Patent ID: 7867780

Claim:
A test strip for detecting the possible presence of an analyte in a liquid sample applied to the test strip, the test strip comprising a dry porous medium comprising a single monolithic hydrophilic matrix, wherein the single monolithic hydrophilic matrix comprises: a. a network of fibers comprising a mixture of polymer and glass fiber or glass microfiber; and b. a series of zones comprising: i. a sample application zone; ii. a conjugate release zone comprising a labeled binding reagent, wherein at least a portion of the labeled binding reagent specifically binds to the analyte; the labeled binding reagent comprises a label; the labeled binding reagent specifically binds to the analyte to form a first complex comprising the labeled binding reagent and the analyte; and the labeled binding reagent is dry on the test strip prior to application of the liquid sample and is released into mobile form upon contact with the liquid sample; iii. a capture test zone comprising a capture test reagent, wherein at least a portion of the capture test reagent specifically binds either to the analyte or to the first complex; the capture test reagent specifically binds either to the analyte or to the first complex to form a second complex comprising the labeled binding reagent, the analyte, and the capture test reagent; and the capture test reagent is dry on the test strip prior to application of the liquid sample and is largely immobile; iv. a capture control zone comprising a capture control reagent, wherein at least a portion of the capture control reagent binds to the labeled binding reagent; the capture control reagent binds to the labeled binding reagent to form a third complex comprising the labeled binding reagent and the capture control reagent; and the capture control reagent is dry on the test strip prior to application of the liquid sample and is largely immobile; and v. an absorbent zone, wherein the absorbent zone draws the liquid sample through the dry porous medium of the test strip by capillary action.