A rapid immunochromatographic assay system is provided for measuring the
amount of glycated albumin in a blood sample relative to the total level
of albumin in the sample. The assay system is comprised of a disposable
cassette that contains the test strips and testing reagents, and a
measurement device that automatically reads, calculates and displays the
test results over a period of time. The test cassette contains two test
strips that are used to measure glycated albumin and total albumin
respectively. The strips are contiguous beneath the single sample
application well so that the same sample is tested simultaneously by both
test strips. Part of the sample will migrate thru the glycated albumin
test strip where it will react with the glycated albumin test reagents to
yield a glycated albumin result, while part of the sample will migrate
thru the total albumin test strip where it will react with the total
albumin test reagents to yield a total albumin result. The test cassette
is placed within a measuring device such as a reflectance spectrometer or
fluorometer, that reads, calculates and expresses the result as the
percentage of glycated albumin relative to total albumin in the sample.
The results of successive testing that are performed over a period of
time are stored in the instrument's memory and displayed in a numerical
or graphical format so that the individual's glycated albumin levels can
be monitored over time.