Transdermal dosimeter and method of use

Claim 2

A transdermal dosimeter for use in a diagnostic test which comprises: (a) a sealed container constructed of chemically intert, flexible, fluid-tight, adhesive material; (b) a dermal contact bridge in the container which comprises a fluid component and a support means component for supporting the fluid component within the container; (c) a collecting component means in the container and in contact with the dermal contact bridge, for providing storage for fluid substances collected from the dermal contact bridge, said collecting component means being impregnated with an osmotically active crystalloid material; and (d) a process component in the container made of fluid absorbent material containing a chemical reagent which reacts with the stored substances, said process component being in contact with the collecting component.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid is aqueous.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the fluid contains an osmotically active solute.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the fluid is saline.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the fluid is saturated with NaCl.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the fluid is mineral oil.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the fluid is vegetable oil.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the fluid is polyethylene glycol.

Claim 10

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid is lipid.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid is organic.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support means is of cellulose-type material.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the support means is a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol.

Claim 14

The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the support means is a gel.

Claim 15

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support means is an inert polymer.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support means is a viscous organic compound.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processing component contains a non-specific binding agent.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processing component contains activated charcoal.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processing component contains a specific binding agent.

Claim 20

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processing component contains an antibody.

Claim 21

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the chemical reagent include an enzyme and chemical agents to form colored compounds from the products of the enzymically catalyzed reactions.

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the chemical reagent include chemical compounds which can react with substances present in human tissue fluids to yield a colored product.

Claim 23

The appratus of claim 1 wherein the processing component contains silver nitrate.

Claim 24

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dermal contact bridge and the collecting component are combined into a single layer.

Claim 25

The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the single layer comprises a solid absorptive matrix pre-soaked in fluid.

Claim 26

The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the single layer comprises a semi-solid absorptive matrix.

Claim 27

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dermal contact bridge, the collecting component, and the processing component are combined into a single layer.

Claim 28

The apparatus of claim 26 wherein a binding agent is incorporated.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the binding material is activated charcoal.

Claim 30

The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the binding material is a resin.

Claim 31

The apparatus of claim 26 wherein a chemical conversion agent is incorporated.

Claim 32

A diagnostic test, which comprises the steps of: providing a dosimeter which comprises; (a) a sealed container constructed of chemically inert, flexible, fluid-tight, adhesive material; (b) a dermal contact bridge which comprises a fluid component and a support means component for supporting the fluid component within the container; (c) a collecting component means in the container and in contact with the dermal contact bridge, for providing storage for fluid substances collected from the dermal contact bridge, said collecting component means being impregnated with an osmotically active crystalloid material; and (d) a process component in the container made of fluid absorbent material containing a chemical reagent which reacts with the stored substances, said process component being in contact with the collecting component; affixing the dosimeter to the skin of a test subject; removing the dosimeter after a period of time; and determining the results of the test.

Claim 33

A diagnostic test, which comprises the steps of: providing a dosimeter which comprises; (a) a sealed container constructed of chemically inert, flexible, fluid-tight, adhesive material; (b) a dermal contact bridge which comprises a fluid component and a support means component for supporting the fluid component within the container; (c) a collecting component means in the container and in contact with the dermal contact bridge, for providing storage for fluid substances collected from the dermal contact bridge, said collecting component means being impregnated with an osmotically active crystalloid material; and (d) a process component in the container made of fluid absorbent material containing a chemical reagent which reacts with the stored substances, said process component being in contact with the collecting component; affixing the dosimeter to the skin of a test subject; removing the dosimeter after a period of time; and determining the results of the test.