Patent ID: 7018847
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An assay device for determining an analyte in an aqueous sample comprising: (i) an elongate flow matrix allowing lateral transport of fluid therethrough by capillary action, wherein said matrix comprises a liquid application zone and downstream thereof, a detection zone having an immobilized capture agent capable of directly or indirectly binding to said analyte, (ii) a wicking member at the downstream end of the flow matrix and having an upstream end and a downstream end, (iii) an indicator downstream of the detection zone for indicating when liquid applied in the liquid application zone has reached the indicator, wherein the indicator comprises an indicator substance or substance combination which is capable of exhibiting a visible colour change when hydrated by the aqueous sample, and wherein the indicator is arranged in contact with the wicking member at a variable position between the upstream and downstream ends of the wicking member, thereby permitting variation of the time elapsing from the application of liquid to the liquid application zone until the indicator substance or substance combination changes colour, and (iv) a housing enclosing the flow matrix and the wicking member, wherein the indicator is included on an inner side of the housing at a transparent or translucent portion of the housing.