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Review
. 2016 Jun 30;60(1):111-20.
doi: 10.1042/EBC20150012.

Lateral flow assays

Katarzyna M Koczula  1 , Andrea Gallotta  2
Affiliations
Review

Lateral flow assays

Katarzyna M Koczula et al. Essays Biochem. .

Abstract

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are the technology behind low-cost, simple, rapid and portable detection devices popular in biomedicine, agriculture, food and environmental sciences. This review presents an overview of the principle of the method and the critical components of the assay, focusing on lateral flow immunoassays. This type of assay has recently attracted considerable interest because of its potential to provide instantaneous diagnosis directly to patients. The range and interpretation of results and parameters used for evaluation of the assay will also be discussed. The main advantages and disadvantages of LFAs will be summarized and relevant future improvements to testing devices and strategies will be proposed. Finally, the major recent advances and future diagnostic applications in the LFA field will be explored.

Keywords: capillary flow; lateral flow assay (LFA); nitrocellulose membrane; point-of-care; pregnancy test.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Classification of lateral flow assays
Based on the recognition elements involved in the assay, we can distinguish the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) and the nucleic acid lateral flow assay (NALFA).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Typical configuration of a lateral flow immunoassay test strip
LFA is usually composed of the following elements: sample pad, conjugate release pad, membrane with immobilized antibodies and adsorbent pad. The components of the strip are usually fixed to an inert backing material.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Operation of a lateral flow immunoassay
(A) Schematic representation of the assay's mechanism. Top: the sample is deposited on the sample pad and migrates towards the conjugate. Middle: the conjugated antibodies bind the target analyte and (bottom) migrate to the test line, where the bound target analyte is captured. (B) The most commonly used LFA is the pregnancy test (One Step hCG Urine Test), which uses hCG strips. Possible results and interpretation of the test are shown. In the case of a weak positive result, it is recommended to repeat the test 1 week later. Ab, antibody.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.. An example of an integrated sample collection device combined with a cassette and strip reader
The device is designed for easy collection of a whole blood sample and running of a quantitative test strip. Red blood cells are mechanically separated on the sample pad. (Pictures adapted from http://www.dcndx.com and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvIIozN58gw).
Figure 5.
Figure 5.. Advantages and disadvantages of the lateral flow assay
Adapted from [49].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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