Flow-through test: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:07, 10 March 2016

Revision as of 15:19, 10 March 2016

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Flow-through assays are by principle binding-assays. In practice they are mostly applied to detect the interaction of an [[antibody]],from e.g. the test-subjects blood-sample, with immobilized[[Antigen]]s resulting in the formation of an antigen-antibody complex. However, other types of capture-assays are technically feasible; this also includes small molecule capture-assays or antigen tests.<ref name="medmira_d">http://medmira.com/products/technology</ref>

“The test-principle involves a flow of fluid containing the analyte through a porous membrane and into an absorbent pad. A second layer, or submembrane, inhibits the immediate backflow of fluids, which can obscure results. The analyte is captured on the surface of the membrane by analyte capture molecules and then visualized by the addition of analyte detection molecules. These tests can be used to detect both antibodies and antigens. To perform the test, a sample is applied to the membrane and allowed to wick through by capillary action.”.<ref name="rapid-diagnostics" /><ref name="youtube">https
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHAjllYYAqzN5UesoPKCK2Qwatch?v=0-er3VCk1Cw</ref>

The principle is comparable to lateral flow diagnostic tests, however offers significant technical advantages. Flow-through tests are the assay of choice for point-of-care applications where besides accuracy, speed and testing for several analytes at once are beneficial.

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* Instant results within minutes - up to 5x faster result compared to e.g. lateral flow diagnostic assays.<ref name="medmira_e">.http://medmira.com/products/technology</ref>

* Speed and independence of laboratory equipment decrease costs and e.g. enable easy mass-testing.<ref name="rapid-diagnostics" />

* Sensitivity of up to 100% was reported for HIV flow-through tests.<ref name="cdc">http://wwwmedmira.cdc.govcom/hivapplications/topics/testing/resources/journal_article/J_Lab_Med_20031.htmlaboratories</ref>

To test for combinations of often co-occurring infections such as HIV and Hepatitis offers significant benefits; especially in large-scale screening campaigns or other field applications.