Rapid Assay Readers and Medical Diagnostics
Lateral flow tests also known as lateral flow immunochromatographic assays, are simple devices intended to detect the presence (or absence) of a target biochemical marker without the need for specialized and costly equipment. The most common of these devices is the home pregnancy test which tests for hcG in urine. Outside of pregnancy testing, these simple tests can be used with blood, urine or saliva as a quick diagnostic for the presence of drugs, diseases like HIV, Hepatitis C or Malaria as well as more common items like the presence of Vitamin B12. Each test strip is often made from materials that enable capillary action, such as porous paper or polymers, to allow the test fluid to ‘flow’ along the strip. Once soaked, the fluid migrates to the second element (conjugate pad) in which the…