Patent ID: 8557604
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample, the assay device comprising a porous membrane in fluid communication with detection probes, the detection probes comprising a phosphorescent metal complex encapsulated within a barrier matrix comprising polymethylmethacrylate, the detection probes being conjugated with a specific binding member configured to bind with the analyte and form an analyte complex, wherein the porous membrane defines: a conjugate pad, the conjugate pad including the detection probes, a detection zone positioned downstream of the conjugate pad within which a capture reagent is immobilized that is configured to bind to the analyte complex to generate a detection signal, and a calibration zone positioned downstream of the detection zone within which a capture reagent is immobilized, the capture reagent being capable of binding to uncaptured detection probes, wherein the analyte is detected by subjecting the detection zone and calibration zone to pulses of light to generate the detection signal and the calibration signal, respectively, and after a certain period of time has elapsed following a pulse of light, the intensity of the detection signal and the calibration signal are measured, the amount of the analyte in the test sample is proportional to a ratio of the intensity of the detection signal to the intensity of the calibration signal.