Rapid prototyping of lateral flow assays

Principles and characteristics of lateral flow strip assays are reviewed. Recent technology developments permit the use of inexpensive electronic readers for interrogating lateral flow strip test results, thus avoiding the inevitable variation and subjectivity of visual inspection to assess the capture of reporter-labeled analyte on test lines of the strip. Protocols for developing lateral flow assays are described, including two specific case studies for assaying cotinine (a small-molecule metabolite of nicotine) in a competitive format, and assaying HIV antibodies in a sandwich-type assay format.