Our animation shows the inner workings of a multiplex lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) and explains how it works. This example demonstrates a sandwich (noncompetitive) immunoassay format: a format that has had commercial success. Alternative formats have been utilised in lateral flow rapid tests across a number of industries.

Within the animation, you will see how the various components (labels conjugated to antibodies, capture antibodies, nitrocellulose membranes etc) interact with one another in order to produce rapid test results.

LFIAs, which are rapid diagnostics, can be configured to work with a number of whole liquid samples, such as blood, urine or milk. Or they can work with prepared samples: a sample diluted with a buffer, for example. We use a generic sample in this animation.

Some lateral flow tests come in a housed cassette whereas others operate as a dipstick.

Visit www.abingdonhealth.com/whatisalateralflowimmunoassay/ to learn more about this rapid diagnostic technology.