Point-of-Care Testing Apparatus

An apparatus for collecting, diluting and dispensing a predetermined volume of a patient fluid sample, such as blood, into the collection port of a point-of-care diagnostic test. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to collect a predefined volume of fluid sample by wicking, to mix the whole blood with a dilution reagent, and to dispense a predefined volume (within predefined tolerances) of diluted fluid sample into the collection port of the POC test kit. The apparatus has an elongate body with an internal cavity and a capillary tube in fluid connection with the internal cavity. A mixing valve separates the capillary tube and the internal cavity and selectively opens and closes the fluid connection between the capillary tube and the internal cavity. A plunger reciprocates within the valve body between a retracted limit position and a distal limit position for creating negative and positive pressure within the internal cavity.