Jeffrey Vernon Wheat

US Patent:

20090103086, Apr 23, 2009

Filed:

Oct 23, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/877136

Inventors:

Peter C. STARK - Los Alamos NM, US
Eduardo ZUREK - Barranquilla, CO
Jeffrey V. WHEAT - Fort Walton Beach FL, US
John M. DUNBAR - Santa Fe NM, US
Jose A. OLIVARES - Los Alamos NM, US
Luis H. GARCIA-RUBIO - Temple Terrace FL, US
Michael D. WARD - Los Alamos NM, US

Assignee:

LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC - Los Alamos NM

International Classification:

G01J 3/28
G01N 1/28
G01J 3/42
G01N 33/48

US Classification:

356326, 7386323, 356 39, 356319

Abstract:

There is provided a method and device for remote sampling, preparation and optical interrogation of a sample using light scattering and light absorption methods. The portable device is a filtration-based device that removes interfering background particle material from the sample matrix by segregating or filtering the chosen analyte from the sample solution or matrix while allowing the interfering background particles to be pumped out of the device. The segregated analyte is then suspended in a diluent for analysis. The device is capable of calculating an initial concentration of the analyte, as well as diluting the analyte such that reliable optical measurements can be made. Suitable analytes include cells, microorganisms, bioparticles, pathogens and diseases. Sample matrixes include biological fluids such as blood and urine, as well as environmental samples including waste water.