Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a diagnostic flow cell for determining the presence or amount of an analyte which may be contained in a test sample. The flow cell comprises a spacing layer having a longitudinal void disposed between a pair of opposed substrates. The spacing layer and the opposed substrates define a flow channel wherein reagent means can be immobilized. When the immobilized reagent means is contacted with an analyte, the reagent means can produce an electrically, optically, or electrically and optically detectable response to the analyte. Hence, the reagent means that is immobilized within the flow channel can comprise (i) a counter electrode, a reference electrode and a working electrode, (ii) an optically sensitive dye or (iii) a counter electrode, a reference electrode and a working electrode and an optically sensitive dye. The flow cell can be interfaced with means for introducing a test sample into and out of the flow cell's flow channel and detection means for detecting a signal generated by the immobilized reagent means. The present invention also provides methods for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte which may be contained in a test sample.

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First Claim