

This will lead to the second line in most lateral flow tests. After that, the sample will flow through the target line (or test line) and if the target analyte is present, antibodies will bind to them. There is usually a control line (the first line in most lateral flow tests) which aims to confirm that the test is working. Once a sample is added in a competitive assay, the sample will reach the nitrocellulose membrane. Lateral flow tests make use of nitrocellulose membrane, labels (made of colored nanoparticles), and usually antibodies, in order to arrive at a result. A competitive assay is the opposite, where a positive result is indicated by the absence of a colored line. A sandwich assay is one whose positive results are indicated by the presence of a colored line in the target or test line. They are typically categorized into two major types of assays: sandwich assay and competitive assay. There are different types of lateral flow tests.

Lateral flow tests can come in the form of a dipstick or a housed cassette, but they typically work in the same way. What are the types of lateral flow tests? Recently though, lateral flow tests have been placed in the forefront for quickly detecting SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19. There are many conditions for which a lateral flow test can be used and among the most common is the pregnancy test. They can also be used in checking out contaminants in water, milk, food, and fuel. Such analytes can be detected in a variety of matrices such as blood, saliva, urine, and tissue samples. Lateral flow tests are diagnostic devices that can help confirm the presence (or the absence) of analytes such as contaminants or pathogens. There are also more common names such as rapid test, quick test, test strip, or something similar. What is a lateral flow test?Ī lateral flow test can be caller a variety of names including lateral flow device, lateral flow assay, lateral flow immunoassay, or lateral flow immunochromatographic assay. In reality, though, lateral flow tests have been around for a while, helping doctors and patients make quick yet reliable diagnoses for various diseases, leading to the right treatment plan.īut what really is a lateral flow test and how does it work? This article will help you understand what it is, so you’ll have more knowledge when you hear a doctor order lateral flow test for you or your loved ones.

The advent of COVID-19 has placed lateral flow tests in the spotlight. What are the types of lateral flow tests?.
