a condition which
indicates they may have higher levels of disease-causing agents,
such as respiratory disease-causing agents, than subject who do not
have that condition, or than subjects who have a different
condition.
[0278] For example, conditions which indicate that a subject may
have higher levels of disease-causing agents, such as respiratory
disease-causing agents, include subjects with an active infection;
subjects who have a cough, including a persistent cough; subjects
who have a fever; subjects who report chills; subjects who report
fatigue; subjects who report a headache; subjects who have sweats;
and subjects who have or report other symptoms indicative of an
active infection.
[0279] For example, conditions which indicate that a subject may
not have higher levels of disease-causing agents, such as
respiratory disease-causing agents, include subjects currently
receiving treatment for infection; subjects who recently received
treatment for infection; subjects currently receiving, or who
recently received treatment for, a cough, including a persistent
cough; a fever; chills; fatigue; headache; sweats; or other
symptoms or indication of an infection.
[0280] In embodiments of methods in which a disease-causing agents,
such as a respiratory disease-causing agent, is detected if more
than a minimum level of such disease-causing agent (e.g., a
respiratory disease-causing agent) is detected in a small-volume
sample obtained from a subject, wherein the small-volume sample is
tested for the presence of a plurality of disease-causing agents,
such as respiratory disease-causing agents, the minimum level is
set at a higher level for subjects who have not been recently
diagnosed with a disease, such as a respiratory disease, than the
minimum level set for subjects who have been recently diagnosed
with a disease (such as a respiratory disease). In embodiments, the
sample may be diluted prior to testing for the presence of said
plurality of disease-causing agents, such as respiratory
disease-causing agents. In embodiments, such dilution of a sample
is greater for subjects who have not been recently diagnosed with a
disease, such as a respiratory disease, than the dilution of
samples obtained from subjects who have been recently diagnosed
with a disease, such as a respiratory disease.
[0281] In embodiments, the sample may be further tested for the
presence of indicators of inflammation. For example, the sample may
be further tested for the presence of higher than normal levels of
glucocorticoids such as cortisol (e.g., in the blood, or in saliva,
or tears, or other bodily fluid or sample obtained by a swab). For
example, the sample may be further tested for the presence of
higher than normal levels of histamine (e.g., in the blood, or in
saliva, or tears, or other bodily fluid or sample obtained by a
swab). Further indicators of inflammation include, without
limitation, increased levels of prostaglandins, increased levels of
inflammatory cytokines (including, e.g., tumor necrosis factor
alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8),
interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and interferon
gamma (IF-.gamma.)), bradykinin, complement system molecules,
blood-clotting factors, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count, morphological
changes in blood and other cells, and other molecular and cellular
markers indicative of inflammation. In addition, a subject may be
examined, or asked to self-report, symptoms of inflammation, such
as, e.g., swelling, redness, pain, or sensation of heat of an
affected area or tissue.
[0282] In embodiments, the sample may be further tested for the
presence of a cytokine or of a plurality of cytokines. In
embodiments, the sample may be further tested for the level of a
cytokine or of a plurality of cytokines. In embodiments, the target
cytokine is selected from a lymphokine, a chemokine, an
interleukin, and an interferon. In embodiments, the target
cytokines are selected from lymphokines, chemokines, interleukins,
and interferons. In embodiments, the cytokine may be an
inflammatory cytokine. In embodiments, the cytokine may be an
anti-inflammatory cytokine. In embodiments, a target cytokine may
be a an interleukin (IL) selected from IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4,
IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14,
IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-19, IL-20, IL-21, and other
interleukins. In embodiments, a target cytokine may be a chemokine
selected from an a chemokine (also termed a CXC chemokine), a
.beta.-chemokine (also termed a CC-chemokine), a .gamma.-chemokine
(also termed a C-chemokine), and a d-chemokine (also termed a
CX.sub.3C-chemokine). In embodiments, a target cytokine may be a
member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family.
[0283] In embodiments, the same sample may be tested for
disease-causing agents and for cytokines. In embodiments, the same
sample may be tested for respiratory disease-causing agents and for
cytokines.
[0284] In embodiments, the sample may be further tested for the
presence of/antibodies to a disease-causing agent. In embodiments,
the same sample may be tested for a plurality of disease-causing
agents, and for antibodies to a plurality of disease-causing
agents.
[0285] In embodiments, the sample may be further tested for the
presence of antibodies to a respiratory disease-causing agent. In
embodiments, the same sample may be tested for a plurality of
respiratory disease-causing agents and for antibodies to a
plurality of respiratory disease-causing agents.
[0286] Methods of detecting the presence of a target flu virus
molecule in a sample are disclosed herein, wherein the presence of
a plurality of possible target flu viruses are tested from a single
sample using both nucleic acid testing and protein testing, wherein
nucleic acid testing comprises detection of the presence of target
nucleic acid sequences, and wherein protein testing comprises
detection of the presence of target proteins having target amino
acid sequences. In embodiments, target nucleic acid sequences may
comprise sequences having at least 8 nucleotides, or at least 10
nucleotides, or at least 15 nucleotides, or at least 20
nucleotides, or at least 30 nucleotides, or at least 40
nucleotides, or at least 50 nucleotides, or more, that are
identical, or closely similar, to target nucleotide sequences. In
embodiments, target amino acid sequences may comprise sequences
having at least 8 amino acids, or at least 10 amino acids, or at
least 15 amino acids, or at least 20 amino acids, or at least 30
amino acids, or at least 40 amino acids, or at least 50 amino
acids, or more, that are identical, or closely similar, to target
amino acids sequences.
[0287] In embodiments, the plurality of possible target flu viruses
comprise at least 5 possible target flu viruses, or at least 10
possible target flu viruses, or at least 15 possible target flu
viruses, or at least 20 possible target flu viruses, or at least 25
possible target flu viruses, or at least 30 possible target flu
viruses, or at least 35 possible target flu viruses, or at least 40
possible target flu viruses, or at least 45 possible target flu
viruses, or at least 50 possible target flu viruses, or at least 55
possible target flu viruses, or at least 60 possible target flu
viruses, or at least 64 possible target flu viruses, or at least 65
possible target flu viruses, or more.
[0288] The assays and methods disclosed herein may be performed on
a device, or on a system, for processing a sample. Such a sample
may be a small-volume clinical sample. The assays and methods
disclosed herein can be readily incorporated into and used in
device for processing a sample, or a system for processing a
sample, which may be an automated assay device, or may be an
automated assay system. Such a device, and such a system, may be
useful for the practice of the methods disclosed herein. For
example, a device may be useful for receiving a sample. A device
may be useful for preparing, or for processing a sample. A device
may be useful for performing an assay on a sample. A device may be
useful for obtaining data from a sample. A device may be useful for
transmitting data obtained from a sample. A device may be useful
for disposing of a sample following processing or assaying of a
sample.
[0289] The assays and methods disclosed herein can be readily
incorporated into and used in an automated assay device, and in an
automated assay system. For example, systems as disclosed herein
may include a communication assembly for transmitting or receiving
a protocol based on the analyte to be detected (e.g., a particular
disease-causing agent or marker indicative of a particular
disease-causing agent) or based on other analytes to be detected by
the device or system. In embodiments, an assay protocol may be
changed based on optimal scheduling of a plurality of assays to be
performed by a device, or may be changed based on results
previously obtained from a sample from a subject, or based on
results previously obtained from a different sample from the
subject. In embodiments, a communication assembly may comprise a
channel for communicating information from said device to a
computer, said wherein said channel is selected from a computer
network, a telephone network, a metal communication link, an
optical communication link, and a wireless communication link. In
embodiments, systems as disclosed herein may transmit signals to a
central location, or to an end user, and may include a
communication assembly for transmitting such signals. Systems as
disclosed herein may be configured for updating a protocol as
needed or on a regular basis.
[0290] A device may be part of a system, a component of which may
be a sample processing device. A device may be a sample processing
device. A sample processing device may be configured to facilitate
collection of a sample, prepare a sample for a clinical test, or
effect a chemical reaction with one or more reagents or other
chemical or physical processing, as disclosed herein. A sample
processing device may be configured to obtain data from a sample. A
sample processing device may be configured to transmit data
obtained from a sample. A sample processing device may be
configured to analyze data from a sample. A sample processing
device may be configured to communicate with another device, or a
laboratory, or an individual affiliated with a laboratory, to
analyze data obtained from a sample.
[0291] A sample processing device may be configured to be placed in
or on a subject. A sample processing device may be configured to
accept a sample from a subject, either directly or indirectly. A
sample may be, for example, a blood sample (e.g., a sample obtained
from a fingerstick, or from venipuncture, or an arterial blood
sample), a urine sample, a biopsy sample, a tissue slice, stool
sample, or other clinical sample; a water sample, a soil sample, a
food sample, an air sample; or other sample. A blood sample may
comprise, e.g., whole blood, plasma, or serum. A sample processing
device may receive a sample from the subject through a housing of
the device. The sample collection may occur at a sample collection
site, or elsewhere. The sample may be provided to the device at a
sample collection site.
[0292] In some embodiments, a sample processing device may be
configured to accept or hold a cartridge. In some embodiments, a
sample processing device may comprise a cartridge. The cartridge
may be removable from the sample processing device. In some
embodiments, a sample may be provided to the cartridge of the
sample processing device. Alternatively, a sample may be provided
to another portion of a sample processing device. The cartridge
and/or device may comprise a sample collection unit that may be
configured to accept a sample.
[0293] A cartridge may include a sample, and may include reagents
for use in processing or testing a sample, disposables for use in
processing or testing a sample, or other materials. Following
placement of a cartridge on, or insertion of a cartridge into, a
sample processing device, one or more components of the cartridge
may be brought into fluid communication with other components of
the sample processing device. For example, if a sample is collected
at a cartridge, the sample may be transferred to other portions of
the sample processing device. Similarly, if one or more reagents
are provided on a cartridge, the reagents may be transferred to
other portions of the sample processing device, or other components
of the sample processing device may be brought to the reagents. In
some embodiments, the reagents or components of a cartridge may
remain on-board the cartridge. In some embodiments, no fluidics are
included that require tubing or that require maintenance (e.g.,
manual or automated maintenance).
[0294] A sample or reagent may be transferred to a device, such as
a sample processing device. A sample or reagent may be transferred
within a device. Such transfer of sample or reagent may be
accomplished without providing a continuous fluid pathway from
cartridge to device. Such transfer of sample or reagent may be
accomplished without providing a continuous fluid pathway within a
device. In embodiments, such transfer of sample or reagent may be
accomplished by a sample handling system (e.g., a pipette); for
example, a sample, reagent, or aliquot thereof may be aspirated
into an open-tipped transfer component, such as a pipette tip,
which may be operably connected to a sample handling system which
transfers the tip, with the sample, reagent, or aliquot thereof
contained within the tip, to a location on or within the sample
processing device. The sample, reagent, or aliquot thereof can be
deposited at a location on or within the sample processing device.
Sample and reagent, or multiple reagents, may be mixed using a
sample handling system in a similar manner. One or more components
of the cartridge may be transferred in an automated fashion to
other portions of the sample processing device, and vice versa.
[0295] A device, such as a sample processing device, may have a
fluid handling system. A fluid handling system may perform, or may
aid in performing, transport, dilution, extraction, aliquotting,
mixing, and other actions with a fluid, such as a sample. In some
embodiments, a fluid handling system may be contained within a
device housing. A fluid handling system may permit the collection,
delivery, processing and/or transport of a fluid, dissolution of
dry reagents, mixing of liquid and/or dry reagents with a liquid,
as well as collection, delivery, processing and/or transport of
non-fluidic components, samples, or materials. The fluid may be a
sample, a reagent, diluent, wash, dye, or any other fluid that may
be used by the device, and may include, but not limited to,
homogenous fluids, different liquids, emulsions, suspensions, and
other fluids. A fluid handling system, including without limitation
a pipette, may also be used to transport vessels (with or without
fluid contained therein) around the device. The fluid handling
system may dispense or aspirate a fluid. The sample may include one
or more particulate or solid matter floating within a fluid.
[0296] In embodiments, a fluid handling system may comprise a
pipette, pipette tip, syringe, capillary, or other component. The
fluid handling system may have portion with an interior surface and
an exterior surface and an open end. The fluid handling system may
comprise a pipette, which may include a pipette body and a pipette
nozzle, and may comprise a pipette tip. A pipette tip may or may
not be removable from a pipette nozzle. In embodiments, a fluid
handling system may use a pipette mated with a pipette tip; a
pipette tip may be disposable. A tip may form a fluid-tight seal
when mated with a pipette. A pipette tip may be used once, twice,
or more times. In embodiments, a fluid handling system may use a
pipette or similar device, with or without a pipette tip, to
aspirate, dispense, mix, transport, or otherwise handle the fluid.
The fluid may be dispensed from the fluid handling system when
desired. The fluid may be contained within a pipette tip prior to
being dispensed, e.g., from an orifice in the pipette tip. In
embodiments, or instances during use, all of the fluid may be
dispensed; in other embodiments, or instances during use, a portion
of the fluid within a tip may be dispensed. A pipette may
selectively aspirate a fluid. The pipette may aspirate a selected
amount of fluid. The pipette may be capable of actuating stirring
mechanisms to mix the fluid within the tip or within a vessel. The
pipette may incorporate tips or vessels creating continuous flow
loops for mixing, including of materials or reagents that are in
non-liquid form. A pipette tip may also facilitate mixture by
metered delivery of multiple fluids simultaneously or in sequence,
such as in 2-part substrate reactions.
[0297] The fluid handling system may include one or more
fluidically isolated or hydraulically independent units. For
example, the fluid handling system may include one, two, or more
pipette tips. The pipette tips may be configured to accept and
confine a fluid. The tips may be fluidically isolated from or
hydraulically independent of one another. The fluid contained
within each tip may be fluidically isolated or hydraulically
independent from one fluids in other tips and from other fluids
within the device. The fluidically isolated or hydraulically
independent units may be movable relative to other portions of the
device and/or one another. The fluidically isolated or
hydraulically independent units may be individually movable. A
fluid handling system may comprise one or more base or support. A
base or support may support one or more pipette or pipette units. A
base or support may connect one or more pipettes of the fluid
handling system to one another.
[0298] A sample processing device may be configured to perform
processing steps or actions on a sample obtained from a subject.
Sample processing may include sample preparation, including, e.g.,
sample dilution, division of a sample into aliquots, extraction,
contact with a reagent, filtration, separation, centrifugation, or
other preparatory or processing action or step. A sample processing
device may be configured to perform one or more sample preparation
action or step on the sample. Optionally, a sample may be prepared
for a chemical reaction and/or physical processing step. A sample
preparation action or step may include one or more of the
following: centrifugation, separation, filtration, dilution,
enriching, purification, precipitation, incubation, pipetting,
transport, chromatography, cell lysis, cytometry, pulverization,
grinding, activation, ultrasonication, micro column processing,
processing with magnetic beads, processing with nanoparticles, or
other sample preparation action or steps. For example, sample
preparation may include one or more step to separate blood into
serum and/or particulate fractions, or to separate any other sample
into various components. Sample preparation may include one or more
step to dilute and/or concentrate a sample, such as a blood sample,
or other clinical samples. Sample preparation may include adding an
anti-coagulant or other ingredient to a sample. Sample preparation
may also include purification of a sample. In embodiments, all
sample processing, preparation, or assay actions or steps are
performed by a single device. In embodiments, all sample
processing, preparation, or assay actions or steps are performed
within a housing of a single device. In embodiments, most sample
processing, preparation, or assay actions or steps are performed by
a single device, and may be performed within a housing of a single
device. In embodiments, many sample processing, preparation, or
assay actions or steps are performed by a single device, and may be
performed within a housing of a single device. In embodiments,
sample processing, preparation, or assay actions or steps may be
performed by more than one device.
[0299] A sample processing device may be configured to run one or
more assay on a sample, and to obtain data from the sample. An
assay may include one or more physical or chemical treatments, and
may include running one or more chemical or physical reactions. A
sample processing device may be configured to perform one, two or
more assays on a small sample of bodily fluid. One or more chemical
reaction may take place on a sample having a volume, as described
elsewhere herein. For example one or more chemical reaction may
take place in a pill having less than femtoliter volumes. In an
instance, the sample collection unit is configured to receive a
volume of the bodily fluid sample equivalent to a single drop or
less of blood or interstitial fluid. In embodiments, the volume of
a sample may be a small volume, where a small volume may be a
volume that is less than about 1000 .mu.L, or less than about 500
.mu.L, or less than about 250 .mu.L, or less than about 150 .mu.L,
or less than about 100 .mu.L, or less than about 75 .mu.L, or less
than about 50 .mu.L, or less than about 40 .mu.L, or less than
about 20 .mu.L, or less than about 10 .mu.L, or other small volume.
In embodiments, all sample assay actions or steps are performed on
a single sample. In embodiments, all sample assay actions or steps
are performed by a single device. In embodiments, all sample assay
actions or steps are performed within a housing of a single device.
In embodiments, most sample assay actions or steps are performed by
a single device, and may be performed within a housing of a single
device. In embodiments, many sample assay actions or steps are
performed by a single device, and may be performed within a housing
of a single device. In embodiments, sample processing, preparation,
or assay actions or steps may be performed by more than one
device.
[0300] A sample processing device may be configured to perform a
plurality of assays on a sample. In embodiments, a sample
processing device may be configured to perform a plurality of
assays on a single sample. In embodiments, a sample processing
device may be configured to perform a plurality of assays on a
single sample, where the sample is a small sample. For example, a
small sample may have a sample volume that is a small volume of
less than about 1000 .mu.L, or less than about 500 .mu.L, or less
than about 250 .mu.L, or less than about 150 .mu.L, or less than
about 100 .mu.L, or less than about 75 .mu.L, or less than about 50
.mu.L, or less than about 40 .mu.L, or less than about 20 .mu.L, or
less than about 10 .mu.L, or other small volume. A sample
processing device may be capable of performing multiplexed assays
on a single sample. A plurality of assays may be run
simultaneously; may be run sequentially; or some assays may be run
simultaneously while others are run sequentially. One or more
control assays and/or calibrators (e.g., including a configuration
with a control of a calibrator for the assay/tests) can also be
incorporated into the device; control assays and assay on
calibrators may be performed simultaneously with assays performed
on a sample, or may be performed before or after assays performed
on a sample, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, all sample
assay actions or steps are performed by a single device. In
embodiments, all of a plurality of assay actions or steps are
performed within a housing of a single device. In embodiments, most
sample assay actions or steps, of a plurality of assays, are
performed by a single device, and may be performed within a housing
of a single device. In embodiments, many sample assay actions or
steps, of a plurality of assays, are performed by a single device,
and may be performed within a housing of a single device. In
embodiments, sample processing, preparation, or assay actions or
steps may be performed by more than one device.
[0301] In embodiments, all of a plurality of assays may be
performed in a short time period. In embodiments, such a short time
period comprises less than about three hours, or less than about
two hours, or less than about one hour, or less than about 40
minutes, or less than about 30 minutes, or less than about 25
minutes, or less than about 20 minutes, or less than about 15
minutes, or less than about 10 minutes, or less than about 5
minutes, or less than about 4 minutes, or less than about 3
minutes, or less than about 2 minutes, or less than about 1 minute,
or other short time period.
[0302] A sample processing device may be configured to detect one
or more signals relating to the sample. A sample processing device
may be configured to identify one or more properties of the sample.
For instance, the sample processing device may be configured to
detect the presence or concentration of one analyte or a plurality
of analytes or a disease condition in the sample (e.g., in or
through a bodily fluid, secretion, tissue, or other sample).
Alternatively, the sample processing device may be configured to
detect a signal or signals that may be analyzed to detect the
presence or concentration of one or more analytes (which may be
indicative of a disease condition) or a disease condition in the
sample. The signals may be analyzed on board the device, or at
another location. Running a clinical test may or may not include
any analysis or comparison of data collected.
[0303] A chemical reaction or other processing step may be
performed, with or without the sample. Examples of steps, tests, or
assays that may be prepared or run by the device may include, but
are not limited to immunoassay, nucleic acid assay, receptor-based
assay, cytometric assay, colorimetric assay, enzymatic assay,
electrophoretic assay, electrochemical assay, spectroscopic assay,
chromatographic assay, microscopic assay, topographic assay,
calorimetric assay, turbidmetric assay, agglutination assay,
radioisotope assay, viscometric assay, coagulation assay, clotting
time assay, protein synthesis assay, histological assay, culture
assay, osmolarity assay, and/or other types of assays,
centrifugation, separation, filtration, dilution, enriching,
purification, precipitation, pulverization, incubation, pipetting,
transport, cell lysis, or other sample preparation action or steps,
or combinations thereof. Steps, tests, or assays that may be
prepared or run by the device may include imaging, including
microscopy, cytometry, and other techniques preparing or utilizing
images. Steps, tests, or assays that may be prepared or run by the
device may further include an assessment of histology, morphology,
kinematics, dynamics, and/or state of a sample, which may include
such assessment for cells.
[0304] A device may be capable of performing all on-board steps
(e.g., steps or actions performed by a single device) in a short
amount of time. A device may be capable of performing all on-board
steps on a single sample in a short amount of time. For example,
from sample collection from a subject to transmitting data and/or
to analysis may take about 3 hours or less, 2 hours or less, 1 hour
or less, 50 minutes or less, 45 minutes or less, 40 minutes or
less, 30 minutes or less, 20 minutes or less, 15 minutes or less,
10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 4 minutes or less, 3 minutes
or less, 2 minutes or less, or 1 minute or less. The amount of time
from accepting a sample within the device to transmitting data
and/or to analysis from the device regarding such a sample may
depend on the type or number of steps, tests, or assays performed
on the sample. The amount of time from accepting a sample within
the device to transmitting data and/or to analysis from the device
regarding such a sample may take about 3 hours or less, 2 hours or
less, 1 hour or less, 50 minutes or less, 45 minutes or less, 40
minutes or less, 30 minutes or less, 20 minutes or less, 15 minutes
or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 4 minutes or less,
3 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less, or 1 minute or less.
[0305] A device may be configured to prepare a sample for disposal,
or to dispose of a sample, such as a clinical sample, following
processing or assaying of a sample.
[0306] In embodiments, a sample processing device may be configured
to transmit data obtained from a sample. In embodiments, a sample
processing device may be configured to communicate over a network.
A sample processing device may include a communication module that
may interface with the network. A sample processing device may be
connected to the network via a wired connection or wirelessly. The
network may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network
(WAN) such as the Internet. In some embodiments, the network may be
a personal area network. The network may include the cloud. The
sample processing device may be connected to the network without
requiring an intermediary device, or an intermediary device may be
required to connect a sample processing device to a network. A
sample processing device may communicate over a network with
another device, which may be any type of networked device,
including but not limited to a personal computer, server computer,
or laptop computer; personal digital assistants (PDAs) such as a
Windows CE device; phones such as cellular phones, smartphones
(e.g., iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc.), or location-aware
portable phones (such as GPS); a roaming device, such as a
network-connected roaming device; a wireless device such as a
wireless email device or other device capable of communicating
wireless with a computer network; or any other type of network
device that may communicate possibly over a network and handle
electronic transactions. Such communication may include providing
data to a cloud computing infrastructure or any other type of data
storage infrastructure which may be accessed by other devices.
[0307] A sample processing device may provide data regarding a
sample to, e.g., a health care professional, a health care
professional location, such as a laboratory, or an affiliate
thereof. One or more of a laboratory, health care professional, or
subject may have a network device able to receive or access data
provided by the sample processing device. A sample processing
device may be configured to provide data regarding a sample to a
database. A sample processing device may be configured to provide
data regarding a sample to an electronic medical records system, to
a laboratory information system, to a laboratory automation system,
or other system or software. A sample processing device may provide
data in the form of a report.
[0308] A laboratory, device, or other entity or software may
perform analysis on data regarding a sample in real-time. A
software system may perform chemical analysis and/or pathological
analysis, or these could be distributed amongst combinations of
lab, clinical, and specialty or expert personnel. Analysis may
include qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation of a sample.
Data analysis may include a subsequent qualitative and/or
quantitative evaluation of a sample. Optionally, a report may be
generated based on raw data, pre-processed data, or analyzed data.
Such a report may be prepared so as to maintain confidentiality of
the data obtained from the sample, the identity and other
information regarding the subject from whom a sample was obtained,
analysis of the data, and other confidential information. The
report and/or the data may be transmitted to a health care
professional. Data obtained by a sample processing device, or
analysis of such data, or reports, may be provided to a database,
an electronic medical records system, to a laboratory information
system, to a laboratory automation system, or other system or
software.
[0309] Nucleic Acid Detection
[0310] Markers indicative of a disease, such as a respiratory
disease, include nucleic acid markers. Such nucleic acid markers
include, for example, viral nucleic acids, or portions thereof;
bacterial nucleic acids, or portions thereof; and nucleic acids, or
portions thereof, derived from other micro-organisms. Methods for
detecting nucleic acid markers in a sample, including in a small
volume sample, include methods in which small amounts of nucleic
acid may be amplified (e.g., copies made). For example, polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) and related methods are common methods of
nucleic acid amplification. PCR is discussed, for example, in in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195; and generally in Mullis et al., Cold
Spring Harbor Symposium on Quantitative Biology, volume 51:263
(1987); Erlich, ed., PCR Technology (Stockton Press, N Y, 1989).
PCR is one, but not the only, example of a nucleic acid polymerase
reaction method for amplifying a nucleic acid test sample
comprising the use of a known nucleic acid as a primer and a
nucleic acid polymerase to amplify or generate a specific piece of
nucleic acid. Further discussion of PCR and other methods may be
found, for example, in Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual by
Green and Sambrook, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 4.sup.th
Edition 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. PCR and many other amplification methods must be
performed at multiple different temperatures, requiring repeated
temperature changes during the PCR reaction ("thermal cycling").
Other amplification methods, such as, e.g., loop-mediated
isothermal amplification ("LAMP") (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No.
6,410,278), and other methods, including methods discussed below,
require less or less extensive thermal cycling than does PCR, or
require no thermal cycling.
[0311] Nucleic Acid Amplification and Detection Methods without
Thermal Cycling
[0312] Methods for nucleic acid amplification which do not require
thermal cycling are described in U.S. Patent Application
61/800,606, filed Mar. 15, 2013, incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety. Such methods may be used to detect nucleic acid
markers of disease, such as respiratory disease, in small-volume
samples in short periods of time. Such methods are discussed below,
and examples of results obtained with such methods, from small
samples and in short periods of time, are presented in the Figures
and Examples disclosed herein. In the following, such methods are
termed "non-cycling amplification methods."
[0313] Non-cycling amplification methods of nucleic acid
amplification may be applied to double-stranded DNA. However,
target nucleic acid molecules need not be limited to
double-stranded DNA targets; for example, double-stranded DNA for
use in non-cycling amplification methods described herein may be
prepared from viral RNA, or mRNA, or other single stranded RNA
target sources, by reverse transcriptase. In further example,
double-stranded DNA for use in non-cycling amplification methods
described herein may be prepared from single-stranded DNA targets
by DNA polymerase. Such methods may be applied as an initial step,
prior to application of the non-cycling amplification methods
discussed below.
[0314] Amplification of a double-stranded DNA target, for example,
begins with a primary double-stranded DNA to be amplified (termed
the "primary nucleic acid" in the following). The primary nucleic
acid contains a target region termed a template region; the
template region has a template sequence. Such a double-stranded
template region contains a first DNA strand and a complementary
second DNA strand, and includes a 5' terminal nucleotide in one
strand and a 3' terminal nucleotide in the other strand that are
complementary to each other.
[0315] A first primer and a second primer are provided which each
have template-binding regions and tail regions; the primer
template-binding regions are complementary to the target template
regions. The tail regions of the primers may contain three
components: a) the 5' terminal nucleotide of the primer, b) an
innermost nucleotide, wherein the innermost nucleotide is
downstream from the 5' terminal nucleotide, and c) a middle section
between the 5' terminal nucleotide and the innermost nucleotide,
comprising one or more nucleotides. In addition, at least portions
of the two primer tail regions may be complementary to each other
when properly aligned.
[0316] It should be noted that although the tail region of the
second primer may contain a nucleotide sequence which is
complementary to the nucleotide sequence of the tail region of the
first primer, typically, products formed by the annealing of the
first primer and second primer are not desirable or useful for
methods or compositions provided herein. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, steps may be taken to minimize the formation of first
primer--second primer annealed products. Such steps may include,
for example, not pre-incubating a first primer and a second primer
under conditions where the primers may anneal for an extended
period of time before initiating a method provided herein.
[0317] The primary nucleic acid may be treated with a polymerase
and a first copy of the first primer under conditions such that the
template-binding region of the first copy of the first primer
anneals to the first strand of the nucleic acid template. Under
these conditions, an extension product of the first copy of the
first primer is formed. The polymerase, which may have strand
displacement activity, may catalyze the formation of the extension
product of the first copy of the first primer. The first copy of
the first primer may be covalently linked to the synthesized
extension product, such that the first copy of the first primer
(which is complementary to the first strand of the nucleic acid
template) becomes part of the molecule described herein as the
"extension product of the first copy of the first primer." The
template-binding region but not the tail region of the first copy
of the first primer anneals to the first strand of the nucleic acid
template. Examples of conditions suitable for polymerase-based
nucleic acid synthesis are known in the art and are provided, for
example, in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, M. R. Green and
J. Sambrook, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (2012), which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0318] The extension product of the first copy of the first primer
may be treated with a polymerase (which may have strand
displacement activity) and with the second primer under conditions
such that the template-binding region of the second primer anneals
to the extension product of the first copy of the first primer. In
this way, an extension product of the second primer may be formed.
The polymerase may displace the first strand of the nucleic acid
template from the extension product of the first copy of the first
primer during the synthesis of the extension product of the second
primer. The second primer may be covalently linked to the
synthesized extension product, such that the second primer becomes
part of the molecule described herein as the "extension product of
the second primer." The extension product of the second primer is
complementary to the extension product of the first copy of the
first primer. The template-binding region but not the tail region
of the second primer may anneal to the extension product of the
first copy of the first primer when the second primer anneals to
the extension product of the first copy of the first primer.
[0319] The extension product of the second primer may be treated
with a polymerase (which may have strand displacement activity) and
a second copy of the first primer so as to form an extension
product of the second copy of the first primer. During the
generation of the extension product of the second copy of the first
primer, the second copy of the first primer may be covalently
linked to the synthesized extension product, such that the second
copy of the first primer becomes part of the molecule described
herein as the "extension product of the second copy of the first
primer." The extension product of the second copy of the first
primer is complementary to the extension product of the second
primer.
[0320] Generation of the extension product of the second copy of
the first primer may result in the generation of a molecule
comprising the extension product of the second copy of the first
primer and the extension product of the second primer, which may be
referred to herein as the "secondary nucleic acid." A secondary
nucleic acid may comprise the 3' terminal region of the extension
product of the second primer (and the complement thereof) and may
comprise the 3' terminal region of the extension product of the
second copy of the first primer (and the complement thereof).
Secondary nucleic acid molecules include sequences of the template
region adjacent to tail sequences. In embodiments, double-stranded
nucleic acids are produced in which complementary template and tail
region sequences line up. In practice, multiple copies (e.g., two
or more) of the secondary nucleic acid are produced by any process
whereby a nucleic acid having the general structure of the
secondary nucleic acid may be generated, including by practice of
non-cycling amplification methods discussed herein.
[0321] Thus, pairs of copies of the secondary nucleic acid may be
provided. Further numbers of copies may then be generated, for
example, by repetition of the foregoing steps and methods. For
example, the full process as described above for generating a
secondary nucleic acid from a primary nucleic acid may be repeated
two times, in order to generate a two pairs of copies of the
secondary nucleic acid; further repetitions may be performed to
amplify the number of copies further, e.g., to exponentially
amplify the number of copies (e.g., by powers of two).
[0322] In addition, since the secondary nucleic acid molecules
include sequences of the template region adjacent to tail
sequences, partially double-stranded nucleic acids may be produced
in which tail region sequences hybridize and line up. Since these
tail region sequences are attached to single-stranded template
regions, a cross-over structure having two nucleic acid strands
together held by the hybridized tail region sequences is produced.
These cross-over structures may be extended by a polymerase to form
extension products of both component strands. These extension
products which may be referred to as "concatemer strands." Two
concatemer strands may be annealed together, and may be
collectively referred to as a concatemer; such concatemers may
contain two or more copies of the nucleic acid template.
[0323] In some embodiments, even longer concatemers may be formed.
For example, concatemers may anneal together; or two concatemer
molecules may form a cross-over structure similar to those formed
by the shorter molecules termed concatemer strands, as discussed
above, followed by a larger concatemer molecule containing four
copies of the nucleic acid template. In another example, a
secondary nucleic acid and a concatemer may form a cross-over
structure, followed by a larger concatemer molecule containing
three copies of the nucleic acid template. In some embodiments,
multiple different concatemers of multiple different lengths may be
simultaneously generated.
[0324] Thus, concatemers generated according to such methods may be
of any length of nucleotides. In some embodiments, concatemer
molecules generated herein may be at least 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80,
90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000,
1500, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10,000,
15,000, 20,000, or 25,000 nucleotides in length. Concatemers
generated according to such methods may contain any number of
copies of a nucleic acid template. In some embodiments, concatemer
molecules generated herein may contain at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,
45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 copies of a nucleic acid template.
Further examples are provided, and greater detail of these and
other examples, is provided in U.S. Patent Application 61/800,606,
filed Mar. 15, 2013.
[0325] Detection of Reactions
[0326] Progress of a method provided herein may be monitored in
multiple different ways. In one embodiment, a reaction may be
assayed for a nucleic acid amplification product (e.g. for the
level of the product or the rate of its generation). In another
embodiment, a reaction may be assayed for the activity of a
polymerase along a nucleic acid template (e.g. for movement of a
polymerase along a template strand). Thus, in some embodiments,
events of a method provided herein may observed due to the
accumulation of product from a method (which may be during or after
completion of steps of the method), or due to detectable events
occurring during the steps of a method.
[0327] The presence of amplified nucleic acids can be assayed, for
example, by detection of reaction products (amplified nucleic acids
or reaction by-products) or by detection of probes associated with
the reaction progress.
[0328] In some embodiments, reaction products may be identified by
staining the products with a dye. In some embodiments, a dye may
have greater fluorescence when bound to a nucleic acid than when
not bound to a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, a dye may
intercalate with a double-stranded nucleic acid or it may bind to
an external region of a nucleic acid. Nucleic acid dyes that may be
used with methods and compositions provided herein include, for
example, cyanine dyes, PicoGreen OliGreen RiboGreen SYBR.RTM. dyes,
SYBR.RTM. Gold, SYBR.RTM. Green I, SYBR.RTM. Green II, ethidium
bromide, dihydroethidium, BlueView.TM., TOTO.RTM. dyes, TO-PRO.RTM.
dyes, POPO.RTM. dyes, YOYO.RTM. dyes, BOBO.RTM. dyes, JOJO.RTM.
dyes, LOLO.RTM. dyes, SYTOX.RTM. dyes, SYTO.RTM. dyes, propidium
iodide, hexidium iodide, methylene blue, DAPI, acridine orange,
quinacrine, acridine dimers, 9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine,
bisbenzimide dyes, Hoechst dyes, 7-aminoactinomycin D, actinomycin
D, hydroxystilbamidine, pyronin Y, Diamond.TM. dye, GelRed.TM.,
GelGreen.TM. and LDS 751.
[0329] In some embodiments, reaction products may be identified by
analysis of turbidity of amplification reactions for example, where
increased turbidity is correlated with formation of reaction
products and reaction by-products (e.g. pyrophosphate complexed
with magnesium).
[0330] In some embodiments, reaction products may be identified by
separating a reaction performed according to a method herein by gel
electrophoresis, followed by staining of the gel with a dye for
nucleic acids. The dye may be any nucleic acid dye disclosed herein
or otherwise known in the art.
[0331] In some embodiments, any method or composition known in the
art for the detection of nucleic acids or processes associated with
the generation of nucleic acids may be used with methods and
compositions provided herein.
[0332] In some embodiments, a nucleic acid probe which contains a
nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a nucleic acid
template strand (or strand having a similar or identical sequence)
and which contains one or both of a fluorescent reporter
(fluorophore) and a quencher are included in a reaction provided
herein.
[0333] In an example, a nucleic acid probe may contain a
fluorescent reporter at its 5' or 3' terminus, and a quencher at
the other terminus.
[0334] In another example, a nucleic acid probe may contain a
fluorescent reporter at its 5' or 3' terminus, and it may be
annealed to a nucleic acid primer containing a quencher. The
nucleic acid primer containing a quencher may contain the quencher
at a position in the primer such that when the nucleic acid probe
is annealed to the primer, the fluorescent reporter is
quenched.
[0335] In probes containing a fluorescent reporter and quencher
pair, the fluorescent reporter and quencher may be selected so that
the quencher can effectively quench the reporter. In some
embodiments, a fluorescent reporter is paired with a quencher where
the emission maximum of the fluorescent reporter is similar to the
absorption maximum of the quencher. Fluorphores that may be used as
the fluorescent reporter include, for example, CAL Fluor Gold, CAL
Fluor Orange, Quasar 570, CAL Fluor Red 590, CAL Fluor Red 610, CAL
Fluor Red 610, CAL Fluor Red 635, Quasar 670 (Biosearch
Technologies), VIC, NED (Life Technologies), Cy3, Cy5, Cy5.5 (GE
Healthcare Life Sciences), Oyster 556, Oyster 645 (Integrated DNA
Technologies), LC red 610, LC red 610, LC red 640, LC red 670, LC
red 705 (Roche Applies Science), Texas red, FAM, TET, HEX, JOE,
TMR, and ROX. Quenchers that may be used include, for example,
DDQ-I, DDQ-II (Eurogentec), Eclipse (Epoch Biosciences), Iowa Black
FQ, Iowa Black RQ (Integrated DNA Technologies), BHQ-1, BHQ-2,
BHQ-3 (Biosearch Technologies), QSY-7, QSY-21 (Molecular Probes),
and Dabcyl.
[0336] In some embodiments, a method provided herein may be
monitored in an apparatus containing a light source and an optical
sensor. In some situations, the reaction may be positioned in the
path of light from the light source, and light absorbed by the
sample (e.g. in the case of a turbid reaction), scattered by the
sample (e.g. in the case of a turbid reaction), or emitted by the
sample (e.g. in the case of a reaction containing a fluorescent
molecule) may be measured. In some embodiments, a method provided
herein may be performed or monitored in a device or module therein
as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/769,779, filed
Feb. 18, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0337] Detection of Nucleic Acids and Protein Markers of
Infection
[0338] A sample, such as a throat swab, a nasal swab, a mouth swab
(e.g., a cheek swab), a vaginal swab, saliva, blood, or other
sample, may be used for more than one assay. For example, a sample
may be subjected to nucleic acid testing and to testing for
peptides indicative of an infection. In embodiments, a sample may
be divided into two or more portions, and each portion may be
subjected to a single test, or may be subjected to a plurality of
tests. Nucleic acid testing may be used to identify nucleic acid
molecules, or portions thereof, whose presence indicates the
presence of disease-causing organisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, and
other organisms which carry such nucleic acids). Protein (or
peptide) testing may be used to identify peptides or proteins, or
portions thereof, whose presence indicates the presence of
disease-causing organisms (e.g., organisms which express such
proteins, or peptides). Protein or peptide testing may be used to
identify disease-causing organisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, and
other organisms) in a sample, and may also be used to identify
antibodies directed against such agents that may be present in a
sample. Thus, forms of protein (or peptide) testing include testing
for the presence of antibodies to targets whose presence indicates
the presence of disease-causing organisms. Such nucleic acid and
protein (or peptide) testing may be used to identify, or estimate,
or otherwise determine at what stage an infection in a subject is
at the time the sample was taken, by detecting, or determining the
amounts of, or both, both nucleic acid markers indicative of a
particular infection and protein (or peptide) markers indicative of
the same infection (such protein markers of the same infection
include antibodies to the micro-organism that causes the infection,
as well as protein markers present on or in the micro-organism
itself).
[0339] Nucleic acid markers of an infection include DNA and RNA
molecules, and fragments thereof, unique to the infectious agent
(e.g., viral nucleic acids, or bacterial nucleic acids, or other
nucleic acids of any other infectious micro-organism). Peptide or
protein markers of an infection include peptides or proteins unique
to the infectious agent (e.g., bacterial peptides); cytokines and
other peptides produced in response to the infection; and
antibodies produced in response to the infection.
[0340] For example, where nucleic acid markers indicative of a
particular infection are relatively numerous, while antibody
markers indicative of that particular infection are relatively
sparse, then the infection is a recent infection; however, where
nucleic acid markers indicative of a particular infection are
relatively numerous, and antibody markers indicative of that
particular infection are also relatively numerous, then the
infection is not a recent infection, since the subject has had the
time to produce infection-specific antibodies. Where nucleic acid
markers indicative of a particular infection are relatively sparse,
and antibody markers indicative of that particular infection are
relatively numerous, then the infection may be waning and in a late
stage. Other protein markers (other than antibodies to the
infectious organism), being produced by the disease-causing
organism itself, such as viral coat proteins, bacterial cell wall
proteins, bacterial toxins, and other non-antibody markers,
typically follow a time-course more similar to that of nucleic acid
markers of a particular infection and less similar to that of
antibody markers of a particular infection.
[0341] A typical response in human subjects to infection by many
infectious agents includes increased levels of inflammatory
cytokines (including interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-18, tumor
necrosis factor .alpha. (TNF-.alpha.), gamma interferon
(IFN-.gamma.), and others). Cytokine levels may increase rapidly
upon infection.
[0342] The time-course of production of antibodies to an infectious
agent (e.g., a virus, bacteria, or other infectious micro-organism)
varies between individual subjects and from infection to infection;
such time-courses may be known or identified for different kinds of
infections. In general, a few days or more are required before
antibodies to an infectious agent are detectable in a subject; once
detectable, the amount of antibodies detected in a subject grows,
often very rapidly, and may plateau (or peak) over a period of
weeks or months following infection. In addition to the type of
infection, factors which may affect the plateau (or peak) levels,
and the timing at which these levels are reached, include whether
or not the infection is acute or chronic; the severity of the
infection; other diseases or conditions affecting the subject; the
nutritional status of the subject; environmental factors; and other
factors.
[0343] The time-course of an acute infection may be short; for
example, an acute infection may follow a time-course measured in
days or weeks. For example, many viral and bacterial infections in
an otherwise healthy human subject typically resolve within about a
week. Levels of nucleic acid and protein markers indicative of
viral, bacterial, and other infections typically rise, and then
fall, during the course of the infection. Initially, upon
infection, and closely following the time of infection, markers of
the infectious agent (e.g., nucleic acid markers and protein
markers indicative of the viral, bacterial, or other infection)
will be detectable in samples obtained from a subject; the levels
of such markers will rise from the time of infection, and will
typically peak within a few days (for a short-lived infection) or
within a few weeks (for an infection of longer duration).
Antibodies to the infectious agent may be detected within a week or
two following the infection, and may then further increase for
several weeks (e.g., for a month or more). If the infection itself
resolves and the infectious agent is cleared from the subject, the
levels of antibodies will then slowly decline over a period of
months.
[0344] Longer term, or chronic infections may follow a longer
time-course. For example, the time-course of viral markers and
antibody formation in a person infected with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may follow a time-course over many
months and years. Initially, HIV viral markers (e.g., the viral p24
antigen, viral nucleic acids, and other viral markers produced by
the virus itself) may be present (in samples obtained from a
subject) in high levels for the first few months following
infection, and may peak by about 6 months after infection. In
contrast, anti HIV antibodies (e.g., antibodies to gp120 or other
viral antigenic epitopes) are not detectable in samples obtained
from a subject for a few months following infection, but become
detectable by about 3-5 months after infection, and anti-HIV
antibody levels rise rapidly over the following 6 months or so,
continuing to rise at a less rapid rate from about 1 year after
infection to about 4 to 6 years following infection. Over this
period of time (from about 1 year to about 5 years) the viral
marker levels may be very low; however, in the absence of
treatment, as T-cell levels (e.g., CD4 T-cells) will typically have
been falling over the period of time from about 1 year to about 5
years following HIV infection, the subject may begin to suffer from
systemic immune deficiency and further T-cell loss (e.g., CD-8
T-cells) about 5-6 years following HIV infection. Levels of HIV
viral markers will typically rise as systemic immune deficiency
becomes apparent 5-6 years following HIV infection.
[0345] The time-courses relevant to the detection of marker may
also depend on the type of sample tested for the presence of the
marker. For example, in some infections, the causative organism,
and nucleic acid and protein markers of the organism, may be found
initially in blood, or saliva, or other fluid or tissue; and may
later on be found in urine or stool samples; and even later on may
be detectable in tissue samples. Antibodies to such disease-causing
organisms, which typically appear some time following the
appearance of the organism itself in samples, may found first in
blood, and then, following their appearance in blood, in saliva,
urine, or stool.
[0346] Devices
[0347] The devices, systems, and assays disclosed herein may
utilize techniques, devices, systems, and assays disclosed, for
example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,088,593; 8,380,541; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/769,798, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/769,779, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S.
Application Ser. No. 61/800,606, filed Mar. 15, 2013; U.S.
Application Ser. No. 61/766,095, filed Feb. 18, 2013; and U.S.
Patent Application 61/805,923, filed Mar. 27, 2013, all of which
are incorporated by reference herein (supra).
[0348] For example, devices for use in performing assays for
detecting a plurality of disease-causing agents in a single
clinical sample, or in a plurality of aliquots of a single clinical
sample include cartridges including some or all of reagent vessels,
reaction vessels, tools and implements used in assays, and reagents
used in assays. A cartridge may contain one or more of: reagent
vessels; reaction vessels; cytometry cuvettes; waste containers;
sample collection devices or sample collection vessels; and other
vessels and materials. Such devices may include multiple vessels
containing reagents for use in an assay for the detection of a
plurality of markers indicative of an infectious agent, e.g., an
upper respiratory infectious agent; a lower respiratory infectious
agent; a sexually transmitted disease-causing agent; an agent
detectable from a sample obtained from a swab (e.g., a throat swab,
a nasal swab, a mouth swab (e.g., a cheek swab), a vaginal swab, or
other swab); an agent detectable from a blood sample; or
combinations thereof.
[0349] Thus, for example, a cartridge may contain a plurality of
reagent vessels; a plurality of reagent vessels containing reagents
for detecting a marker indicative of a disease-causing agent.
Disease-causing agents may include agents which cause upper
respiratory disorders, or lower respiratory disorders, or sexually
transmitted diseases. A disease-causing agent may be detected in a
blood sample. A disease-causing agent may be detected in a sample
obtained with a swab, such as a throat swab, or a nasal swab, or a
mouth swab (e.g., a cheek swab), or a vaginal swab, or other
sample, or combinations thereof.
[0350] In embodiments, a device may be or comprise a cartridge
configured to contain one or more reagent vessels, and one or more
reaction vessels, e.g., for use in nucleic acid assays; for use in
immunoassays (e.g., ELISA assays); for use in general chemistry
assays (e.g., for clinical electrolytes, vitamin levels, blood
component levels, and other targets); for use in cytometric assays;
and for combinations thereof. In embodiments, such a device may
include reagents, reaction vessels, and tools, cuvettes, and other
implements for use in nucleic acid assays; for immunoassays (e.g.,
ELISA assays); general chemistry assays (e.g., for clinical
electrolytes, vitamin levels, blood component levels, and other
targets); cytometric assays; and for combinations thereof.
[0351] In embodiments, a cartridge for use in performing assays for
detecting a plurality of disease-causing agents as disclosed herein
may include one or more spaces or vessels for holding a swab or
swabs. A single swab may be placed in a single space, or in a
single vessel; in embodiments, two swabs may be placed in a single
space, or single vessel. In embodiments, a plurality of swabs may
be placed in a single space, or single vessel. Vessels for holding
a swab, or swabs, may contain a reagent, or a diluent, or other
solution for use with a swab or swabs.
[0352] A nasal swab may be useful for testing for upper respiratory
diseases, and a throat swab may be useful for testing lower
respiratory diseases. In embodiments, a mouth swab (e.g., a cheek
swab, a tongue swab, a gum swab, or other swab taken within the
mouth) may be used in addition to, or in place of, a nasal or
throat swab. Nasal and throat swabs may be obtained from a single
patient, and may be analyzed at the same time, or at nearly the
same time. For example, a throat swab may be placed in one vessel
in a cartridge, and a nasal swab may be placed in a different
vessel in the cartridge, for analysis in an analysis device or
analysis system. For example, a mouth swab may be placed in one
vessel in a cartridge, and a nasal swab may be placed in a
different vessel in the cartridge, for analysis in an analysis
device or analysis system. For example, a throat swab may be placed
in one vessel in a cartridge, and a mouth swab may be placed in a
different vessel in the cartridge, for analysis in an analysis
device or analysis system. These vessels may contain a reagent, or
a diluent, or other solution for use with the swabs; such reagents
may be different for the throat swab and the nasal swab. In
embodiments, reagents may be different for a mouth swab than for a
throat swab or nasal swab. In a further example, a throat swab and
a nasal swab from a single subject may be placed in the same vessel
in a device. In a further example, a mouth swab and a nasal swab
from a single subject may be placed in the same vessel in a device.
In a further example, a throat swab and a mouth swab from a single
subject may be placed in the same vessel in a device. The vessel
may contain a reagent, or a diluent, or other solution for use with
these swabs. The device may be placed in an analysis device, or
within an analysis system, for analysis. Such analysis devices and
analysis systems may be placed at the same location as that where
the sample was obtained; or such analysis devices and analysis
systems may be at a different location or locations than the
location where the sample was obtained.
[0353] In embodiments, a cartridge for use in performing assays for
detecting a plurality of disease-causing agents as disclosed herein
may include one or more spaces or vessels for holding a blood
sample. In embodiments, a cartridge for use in performing assays
for detecting a plurality of disease-causing agents as disclosed
herein may include one or more spaces or vessels for holding a
blood sample and may also include one or more spaces or vessels for
holding a swab or swabs. Thus, a device, such as a cartridge, may
hold a blood sample and a throat swab; may hold a blood sample and
a nasal swab; and may hold a blood sample, a throat swab, and a
nasal swab. In embodiments, a device, such as a cartridge, may hold
a blood sample and a mouth swab; may hold a blood sample, a mouth
swab, and a nasal swab; and may hold a blood sample, a mouth swab,
a throat swab, and a nasal swab. Similarly, a device, such as a
cartridge, may hold a blood sample and a vaginal swab; and may hold
a blood sample, and one or more of a mouth swab, a throat swab, a
nasal swab, and a vaginal swab.
[0354] In embodiments, a cartridge for use in performing assays for
detecting a plurality of disease-causing agents as disclosed herein
may include one or more spaces or vessels for holding a urine
sample. In embodiments, a cartridge for use in performing assays
for detecting a plurality of disease-causing agents as disclosed
herein may include one or more spaces or vessels for holding a
urine sample and may also include one or more spaces or vessels for
holding a swab or swabs. Thus, a device, such as a cartridge, may
hold a urine sample and a throat swab; may hold a urine sample and
a nasal swab; may hold a urine sample, a throat swab, and a nasal
swab; may hold a urine sample, a throat swab, a mouth swab, and a
nasal swab; and may hold a urine sample, and one or more of a
throat swab, a mouth swab, a vaginal swab, and a nasal swab.
[0355] It will be understood that such devices, such as cartridges,
may hold other types of samples as well, and that any combination
of types of samples may be held by such devices (e.g., cartridges).
In any and all such cases, the sample or samples may be analyzed in
a sample analysis device or a sample analysis system.
[0356] A cartridge may include a sample, and may include reagents
for use in processing or testing a sample, disposables for use in
processing or testing a sample, or other materials. Following
placement of a cartridge on, or insertion of a cartridge into, a
sample processing device or system, one or more components of the
cartridge may be brought into fluid communication with other
components of the sample processing device. For example, if a
sample is collected at a cartridge, the sample may be transferred
to other portions of the sample processing device. Similarly, if
one or more reagents are provided on a cartridge, the reagents may
be transferred to other portions of the sample processing device,
or other components of the sample processing device may be brought
to the reagents. In some embodiments, the reagents or components of
a cartridge may remain on-board the cartridge. In some embodiments,
no fluidics are included that require tubing or that require
maintenance (e.g., manual or automated maintenance).
[0357] A sample or reagent may be transferred to a device, such as
a sample processing device. A sample or reagent may be transferred
within a device. Such transfer of sample or reagent may be
accomplished without providing a continuous fluid pathway from
cartridge to device. Such transfer of sample or reagent may be
accomplished without providing a continuous fluid pathway within a
device. In embodiments, such transfer of sample or reagent may be
accomplished by a sample handling system (e.g., a pipette); for
example, a sample, reagent, or aliquot thereof may be aspirated
into an open-tipped transfer component, such as a pipette tip,
which may be operably connected to a sample handling system which
transfers the tip, with the sample, reagent, or aliquot thereof
contained within the tip, to a location on or within the sample
processing device. The sample, reagent, or aliquot thereof can be
deposited at a location on or within the sample processing device.
Sample and reagent, or multiple reagents, may be mixed using a
sample handling system in a similar manner. One or more components
of the cartridge may be transferred in an automated fashion to
other portions of the sample processing device, and vice versa.
[0358] As shown in FIG. 20A, FIG. 20B, and FIG. 20C, a vessel for
holding a swab may be loaded onto a cartridge, where it may be
retained until needed for analysis; the cartridge may be loaded
onto an analysis device or analysis system, thereby loading the
swab (and any other samples or sample containers on the cartridge
as well). As shown in FIG. 20A, a vessel for holding a swab (a swab
vessel 10) may be loaded onto a cartridge 20 by placement into a
receptacle 30. The cartridge 20 as shown also includes cavities and
wells 40 for receiving and holding reagents and vessels. A swab
vessel 10 may contain a swab in place within the swab vessel 10, or
may be loaded onto a cartridge without a swab in place within the
swab vessel 10.
[0359] As shown in FIG. 20B, a vessel for holding a swab (a swab
vessel 10) may be loaded onto a cartridge 20 by placement into a
receptacle 30. The cartridge 20 as shown also includes cavities and
wells 40 for receiving and holding reagents and vessels. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 20B, the cartridge 20 also includes a
sample collection vessel 50, which may hold, e.g., blood, urine, or
other sample. The arrows leading away from the swab vessel 10
indicate how the swab vessel 10 may be placed into a receptacle 30
in the cartridge 20.
[0360] As shown in FIG. 20C, a vessel for holding a swab (a swab
vessel 10) may be loaded onto a cartridge 20 by placement into a
receptacle 30. The cartridge 20 as shown also includes cavities and
wells 40 for receiving and holding reagents and vessels. As shown
in the embodiment of FIG. 20C, the cartridge 20 includes a swab
receptacle 60 configured to hold a swab 70. In embodiments (e.g.,
in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20C) a cartridge 20 having a
swab receptacle 60 may optionally include a sample collection
vessel 50, which may hold, e.g., blood, urine, or other sample.
Such a swab 70 may be held in swab receptacle 60 prior to its use
in collecting a sample. In embodiments, a swab 70 may be placed
within a swab vessel 10 after collection of a sample with swab 70.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20C, swab vessel 10 may be loaded
onto a cartridge without a swab in place within the swab vessel 10
prior to use of swab 70, and swab vessel 10 may be replaced in a
receptacle 30, holding swab 70 within swab vessel 10 after
collection of a sample by swab 70.
[0361] Swabs may be any suitable swab for collection of a sample.
Several examples of swabs suitable for use in sample collection are
shown in FIG. 21. Swabs with flocked tips (swab 100, and the
shorter swab 200, suitable for pediatric use), or those also
suitable for use in establishing cultures of material obtained by
swabbing a body orifice, a body cavity or surface of a subject
(swab 300), cotton-tipped swabs (swab 400), and other swabs may be
used to collect a sample from a patient for use with the methods,
systems, and devices disclosed herein. For example, samples may be
obtained by swabbing a nasal cavity, a throat, a mouth, a vagina,
or other orifice, body cavity, or location on or within a
subject.
[0362] Systems
[0363] An analysis system, which may include an analysis device,
such as a sample processing device, may have a fluid handling
system (also termed herein a sample handling system). A fluid
handling system may perform, or may aid in performing, transport,
dilution, extraction, aliquotting, mixing, and other actions with a
fluid, such as a sample. In some embodiments, a fluid handling
system may be contained within a device housing. A fluid handling
system may permit the collection, delivery, processing and/or
transport of a fluid, dissolution of dry reagents, mixing of liquid
and/or dry reagents with a liquid, as well as collection, delivery,
processing and/or transport of non-fluidic components, samples, or
materials. The fluid may be a sample, a reagent, diluent, wash,
dye, or any other fluid that may be used by the device, and may
include, but not limited to, homogenous fluids, different liquids,
emulsions, suspensions, and other fluids. A fluid handling system,
including without limitation a pipette, may also be used to
transport vessels (with or without fluid contained therein) around
the device. The fluid handling system may dispense or aspirate a
fluid. The sample may include one or more particulate or solid
matter floating within a fluid.
[0364] In embodiments, a fluid handling system may comprise a
pipette, pipette tip, syringe, capillary, or other component. The
fluid handling system may have portion with an interior surface and
an exterior surface and an open end. The fluid handling system may
comprise a pipette, which may include a pipette body and a pipette
nozzle, and may comprise a pipette tip. A pipette tip may or may
not be removable from a pipette nozzle. In embodiments, a fluid
handling system may use a pipette mated with a pipette tip; a
pipette tip may be disposable. A tip may form a fluid-tight seal
when mated with a pipette. A pipette tip may be used once, twice,
or more times. In embodiments, a fluid handling system may use a
pipette or similar device, with or without a pipette tip, to
aspirate, dispense, mix, transport, or otherwise handle the fluid.
The fluid may be dispensed from the fluid handling system when
desired. The fluid may be contained within a pipette tip prior to
being dispensed, e.g., from an orifice in the pipette tip. In
embodiments, or instances during use, all of the fluid may be
dispensed; in other embodiments, or instances during use, a portion
of the fluid within a tip may be dispensed. A pipette may
selectively aspirate a fluid. The pipette may aspirate a selected
amount of fluid. The pipette may be capable of actuating stirring
mechanisms to mix the fluid within the tip or within a vessel. The
pipette may incorporate tips or vessels creating continuous flow
loops for mixing, including of materials or reagents that are in
non-liquid form. A pipette tip may also facilitate mixture by
metered delivery of multiple fluids simultaneously or in sequence,
such as in 2-part substrate reactions.
[0365] A fluid handling system may include one or more fluidically
isolated or hydraulically independent units. For example, the fluid
handling system may include one, two, or more pipette tips. The
pipette tips may be configured to accept and confine a fluid. The
tips may be fluidically isolated from or hydraulically independent
of one another. The fluid contained within each tip may be
fluidically isolated or hydraulically independent from one fluids
in other tips and from other fluids within the device. The
fluidically isolated or hydraulically independent units may be
movable relative to other portions of the device and/or one
another. The fluidically isolated or hydraulically independent
units may be individually movable. A fluid handling system may
comprise one or more base or support. A base or support may support
one or more pipette or pipette units. A base or support may connect
one or more pipettes of the fluid handling system to one
another.
[0366] A sample processing system, which may include a sample
processing device, may be configured to perform processing steps or
actions on a sample obtained from a subject. Sample processing may
include sample preparation, including, e.g., sample dilution,
division of a sample into aliquots, extraction, contact with a
reagent, filtration, separation, centrifugation, or other
preparatory or processing action or step. A sample processing
device may be configured to perform one or more sample preparation
action or step on the sample. Optionally, a sample may be prepared
for a chemical reaction and/or physical processing step. A sample
preparation action or step may include one or more of the
following: centrifugation, separation, filtration, dilution,
enriching, purification, precipitation, incubation, pipetting,
transport, chromatography, cell lysis, cytometry, pulverization,
grinding, activation, ultrasonication, micro column processing,
processing with magnetic beads, processing with nanoparticles, or
other sample preparation action or steps. For example, sample
preparation may include one or more step to separate blood into
serum and/or particulate fractions, or to separate any other sample
into various components. Sample preparation may include one or more
step to dilute and/or concentrate a sample, such as a clinical
sample or biological sample, e.g., of blood, urine, sputum,
material obtained from a nasal swab, a throat swab, a cheek swab,
or other sample, or other clinical or biological samples. Sample
preparation may include adding an anti-coagulant or other
ingredients to a sample. Sample preparation may also include
purification of a sample. In embodiments, all sample processing,
preparation, or assay actions or steps are performed by a single
device. In embodiments, all sample processing, preparation, or
assay actions or steps are performed within a housing of a single
device. In embodiments, most sample processing, preparation, or
assay actions or steps are performed by a single device, and may be
performed within a housing of a single device. In embodiments, many
sample processing, preparation, or assay actions or steps are
performed by a single device, and may be performed within a housing
of a single device. In embodiments, sample processing, preparation,
or assay actions or steps may be performed by more than one
device.
[0367] A sample processing system, which may include a sample
processing device, may be configured to run one or more assay on a
sample, and to obtain data from the sample. An assay may include
one or more physical or chemical treatments, and may include
running one or more chemical or physical reactions. A sample
processing device may be configured to perform one, two or more
assays on a small sample of bodily fluid. One or more chemical
reaction may take place on a sample having a volume, as described
elsewhere herein. For example one or more chemical reaction may
take place in a pill having less than femtoliter volumes. In an
instance, the sample collection unit is configured to receive a
volume of the bodily fluid sample equivalent to a single drop or
less of blood or interstitial fluid. In embodiments, the volume of
a sample may be a small volume, where a small volume may be a
volume that is less than about 1000 .mu.L, or less than about 500
.mu.L, or less than about 250 .mu.L, or less than about 150 .mu.L,
or less than about 100 .mu.L, or less than about 75 .mu.L, or less
than about 50 .mu.L, or less than about 40 .mu.L, or less than
about 20 .mu.L, or less than about 10 .mu.L, or other small volume.
In embodiments, all sample assay actions or steps are performed on
a single sample. In embodiments, all sample assay actions or steps
are performed by a single device. In embodiments, all sample assay
actions or steps are performed within a housing of a single device.
In embodiments, most sample assay actions or steps are performed by
a single device, and may be performed within a housing of a single
device. In embodiments, many sample assay actions or steps are
performed by a single device, and may be performed within a housing
of a single device. In embodiments, sample processing, preparation,
or assay actions or steps may be performed by more than one
device.
[0368] A sample processing system, which may include a sample
processing device, may be configured to perform a plurality of
assays on a sample. For example, a sample processing device may be
configured to detect, or to identify, or to measure
pathogen-identifying material in a sample. In embodiments, a sample
processing device may be configured to perform a plurality of
assays on a single sample. In embodiments, a sample processing
device may be configured to perform a plurality of assays on a
single sample, where the sample is a small sample. For example, a
small sample may have a sample volume that is a small volume of
less than about 1000 .mu.L, or less than about 500 .mu.L, or less
than about 250 .mu.L, or less than about 150 .mu.L, or less than
about 100 .mu.L, or less than about 75 .mu.L, or less than about 50
.mu.L, or less than about 40 .mu.L, or less than about 20 .mu.L, or
less than about 10 .mu.L, or other small volume. A sample
processing device may be capable of performing multiplexed assays
on a single sample. A plurality of assays may be run
simultaneously; may be run sequentially; or some assays may be run
simultaneously while others are run sequentially. One or more
control assays and/or calibrators (e.g., including a configuration
with a control of a calibrator for the assay/tests) can also be
incorporated into the device; control assays and assay on
calibrators may be performed simultaneously with assays performed
on a sample, or may be performed before or after assays performed
on a sample, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, all sample
assay actions or steps are performed by a single device. In
embodiments, all of a plurality of assay actions or steps are
performed within a housing of a single device. In embodiments, most
sample assay actions or steps, of a plurality of assays, are
performed by a single device, and may be performed within a housing
of a single device. In embodiments, many sample assay actions or
steps, of a plurality of assays, are performed by a single device,
and may be performed within a housing of a single device. In
embodiments, sample processing, preparation, or assay actions or
steps may be performed by more than one device.
[0369] In embodiments, all of a plurality of assays may be
performed in a short time period. In embodiments, such a short time
period comprises less than about three hours, or less than about
two hours, or less than about one hour, or less than about 40
minutes, or less than about 30 minutes, or less than about 25
minutes, or less than about 20 minutes, or less than about 15
minutes, or less than about 10 minutes, or less than about 5
minutes, or less than about 4 minutes, or less than about 3
minutes, or less than about 2 minutes, or less than about 1 minute,
or other short time period.
[0370] In embodiments of the methods, devices, and systems
disclosed herein, systems may include one or more assay stations,
where, for example, a sample and a reagent may be mixed. In
embodiments of the methods, devices, and systems disclosed herein,
systems may include one or more detection stations, where, for
example, a sample, or a label attached to a target in a sample, or
other signal indicative of the presence of a target analyte in a
sample, may be detected. In embodiments of the methods, devices,
and systems disclosed herein, one or more assay stations may also
serve as a detection station. For example, where an assay reacts a
reagent or reagents with an analyte within a vessel, the vessel
serves as an assay station; where the vessel is transparent to a
signal produced by the reaction, and where the vessel is adjacent a
detector effective that the signal (and thus the presence or
concentration of the analyte) may be detected, the vessel also
serves as a detection station. For example, some nucleic acid
analysis methods and systems provide a heating block (or other
temperature-controlling element) and a detector at, or near to, a
position in which a vessel containing sample and reagents is
disposed during a reaction, and during detection of the results of
the reaction. In such an embodiment, a vessel is not moved from the
location of the reaction to a different location for detection of
the results of the reaction, so the vessel (and the location and
accompanying devices and operative elements) serves as both an
assay station and a detection station. In further embodiments, a
vessel is moved from a location where a reaction occurs, or a
sample (or sample-containing) solution is moved from the assay
vessel, to a different location or vessel where detection occurs.
In such an embodiment, where a vessel (or solution) is moved from
the location of the reaction to a different location for detection
of the results of the reaction, the vessel (and the location and
accompanying assay devices and operative elements) serves as an
assay station, and a different location (and devices or elements)
serves as a detection station.
[0371] Systems for detecting the presence of one or more of a
plurality of markers indicative of an infectious disease in a
small-volume clinical sample include, for example, a) a sample
handling system; b) a detection station comprising an optical
sensor; c) a fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured
to retain a clinical sample; d) an assay station comprising at
least a first and a second fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein
the first unit comprises a first reagent and the second unit
comprises a second reagent; and e) a controller, wherein the
controller comprises a local memory and is operatively coupled to
the sample handling system and the detection station. Such systems
may be configured to perform assays with one or both of the first
and second assay units; wherein the local memory of the controller
comprises a protocol comprising instructions for: i) directing the
sample handling system to transfer a portion of the clinical sample
to the first assay unit and to the second assay unit; and ii)
directing the sample handling system to transfer the first assay
unit and the second unit assay unit to the detection station. In
further embodiments, an assay station in such systems may include
at least a first, second, and third fluidically isolated assay
unit, wherein the first unit comprises a first reagent, the second
unit comprises a second reagent, and the third unit comprises a
third reagent. In further embodiments, an assay station in such
systems may include at least a first, second, third, and fourth
fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the first unit comprises a
first reagent, the second unit comprises a second reagent, the
third unit comprises a third reagent, and the fourth unit comprises
a fourth reagent. It will be understood that embodiments of such
systems may include more than four assay units; or other numbers of
assay units.
[0372] In embodiments, assays are performed with any one or more of
the first, second, and third assay units; or with any one or more
of the first, second, third, and fourth assay units, wherein the
local memory of the controller comprises a protocol comprising
instructions for: i) directing the sample handling system to
transfer a portion of the clinical sample to the first assay unit,
the second assay unit, and, where applicable, the third assay unit
and/or fourth assay units; and ii) directing the sample handling
system to transfer the first assay unit, the second assay unit,
and, where appropriate, the third assay unit and/or the fourth
assay unit to the detection station.
[0373] Further systems for detecting the presence of one or more of
a plurality of markers indicative of an infectious disease in a
small-volume clinical sample include a) a sample handling system;
b) a detection station comprising an optical sensor; c) a fluid
handling system configured to transport fluids between components
of said system, wherein said transport of fluids comprises
transport of isolated aliquots of fluid; d) a fluidically isolated
sample collection unit configured to retain a clinical sample; e)
an assay station comprising at least a first, second, and third
fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the first unit comprises a
first reagent, the second unit comprises a second reagent, and the
third unit comprises a third reagent; and f) a controller, wherein
the controller comprises a local memory and is operatively coupled
to the sample handling system and the detection station. Such
systems may be configured to perform assays with any one or more of
the first, second, and third assay units; wherein the local memory
of the controller comprises a protocol comprising instructions for:
i) directing the sample handling system to transfer a portion of
the clinical sample to the first assay unit, the second assay unit
and the third assay unit; and ii) directing the sample handling
system to transfer the first assay unit, the second assay unit, and
the third assay unit to the detection station. It will be
understood that embodiments of such systems may include only two
assay units; or may include four assay units; or other numbers of
assay units.
[0374] Clinical sample processing systems for use in performing
assays as disclosed herein may include a) a sample handling system;
b) a detection station comprising an optical sensor; c) a
fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured to retain a
clinical sample; d) an assay station comprising at least a first,
second, and third fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the
first unit comprises an antibody, the second unit comprises an
oligonucleotide, and the third unit comprises a chromogen or a dye
or other label; and e) a controller, wherein the controller is
operatively coupled to the sample handling system, wherein the
sample handling system is configured to transfer a portion of the
clinical sample from the sample collection unit to each of the
first assay unit, the second assay unit, and the third assay unit,
and the device is configured to perform an immunoassay, a nucleic
acid assay, and a general chemistry assay comprising a
chromogen.
[0375] Such systems may be point-of service (POS) systems. These
systems may be contained within a housing. A system located at a
POS location may be configured for use in analyzing a sample at the
POS location. These systems may be POS systems configured to
perform a plurality of assays on a single small volume sample, or
on aliquots thereof.
Example 1
[0376] Testing for and Detecting Nucleic Acid Markers of Disease
and Disease-Causing Agents
[0377] Disease-causing agents such as viruses, bacteria, yeast,
fungi, and other micro-organisms have identifying nucleic acids and
proteins, among other identifying characteristics which may serve
as markers. Markers indicative of a disease, or of a
disease-causing agent, such as a respiratory disease, or a form of
influenza, or a sexually transmitted disease, or other disease,
include nucleic acid markers.
[0378] As shown in the figures, markers for many diseases may be
tested for, and may be detected, using nucleic acid assays as
disclosed herein. All of the disease-causing agents tested for in
the tests shown in FIG. 1A were detected within 40 minutes, with
most of the agents detected within about 30 minutes. Detection
times for copy numbers of 100 copies per microliter (c/.mu.L) were
shorter than for lower copy numbers (10 c/.mu.L). The detection
time for samples having 100 copies per .mu.L are shown in FIG. 1B;
most were near or less than 20 minutes, with many detection times
of about 15 minutes or less.
[0379] FIG. 1A provides a graphic summary of the durations of time
from the initiation of nucleic acid assay until detection of the
presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample for a range of
markers and for two different concentration ranges of the markers
(10 c/.mu.l and 100 c/.mu.l, where "c/.mu.l" means copies per
microliter (.mu.L)). The 10 c/.mu.l results are shown to the left
of the 100 c/.mu.l results for each disease type (influenza (Flu),
respiratory, and sexually transmitted disease (STD)) shown in the
figure. The times are labeled "LOD" ("length of delay"). The
vertical axis is shown in units of relative fluorescence (relative
fluorescence units, RFU), in thousands.
[0380] FIG. 1B provides a bar chart showing the durations of time
from the initiation of nucleic acid assay until detection of the
presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample for the indicated
markers for various diseases (at 100 c/.mu.l).
[0381] Further information regarding detection time for various
diseases, grouped by general location of the infection, or type of
disease, or samples by which the diseases may be detected are
presented in FIGS. 1C through 1F (all at 100 c/.mu.l). FIG. 1C
shows the durations of time from the initiation of nucleic acid
assay until detection for several influenza strains and identifying
targets. FIG. 1D shows the durations of time from the initiation of
nucleic acid assay until detection for several respiratory
diseases. FIG. 1E shows the durations of time from the initiation
of nucleic acid assay until detection for several sexually
transmitted diseases. FIG. 1F shows the durations of time from the
initiation of nucleic acid assay until detection for several
diseases that can be detected in blood.
[0382] Complementary information is presented in Table 2A
indicating the numbers of copies per .mu.l that are detectable with
these assays for several diseases.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2A 1 Trypanosoma cruzi <0.01 c/uL 2
Plasmodium <0.1 c/uL 3 Bordetella pertussis <4 c/uL 4
Influenza B <10 c/uL 5 Influenza H3N2 <10 c/uL 6 Influenza
H1N1 seasonal <10 c/uL 7 Influenza H1N1 novel <10 c/uL 8 H7N9
flu - HA gene <10 c/uL 9 H7N9 flu - NA gene <10 c/uL 10 Human
RNaseP <10 c/uL 11 StrepA <10 c/uL 12 Staph. aureus <10
c/uL 13 MRSA <10 c/uL 14 Adenovirus B <10 c/uL 15 Adenovirus
C <10 c/uL 16 Adenovirus E <10 c/uL 17 Klebsiella pneumoniae
KPC <10 c/uL 18 Bocavirus type 2, 4 <10 c/uL 19 Coronavirus
229E <10 c/uL 20 Coronavirus NL63 <10 c/uL 21 Streptococcus
pneumoniae <10 c/uL 22 Bordetella parapertussis <10 c/uL 23
Haemophilus parainfluenzae <10 c/uL 24 Enterobacter aerogenes
<10 c/uL 25 Moraxella catarrhalis <10 c/uL 26 StrepB <10
c/uL 27 HSV <10 c/uL 28 Treponema pallidum <10 c/uL 29
Hepatitis B - Assay #1 <10 c/uL 30 HIV-1 group M - Assay #1
<10 c/uL 31 HIV-1 group M - Assay #2 <10 c/uL 32 HIV-2 GroupA
<10 c/uL 33 Dengue Virus type 1 <10 c/uL 34 Dengue Virus type
2 <10 c/uL 35 Dengue Virus type 3 <10 c/uL 36 Dengue Virus
type 4 <10 c/uL 37 Epstein-Barr Virus <10 c/uL 38 Influenza A
<100 c/uL 39 H5N1 <100 c/uL 40 MTB <100 c/uL 41 Bocavirus
type 1, 3 <100 c/uL 42 Klebsiella pneumoniae phoE <100 c/uL
43 Coronavirus HKU1 <100 c/uL 44 Coronavirus MERS <100 c/uL
45 Coronavirus OC43 <100 c/uL 46 Parainfluenza Virus 1 <100
c/uL 47 Parainfluenza Virus 2 <100 c/uL 48 Parainfluenza Virus 3
<100 c/uL 49 Metapneumo Virus (hMPV) A1 <100 c/uL 50
Haemophilus influenzae <100 c/uL 51 HepDelta - Assay #1 <100
c/uL 52 HepDelta - Assay #2 <100 c/uL 53 HIV-2 GroupB <100
c/uL 54 WNV-2 <100 c/uL
[0383] In the above Tables and elsewhere herein, "NA" indicates
neuraminidase; "HA" indicates hemagglutinin; "Klebsiella pneumonia
KPC" indicates Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenemase; the "phoE" of
"Klebsiella pneumonia phoE" indicates phosphate transport porin;
"MRSA" indicates Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus;
"Metapneumo Virus (hMPV)" indicates human Metapneumo Virus;
"HepDelta" indicates Hepatitis Delta; "WNV" indicates West Nile
Virus; "Pan Inf A" and "Pan Inf B" indicate assays generic for all
strains of the indicated influenza; and "HAI" indicates hospital
acquired infection.
[0384] The average detection time for these 54 diseases (at 100
c/.mu.l or less) was less than 23 minutes (22.77 minute average). A
smaller subset of 35 diseases measured at 10 c/.mu.l or less had an
average detection time of less than 30 minutes (29.11 minute
average). These assays, including assays for these diseases, are
suitable for validation for use in Clinical Laboratories
Improvement Act (CLIA) laboratories. For example, such assays for
several forms of influenza (pandemic influenza A, pandemic
influenza B, H1N1-Novel, H1N1-Seasonal, and H3N2 influenza) have
been performed through CLIA Validation.
[0385] These results were obtained by nucleic acid assays as
described below and in U.S. Patent Application 61/800,606, filed
Mar. 15, 2013. For example, the following results demonstrate
testing for, and detection of, nucleic acid markers indicative of a
variety of infectious diseases in a short period of time. As shown
in the figures, many markers may be tested for, and may be
detected. FIG. 2 shows results for detection of markers for
influenza A (seasonal H1N1 strain). FIG. 3 shows results for
detection of markers for influenza A (novel H1N1 strain). FIG. 4
shows results for detection of markers for influenza A (H3N2
strain). FIG. 5 shows results for detection of markers for
influenza A (H7N9 strain). FIG. 6 shows results for detection of
markers for influenza A (H5N1 strain). FIG. 7 shows results for
detection of markers for influenza B. FIG. 8 shows results for
detection of markers for influenza Matrix Protein. FIG. 9 shows
results for markers for tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
FIG. 10 shows results for markers for staphylocccus (Staphylococcus
aureus). FIG. 11 shows results for markers for Methicilin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). FIG. 12 shows results for markers for
streptococcus (Streptococcus Group A). FIG. 13 shows results for
markers for Bordetella pertussis. FIG. 14 shows results for markers
for adenovirus B. FIG. 15 shows results for markers for adenovirus
C. FIG. 16 shows results for markers for adenovirus E. FIG. 17
shows results for markers for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). FIG. 18
shows results for markers for Treponema pallidum.
[0386] Samples obtained from subjects, including small samples from
subjects, may be tested for other diseases in addition to the
diseases listed in the figures and in Table 2A. For example, some
other diseases which may be tested for by these methods are listed
in Table 2B. The column labeled "Panel" indicates the type of
disease (where HAI indicates Hospital Acquired Infection, and STD
indicates sexually transmitted disease).
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2B # Assay Panel 1 Acinetobacter baumannii HAI
2 Bordetella parapertussis Respiratory 3 Chlamydophila pneumoniae
Respiratory 4 RSV A Respiratory 5 Enterobacter aerogenes HAI 6
Hepatitis C STD 7 Enterobacter cloacae HAI 8 H. influenzae blaTEM
HAI 9 Legionella pneumophila HAI 10 Serratia marcescens HAI 11
Metapneumovirus B Respiratory 12 Pseudomonas aeruginosa HAI 13
Parainfluenza 4a Respiratory 14 Parainfluenza 4b Respiratory 15
West Nile Virus 1 Respiratory 16 Penicillin-resistant S. pneumo
Respiratory 17 HIV-1 group O STD 18 H. influenzae blaROB HAI 19 RSV
B Respiratory 20 Rhinovirus A Respiratory 21 Rhinovirus B
Respiratory 22 Rhinovirus C Respiratory
[0387] The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein may be
used to test for, and to detect, the presence of markers indicative
of one or more of the infectious agents listed above; such testing,
and such detecting, may be performed on a single clinical sample,
or on a plurality of aliquots of a single clinical sample. Such a
single clinical sample may be a single small-volume clinical
sample. Such testing, and detecting, may be performed at a POS
location; the systems, devices and methods may be POS systems,
device, and methods. For example, the clinical sample may be
collected at the POS location, and may be analyzed in a device at
the POS location. As shown in the results illustrated in the
Figures, the analysis of the small-volume clinical sample may be
completed in a short period of time.
[0388] Thus, the following are some of the disease-causing agents
may be tested for, and may be detected, according to the methods,
and by the systems and devices, as disclosed herein.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3 Disease-Causing Agents and Markers Therefor
Influenza A Matrix protein Influenza H3N2 Influenza H1N1 seasonal
Influenza H1N1 novel Influenza B Streptococcus pyogenes (A)
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Staphylococcus aureus (MR)
Staphylococcus aureus (RS) Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough)
Streptococcus agalactiae (B) Influenza H5N1 Influenza H7N9
Adenovirus B Adenovirus C Adenovirus E Hepatitis b Hepatitis c
Hepatitis delta Treponema pallidum HSV-1, HSV-2 HIV-1 HIV-2 Human
RNaseP (sample prep control) Dengue 1 Dengue 2 Dengue 3 Dengue 4
Malaria West Nile Virus Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas) Klebsiella
pneumoniae (Enterobacteriaceae spp) Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) Epstein Barr Virus (mono) Rhinovirus
Parainfluenza virus (1) Parainfluenza virus (2) Parainfluenza virus
(3) Parainfluenza virus (4a) Parainfluenza virus (4b) Respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) A Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) B
Coronavirus 229E Coronavirus HKU1 Coronavirus OC43 Coronavirus NL63
Novel Coronavirus Bocavirus human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Streptococcus pneumoniae (penic R) Streptococcus pneumoniae (S)
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Chlamydia pneumoniae Bordetella parpertussis
Haemophilus influenzae (ampic R) Haemophilus influenzae (ampic S)
Moraxella catarrhalis Pseudomonas spp (aeruginosa) Haemophilus
parainfluenzae Enterobacter cloacae (Enterobacteriaceae spp)
Enterobacter aerogenes (Enterobacteriaceae spp) Serratia marcescens
(Enterobacteriaceae spp) Acinetobacter baumanii Legionella spp
Escherichia coli Candida Chlamydia trachomatis HPV Neisseria
gonorrhoeae Trichomonas (vagin)
[0389] The disease-causing agents listed in Table 3 may be tested
for, and may be detected, by the methods, and using the systems and
devices disclosed herein. For example, markers for the
disease-causing agents listed in Table 3 may be tested for, and may
be detected, by the methods, and using the systems and devices
disclosed herein. Such markers may include, for example, nucleic
acid markers. In addition, such markers may include saccharide
markers, or other markers, such as, e.g., protein markers. Methods
of testing for, and of detecting, protein markers are discussed in
the following example.
Example 2
[0390] Detection of Influenza Virus from 2 .mu.L of Prepared
Sample
[0391] Detection of nucleic acid from 2 .mu.L of sample taken from
cultured cells infected with seasonal influenza virus (H1N1) is
shown in FIGS. 19A (sample) and 19B (control). Nucleic acid
obtained from the cell cultures was prepared using the Chemagic
magnetic separator module I with DWP 24 XL adapters and reagents
from the Chemagic Viral DNA/RNA Kit (No. CMG-1089; No. CMG-1082 is
similar) from Chemagen (PerkinElmer chemagen Technologie Gmbh,
Baesweller, Germany)). This method uses magnetic bead separation to
isolate RNA and DNA from a sample. Chemagen reagents and
disposables were used in preparing the samples.
[0392] H1N1 influenza RNA was obtained from cultured infected MDCK
cells. Briefly, cell culture samples were prepared by dispensing
approximately 1 mL of sample solution into a well containing lysis
buffer, poly(A) RNA reagent, and proteinase K solutions with gentle
mixing. The wells were covered and heated at 55.degree. C. for ten
minutes. Following this ten minute incubation, binding buffer was
added to the wells containing the lysed sample solution. This mixed
solution was then processed by the Chemagic magnetic separator
module I. Nucleic acids were released by vortexing (rotation of
probes) in the buffer and then bound to the magnetic beads, which
were immobilized by a magnet during wash steps. The nucleic acids
freed in the sample bound to the beads and were retained during
wash steps; following the wash steps, the nucleic acids were eluted
into elution buffer (10 mM TRIS-HCl, pH 8.0).
[0393] Following this sample preparation, the prepared sample was
placed in a container held in a cartridge, and the cartridge was
loaded on an automatic sample analysis device (such cartridges,
devices, and their uses are described, for example, in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 8,088,593; 8,380,541; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/769,798, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/769,779, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/769,820, filed Feb. 18, 2013; PCT/US2012/57155, filed Sep. 25,
2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/244,949, filed Sep. 26,
2011; U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/800,606, filed Mar. 15, 2013;
U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/766,095, filed Feb. 18, 2013; and U.S.
Application Ser. No. 61/673,245, filed Jul. 18, 2012; U.S. Patent
Application 61/805,923, filed Mar. 27, 2013, hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties).
[0394] A 2 .mu.L aliquot of the prepared sample solution was placed
in a vessel containing 20 .mu.L of MasterMix (containing buffer,
betaine, dNTPs, forward (RLX1222) and reverse (RLX1223) probes,
Syto 59 Red dye), and mixed with 3 .mu.L of enzyme preparation
(containing B. stearothermophilus DNA polymerase (Bst), Avian
Myeloblastosis Virus Reverse Transcriptase (AmvRT), NEB4 buffer
(New England Biolabs Cat. No. B7004S), and water) in a reaction
vessel in the automatic sample analysis device. Primers specific
for H1N1 influenza virus were included in the mixture in the
reaction vessel. The combination of sample, MasterMix, template,
and enzyme preparation was incubated at 56.degree. C. in the
reaction vessel according to the methods discussed above, and
fluorescence was measured every minute for 30 minutes (fluorescence
was from SYTO 59 dye). The fluorescence was read as relative
fluorescence.
[0395] FIG. 19A shows amplification over time, the rise in relative
fluorescence at about 15 to 20 minutes indicating the presence of
an Influenza H1N1 seasonal marker. The horizontal axis is in
"minutes; the vertical axis is shown in units of relative
fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU).
[0396] FIG. 19B shows amplification of "no template control" (no
added copies of the target marker; NTC). Note that most experiments
showed no amplification; the three runs that show late increases in
relative fluorescence did so at about 25 minutes or later. The
horizontal axis is in "minutes; the vertical axis is shown in units
of relative fluorescence (relative fluorescence units, RFU).
[0397] The results from FIGS. 19A and 19B show that viral nucleic
acid can be detected from small volume samples (e.g., 2 .mu.L of
sample) within a short amount of time (e.g., about 15 to 20 minutes
or less).
Example 3
[0398] Detection of Influenza Virus Proteins by ELISA
[0399] Detection of proteins indicative of Influenza A infection
and proteins indicative of Influenza B infection was accomplished
using devices and systems as described, for example, in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 8,088,593; 8,380,541; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/769,798, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/769,779, filed Feb. 18, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/769,820, filed Feb. 18, 2013; PCT/US2012/57155, filed Sep. 25,
2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/244,949, filed Sep. 26,
2011; U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/800,606, filed Mar. 15, 2013;
U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/766,095, filed Feb. 18, 2013; and U.S.
Application Ser. No. 61/673,245, filed Sep. 26, 2011; U.S. Patent
Application 61/805,923, filed Mar. 27, 2013 (references that were
previously listed and incorporated by reference in their entireties
in text above). Unless otherwise stated below (e.g., with regard to
results obtained with commercial systems for comparison) such
devices and systems were used to obtain the data presented
below.
[0400] Assay Design and Purpose: The assays for Influenza A and
Influenza B were designed to provide qualitative detection of
Influenza A or Influenza B nucleoprotein antigens in a sample
obtained with a nasal swab. These assays are useful in the
diagnosis of Influenza A viral infections or Influenza B viral
infections in a subject from whom the sample was obtained. The
assay was a sandwich assay, in which anti-Influenza A or B
antibodies were immobilized on a substrate (the interior of a
translucent or transparent pipette tip), and sample, alkaline
phosphatase (ALP)-conjugated anti-Influenza A or B antibody, and
ALP substrate added to produce chemiluminescence proportional to
the amount of Influenza antigen in the sample. The assay results
were compared to those of a commercial test (the Remel X/pect
Influenza A & B; Remel Products, Lenexa, Kans., USA, a division
of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.).
[0401] Materials and Methods: The interior of a custom polymer
pipette tip served as the surface for this sandwich ELISA assay.
The pipette tips were typically made from polystyrene or
polypropylene, although other polymers or plastic materials are
also suitable. The pipette tip interiors were coated with avidin.
The capture surface for the sandwich ELISA was prepared by coating
biotin-labeled anti-Influenza A antibody or biotin-labeled
anti-Influenza B antibody onto the avidin-coated interior surfaces
of the pipettes.
[0402] Capture and detection antibodies were obtained from United
States Biological Corporation (Salem, Mass., USA) or
SouthernBiotech (SouthernBiotechnology Associates, Inc.,
Birmingham, Ala., USA); capture antibodies were conjugated with
biotin using a biotin labeling kit, and detection antibodies were
conjugated with ALP using a ALP labeling kit, both from Dojindo
Molecular Technologies, Inc. (Rockville, Md., USA). Buffers were
obtained from Sigma Aldrich Corporation (St. Louis, Mo., USA).
[0403] Samples were obtained from the nasal passages of subjects
using nasal swabs. Nasal swabs containing sample material were then
subjected to an extraction process. ALP-labeled anti-influenza A or
ALP-labeled anti-influenza B antibodies were then mixed with the
extracted sample material. This mixture was then incubated with the
capture surface for 5 minutes. After the incubation, the capture
surface was washed and ALP substrate was incubated on the surface
for 5 minutes; the resulting chemiluminescence intensity was then
read, with results reported in Relative Light Units (RLU).
[0404] Buffers: TRIS-buffered Saline consisted of 138 mM NaCl, 2.7
mM KCl, and 0.05 M tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS), pH
8.
[0405] The extraction buffer was 0.5% Tween 20, 0.1% sodium azide
in 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.6).
[0406] The blocking buffer was 3% BSA blocking buffer, consisting
of TRIS-buffered Saline, 3% BSA, 0.05% NaN.sub.3, at pH 8.
[0407] The alkaline phosphatase (AP) stabilizer was prepared by
adding 0.1 mM zinc chloride and 5 mM magnesium chloride to the 3%
BSA blocking buffer.
[0408] The wash buffer was TRIS-buffered Saline, 0.05% Tween 20,
0.05% NaN.sub.3, at pH 8.
[0409] Influenza A and Influenza B Antibody Screen:
[0410] Various permutations of pairs of Influenza A or Influenza B
antibodies, consisting of paired capture antibodies (CAbs) and
detection antibodies (DAbs), were tested on microtitre plates in
order to identify the best-performing pairs. A volume of 50 .mu.l
of sample was added to 400 .mu.l of extraction buffer for these
experiments. The conditions included 5 .mu.g/mL of CAb and 100
ng/mL (final concentration) of DAb in blocking buffer. Positive and
negative controls were from kits obtained from either Microbix
Biosystems, Inc. (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) or the Virusys
Corporation (Taneytown, Md., USA). The best pairs from the
microtitre plate screening experiments were then evaluated on the
devices and systems disclosed herein, as discussed in the following
paragraphs.
[0411] Capture Surface Titration:
[0412] The capture surface was titrated at the following
concentrations: 10 .mu.g/ml, 5 .mu.g/ml, and 1 .mu.g/ml. Controls
from the Virusys kit and Microbix kit were used for this screening.
The background control was a blocking buffer blank with no added
sample. The DAb was maintained at a concentration of 100 ng/ml
(final concentration in blocking buffer). The optimal CAb
concentration was determined to be 5 .mu.g/ml for both Influenza A
and Influenza B.
[0413] Alkaline Phosphatase Stabilizer:
[0414] Two alkaline phosphatase stabilizers were tested for use as
DAb diluents. In these experiments, 50 .mu.l of sample was added to
500 .mu.l of extraction buffer. The CAb concentration was 5
.mu.g/ml while the DAb concentration was maintained at 100 ng/ml
(final concentration after the protocol run). Both the custom AP
stabilizer solution (ingredients listed above) and the commercial
Stabilzyme.RTM. AP conjugate stabilizer (SurModics, Inc., Eden
Prairie, Minn., USA) worked well. The custom AP stabilizer was used
in subsequent experiments.
[0415] Detection Antibody Titration:
[0416] The AP-conjugated DAbs were titrated in the AP stabilizer
solution. The best modulation between the positive and negative
controls was observed at 50 ng/ml final concentration. The
Influenza A positive controls were obtained from Microbix
Biosystems, Inc. and ZeptoMetrix Corporation (Buffalo, N.Y., USA),
and the Influenza B positive controls were obtained from Microbix
Biosystems, Inc. and Virusys Corporation.
[0417] Specificity Tests--Influenza A:
[0418] Specificity and cross reactivity studies were performed in
extraction buffer using the sample processing and analysis devices
and systems as disclosed herein. Controls for testing for potential
cross-reactants were obtained from Microbix Biosystems, Inc. The
potential cross-reactants tested were Respiratory Syncytial Virus,
Mycoplasma pneumonia, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza A-III,
Parainfluenza A-II and Parainfluenza A-I. CAb concentration was 5
.mu.g/ml while DAb concentration was 100 ng/ml (final concentration
after protocol run). No cross-reactivity was detected in these
experiments. Different strains of Influenza A and Influenza B were
also tested to determine the Influenza A specificity in the assay.
Both Zeptometrix and Microbix controls (which are prediluted
controls) were used for this test. Positive Influenza A control
swabs from the Remel Xpect Flu kit were also used. A sample volume
of 200 .mu.l was mixed with 200 .mu.l of extraction buffer and
tested for these prediluted samples. Swabs were processed using 400
.mu.l of extraction buffer for these experiments. In the following
tables, relative light unit (RLU) measurements were made in
triplicate; "CV %" is calculated by dividing the standard deviation
of the three measurements by the mean of the three measurements and
multiplying by 100.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 4 Specificity Tests - Influenza A Mean Sample
Type Sample RLU CV % Microbix POS CTL Influenza A 127832 25.7
Zeptometrix-POS CTL Influenza A 24235 10.3 Swab-Remel (FDA)
Influenza A 269726 11.2 Zeptometrix-Influenza A Brisbane/59/07
202118 10.8 Strain Zeptometrix-Influenza A Brisbane/10/07 60655
14.2 Strain Zeptometrix-Influenza A Perth/16/2009 36571 14.0 Strain
Zeptometrix-Influenza A Solomon Islands/03/2006 91428 11.8 Strain
Virusys 250 ng/ml of Influenza A 439907 16.3 Mean Positive 156559
Microbix Respiratory Syncytial Virus 1744 21.3 Microbix Mycoplasma
pneumoniae 1798 23.2 Microbix Adenovirus 1954 24.7 Microbix
Parainfluenza A-III 2162 22.0 Microbix Parainfluenza A-II 2110 25.2
Microbix Parainfluenza A-I 2108 20.3 Microbix NEG CTL Influenza A/B
Negative 2072 28.0 Zeptometrix-Influenza B Lee/40 2042 16.6 Strain
Zeptometrix-Influenza B Florida/02/2006 2806 16.4 Strain
Zeptometrix-Influenza B Brisbane/33/2008 2849 15.7 Strain
Zeptometrix-Influenza B Panama/45/90 2536 26.9 Strain
[0419] Specificity Tests--Influenza B:
[0420] Specificity and cross reactivity studies were performed in
extraction buffer using the sample processing and analysis devices
and systems as disclosed herein. CAb concentration was 5 .mu.g/ml
while DAb concentration was 100 ng/ml (final concentration after
protocol run). No cross-reactivity was detected in these
experiments.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 5 Specificity Tests - Influenza B Type Sample
Mean RLU CV % Microbix CTL Influenza B Pos 120127 11.7 Virusys CTL
Influenza B Pos 95127 12.1 Mean Positive 107627 Negative CTL
Negative Influenza B Virusys 1965 18.3 CTL Cross Reactant
Parainfluenza 1 1257 19.3 Cross Reactant Parainfluenza 2 1509 19.3
Cross Reactant Parainfluenza 3 1496 5.4 Cross Reactant Adenovirus
1169 23.8 Cross Reactant M. Pneumoniae 1979 6.5 Cross Reactant
Respiratory Syncytial Virus 1313 25.1 Cross Reactant
Corynebacterium diptheriae 3081 22.0 Cross Reactant Streptococcus
pyrogenes 4388 24.8 Cross Reactant Streptococcus pneumoniae 6902
25.5 Cross Reactant CMV 534 11.5 Cross Reactant N. meningitis 3455
14.8 Cross Reactant Epstein Barr Virus 1938 8.2 Cross Reactant
Measles 1710 23.6 Cross Reactant Mumps 2423 10.0 Cross Reactant E.
coli 2291 9.2 Mean RLU of cross reactants 2363 Modulation 45.5
[0421] Clinical Evaluation of the Influenza A Assay:
[0422] The performance of the Influenza A assay using the sample
processing and analysis devices and systems as disclosed herein was
compared to the results obtained with the Remel FDA kit. CAb
concentration was 5 .mu.g/ml while DAb concentration was maintained
at 50 ng/ml (final concentration after the protocol was run). For
the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC,
Hertfordshire, UK) influenza strains, 50 .mu.l of sample was added
to the swab, and the swab was then treated like a sample swab. For
the Zeptometrix panel controls (prediluted samples), 200 .mu.l of
sample was mixed with 200 .mu.l of extraction buffer. Sample swabs
were placed in 500 .mu.l of extraction buffer and incubated for 3-5
minutes. This extracted sample was then analyzed using the devices
and systems as disclosed herein. Swabs and samples were processed
on the Remel FDA kit as directed in the kit instructions.
[0423] In the following tables, the "antibody index" (Ab Index) was
used to determine whether or not target influenza antigens were
detected in a sample. The Ab Index was calculated by dividing the
mean RLU by the cutoff value (calculated from the normal samples).
The cutoff value was set equal to the mean (normals) plus
4.5.times. standard deviation (normals). An Ab Index of less than
one indicates that a sample was a normal sample (negative: no
target influenza antigens were detected in the sample); an Ab Index
of greater than one indicates that a sample was a positive sample
(positive: target influenza antigens were detected in the sample).
The column labeled "Remel FDA" presents the results of the Remel
FDA kit on the indicated samples as either positive (+): influenza
A detected, negative (-): influenza A not detected, or "NT": not
tested.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 6 Clinical Evaluation - Influenza A Ab Remel
Type ID# Index FDA Normal Clinicals 1 0.02 - 6 0.02 - 7 0.02 - 8
0.02 - 10 0.02 - 11 0.01 - 12 0.02 - 13 0.01 - 15 0.02 - 16 0.04 -
17 0.02 - 18 0.02 - 2 0.32 - 3 0.23 - 4 0.20 - 9 0.05 - 14 0.29 -
19 0.95 - REMEL FDA Swab 2.66 + Zeptometrix CTLS Influenza A POS
1.27 + Zeptometrix Brisbane/10/07 2.58 + Influenza A Zeptometrix
Solomon Islands/03/2006 3.25 + Influenza A Zeptometrix New
Caledonia/20/99 2.57 + Influenza A Zeptometrix Brisbane/59/07 5.16
+ Influenza A NIBSC STANDARDS Panama 45/90 0.06 NT FLU B Strains
Influenza Antigen B-Johannesburg 0.06 NT Influenza Antigen
B-Guangdong 0.08 NT Influenza Antigen B/Yamanashi/166/98. 0.11 NT
Influenza Antigen B/Malaysia/2506/2004 0.02 NT Influenza Antigen
B/Harbin/7/94 0.06 NT B:/Florida 4/2006 0.04 NT NIBSC STANDARDS
Influenza Antigen A/California/7/2009-H1N1 6.88 NT FLU A Strains
Influenza Antigen A/HongKong/1073/99 (H9N2) 8.56 NT Influenza
Antigen A/Cambodia/RO405050/2007 (H5N1) 6.02 NT Influenza Antigen
A/mallard/England/727/2006 (H2N3) 5.70 NT Influenza Antigen A/New
York/107/2003 (H7N2) (NIBRG-109) 7.26 NT Influenza Antigen A/New
York/55/2004 (H3N2) (NYMC X-157) 6.54 NT
[0424] The results of these Influenza A clinical evaluation
experiments showed that all samples with Influenza A antigens
tested positive for Influenza A, while normal samples and samples
with Influenza B antigens did not test positive for Influenza A;
these results were in agreement with the results obtained with
Remel FDA kit.
[0425] Clinical Evaluation of the Influenza B Assay:
[0426] The performance of the Influenza B assay using the sample
processing and analysis devices and systems as disclosed herein was
compared to the Remel FDA kit. CAb concentration was 5 .mu.g/ml
while DAb concentration was maintained at 50 ng/ml (final
concentration after the protocol was run). For the NIB SC influenza
strains, 50 .mu.l of sample was added to the swab, and the swab was
then treated like a sample swab. For the Zeptometrix panel controls
(prediluted samples), 200 .mu.l of sample was mixed with 200 .mu.l
of extraction buffer. Swabs were placed in 500 .mu.l of extraction
buffer and incubated for 3-5 minutes. This extracted sample was
then analyzed using the devices and systems as disclosed herein.
Swabs and samples were processed on the Remel FDA kit as directed
in the kit instructions. As discussed above, the cutoff value was
set equal to the mean (normals) plus 4.5.times. standard deviation
(normals), and the Ab Index was calculated by dividing the mean RLU
by the cutoff value. The column labeled "Remel FDA" presents the
results of the Remel FDA kit on the indicated samples as either
positive (+): influenza B detected, or negative (-): influenza B
not detected.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 7 Clinical Evaluation - Influenza B Ab Remel
Type ID# Index FDA Normal Clinicals 1 0.02 - 6 0.03 - 7 0.02 - 8
0.02 - 10 0.04 - 11 0.02 - 12 0.03 - 13 0.01 - 15 0.02 - 16 0.06 -
17 0.02 - 18 0.03 - 2 0.11 - 3 0.03 - 4 0.04 - 9 0.05 - 14 0.36 -
19 0.79 - REMEL FDA Pos B Swab 10.78 + Zeptonnetric QC Influenza A
POS 0.02 - panel Influenza A Brisbane/10/07 0.03 - Influenza A
Solomon Islands/03/2006 0.01 - Influenza A New Caledonia/20/99 0.02
- Influenza A Brisbane/59/07 0.03 - NIBSC STANDARDS Panama 45/90
14.38 + Influenza Antigen B-Johannesburg 2.58 + Influenza Antigen
B-Guangdong 21.28 + Influenza Antigen B/Yannanashi/166/98. 6.05 +
Influenza Antigen B/Malaysia/2506/2004 7.53 + Influenza Antigen
B/Harbin/7/94 18.21 + B:/Florida 4/2006 19.27 + Influenza Antigen
A/California/7/2009-H1N1 0.36 - Influenza Antigen
A/HongKong/1073/99 (H9N2) 0.50 - Influenza Antigen
A/Cannbodia/RO405050/2007 (H5N1) 0.61 - Influenza Antigen
A/mallard/England/727/2006 (H2N3) 0.50 - Influenza Antigen A/New
York/107/2003 (H7N2) (NIBRG-109) 0.39 - Influenza Antigen A/New
York/55/2004 (H3N2) (NYMC X-157) 0.12 - Zeptometrix Panel Influenza
B Lee/40 11.31 + Influenza B Florida/02/2006 2.57 + Influenza B
Brisbane/33/2008 12.36 + Influenza B Panama/45/90 5.93 + Influenza
B Panama/45/90 4.64 +
[0427] The results of these Influenza B clinical evaluation
experiments showed that all samples with Influenza B antigens
tested positive for Influenza B, while normal samples and samples
with Influenza A antigens did not test positive for Influenza B;
these results were in agreement with the results obtained with
Remel FDA kit.
Example 4
[0428] Further examples of markers indicative of infectious disease
which may be detected, identified, and analyzed by methods, systems
and devices disclosed herein are shown in FIGS. 22-32. For example,
FIG. 22 lists further markers for diseases which are named in the
figure, and which are grouped together as, e.g. nosocomial diseases
(listed under the heading "Nosocomial Panel (HAI)"); respiratory
diseases (listed under the heading "Respiratory Panel"); sexually
transmitted diseases (listed under the heading "STD Panel (lesion
swabs)" and "STD Panel (blood)", where the parenthetical
expressions "lesion swabs" and "blood" indicate the source and
method of obtaining the sample); infectious diseases (listed under
the heading "Infectious Disease Panel"); gastrointestinal diseases
(listed under the heading "Gastrointestinal Panel"); and urinary
tract diseases (listed under the heading "Urinary Tract Infection
Panel"). FIG. 22 also lists controls and additional assays, as
indicated by the labels "Controls" and "Additional Assays".
[0429] FIG. 23A shows an influenza panel naming several influenza
types which may be identified by the methods and devices discussed
herein. This figure refers to detection of various types of
influenza by nucleic acid detection methods discussed herein. In
this, and subsequent figures, and elsewhere in the application,
"LOD" indicates "limit of detection." The influenza types may be
detected at levels indicated in the figure; for example, influenza
A may be detected by the methods, devices and systems disclosed
herein when present in a sample at less than 100 copies per
microliter (c/uL, where copies refers to copies of the target
nucleic acid sequence indicative of influenza A). As indicated in
FIG. 23A, other influenza types, such as influenza B and influenza
H1N1 (seasonal) can be detected at levels of less than 10 copies
per microliter.
[0430] FIG. 23B shows inflection times for several influenza types
which may be identified by the methods and devices discussed
herein. Target influenza nucleic acids indicative of the named
influenza types were tested at 100 copies per microliter, and the
time (from initiation of the nucleic acid detection assay) in
minutes until detection is displayed (as detected by the inflection
of the RFU output as shown, e.g., in previous figures).
[0431] FIG. 24A shows various respiratory disease panels naming
respiratory disease types which may be identified by the methods
and devices discussed herein. The limit of detection (LOD) is
indicated for each respiratory disease in the right-most column of
the figure; LODs were either 10 copies per microliter (c/uL) or 100
c/uL.
[0432] FIG. 24B shows inflection times for upper and lower
respiratory tract disease types which may be identified by the
methods and devices discussed herein. Target respiratory disease
nucleic acids indicative of the named respiratory diseases were
tested at 100 copies per microliter, and the time (from initiation
of the nucleic acid detection assay) in minutes until detection is
displayed (as detected by the inflection of the RFU output as
shown, e.g., in previous figures).
[0433] FIG. 25A shows various hospital acquired infectious diseases
(indicated by the acronym "HAI") naming diseases which may be
identified by the methods and devices discussed herein. The limit
of detection (LOD) is indicated for each HAI disease in the
right-most column of the figure; all LODs were 10 copies per
microliter (c/uL).
[0434] FIG. 25B shows inflection times for various hospital
acquired infectious disease panels naming respiratory disease types
which may be identified by the methods and devices discussed
herein. Target nucleic acids indicative of the named HAI diseases
were tested at 100 copies per microliter, and the time (from
initiation of the nucleic acid detection assay) in minutes until
detection is displayed (as detected by the inflection of the RFU
output).
[0435] FIG. 26 shows results of a nucleic acid assay as described
herein (see also the descriptions of these methods, e.g., in U.S.
Patent Applications 61/800,606; 61/908,027; 62,001,050; and Ser.
No. 14/214,850) for influenza A matrix protein that is designed to
be inclusive for all Influenza A subtypes. The results are
specific. Note that the inflection times for the "no template
control" (NTC) as well as for the influenza B targets were
significantly greater than (and readily distinguishable from) the
inflection times for the influenza A targets.
[0436] FIG. 27 shows that the nucleic acid assays described herein
(see also the descriptions of these methods, e.g., in U.S. Patent
Applications 61/800,606; 61/908,027; 62,001,050; and Ser. No.
14/214,850) are specific for the target H2N2 influenza type. The
results are specific. Note that the inflection times for the H3N2
influenza A targets A/Aichi/2/68, A/Victoria/3/75, and L881 were
significantly shorter than (and readily distinguishable from) the
inflection times for the non-H3N2 influenzas.
[0437] FIG. 28 shows that the nucleic acid assays as described
herein (see also the descriptions of these methods, e.g., in U.S.
Patent Applications 61/800,606; 61/908,027; 62,001,050; and Ser.
No. 14/214,850) are specific for the target H1N1 seasonal influenza
type. Note that the inflection times for the H1N1 (seasonal)
influenza A targets were significantly shorter than (and readily
distinguishable from) the inflection times for the other influenzas
and for the no template control (NTC).
[0438] FIG. 29 shows potential interfering substances for the
nucleic acid assays as applied to the sexually transmitted disease
(STD) panel, and concentrations which these interfering substances
were tested for interference with the assays. None of the indicated
concentrations of the potentially interfering substances interfered
with the nucleic acid assays.
[0439] FIG. 30 shows potential interfering substances for the
nucleic acid assays as applied to the sexually transmitted disease
(STD) urine panel, and concentrations which these interfering
substances were tested for interference with the assays. None of
the indicated concentrations of the potentially interfering
substances interfered with the nucleic acid assays.
[0440] FIG. 31 shows potential interfering substances for the
nucleic acid assays as applied to the blood panel, and
concentrations which these interfering substances were tested for
interference with the assays. None of the indicated concentrations
of the potentially interfering substances interfered with the
nucleic acid assays.
[0441] While the above is a complete description of the preferred
embodiment as described herein, it is possible to use various
alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Therefore, the scope
of the present invention should be determined not with reference to
the above description but should, instead, be determined with
reference to the appended claims, along with their full scope of
equivalents. Any feature, whether preferred or not, may be combined
with any other feature, whether preferred or not. The appended
claims are not to be interpreted as including means-plus-function
limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly ecited in a
given claim using the phrase "means for." It should be understood
that as used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as
used in the description herein and throughout the claims that
follow, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. Finally, as used in the
description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meanings of "and" and "or" include both the conjunctive and
disjunctive and may be used interchangeably unless the context
expressly dictates otherwise. Thus, in contexts where the terms
"and" or "or" are used, usage of such conjunctions do not exclude
an "and/or" meaning unless the context expressly dictates
otherwise.
[0442] This document contains material subject to copyright
protection. The copyright owner (Applicant herein) has no objection
to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure, as they appear in the US Patent and
Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice shall apply:
Copyright 2013-2014 Theranos, Inc.
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